Question for the DIY tank builders

[sacker8472]

I have a few questions for all of you DIY tank builders. For those of you that build the plywood with glass or acrylic front tanks (especially Novice 150), has anyone tried using acrylic as a liner in the plywood tank. Meaning more for the purpose of sealing as opposed to strength. Is the Garf article on making these type of tanks accurate and reputable?
Also, for those of you who have built your own acrylic tanks (especially Bronco), can you recommend any good articles or instructions, etc.
Thanks for the help.

 

[javatech]

here are some photos of the plywood and glass tank i built. i used two part epoxy water tank paint and then to keep the rocks and other things away from the paint and putting a hole in it i put in a 45mil pond liner in it
http://groups.msn.com/JimsCichlids/p...ankphotos.msnw

 

[broncofish]

Hi sacker welcome to the board. First off garf has good instructions building acrylic tanks. I don't know of any books on how to do it. I built a few ten gallon tanks to get the hang of it. If you decide to build an acrylic tank let me know and I will walk you through the prep process, and point you in the right direction for supplies.

 

[dreeves]

Javatech...
What size tank is the wood one you built?

 

[javatech]

it's about 135gal it is 5.5' X 2' X 2'

 

[dreeves]

Are you using it for FW? Also, how did you fare with the weather last couple of days?

 

[javatech]

it,s a cichlid tank with over 500 lbs holey rock , no problems here just all around here it hit hard only in a few places but were it hit it wiped homes out

 

[sacker8472]

Thanks for the help guys. Bronco, I think I have decided to try acrylic and any help you could offer would be great. I have read many of the posts by all of you addressing the issues of acrylic thickness and what number of Weld On to use, but as to construction and design, I am lost.
I am more than willing to start on a small (or many small) tanks to practice. Any help is appreciated.

 

[broncofish]

Figure out your dimensions, and then type them into the site at garf. They will give you cut specs. You can cut using a cutting tool, dremmel, table saw, or jigsaw. The key is going very very slow on setting it all up. Then once it is all taped together go at a moderate fast speed with the weld on, don't miss anyspots but don't linger in anyone spot. Don't cheap out on acrylic go to a plastic place or usplastics.com, or interstateplastics.com . Get clear cast acrylic. Good luck.

 

[sacker8472]

Bronco,
I will probably cut using a table saw. Are there any particular blades, like a melamine blade, that yield minimal tear-out or chipping? Do you use corner clamps or anything other than the tape?
Thanks for your help.

 

[broncofish]

They do have blades for the table saw, I use dremmel or hand cut. Ask at lowes or HD's they should be able to point you in the right direction for a blade. I just use electrical tape.

 

[dreeves]

Get a blade with the thinnest possible kerf...and carbide...don't get a blade where the teeth are segregated...like one big tooth with 5 or so little teeth with the main tooth spaced between each other....in other words...make sure the teeth are evenly spaced throught the edge of the blade.

 

[sacker8472]

Thanks for all of the advice. Does anyone have plans or diagrams on how to build a tank with a built in corner overflow? I assume that this portion can be added after the initial construction.
Also, since I am going to practice as much as I can before attmepting the real thing, do you know of any places to buy small quantities or scrap acrylic?
Thanks again folks.

 

[overanalyzer]

Originally posted by javatech
here are some photos of the plywood and glass tank i built. i used two part epoxy water tank paint and then to keep the rocks and other things away from the paint and putting a hole in it i put in a 45mil pond liner in it
http://groups.msn.com/JimsCichlids/p...ankphotos.msnw
Jave - where did you get the two part paint?? Brand Name?? Also - did you put the liner in after you painted??

 

[javatech]

I used a PPG paint called AQUAPON® High Build Potable Water Epoxy Coatings i got it in overland park the store just east of 119 and metcalf
i put the liner in after the paint was dry and just tacked it down with Silicone

 

[rookie]

overanalyzer -
How much did the tank cost you to build? How long did it take?
Bronco - What is garf?
Thanks to both,
Nick

 

[javatech]

garf.org

 

[broncofish]

Originally posted by javatech
garf.org
Thanks Java, beat me to it