Planning a new monster tank.. Need some opinions.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
V

VLDesign

Silver Tier VIP
MFK Member
Mar 20, 2007
1,845
11
1,843
IL
Looking to consolidate my 4 tank (800 gallon) system into a single jumbo 1200 gallon tank.

Outside dimensions will be roughly 120" x 94" x 36"
Inside dimensions will be roughly 113" x 80" x 30"

Basic construction: 2x4 frame on 10" centers, 3/4" plywood and a 2' tall stand made up of 4x4s on 2' centers with 4x4 beams.

Waterproofing is the area of concern.
Epoxy is way too toxic for me so I don't think I want to do that.
Pond armor is for cement only if I'm not mistaken so thats out.
Concrete backer board and drylok but then I rely on silicone and we don't have a good history.

I was thinking the following would work out the best.
Use 1/16" or 1/8" plexi sheets to create an acrylic tank inside the frame (Cutting out on opening in the front panel to prevent fogging) and then adhere a properly sized viewing panel (3/4" to 1") to the thin cut out plexi panel. I would obviously use Weldon for all the seams and then over lap 4" strips on all the seams for extra measures. Also would glue in something for the corners as well.

It might be a bit more money to do it this way, but then I wouldn't have to evacuate the house for several days while the epoxy cures.

Thought? Facts? Options?
 
it sounds like a really interesting and simple solution to a complicated problem.
any concern about the acrylic lining and the wood framing expanding/contracting at different rates? shouldn't be an issue if your room temp is stable (living area rather than a garage, for example).
 
I have seen Pond Armour used on wood tanks before. I believe that Johnptc did it. You could go with that or a pond liner/rubber roofing.
 
My vote is for concrete board and Drylock. Inexpensive, tint-able (color), no fumes, and easy.

Prior to drylocking and siliconing you can push "worms" of the putty type epoxy (no fumes) along the seams.

There are also caulks that are designed for concrete (which I have not used) that might be cheaper and easier.
 
I personally don't like Drylock. I started using it on my basement walls until I read the fine print on the product. It is not intended to be used to completely waterproof something, the coverage is not very good and the warranty/life expectancy of the stuff is only two years. Epoxy will last a lot longer than that. The investment would be worth it to go with something a bit more specialized.
 
Well after checking into stuff here is what I came up with..

All paint types are going to run me $300-$400 for the materials
Concrete board and drylock is arount $200-$300 for materials
And acrylic (1/16" sheets and corner pieces) will be about $450

I am still learning towards the acrylic at this point since it will be able to be chemically sealed with no worries about scratching it off or failure (Unless the entire tank fails) it's worth the few extra hundred to be able to sleep at night and not worry about it.

Thanks, keep the info coming though and I will do a thread when I start.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom