Step by step DIY ply wood tank

[mwm]

Uhh Would that be grouting? Or Wat is it called??? No the brand the acaull name for the stuff eg.. Sicicon like what is the stuff called?

 

[Blacky]

No listen dude

tilers paint plywood walls with the stuff you need then they put on a tile cement then tiles then grout you need the stuff they use first

It's a water proof liner that stop water getting to the frame work of the house.

It goes on like paint normally comes in to parts (powder/liquid) you mix the two together and you have the paint like substance. Some have fiberglass flex through it to give it extra support but its not overly important but its good to get if you can.

When its dry it looks like grey paint but acts as a water proof liner it also seals up some cracks if they arn't to big (joins were the timber mets each other) but when cutting the timber get it as straight as possible.

Then for cosmetics (to make it look good) you paint it with a water proof paint (the paint has to be water proof so it doesn't run when wet) the only paint i have found that is water proof is this GRIPSET stuff which farmers paint the inside of troughs and water tanks with, (it is a water proofer as such but wont hold to the pressure of your tank on its own. Also everything you use has to be NON-TOXIC or you can forget about having fish in there and only have just water. Most people paint there background black anyhow cause it brings out the colour in the fish and the plants ect:

You cannot use water proof paint as a subtute for the line or else your going to have what ever gal you tank is on the floor and the fishes flip flopping around the gravel in the tank.

here is some info and a pic of Gripset (the paint)

A unique multi purpose bitumen rubber waterproof membrane designed for uses in under ground, internal, external and fully immersed areas. Solvent free, non toxic and non flammable...

found at http/www.gripset.com/trade/index.php

Title: ‘Liquid Flash’ Waterproofing Membrane
Date: October 1996
Status: Current
Purpose: A waterproofing system for use in wet areas including shower recess bases (the membrane forms a shower tray) and associated floors and walls all of which are to be tiled
Applicant: Construction Chemicals Pty Ltd, 467 South Road, Regency Park, South Australia 5010 (ACN 008 091 503) (Manufacturer/Distributor)

I cant find a site that has a pic of it but here is the name and what it does

HOPE THIS HELPS

what is the stuff called?

thats what it is called liquid flash 2 (its a water proof membane)

 

[superb]

Why not simply using epoxy resin? No water proofing and painting... just epoxy resin... black if you wish...

 

[mwm]

Finaly Blacky I understand Thanks

 

[Blacky]

no probs then hope it works for you

 

[konrad05]

Nice work. My only question is, why not just BUY a new tank? I'm quite confident it would end up being much much cheaper

 

[Blacky]

not way is it cheaper i can build a 200 gal for well under half the price of a new one, plus nothing feels better than looking at the tank you built and stocked an in my case breed the fish that are in there.

I does help the pocket heap if you can get some of the materials for free, i only have to pay for the water proofer,paint and screws everything else i got for nothing

So this tank will cost me around $70 Aus dollars and for a 169 gal thats not too bad if you ask me!!!!

 

[daniodude]

Looks good, you're good with wood

 

[mwm]

its way cheaper then buying a new one Plus you can make i the shape u want

 

[CathyG]

Uhh Would that be grouting? Or Wat is it called??? No the brand the acaull name for the stuff eg.. Sicicon like what is the stuff called?

No. I am in the plumbing trade, and often a dilute PVA solution is used to bond (or seal) walls and marine ply floors before tiling (or plastering in the case of walls). here is the product we use, *disclaimer* though I believe it to be toxic if consumed so I am in no way recommending this particular product for use with aquariums...PVA is glue based and in it's dilute form seals plaster and wood to avoid tile adhesive or new plaster applications from soaking into the surface and losing its moisture.

Grout it the substance that is applied between tiles. Maybe you are thinking of mastic? (which is a joint sealant usually applied to seal gaps between sanitary ware and walls/tiles) as is silicone.

Interesting work so far, Blacky! I await more pics!

 

[Blacky]

your right some products used for sealing wet areas are toxic thats why i recommended liquid flash as it is non toxic and then gripset to paint over cause its nontoxic as well.

My wife and i just had our first born so im a bit tied down there but occasionally get time to potter about my shed just haven't done anything worthy of a photo on it yet.

I am here looking most days so ill get photos as soon as i have a chance to do some work on it.

im just fine tuning the filter at the moment it takes a bit of thought which im not good at im more practical and hands on

 

[JRT]

What is the expected life span of a tank like this? how often do you have to re seal the inside?

 

[Blacky]

I have seen people on the net with the same priciples when building there own tanks and they have lasted well over 15 years with nothing done to them

This person whom has this tank gave me the idea for mine

Also i have seen an outdoor tank built from marine ply its a main feture in his backyard so it withstands all weather and here is Aussie it gets a lot of sun on it.
I saw it on telly he has had it up for ten years quite amazing really cause its over 2000 gal with salt water sharks (small ones wobbygons they called them) and all live rock in there ect: its his own little reef the funny this is to clean down the bottom this old fella puts on his swimmers and dives in with his sponge to clean the glass