Plywood Tank

[russbriscoe]

I have read a few threads where people have made plywood tanks. I am building a new system and would like to build a plywood sump. I am thinking about 4x8x2 for my sump. I priced the acrylic to build it and it is in the $2,500 range. Then it has to be put together and I am not sure I can do it. I can however do anything with wood.

Can someone who has built a plywood tank give me some advice? Do they work? Do they last? Also, can you point me in a direction for good reading.

[know-it-all]

why not use a stock tub



but if you want to use plywood, you have 2 options

1st, coat with a poylester resin to make it waterproof
2nd, use a pvc pond liner

the 2nd is probably the best bet for a sump
just make a frame and put the liner inside

I've heard stories of the saltwater eating through the resin and poisoning the tank with the first option

[russbriscoe]

That is what I just tore down. The system worked well, but it took up a lot of room. Also, the bulkhead on my water change tank kept breaking. This time I dont have as much room and I want a much cleaner look. I am looking to make my sump room as nice as my tank.

[reefermike1]

look on local forums for a nice 100gal or so tank. i have one for sale for $100. would make a great sump, fuge, display.... im in mi though pick-up only!!!

[tims]

it is possible to do a wood tank, VWD was making one.
you will need to look at marine plywood and marine sealer. it is a bit different then what we would use on normal wood projects

[russbriscoe]

I want to build a large one. How do you know if you need to put exterior supports to keep it from flexing out because of the interior pressure?

[tims]

there was a thread a whiel back in the DIY section here where someone built a tank.. i belive he did have a good amount of support

[DevilBoy]

you can check out saltwaterfish.com and look for a thread about a 900 gallon lagoon tank by Bang Guy, it is made outta plywood

[Casey]

http://members.shaw.ca/wmastop/bigtank/Startb~1.htm

[russbriscoe]

Well I think it is possible so I am going to try something small before I try the massive tank I want to build. I am going to build a H48"xW48"xD24" tank. This is 1/2 the size of the one I want to build as a sump.

[russbriscoe]

I have not started to do this because I keep thinking about Acrylic. The link that Casey Gave was not a good link because it was updated and said it leaked. I dont want that to happen...

Is there anyone else that says it will work?

[Twitterbait]

if i were you i would still look into a livestock bin for ease of use.

[russbriscoe]

This is my first sump room. This was 300G and it worked great... My new room is a lot smaller and I need to restrict the amount of space I have for water storage. Aswell, the Bulkhead for my RO water (the tank onthe far left) kept breaking and making a mess. I can not afford leaks in my new home. I have 85-90% left the idea of Rubbermaids. I am now looking to new alternatives. .

[russbriscoe]

Ahhhh, forget it... I am going with Acrylic