New Build - 300 gallon plywood tank

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fish4me

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 21, 2008
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Here are some pictures of my frame built for the 300 gallon plywood tank. I have a stand already which the tank is currently sitting on. Eventually all will match and be a stained wood color.
So far I have framed everything and added several layers of silicon to any cracks. Next step will be epoxy all over the interior with fiberglass matting in each of the corners for strength. Fiberglasss has already been applied to the exterior seams with polyester resin. Epoxy resin will be used for the interior of the tank for overall strength and fish friendliness.

Hope you enjoy, oh and it is still an unfinished look. There will be wood trim placed throughout the front of the framing once the glass is installed to provide a more finished look. The pieces being held by the clamps are just scraps to hold the wood firm in place.

IMG_2936.JPG

IMG_2937.JPG

IMG_2942.JPG
 
F

fish4me

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 21, 2008
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1. Plywood - three sheets (80)
2. Glue/Silicone (20)
3. Polyester Resin (10)
4. West System 1 Quart Resin (33)
5. Resin Hardener (15)
6. Mat (15)
7. 2" Drywall Screws (10)
8. Respirator (25)
9. Gloves (5)
10. 3/8 inch Glass - qouted b/w (85-120)
11. Clamps (10)
12. Patience (priceless)

total so far approx = $300

300 gallon tank bought brand new probably $600-1000.
 
K

Knowdafish

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 12, 2007
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Philippines
What's the dimensions? Are you 100% sure 3/8" glass is strong enough???? !!!
 
F

fish4me

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 21, 2008
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The rough dimensions are as follows and the glass calculation was done via the garf site and also the glass thickness guide that is a sticky on this site:

front panel - 70 "
height 23"
depth 30"
 
F

fish4me

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 21, 2008
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I was using the gallon calculations off of garf's site. Maybe I am just stupid or maybe my overall calculations were incorrect. I did use silicone for some of the piecing together of plywood to fill in the small cracks b/w wood. Is that a no no before applying epoxy. According to others directions and garf that is not an issue, maybe I am wrong in thinking that.
 
C

crowconor

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Sep 1, 2008
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hanover,ma
3/8 seems a little bit small i would step it up a bit
 
F

fish4me

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 21, 2008
61
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Keep the help or ideas coming please. This is my first plywood tank and I will not take offense at any suggestions or guidance. I want to do this thing right or as right as possible. I was just using garf to come up with the 3/8 and I got some quotes on that size glass, they seemed somewhat expensive, around $135 was average.
I have ordered 1.2 quarts of epoxy from us composites and already have glass matting, I was thinking of applying 1-2 coats epoxy and just matting the seams where the wood meets. I had originally thought about then coating this with pond armor, but it begins to get pretty expensive by that point, so I may just deal with the epoxy finish and a diy background that I can make to offset the awful color the epoxy coat leaves. good news is I have a ton of experience with epoxy and fiberglassing. Built some pretty awesome enclosures in the past with cool, unique shapes.

Thoughts............
 
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