diy aquarium questions

[sl7rips]

I was just wondering if anyone has ever made a aquarium out of 1" partical board .. the tank would only be about 135 gallons 60" long 18 wide and 24 tall

 

[BillD]

Particle board has no inherent strength to keep it from bowing, unlike plywood. If it were used to cover a frame it might work, although something like MDF would be better. the issues with swelling and dissolution if it got wet would, for me, not make it worth the risk.

 

[sl7rips]

Thanks. I just figured it could work in a smaller tank when coated with fiberglass resin and top braced

 

[Passatryde]

Resin should make it impenetrable to water

 

[sl7rips]

I was thinking about a 48"x24"x24" should be roughly 120 gallons. Would I be able to use Bondo brand fiberglass resin and mat to coat the inside and it be fish safe? It will be going in a wall between two rooms

 

[sl7rips]

I was thinking about a 48"x24"x24" should be roughly 120 gallons. Would I be able to use Bondo brand fiberglass resin and mat to coat the inside and it be fish safe? It will be going in a wall between two rooms

 

[BillD]

Thanks. I just figured it could work in a smaller tank when coated with fiberglass resin and top braced

If you were to take a 48" x 24" piece of particle board of say 3/4" thick, you could probably break it over your knee. I wouldn't risk it in a tank built as in the drawing. Just my opinion.

 

[chasetopher]

And it would destroy your house when it breaks. Use something with much higher strength.

 

[mr_X]

A tank that small can't be that expensive. Why not just buy a glass tank?

 

[sl7rips]

I could buy one but then that wouldn't be a plywood DIY. I went and bought 3/4" exterior grade plywood so I should b starting soon.. will bondo brand fiberglass resin work to seal it?