Anyone here ever build a plywood tank?

[dandy7200]

Considering something in the 280 range and only need one side viewable so am giving it some serious thought. I would build something around 120ish first as a test tank and that could work as the sump for the 280. I would like to here from someone local about whats really involved and check it out in person. So if you have done it or know someone who has please let me know.

 

Dan

[rocko918]

Talk to JC Pollman he has one.

 

 

send him a PM

[Caribbean Jake]

Dan

I believe JC Pollman has one, he built himself. Send him a PM/

Jacob

 

 

oops !

Bob you beat me to this by 30 seconds...

[rocko918]

 

oops !

Bob you beat me to this by 30 seconds...

What do i win?

[dandy7200]

Thanks guys, I sent him a PM. Anyone else?

[dandy7200]

Stopped by JP's this afternoon and now my fate is sealed.........must build one! I knew I would be in trouble if I saw how easy it was and how good it looked in person.

 

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction guys.

 

Dan

[bshriver]

Lots of info on the DIY section of www.garf.org

[jason the filter freak]

I'd like to see one of these tanks

[JC Pollman]

I'd like to see one of these tanks

 

Anyone is always welcome to stop by and see my tank - basically built following the garf info: 8' x 2' x 19". It has been up for 2 1/2 years. I live in Burke.

[dandy7200]

Anyone is always welcome to stop by and see my tank - basically built following the garf info: 8' x 2' x 19". It has been up for 2 1/2 years. I live in Burke.

 

 

It is worth the trip, thanks again JC.

[flowerseller]

Does anyone have photos?

 

Nah, don't post em, Sonya will kill me.

[jason the filter freak]

Does anyone have photos?

 

Nah, don't post em, Sonya will kill me.

 

 

I'd like to see the pics... Burke is a fair distance for me.

[JC Pollman]

I should have taken more pics when building it, but here are a few:

 

The jig I built to build the tank - since you build it upside down:

 

 

 

 

here I am painting the epoxy:

 

 

 

This is the tank, with glass, on the stand

 

 

 

Here the wall is up around the tank:

 

 

 

Here is a reasonably current front view:

 

 

 

Here is a view from the topside of the back:

 

 

 

And here are some of the DIY filters:

 

[n8dogggg]

Wow, that looks awesome. I do have a question though...how long are these supposed to last? I'm always afraid of the idea of a bursting tank, but this does look like a really cool and inexpensive alternative.

[JC Pollman]

I have never heard of a plywood tank bursting/breaking - at least no one on the net has admitted it. There are several stories about these tanks lasting 20 years.

[jason the filter freak]

I have never heard of a plywood tank bursting/breaking - at least no one on the net has admitted it. There are several stories about these tanks lasting 20 years.

 

What did you use to seal the tank, and if it's well constructed, what would keep it from lasting more than hald a decade?

 

What did you use to seal the tank, and if it's well constructed, what would keep it from lasting more than hald a decade?

 

I'm not asking you to tip your hand.. but not including live stock, rock, sand, water salt etc. Approx what did this project cost?

[JC Pollman]

An older, but fairly in-depth, discussion on building, and improving, a garf plywood tank is at:

 

Improving the Garf Plywood Tank

 

As for cost, for just the tank:

 

Item Description Purchased from Cost

 

500 lbs playsand Home Depot $50

2 X 4s for stand Home Depot $24

Screws for stand Home Depot $9