My new mbu

[Jase]

I'm curious too

[oldfish]

Awesome plywood tanks! Are they epoxy and fiberglass?

They are sealed with a two part epoxy paint.

PP, the tanks are sealed with waterproof epoxy.

oldfish, which brand did you use? Did you silicone the joints after the epoxy or did you use another method? How about glass installation? Just silicone?

The apoxy paint is "sweetwater" brand sold by Aquatic eco-systems.I put all the sides of the tank together with 3"-4" screws,then four coats epoxy paint,then with 3"of glass/wood overlapping silicone in the glass,then put in top supports,then silicone all seams.

[spoot]

Thanks for answering all my questions! This look to be the cheapest way to get a giant tank

Did you brace the tank with 2X4's? Or are the screw the only supports? How about the thickness of they ply? Do you have a build thread somewhere? so I can just read it rather than bothering you with all these questions

[oldfish]

Thanks for answering all my questions! This look to be the cheapest way to get a giant tank

Did you brace the tank with 2X4's? Or are the screw the only supports? How about the thickness of they ply? Do you have a build thread somewhere? so I can just read it rather than bothering you with all these questions

Sorry I don't have a build thread.No I don't brace the tank with 2x4's .However the top bracing is very important to keep the wood sides and back from bowing.I used 3/4" plywood on the tanks.I sold most of my tanks when I moved but am still using two I built over 20 years ago.Happy to be of help

[spoot]

20 years eh? that's impressive!

[spoot]

More Questions!

Are the hole pilot drilled for the screws so the plywood won't split?

Did you seal the boards with epoxy on both sides? The boards were sealed before screwing together right?

[oldfish]

More Questions!

Are the hole pilot drilled for the screws so the plywood won't split?

Did you seal the boards with epoxy on both sides? The boards were sealed before screwing together right?

Yes you must use pilot holes,if not the screws will not go in straight.Do not epoxy the wood before putting the tank together.Once its put together the apoxy will bond the bottom and sides into one piece.I put a lot of epoxy paint on all seams until the corners are fused together and rounded.I put silicone in the seams when done but its really not necessary.The only wood that you epoxy before screwing together are the cross brace(s)that must be attached after the glass is installed.

[oldfish]

More Questions!
Did you seal the boards with epoxy on both sides?

Only apply apoxy to the inside of the tank

[Jase]

I don't quite understand how the top/cross braces fit into the building...?

[oldfish]

I don't quite understand how the top/cross braces fit into the building...?

You need a brace on each side screwed into the front, back and side to keep the sides from bowing.And a brace(s) in the middle from front to back to keep them from bowing there..Does that answer your question??

[Jase]

yeah, I was just trying to imagine where the were. is there a reason a person couldn't build a frame with cross supports and braces, then screw the plywood on the outside of that? then epoxy and all that...

[spoot]

So the cross brace is going front to back at top of the tank? Or is it eurobrace style? Did you fill the divots in the wood before epoxying?

[oldfish]

yeah, I was just trying to imagine where the were. is there a reason a person couldn't build a frame with cross supports and braces, then screw the plywood on the outside of that? then epoxy and all that...

You can not put the center cross brace(s) in until after the glass is siliconed in.The brace would make the top opening to small to put in the glass.

[oldfish]

So the cross brace is going front to back at top of the tank? Or is it eurobrace style? Did you fill the divots in the wood before epoxying?

All the braces are even with the top of the tank.The screws should go horizontily through the sides and the braces.I guess the side bracing on my tank are a eurobrace style.I have not tried it on the front and rear but it should work. I do not fill any divots prior to painting on epoxy.If you have a clean surface to paint on it will seal all dents cuts etc.

[Jase]

ok, I understand now