Beginning my plywood monster!!!

[nero6370]

I am pleased with the outcome; no bowing as of yet. I used oak plywood and braced the front and back walls with 2x4's (in the tank) and braced it all together with the 1x6 on top. The other 1x4's give me piece of mind; I'm glad I added those.

 

[Buckdog]

Nice job. Very simple construction and no bowing. Love the windows.

 

[Psycho]

Maybe a dumb question, but how do you keep the temperature right?

 

[Edwin]

sweet job on the tank. something so simple can be amazing.

 

[stingray man]

How much would you say and estement would be for the final project?
Awsome work by the way the windows look amazing

 

[sma]

great job, looks amazing

 

[nero6370]

ok, to answer some questions: I would have to say the cost was roughly $500; I got the glass at a place called the Home Store, which is associated with Habitat for Humanity. The cost of glass was about $100. The plywood normally cost $45 a sheet, but I would buy damaged pieces at a huge discount if the size was right. So I spent maybe another $100 on plywood. The 2 part epoxy from Sherwin Williams cost about $120. The screws, silicone, dimensional lumber round out the rest of the $500.


As far as the temp goes, I have 3 heaters in the sump; plus I have wrapped the stand in sheet plastic and built lids for the top. It does'nt get very cold here in Brunswick anyhow, so the temp is not a major issue

 

[stingray man]

500!!!! Thats awsome man

 

[edtriou]

Nicely done.
I love the reuse of the glass tables, unqiue and nice touch.

Have you thought about putting a 2x4 or something in the corners to give a little more strength?

Agreed.
Would have never thought just butting plywood together would have held that type of out-ward pressure.
Learn something everyday...

Ed

 

[cvermeulen]

Would have never thought just butting plywood together would have held that type of out-ward pressure.
Learn something everyday...

Ed

When I was doing my tank I looked up the material properties of laminated lumber (plywood) and I found a big writeup on how much a single 2" screw, driven edgewise into exterior grade plywood would hold, and it's quite amazing - something like 500lbs pull-out force. Figure a screw every couple of inches and you have a pretty strong joint.

Having said that, I still used 2x4's in my corners