Finishing My 475 Gallon DIY Plywood Aquarium! (Part Five)

Today is part five of my biggest project yet - building my 475 gallon DIY plywood aquarium! In the video, I finish waterproofing the plywood tank with more pond shield, installing the glass viewing panel, showing some equipment that I had delivered, and ultimately, the leak tests!
This is my first time building a plywood aquarium, and I'm bound to make small mistakes along the way. If you're looking for a true "how to" video, I'd look up some of the Fishtubers who have more experience with these builds. I'm confident that this tank will all work out fine, but just wanted to throw out that caveat.
- Part One: • Building the DIY Plywo...
- Part Two: • I Built a Huge DIY Ply...
- Part Three: • My Huge DIY Plywood Aq...
- Part Four: • Building My 475 Gallon...
Below are Amazon affiliate links to all of the materials I used in this plywood aquarium build. I'll keep an ongoing list here and throughout the series:
- Pond Shield (Black): amzn.to/4b6QzYm
- Pond Shield (Sky Blue): amzn.to/48Xbb3s
- Fiberglass Resin: amzn.to/3u2AUbX
- Fiberglass Mat: amzn.to/492RE1x
- Wood Screws - 3 inch: amzn.to/47Seyrk
- Wood Screws - 2.5 inch: amzn.to/496QJx3
- Wood Screws - 1 inch: amzn.to/47Qq8mK
- Wood Glue: amzn.to/3OfVsob
- Sander: amzn.to/3OihjLH
- Sand Discs (60 Grit): amzn.to/4bd1tvR
- Paint Roller Kit: amzn.to/3OeTfcy
- Paint Brushes: amzn.to/42flPk2
- Silicone: amzn.to/3SjsOnw
- Latex Gloves: amzn.to/4b3GTxX
Plywood/Lumber (so far):
- 3/4in 5-Ply Birch Plywood: x3
- 2x4: x18
- 2x6: x10
Tools used/eventually needed:
- Miter Saw: amzn.to/47HVn3u
- Power Drill: amzn.to/47P35c0
- Corner Clamps: amzn.to/4b3HeAJ
- Circular Saw: amzn.to/42oQgEa
- Hole Saw Kit: amzn.to/42Nrz4K
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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 - Intro
2:17 - Finishing Pond Shield
3:12 - Installing the Glass Panel
8:42 - Leak Test One
11:22 - Leak Test Two
13:43 - Equipment and Materials
15:26 - Final Thoughts
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#cichlidbros #cichlids #cichlidtanks #plywoodaquarium #plywoodtank

[@pagewhite8177]

The leak must have been such a bummer but at least you figured it out and fixed it. I can’t wait to see the next installment. Thanks for the video.

[@kashifkashu7899]

So much of hardwork paid off..Really appreciate your intention to post the video as soon as possible that lead to the leak problem...Hopefully everything goes smooth from now brother troy❤😊

[@PriceTagAquariums]

I wouldn't beat yourself up too bad on the first leak test. Always exciting, and somewhat nerve wracking the very first time you do a project. You're already doing a great job in this entire series! Can't wait to see the next video, but by all means, take your time! It will be all worth it in the end! Great job!

[@Tan-lc7ti]

Good job… go cubs!… go IRISH!!!!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@awilderireland]

Hope it works out. I know if I tried it we would have a basement pond. 😂

[@eduardolibed1082]

Awesome job 🥂‼️

[@KnKs64]

Really looking forward to the finished product.

[@dadthings167]

Great job! Looks awesome. I definitely felt your dread and dejection when you said "SAND AGAIN" 😅 as a diy'er there is no word worse than sand 😂😂😂

[@CichlidBros]

Haha definitely agree!

[@andrewbrew745]

So looking forward to this video

[@simply_cichlids_]

Nice work Troy!! Such an amazing build 💪🏼🤙🏼

[@CichlidBros]

Glad you like it!

[@harshtruth9148]

congrats my man and im seeing a geophagus of some kind...as well as other fish

[@JP-gl5hw]

Looks good. Enjoying the build progression 🤙

[@RobertoPiroddi]

Great build, thanks for taking us along :) Looking forward to the next one! :D

[@jrramirez211]

That’s admirable of you to show your mistakes and disappointment. We all make mistakes and that’s where we learn the most. This will serve to all of us who are looking to build our own plywood tanks in the future. 👍🏽

[@MiamiObi]

Huge fan of the Cichlid Bros! Good job Troy! You inspired me to build my own 210 gallon stand! 😊

[@CichlidBros]

That’s awesome, love to hear it! Best of luck

[@Noovi.]

