Building a tank vs buying - Page 2

Jaxom · #11 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 03:34 PM

Great, I really like working with Gorilla glue. Never tried dampening the surface first. I usually put out a few dabs then spread that out with those cheap brushes plumbers use to apply flux with. Just barely covering the surface. With Gorilla a little goes a long way! Then let get tacky before assembling and clamping.

You're right, if you apply too much glue, the stuff really expands and then becomes hard as stone. VERY difficult to remove!

I'm not going to use cement or ceramic backer. I just think that's gonna make the whole thing way to heavy to manuever and such.

Once the tank is assembled and glue has cured (24-48hrs), should I seal with the epoxy paint first, or go over all seams with silicone before sealing with paint?

Jax

jpstod · #12 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:09 PM

If your gonna Use the Epoxy Paint then there is no reason to use silicone on the seams.

Epiphile · #13 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:23 PM

If you wanted to be extra cautious, here's a great build log that incorporates the epoxy, pond liner and silicone: www.poison-frogs.com, a 2002 website dedicated to rainforest vivaria for dart poison frogs, together with lots of pictures, films and more. How to create the right conditions,like temperature, humidity, ventilation, light and design

froggsong · #14 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 07:29 PM

hmmm... I would think that you could easily use the pond liner. I would be sure that you don't have any seams except at the corners, but I would think you could use it just fine, you'll just need to be sure to glue it down well with something that will stick to it properly. Depending on what you were planning to construct the BG out of, I don't see a problem with getting things to stick to it, especially if you are using foam board and gluing it to the liner with silicon or some other glue that will stick to a smooth surface. If you were going to use GS foam, you might need to glue a little windows screen or eggcrate to the liner to give the foam something to expand into so it doesn't fall down.

Now for the bottom, you would have to make sure that you carefully sealed the seams with silicone, and you'd have to be sure to test for leaks before moving on to the next step.

They built wardian cases out of wood as well as glass long ago, and they didn't have the modern conveniences that we have today.

Believe it or not, I actually have an enclosure built out of one of those really cheap pressboard book shelves. I spread a layer of silicone over the entire inside, and it has been going strong for a couple of years now (somewhere around that long, anyway...). Of course, that's alot of silicone for what you are doing, so you'll want something a little more economical.

As for using liquid nails, I have used it to build foam rock structures and whatnot... It's recommended in alot of the good tutorials I've seen, so it shouldn't be an issue to use it. Plus, if it's going to be used to hold your wood together and you are sealing the inside of the case somehow, your animals won't come in contact with it and neither will any water (unless it leaks or you get the outside wet).

Jaxom · #15 (**permalink**) 11-24-2009, 12:59 AM

I was just re-reading the garf site on building a tank. And they do silcone the seams before painting. I think this is just a precautionary measure. But, what the check a few dollars just to make sure is worth it, isn't it?

Now my issue is finding the epoxy paint. That same diy article said it's water proof. The only rustolium epoxy paint I can find is that stuff you use on garage floors. This comes in two flavors. One that's water resisitant, and the other prevents pooling water from penetrating the paint, but is still concidered water resistant, not water proof.

Anyone have experience using epoxy paint? I'd like to know what brand you used and where you purchased it from.

jpstod · #16 (**permalink**) 11-24-2009, 01:16 AM

Look at this forum in the DIY Section

MonsterFishKeepers.com

froggsong · #17 (**permalink**) 11-24-2009, 02:20 AM

The epoxy you use should either be marine epoxy or two part epoxy for potable water sources (they use it on wooden water towers and such). I don't think that rustoleum makes one. You'll likely have to special order it unless you have some good stores in your area that carry such things regularly.

beckdg · #18 (**permalink**) 11-24-2009, 04:19 AM

check out the diy section in the sister forum to monster fish also... aquariacentral.com

edit: good use of my favorite link there epiphile...

Jaxom · #19 (**permalink**) 11-24-2009, 09:14 PM

I'll check that aquariacentral site forum out in a minute or three. You fav link that epiphile posted...I had already gone to, that's why I asked how difficult using pond liner would be.

Well, I know now, after going there yesterday, that Menard's won't order the rustolium epoxy paint. The only reason I keep mentioning this brand, is because the garf tank diy mentioned it and another brand...and I sorta had a blonde moment, and forgot what the name of the other brand is. Menard's carries a much larger selection of rustolium brand products that's why I went there first.

While chicago never had as many (that I know of) roof top water tanks, we do have multiple marina's because that that big puddle we live next to. Shouldn't be too hard do find a boat shop that carries water proof paint! Have to check the yeller pages!

jax