Need everyone's knowledge /plywood reefs

[Heavy Hittah]

I'm trying to locate plywood REEF tanks that have been up and running for at least a year. Without phosphate (or hair algae) problems. I haven't been able to find a good waterproofing method yet or I haven't seen an update on some plywood reef tanks. Do you guys know of any?

[Saltydrip]

I wonder if you could do the plywood tank build and then build a false rock wall in there like a lot of guys are doing? I bet you could seal it no problem with a good epoxy resin and then a good epoxy paint. Follow that off with the rock wall. Now I'm curious.

[DeepThought]

I would not risk my floors on some DIY plywood.

I have yet to find a plywood tank online that still has structural integrity after 5 years. Most are now leaking and out of commission.

An alternative is fiberglass, but you will still have to purchase acrylic to have a viewing area. Still way to risky IMHO.

[ca1ore]

I ran one for about 5 years - 1992-97 - and would not go that route again. I did not have phosphate or algae problems, but the tank began to leak. Basically the grain in the epoxy painted face of the plywood separated enough that water began to seep into the wood.

[DeepThought]

Originally Posted by ca1ore

I ran one for about 5 years - 1992-97 - and would not go that route again. I did not have phosphate or algae problems, but the tank began to leak. Basically the grain in the epoxy painted face of the plywood separated enough that water began to seep into the wood.

See what I mean?

[Timfish]

Boats are built out of wood and last for years but there's a reason many builders use fiberglass. I know of tilapia aquaculture tanks using plywood and a rubber liner like is used for ponds and roofs. Tropicorium.com uses plywood with plastic liners for their shark and coral aquaculture tanks and have been doing so since the mid '90s.

[Heavy Hittah]

I wouldn't mind learning more about tropicorium's tanks. I wonder if they'll respond to an email.