GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet)

GetITCdot · 08-20-2009, 01:56 PM

The sad first attempt at a stand that could hold 280 gallons (hahahhaha)

Ok so i didn't have a camera so i skipped some of it but I overhauled the stand and here is where i started taking pics again:

Here is the front, The front window is 60"x28"

Here i have the side piece in. The other side will be glass along with the main viewing window.

Does this side need a brace in the middle? I guess it wouldn't hurt.

This will get 2 more braces just haven't cut the wood yet.

And there she is.

Any advice you guys have would be awesome and any positive or negative comments also. This is my first build so the more info the better.

Price Sheet (so far):
Boards = Four 2x4x16 at 4 bucks a piece | Four 4x4's at 3 bucks a piece
Ply: 3 sheets at 22 bucks a sheet. (I used this awesome stuff called DryPly)
5lb box of 3" screws = 20 bucks
5lb box of 2" screws = 20 bucks
silicone = 2 tubes at 3 bucks a tube.

Total cost so far:
$144

Quote from glass shop:
front view panel = $172
Side view panel = $82

JIM · 08-20-2009, 02:21 PM

didnt see a center brace across the top center front to back, there will be a lot of pressure there trying to shove the front and back out. otherwise it looks good to me. also are the corners just toenailed in ??

GetITCdot · 08-20-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIM

didnt see a center brace across the top center front to back, there will be a lot of pressure there trying to shove the front and back out. otherwise it looks good to me. also are the corners just toenailed in ??

You are correct i have no brace across the top center. I haven't decided how i'm going to do that just yet. The corners are toenailed in and have metal bracing on the inside.

Will the toenail be a problem? I assumed puting the extra metal bracing on the joints would solve the issue of a weak hold.

JIM · 08-20-2009, 02:47 PM

are they L-brackets up the inside face and across the inside bottom ?? didnt see them ??

GetITCdot · 08-20-2009, 02:49 PM

they are straight brackets behind the ply. they basically bridge the corners to the stand

JIM · 08-20-2009, 02:56 PM

that should work, now back to the problem of the front to back brace at the top. I think youre doing a great job, and the only thing to remember is because the structure is rectangle instead of round there will be a lot of pressure against the sides like in an oval swimming pool with the big side braces if youve ever seen one, and if youve noticed after a year or so the pool starts to bulge between every side brace. Same theory. While a round pool remains round because the pressure is equal in every direction.

GetITCdot · 08-20-2009, 03:01 PM

I do know what you mean. Did I screw myself up by connecting the frame at the top before i put the brace in? or can i simply cut two pieces and screw the bad boys in?

JIM · 08-20-2009, 03:13 PM

I think (I) would make two long brackets with a turn down on each end I_____________I like that, drill holes in the turn down pieces and screw them inside front to back evenly spaced from each end. keeping them flush with the inside top so the top remains flat across for whatever kind of top youre putting on if any. use screws that reach almost but not quite all the way through the wood. if you dont intend to have a top. they would be stronger made lapping over the outside front and back.

drhank · 08-20-2009, 05:45 PM

You haven't mentioned fiberglass resin, mat or pigment yet. I hope that you're planning to coat the entire inside.

JIM · 08-20-2009, 05:52 PM

i was wondering the same thing Doc, im sure he has thought about that, what have you seen used most successfully, would you need a gelcoat, over the fiberglass, just for looks, i know it comes in lots of colors, its used as the top coating on most hot tubs.

drhank · 08-20-2009, 06:55 PM

I've seen several builds of plywood tanks on another forum and they have always entailed coating the inside and framework where the glass is to be cemented with fiberglass mat and resin. Normally a pigment like dark blue or black is added to the resin. I'll see what I can dig up and pass along a reference. I'm far from an authority in this area and am very reluctant to contribute to a subject that I'm not personally experienced in.

There is a lot to building one but they are really neat once they are done. I'll see what I can come up with.

drhank · 08-20-2009, 07:03 PM

Okay, here are links to two plywood builds I'm familiar with. There is a lot of excellent information but be prepared for a lot of reading.

Willie's plywood adventure - Reef Sanctuary

1000+ Gallon Display Plywood/Fiberglass Build - Reef Sanctuary

Good luck GetITCdot! There's much more to it than meets the eye.

