4300 Gallon Plywood Build (3600+ Take 2)
- Thread starter Nolapete
- Start date
I've been giving it a few days to dry out since we emptied the last 1/2" (30 gallons or so) out the other day. I may work on it some tonight. Not sure yet.
no procrastination ! lol me saying that is the pot calling the kettle black lmao
and all i have to do is switch my tank from fresh to salt a minuscule task compared to what you are doing. It looks incredible so far nice work
and all i have to do is switch my tank from fresh to salt a minuscule task compared to what you are doing. It looks incredible so far nice work
CWO4GUNNER
USN/USCG 1974-2004 Weps
Impressive goal accomplishment so far and impressive work. I just don't think I could invest that much time and trust a role on sealer. I would definitely have to have a smooth strong inner support padded, free of divots and lined with a thick mil tailored tank liner so that there is no doubt and leaks are easier to detect and repair underwater. I cant imagine how difficult it is to find a leak in an uneven brush-stroked surface and any future faults that may occur.
But maybe like you said once the stuff seals it will be better then a padded liner
But maybe like you said once the stuff seals it will be better then a padded liner
CW Permadri is tried and true. The leak has NOTHING to do with it. The fact that it went over my IMPERFECT construction and held as well as it did is a testament to that. The liquid rubber products were used on a 96 THOUSAND gallon MARINE tank with no trouble. I have the utmost confidence that on a properly constructed container, the liquid rubber will perform better than ANY other product out there, bar none!
The problems with the floor are part of my own learning curve.
I should have filled the screw holes several times with Liquid Nails Construction Adhesive and I didn't.
I should have built the entire tank based on dimensional lumber standard sizing to have less seams.
I should have gone with my gut and put another layer of plywood going from front to back over the initial floor. I would have only had 2 seams that way. I should have gone with 2 layers of 1/2" instead of one layer of 3/4" as well.
Most of the tank is rolled on, so it's very even. The only things I could have done to make it any better is to have bought finish grade plywood with one side smooth or sheathed the whole thing with hardi board. The only part that is brushed on is the seams. That's NOT where it's leaking.
I could have gone with a EDPM liner and been done with the tank ages ago. Remember, that was my original plan and is my fall-back if I can't get this leak resolved. Larger fish tend to eat through liners though.
I opted to go with the Permadri products because no one had done a plywood tank this size with them in the DIY arena with them. I'm not afraid to pioneer new techniques or venture where none have gone before.
My research and development of this project will open doors to a lot of people doing large inexpensive tanks. Show me any other that comes in at under $1 a gallon to construct. You won't find any other DIY tank, regardless of size, that does unless someone got all their materials for free.
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No one really commented on the structure not budging at all. I know we didn't get to 4300 with the fill test, but 3700 is nothing to scoff at; even 3000 is pretty darn good. The 2x6 "lincoln logs" method is solid.
I'd think 2x4 would be sufficient on any tank under 2000 gallons. For the 2x4 tanks, I'd use a 2x4 window frame with 2x3 inset.
The gf is wanting to get the tank filled, so I may be able to get some work done on it tonight. We'll see how things go. There's always something going on that gets in the way of working on the tank lately. Keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer. We might be able to shoot for another fill test on Sunday if we get things done in the next couple days.
The problems with the floor are part of my own learning curve.
I should have filled the screw holes several times with Liquid Nails Construction Adhesive and I didn't.
I should have built the entire tank based on dimensional lumber standard sizing to have less seams.
I should have gone with my gut and put another layer of plywood going from front to back over the initial floor. I would have only had 2 seams that way. I should have gone with 2 layers of 1/2" instead of one layer of 3/4" as well.
Most of the tank is rolled on, so it's very even. The only things I could have done to make it any better is to have bought finish grade plywood with one side smooth or sheathed the whole thing with hardi board. The only part that is brushed on is the seams. That's NOT where it's leaking.
I could have gone with a EDPM liner and been done with the tank ages ago. Remember, that was my original plan and is my fall-back if I can't get this leak resolved. Larger fish tend to eat through liners though.
I opted to go with the Permadri products because no one had done a plywood tank this size with them in the DIY arena with them. I'm not afraid to pioneer new techniques or venture where none have gone before.
My research and development of this project will open doors to a lot of people doing large inexpensive tanks. Show me any other that comes in at under $1 a gallon to construct. You won't find any other DIY tank, regardless of size, that does unless someone got all their materials for free.
=========
No one really commented on the structure not budging at all. I know we didn't get to 4300 with the fill test, but 3700 is nothing to scoff at; even 3000 is pretty darn good. The 2x6 "lincoln logs" method is solid.
I'd think 2x4 would be sufficient on any tank under 2000 gallons. For the 2x4 tanks, I'd use a 2x4 window frame with 2x3 inset.
The gf is wanting to get the tank filled, so I may be able to get some work done on it tonight. We'll see how things go. There's always something going on that gets in the way of working on the tank lately. Keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer. We might be able to shoot for another fill test on Sunday if we get things done in the next couple days.
Ordered the 2" black bulkheads for the coast to coast overflow and 4 2" slip ball valves from Flexpvc.com. I love that place!
Installed the mesh tape as shown in the pics. The divot that we think is the culprit is the one covered by the mesh tape square by the left leg of the ladder.
Coated the mesh tape and 4" of the wall with first coat. The tank floor that was covered with the pond liner wasn't dry, so I have to wait another day or so for it to be dry to roll out the floor. Going to try to get two more coats on the taped areas tomorrow night. Hopefully, Saturday I'll be able to roll out the floor a couple times. Shooting for Tuesday for fill test.
Coated the mesh tape and 4" of the wall with first coat. The tank floor that was covered with the pond liner wasn't dry, so I have to wait another day or so for it to be dry to roll out the floor. Going to try to get two more coats on the taped areas tomorrow night. Hopefully, Saturday I'll be able to roll out the floor a couple times. Shooting for Tuesday for fill test.
