DIY tank pre build thread

In a week or 2, I will be starting my in wall behind the bar tank project.

I will use GARF's directions, plus a couple of additional ideas from other reefers that have made their own tanks in this fashion.

Looks like a 5 foot wide, by 28-30" deep, by 24" tall tank will be on the docket. If I make it 30" deep, it will be right around 190g.

Here is a link to GARF's site with the dimensions I want plugged in.
http://www.garf.org/tank/BuildTank.asp

I will put an external overflow box onto the back of the tank made of plywood as well.

Now I could go a little bigger than 5 feet long, but due to the HVAC and stairs, I don't want to make working in my tank a pain. I will save the 6 foot tank for upstairs at a later time.

Plus, with a 5 foot tank, I can get away with 2 halides, since anything over 60" requires 2 center braces. This one only needs 1 center brace.

Now I just need to find a place that sells the potable water use 2 part epoxy paint, and a glass place that can make me a piece of glass with these dimensions..

3/8 inch Glass Front
Glass Front = 58 x 21 1/4

Now one thing I don't see ever is if they use tempered, or non tempered glass? I would assume non tempered, since most pre made tanks that are glass are not tempered on the sides or front and back. Most use tempered for the bottom only.

If anyone has any comments or suggestions, please type away


Tom

 

cant wait to see it

 

Me too! And don't forget about the pics too!

 

I love tank build pics, so I won't forget


Also, Froc3 is a big reason I am on 3Reef, and his self made plywood reef got me thinking i would make one for my tank upgrade.;D

 

What are your guys thoughts on eurobracing the tank instead of a center brace?

If you can do it on a glass tank, why not a plywood tank that will actually be sturdier than a glass tank?

 

Well, I am back from the caribbean...

Now to get the details worked out, and build this thing!!!!

 

So its Froc3 that got you on here huh?;D
How was the trip?

When you start working I am a good guy to have around, I am an accomplished beer drinker!

 

Actually, AJ told me about Froc3's plywood tank, so you still get no credit

I applied for a job at Sargento, so your place might be on my way home

beer therapy??

I will be over to the sack on thursday..

 

So, a eurobraced plywood tank is more than possible, it has been done, 3 sides viewable at that and 1000g.

I think I will try this eurobracing and maybe have a rib bracing across the middle if I need. Once I build it, I will fill it with water, and check for bowing. I really doubt I will have any bowing, considering the plywood construction, and that I will be adding 45 degree mitered "fillets" in the corners on the ply.

 

Well, who has used MAS epoxy, and who has used sweetwater?

I am just about to start this build, and once I get rolling, I won't stop I might start on Saturday.


62x 30 deep by 24" tall, will make it 193g, it will be eurobraced with only 1 spine front to back at most. I will ahvea built in pair of overflows similar to froc3's.

I just need to know how to estimate how much epoxy I need. I don't plan on doing all of the outside, but the bottom might be a smart idea just in case. If I have enough leftover, iw ill do the whole tank.