760 Gallon Wood Tank Build Plans/Questions

[The R/C Man]

Hey All!

After some thought I have decided to sell my new and unused 375 gallon acrylic tank so I can build a 760 gallon wood tank with a Starphire glass viewing panel. The plan is to double up (laminate together) two pieces of 14ply 3/4" marine grade plywood. This should provide adequate support for the water pressure. Of course the inside of the tank will be lined with fiberglass cloth and coated with epoxy resin. Coloring the interior will be accomplished with food grade epoxy paint. When I built the 375 I installed external overflows and this feature will be added to this tank as well. Were I am at a loss is what to do with the cross braces for the top of the tank. I have considered a euro top (one sheet of ply with cut outs) for support. I have considered an open top with a 6" border and possibly create some type of thin braces attached to the border. Such as powder coated stainless rods with flattened ends that are drilled for screws. I have considered the same rods bent at 90 degree angles so they can be attached to the exterior front and back outsides of the tank to support the pressure more directly. The structure will be assembled using glue and 3” screws placed every 2” along the joints. The stand will be assembled with 2x4’s in a T configuration. My understanding is that the differences of grain direction of the 2x4’s actually create a stronger support than say a single 4x4. The stand and exterior of the tank will be coated with a water resistant coating (still debating what to use). What thickness glass would be recommended for this tank and how large should the wood overlap be? I am thinking a 6” frame should be plenty to support the glass.
Now that you have an idea what I am attempting to do please share your ideas. This will be my first attempt at a wood tank. Thanks in advance!

[james_r_edwards34]

You have to be either extremely brave or an engineer to build such a large aquarium. I hope you will use engineered standards when building this big bad boy. I would love to give you some advice. I just thought this was an iteresting idea/post.

[The R/C Man]

Hey! Plenty of people have built their own out of wood/fiberglass and most are pretty large. The cost of building one these vs buying one is maybe 1/3 the price or less. I am pretty inclined when it comes to building so I don't think integrity will be an issue. However, I don't have an engineering degree so if you can help with pressures ect that would be great..... In the end it will probably be way over built....