Plywood L tank advices

[BurgerFish]

I want to build a plywood tank bc its cheaper. L tank shape.

Shallow part: 96x32x24 (1 glass 96x24 or 2 of 48x24)
Deep part: 48x32x48 (1 glass 48x48 or 2 of 24x24) or even make it 60 deep, 3x20 19mm?

For shallow part 12mm tempered glass is ok?
For the deep part 19mm glass is OK? Tempered or not?

What thickness of plywood (marine of course) 3/4 or 1 or more?

Any particularities with the L shape tank with plywood, except the cleaning? Can I put a small glass or acryl windows on the sides for overflow and retour holes?

 

[smitten with ocean life]

@dca22anderson

 

[BurgerFish]

I think L tank will be too risky. So, I'll probably build 2 tanks 80×36×24, one for reef, one for FOWLR. With the same sump.

 

[PPBlimpy]

I think the L would be a good build for a plywood tank. Just make sure to plan thing out well.

But let me make sure I understand you want to build a 12' long drop off tank or and L shaped corner tank?

I think either is doable. Just trying to understand the idea

 

[BurgerFish]

I think either is doable. Just trying to understand the idea

Something like that:

 

[PPBlimpy]

ok yea so a drop off. Its an interesting idea. That bottom glass will have to be pretty thick. I am not sure on how thick though.

 

[BurgerFish]

That bottom glass will have to be pretty thick

For that reason I decided to use two acrylic (1 inch) panel instead of 1: 48x24 instead of 48x48. It helps?

 

[BurgerFish]

@PPBlimpy did you maked plywood tanks? I have couple of questions:

1. Is better to use acrylic insted of glass?
2. Meranti marine plywood is a good choise?
3. Can I make an acrylic window like 20x10 in the right upper side for overflow?
4. 4 inch frame between glass panels (hirozontal or vertical) is enough?
5. Do you clean plywood walls from algae? Or it can easy be damaged?

Thanks