Large custom build thread

[Catsarezen]

Hello everyone, been out of the hobby for a few years because I was bitten by the ref tank bug. With all this stay at home stuff I knew I needed a project to keep me busy for a while. So I built this 60 inch x 24 inch x 48 inch bioactive enclosure and stand. I’m still tweaking things on the inside as the plants settle in and learning how the heat gradient establishes. I’m posting the almost done photos now then will go back and show how I did it and give more details.

 

[Catsarezen]

 

[Catsarezen]

So I started with 1/2” sanded ply for the back and sides.


I used 3/4” plywood for the bottom, 1x8’s for top and bottom sills, and 1x4’s for the sides. All joints were glued and nailed using a brad nailer.

 

[Catsarezen]

Then I added the molding and 4 coats of dry-loc to all interior surfaces except bottom. Then I did 4 coats of liquid rubber for koi ponds to the bottom and 6 inches up the sides.

 

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Next I cut holes for ventilation.

Then I used these soled wood floor registers I got on amazon.

 

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I used fiberglass mesh on the inside and masked it off so as not to get great stuff or silicone on it.


Then it was time to add cork bark and great stuff.

 

[Catsarezen]

Next I sanded, stained, and sealed the outside. Then 12 tubes of silicone later and peat moss was affixed to foam.