794 gallon ply tank build

[greenterra]

Thanks for your help GreenTerra.

How did you work out strength versus weight to know that the 32mm ply would be enough to handle the pressure of 3 tonnes of water?

I didn't use any formula as such. Most builds are done with 18mm ply and an external frame so having an extra 14mm thickness in ply warrants losing the external frame. Add fiberglass to both sides and it becomes indestructible. The sides work like a sandwich board. The inner fiberglass is under compression while the outer skin is under tension. This means for the ply to bow outwards, the outer skin of fiberglass has to stretch. The outer skin is where it gets the strength and rigidity from.

 

[greenterra]

Latest video to keep this thread updated

At 2:58 you can see just how well the Bote Cote Epoxy is holding up on the inside.

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[pinoyfishlover]

awesome!!!

 

[Dmaan.]

SOOOO SICKKK, DAMNNNIT

 

[Snap3]

Sick man!

 

[chadc]

It looks good GreenTerra. I like your fish too, never had anything to do with South Americans before.

Chad

 

[xdragonxb0i]

hey greenterra, im thinking about building a 120x48x26 tank, i wanted to use the same method. would your reccomend doing it if i didnt use fiber glass.

also, what did you use to paint over the fiberglass.

 

[greenterra]

hey greenterra, im thinking about building a 120x48x26 tank, i wanted to use the same method. would your reccomend doing it if i didnt use fiber glass.

also, what did you use to paint over the fiberglass.

The product I used was Bote Cote Epoxy.A top quality marine grade resin system. I used pigment with it to get the color I wanted.

Without fiberglass in the equation, I would recommend an external frame as per most builds, especially at 48" high. If you are going to use an epoxy resin to seal the tank, I highly recommend the use of fiberglass cloth in conjunction. Resins such as epoxy,vinylester or polyesters are not extremely flexible on their own. It is the fiberglass reinforcing that gives it both strength and the ability to flex without cracking.

 

[MaddMaxx]

Man I love seeing your big jag! But I go crazy over your H. carpintis, such great coloration! Thanks for the vid.

 

[tiddlywinks]

ur vids have the best music