GetITCdot · 08-21-2009, 08:22 AM

My bad forgot to mention that.

There will be 3 coats of drylok on the inside and outside of the tank. Fallowed by fiberglass resin on the seems, and then fallowed by as many coats of 2 part epoxy I can get out of a gallon.

drhank · 08-21-2009, 12:28 PM

You may want to consider at least one layer of fiberglass cloth. The builds I've seen seem to prefer two. Just a thought.

GetITCdot · 08-21-2009, 12:33 PM

i have indeed taken A LOT of thought into the build, I feel fiber glassing the seams will be sufficient in this application. This tank is not a tank which needs to hold up longer then 5-6 years.

dantimdad · 10-29-2009, 07:40 PM

In all honesty, I have build tanks that were over 240 gallons out of nothing but plywood, screws, liquid nails and sweetwater epoxy and had them last over 10 years.

My next one will be done the same as always except I will put 2x material ripped at a 45 in all the corners and eurobrace out of plywood instead of cross bracing...I hate the shadows!

dantimdad

08-20-2009, 01:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
GetITCdot ~/root GetITCdot's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 84 Times Said "Thanks" 62 Times Was Thanked 116 Times in 107 Posts	GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) The sad first attempt at a stand that could hold 280 gallons (hahahhaha) Ok so i didn't have a camera so i skipped some of it but I overhauled the stand and here is where i started taking pics again: Here is the front, The front window is 60"x28" Here i have the side piece in. The other side will be glass along with the main viewing window. Does this side need a brace in the middle? I guess it wouldn't hurt. This will get 2 more braces just haven't cut the wood yet. And there she is. Any advice you guys have would be awesome and any positive or negative comments also. This is my first build so the more info the better. Price Sheet (so far): Boards = Four 2x4x16 at 4 bucks a piece \| Four 4x4's at 3 bucks a piece Ply: 3 sheets at 22 bucks a sheet. (I used this awesome stuff called DryPly) 5lb box of 3" screws = 20 bucks 5lb box of 2" screws = 20 bucks silicone = 2 tubes at 3 bucks a tube. Total cost so far: $144 Quote from glass shop: front view panel = $172 Side view panel = $82 __________________

08-20-2009, 02:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
JIM Banned JIM's Photo Gallery Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,136 My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 287 Times Said "Thanks" 2,045 Times Was Thanked 609 Times in 385 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) didnt see a center brace across the top center front to back, there will be a lot of pressure there trying to shove the front and back out. otherwise it looks good to me. also are the corners just toenailed in ??

08-20-2009, 02:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
JIM Banned JIM's Photo Gallery Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,136 My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 287 Times Said "Thanks" 2,045 Times Was Thanked 609 Times in 385 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) are they L-brackets up the inside face and across the inside bottom ?? didnt see them ??

08-20-2009, 02:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
GetITCdot ~/root GetITCdot's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 84 Times Said "Thanks" 62 Times Was Thanked 116 Times in 107 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) they are straight brackets behind the ply. they basically bridge the corners to the stand __________________

08-20-2009, 02:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
JIM Banned JIM's Photo Gallery Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,136 My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 287 Times Said "Thanks" 2,045 Times Was Thanked 609 Times in 385 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) that should work, now back to the problem of the front to back brace at the top. I think youre doing a great job, and the only thing to remember is because the structure is rectangle instead of round there will be a lot of pressure against the sides like in an oval swimming pool with the big side braces if youve ever seen one, and if youve noticed after a year or so the pool starts to bulge between every side brace. Same theory. While a round pool remains round because the pressure is equal in every direction.

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08-20-2009, 03:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
GetITCdot ~/root GetITCdot's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 84 Times Said "Thanks" 62 Times Was Thanked 116 Times in 107 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) I do know what you mean. Did I screw myself up by connecting the frame at the top before i put the brace in? or can i simply cut two pieces and screw the bad boys in? __________________

08-20-2009, 03:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
JIM Banned JIM's Photo Gallery Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,136 My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 287 Times Said "Thanks" 2,045 Times Was Thanked 609 Times in 385 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) I think (I) would make two long brackets with a turn down on each end I_____________I like that, drill holes in the turn down pieces and screw them inside front to back evenly spaced from each end. keeping them flush with the inside top so the top remains flat across for whatever kind of top youre putting on if any. use screws that reach almost but not quite all the way through the wood. if you dont intend to have a top. they would be stronger made lapping over the outside front and back.

