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Re: Tank ideas wanted.
I would like to caustion you about the idea of using fiberglass cloth in a
plywood tank. I have some friends who did this and all the tanks leaked, even
a sump which was not much over 12" deep. The reason is, plywood flexes and
fiberglass does not. Fine cracks allow it to leak. Much superior is to use
aquarium sealant in the seams, AFTER all the painting with 2 - phase epoxy is
done. I put 4 coats on. Some of the tanks I've built are over twenty years old
and still holding water with no leaks and have not been repainted or resealed.
I set a cutoff of 2 X 4 under on end of the tank when I do Coat 1, then move
it around from each side. This allows just a little extra paint into each
bottom seam. Probably not essential, but it doesn't hurt and it helps count
the coats. I am able to get sign board here. If you have found a source, I
believe you will find it much better than the plywood you plan to use.
I have built large tanks, but I don't like to go deeper than 42". Even with
good bulkhead fittings, a 48" deep tank has so much pressure it will leak. I
don't drill bottoms in deep tanks. Better to have a side exit. You can then
elbow to the bottom or top or wye to both. Failsafe.
Take care, DAn McMonigle