DIY Aquarium

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but nothing else sounded better. So, I was just wondering if any of you have built a plywood fish tank? Was it hard? Was it cheaper than buying one? I think I could convince my dad to help me with this, as long as its cheaper than buying a regular tank. He's pretty good with carpentry.

 

Hi,

I've built plywood tanks. I call them ponds or tubs though because mine are 8ft long. Why would you want a plywood tank where you couldn't see in the sides?

 

Mine is in a corner anyway, so you can't see any of the sides already. I also thought it would be cheaper, and it doesn't sound too terribly hard. I won't be building them as big as you though.

 

Oh. So why are you making this tank? For what fish? You could try to put a piece of plexiglass or something in one side. It shouldn't be too difficult. That is if you have a side where you can see in. I can search for pictures of one of my builds if you'd like.

 

HI boo, Welcome to Fishlore. I have moved your topic to the DIY Forum so that more members may see it. Ryan.

 

RougueAgent,
I would love to see any pictures of the tanks you have built. Any instructions as well. I want a 200 gallon tank... have a 120 but want my last tank to be huge! I have a pleco that lives in my 120 and I know he will grow bigger and a 200 would do well for him... plus all the other fish I can add!!
Hubby is willing to built the tank for me but is not sure how and some advice from someone who has gone this route would be great.

 

Hi,

I'll definitely post pictures then hahaha! But I think you want a tank that you can look into, right?

 

Hey there Boo, and anyone else who is interested. I've watched quite a few of this guys videos on Youtube. He seems very knowledgeable. Hope it answers some questions.
If you don't want to wait until the end for the price. He spent $375 on all the material for a tank + stand and it ended up being 235-240gallons.

 

Hey, is it possible to use a large plastic bin with a filter and a heater for a betta? I have extra java moss to plant the bin as well.
Thanks

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I think it would depend how thick the plastic is..
I'm sure it would be fine as a temporary setup, but I wouldn't use it as a permanent home

 

Ya the game plan is to move him to a temporary bin until the glass tank is ready. Been moving things around.

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Pops to picture of the bin u want to use


A proud owner of a healthy aquarium.

 

Haven't even purchased one yet! With my schedule not sure when I will be doing the move either or have time to get one. Keep in mind he is a betta so the bin wouldn't be overly huge. Maybe around 5 gallons, and most likely tupperware.

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I can't see where it would cause problems for your Betta. Years ago I actually bred my bettas and gouramis in large plastic containers. Not sure of the size but guessing at least 30 gallons. I just did it once just to see if I could. Was a LOT of work but was very interesting.

 

I've raised and bred fish and shrimp in assorted plastic containers, 5 gallon buckets, and other assorted non-aquariums numerous times. They don't seem to mind in the slightest as long as their other requirements (filtration, heat, etc) and being met.

The typical glass aquarium is for the benefit of the owner far more so than for its inhabitants.

 

Ok perfect. Good to hear you have had success with doing so.
Thanks for all the imput everyone!

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What about the heater warming the plastic to the point it is putting chemicals in the water?

 

I've done this too. It's a great way to setup a super cheap aquarium.

 

They worrisome that I would have is coming home to a warped container, drenched floor and dead fish..
You want to be sure the tub can hold the amount of water you're putting into it.
And id also worry about the chemicals Landos mentioned.
Idk, definitely things to consider

 

I've done this before, worked pretty well actually. Just make sure it's food safe

 

Food safe eh... Not much meat on a betta!

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Lol!! Touche Tman2902

 

I have done it and it worked out fine