08-20-2009, 05:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
drhank Saltwater Section Specialist drhank's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 411 Name: Doc Location: Crestview. FL My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 57 Times Said "Thanks" 18 Times Was Thanked 162 Times in 111 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) You haven't mentioned fiberglass resin, mat or pigment yet. I hope that you're planning to coat the entire inside. __________________ *Doc* Dr Hank's 200 gallon Reef Tank http://www.aquariumforum.com/f46/drhanks-tank-3440.html

08-20-2009, 05:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
JIM Banned JIM's Photo Gallery Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,136 My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 287 Times Said "Thanks" 2,045 Times Was Thanked 609 Times in 385 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) i was wondering the same thing Doc, im sure he has thought about that, what have you seen used most successfully, would you need a gelcoat, over the fiberglass, just for looks, i know it comes in lots of colors, its used as the top coating on most hot tubs.

08-20-2009, 06:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
drhank Saltwater Section Specialist drhank's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 411 Name: Doc Location: Crestview. FL My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 57 Times Said "Thanks" 18 Times Was Thanked 162 Times in 111 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) I've seen several builds of plywood tanks on another forum and they have always entailed coating the inside and framework where the glass is to be cemented with fiberglass mat and resin. Normally a pigment like dark blue or black is added to the resin. I'll see what I can dig up and pass along a reference. I'm far from an authority in this area and am very reluctant to contribute to a subject that I'm not personally experienced in. There is a lot to building one but they are really neat once they are done. I'll see what I can come up with. __________________ *Doc* Dr Hank's 200 gallon Reef Tank http://www.aquariumforum.com/f46/drhanks-tank-3440.html

08-20-2009, 07:03 PM	#12 (permalink)
drhank Saltwater Section Specialist drhank's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 411 Name: Doc Location: Crestview. FL My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 57 Times Said "Thanks" 18 Times Was Thanked 162 Times in 111 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) Okay, here are links to two plywood builds I'm familiar with. There is a lot of excellent information but be prepared for a lot of reading. Willie's plywood adventure - Reef Sanctuary 1000+ Gallon Display Plywood/Fiberglass Build - Reef Sanctuary Good luck GetITCdot! There's much more to it than meets the eye. __________________ *Doc* Dr Hank's 200 gallon Reef Tank http://www.aquariumforum.com/f46/drhanks-tank-3440.html

08-21-2009, 08:22 AM	#13 (permalink)
GetITCdot ~/root GetITCdot's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 84 Times Said "Thanks" 62 Times Was Thanked 116 Times in 107 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) My bad forgot to mention that. There will be 3 coats of drylok on the inside and outside of the tank. Fallowed by fiberglass resin on the seems, and then fallowed by as many coats of 2 part epoxy I can get out of a gallon. __________________

08-21-2009, 12:28 PM	#14 (permalink)
drhank Saltwater Section Specialist drhank's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 411 Name: Doc Location: Crestview. FL My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 57 Times Said "Thanks" 18 Times Was Thanked 162 Times in 111 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) You may want to consider at least one layer of fiberglass cloth. The builds I've seen seem to prefer two. Just a thought. __________________ *Doc* Dr Hank's 200 gallon Reef Tank http://www.aquariumforum.com/f46/drhanks-tank-3440.html

08-21-2009, 12:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
GetITCdot ~/root GetITCdot's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 84 Times Said "Thanks" 62 Times Was Thanked 116 Times in 107 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) i have indeed taken A LOT of thought into the build, I feel fiber glassing the seams will be sufficient in this application. This tank is not a tank which needs to hold up longer then 5-6 years. __________________

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

10-29-2009, 07:40 PM	#16 (permalink)
dantimdad Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 7 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: GetITCdot's 280 Ply build (+price sheet) In all honesty, I have build tanks that were over 240 gallons out of nothing but plywood, screws, liquid nails and sweetwater epoxy and had them last over 10 years. My next one will be done the same as always except I will put 2x material ripped at a 45 in all the corners and eurobrace out of plywood instead of cross bracing...I hate the shadows! dantimdad