Go with two smaller pumps instead of one big one. You'll have redundancy in case one fails and the smaller pumps are more quiet. You could also build a lid to go over the pump area. Glue some foam to the lid to muffle the sound.
My 315G Plywood Tank Build
- Thread starter BadOleRoss
- Start date
Rinsing out 300lbs of sand in the winter, while it is snowing, sounds like a lot of fun but I can assure you....it isnt!
Pumps arrived today...a day early. Ran back out to Lowe's and picked up return hose and fittings. Still going to fil on Saturday.
Hello, MFK rookie here, in fact this is my very 1st post haha. Great build you have going here. I finally have the room for my own and am gearing up for another build...That's how I found MFK. I read through your thread and you have a great setup. I have been building larger plywood tanks for about 15 years now as side work. I have built numerous tanks and ponds for friends, hobbyists, stores, and businesses. If you dont mind, I would like to add some words of encouragement and reassurance about some concerns you mentioned in your thread.
1. I have experimented with different methods to seal all forms of tanks from plywood, to metal, to you name it. I have used many methods of sealing from rubberized coatings, epoxies, concrete-drylock, you name it. I have never had a tank leak that I used pond coat on. The flexibility of pond coat is great for plywood tanks, especially if you are required to move the tank around, just give it time to cure and youre set. Your plan of attack to install the glass, bead silcone around the outer edge of the glass, let it cure, then pond coat up and over the glass edge will work just fine. I have done this often and never had a leak. The very first tank I used a rubberized coating on was a 350g and it's still water-tight 12 years later.
2. Having to go with 1/2in glass was a blessing in disguise. 3/4in really would have been a waste of your hard earned money. In my experience with glass thickness and water pressure, its the height that is the decision maker. 1/2 glass is fine for water levels up to the 30in area. After that you really start to push it. Anytime I built tanks that were nearing 36in in water depth, I jumped to 3/4in thick glass. I believe your tank is 30in but inside height is 28.5in. I just wanted to reassure you on that and say good move in going with 1/2in.
Again just words of encouragement, keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing your tank when it's complete!
1. I have experimented with different methods to seal all forms of tanks from plywood, to metal, to you name it. I have used many methods of sealing from rubberized coatings, epoxies, concrete-drylock, you name it. I have never had a tank leak that I used pond coat on. The flexibility of pond coat is great for plywood tanks, especially if you are required to move the tank around, just give it time to cure and youre set. Your plan of attack to install the glass, bead silcone around the outer edge of the glass, let it cure, then pond coat up and over the glass edge will work just fine. I have done this often and never had a leak. The very first tank I used a rubberized coating on was a 350g and it's still water-tight 12 years later.
2. Having to go with 1/2in glass was a blessing in disguise. 3/4in really would have been a waste of your hard earned money. In my experience with glass thickness and water pressure, its the height that is the decision maker. 1/2 glass is fine for water levels up to the 30in area. After that you really start to push it. Anytime I built tanks that were nearing 36in in water depth, I jumped to 3/4in thick glass. I believe your tank is 30in but inside height is 28.5in. I just wanted to reassure you on that and say good move in going with 1/2in.
Again just words of encouragement, keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing your tank when it's complete!
Thanks for the kind words and welcome to MFK. After working with pondcoat and seeing how it bonds I am confident I will not get a leak. So confident I have already add the sand to the tank before the first fill How long woud you let it cure? It will be about 6-7 days when I plan on doing my fill, is this long enough?
Couldn't stand the wait, jumped the gun and filled the tank. No leaks regarding pond coat but I did have a bulkhead that dripped that I had to tighten. My overflows will not keep up with both pumps running so I am going to have to "T" one of the returns and run a gated line back to the sump...an easy fix. Everything else is running fine. I am going to place a cap with a drilled hole in it on the overflows as well to quiet them more. They are not too bad but a simple cap will almost make them silent.
