[whhhhATT]

i am planning a "plywood" fiberglass tank and was considering using MDF instead of plywood. I plan on applying a thick coat of fiberglass and epoxy inside and out and MDF is cheaper and I've heard that its stronger than regular plywood. Does anyone have an opinion on this? I have read many plans for plywood tanks and I Know that no matter what materials are used they cannot get wet but will MDF hold up structurally?

[Reefland]

Hi whhhATT, Welcome to Reefland!

If framed correctly and supported I don't see why it would not hold structurally?

[Poseidon]

I would say the biggest difference between ply and MDF is WEIGHT, but it will be of no consequence compared to the weight of the WATER!!

[ClintoninCali]

Working with speaker boxes and stuff I've considered MDF as pretty structurally sound. But if you saok it for even a few days, minor leakage, and you'd be able to put your fist through it. The water weight will definitely do it in. Seal it up well.

[whhhhATT]

Thanks for the replies. I'm still in the planning stages since I'll be moving before I build the tank and I want to get a rock solid plan before I build so if anyone has any other suggestions they would be much appreciated

[B_R_A_D]

Be carefull with your epoxy, Some epoxies will soak right in to the MDF Take a long time to dry, We have tried using various things when constructing Fiberglass tanks, MDF is one that we have a hard time using since it was said before as soon as it gets wet it will soak and become very soft.

[dougc]

Stick with plywood. MDF is used for speaker applications mostly because of its acoustic properties. It literally turns to mush if it gets too wet. It is also a mess to work with because you end up with fibers and MDF bunnies all over the place. It is darned heavy, too.