4300 Gallon Plywood Build (3600+ Take 2)
- Thread starter Nolapete
- Start date
So Pete, have you finalized your ideas on heating the tank yet, or is that still in the thought (design) process? I ran across a site that has some decent controllers that may interest you:
http://www.jehmco.com/html/temperature_controller.html
Of particulat interest is the relays they make to couple to the controllers. Now I know your pretty sold on the on-demand type heater, but with these controllers you could actually turn on and off a simple inline 20-30 gallon tank heater, or your on-demand heater.
http://www.jehmco.com/html/temperature_controller.html
Of particulat interest is the relays they make to couple to the controllers. Now I know your pretty sold on the on-demand type heater, but with these controllers you could actually turn on and off a simple inline 20-30 gallon tank heater, or your on-demand heater.
Ordered 15 gallons of Permadri Rubber Coat from Scott at USI Coatings this morning.
Ken and I started working on the filter barrels. Cut 3" holes for the Uniseals. Fortunately, the barrels are free as we cut the holes in the one for the left side the same as the right; makes it a bit difficult to plumb. Also, the holes for the settling barrel aren't to my liking. I'll use those two barrels for the 5000 gallon pond's filter. Charles is bringing some more barrels next Saturday, so we'll make two new settling barrels.
Ken and I started working on the filter barrels. Cut 3" holes for the Uniseals. Fortunately, the barrels are free as we cut the holes in the one for the left side the same as the right; makes it a bit difficult to plumb. Also, the holes for the settling barrel aren't to my liking. I'll use those two barrels for the 5000 gallon pond's filter. Charles is bringing some more barrels next Saturday, so we'll make two new settling barrels.
Heyy nola! If you ever get the time could you write a build manual? I and many ac would pay for your knowledge and experience! Just a thought dude! Cheers for snowy wales
LOL, I thought that's what this thread was. Hehe.
I'll probably write a "What NOT to do" guide. Those are the things that I wished I'd known beforehand and seeing with hindsight I would have done differently.
LOL Luc!
Leave access around entire tank. Don't make a wall you can't get in between.
When ordering acrylic, have them double check the size before shipping.
Check the weather before setting a delivery date for 400 lb. piece of plastic.
Apply Dow 795 to acrylic AND frame. Don't try to squeeze in in afterwards.
Measure the room and use dimensional lumber/plywood standard sizes. This eliminates odd cuts and wasted lumber due to scraps.
Calculate how many cuts you can get out of a length of dimensional lumber/plywood. In example, if you have 30", 12", and 11" pieces, you can cut 2 30", 2 12", and an 11" piece out of one 96" board. 30 + 30 + 12 + 12 + 11 = 95 (the inch or so left over covers blade width between cuts with a little scrap.
Make sure you have equal clearance on all walls if you're going to put your acrylic in the middle of the floor before you build the bottom of the tank.
Build the bottom of the tank before having acrylic delivered if at all possible.
Finish the entire room before starting construction on the tank.
Layout filters, tank, lights, etc. before you buy any materials.
Measure the materials at the store. Don't assume they are the size you think they are.
Leave access around entire tank. Don't make a wall you can't get in between.
When ordering acrylic, have them double check the size before shipping.
Check the weather before setting a delivery date for 400 lb. piece of plastic.
Apply Dow 795 to acrylic AND frame. Don't try to squeeze in in afterwards.
Measure the room and use dimensional lumber/plywood standard sizes. This eliminates odd cuts and wasted lumber due to scraps.
Calculate how many cuts you can get out of a length of dimensional lumber/plywood. In example, if you have 30", 12", and 11" pieces, you can cut 2 30", 2 12", and an 11" piece out of one 96" board. 30 + 30 + 12 + 12 + 11 = 95 (the inch or so left over covers blade width between cuts with a little scrap.
Make sure you have equal clearance on all walls if you're going to put your acrylic in the middle of the floor before you build the bottom of the tank.
Build the bottom of the tank before having acrylic delivered if at all possible.
Finish the entire room before starting construction on the tank.
Layout filters, tank, lights, etc. before you buy any materials.
Measure the materials at the store. Don't assume they are the size you think they are.