That water bill must be pretty hefty hahaha, great work man! I can't wait to see how this turns out!

[@jeremycover]

Nice work, it’s always deceiving working with silicone for the first time! Glad it worked out for you.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@jeremycover]

@@CichlidBros im excited to see what you stock the tank with!

[@ashleyhall2546]

Awesome project Troy, great work... as always, can't wit for the next video in the sequence !!

[@LLITV61582]

looking good i like it so far can't wait for the finished project

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! Me too 👍🏻

[@LLITV61582]

Your 👍🏾 welcome anytime my friend

[@dannyaquatics]

Congratulations 🎉 I know it's hard when you have a leak. But you did a great job. Can't wait to see it full of fish.

[@mattdole4315]

ive been ITCHING for this build to be done. I'm so excited. Has me thinking i wanna build one as well!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching! I’d recommend trying it out 👍🏻

[@Mid-Americabulldogs]

Especially after watching aquarium domains step by step plus this one. It really can't be hard

[@mattdole4315]

@@CichlidBros I'm gonna need something bigger for my Severum/Geo/Acara tank by the end of the year so this might do it :)

[@josepolanco1228]

Amazing work. 👏👏👏looking forward to finish project

[@brockg6194]

Love it.

[@fishiefarmer11]

Nice tank build

[@buckllego]

Awesome build!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@ruthwalker5179]

Congrats! Amazing project. I appreciate your ambition.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@aquarium.talktv]

BOOM! It's done! Congrats bro. Looking good!

[@CichlidBros]

Appreciate it man!!

[@reggie2803]

Congratulations. I actually left my brunch gathering a little early just so I could see the results of your build. So glad that you were able to fix the leak. A job well done. Can’t wait to see the next video 🤗.

[@CichlidBros]

Really appreciate that! Can’t wait to show updates!

[@tjautocross]

You solved that leak, no problem. Tank looks great, Troy!!!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks as always!!

[@WarrenVenter.]

That aquarium is looking great.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@GDaddyTx]

Looking really good, can’t wait to see it all scraped and fish swimming in it. It’s a beautiful tank, nice build…

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@donhabel1590]

👍👍 Good job can't wait to see the finished product

[@razinfishes1918]

Great job Troy! Glad things worked out. I really excited to see it up and running. I'm currently waiting for silicone to cure on a used 125 I picked up and resealed it. I will leak test it this coming weekend.

[@liambrown9391]

Good work on the build, with silicone it's not just about the application from the gun but tooling and smoothing it off to push it into wherever you are sealing to eliminate all gaps

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! Yep, live and ya learn

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Wow that's gonna be a beauty 😊 ‼️

[@mickeysr5817]

Great video 😊 Detroit

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks 👍

[@michaeleber4752]

In the 80's I built my first tank. I followed one simple rule, avoid stress. Not having your glass sitting on the bottom of the tank is your problem!

[@CichlidBros]

It is not a problem, and a common way of building them today.

[@noelmangion6316]

Hard work paid off congratulations on the tank hope you don’t have any issues when you move the tank in place we’ll done on the build can’t wait for the next video when it’s all finished ✅

[@TheirWorldAquatics]

Great video, let's get rolling on NUMBER 2!!!

[@Khaymen223]

Great job on the tank. Yeah i thought you were a little thin in spots on the silicone under the glass.....cant wait to start my build

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks and best of luck!

[@blessedone1186]

❤❤❤❤awesome, I love it. Okay, now you can come build me one 😆 🤣. And I will take a couple of those canister filters that you have stacked up as well 😂. I knew you could do it looking great so far!!!

[@rafameza4186]

Damn this is a very amazing build

[@Mehgan-Keeley]

Super impressive!!!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@seansquill8773]

I applaud your patience and dedication Troy. Going to look amazing when complete 🔥

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks, Sean!!

[@markfranklin8831]

Great job cant wait tell you get some life in the tank

[@brianp6180]

Awesome! Let’s hope it will hold long term. I have built aquarium stands but I don’t think I have the nerve to try something this big. Good luck! 🤞🤞🤞🙏🙏🙏

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

Awesome build bro! Respect

[@SICCEgroup]

Great video and amazing shirt ❤❤❤❤❤

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@haroldgreen1425]

About 50 years ago I built an 8' long 250 gallon wood and glass tank. It really didn't require additional bracing due to it only being 18" tall minimizing the pressure. I used a piece of plywood cut out for the glass on front. It had a 4" strip from the front to the back of the tank at the top center of the tank. You put the smoothest sides of the plywood to the inside. Sand well and fill any gaps at the seams so it's smooth at all the angles. Then I put three coats of safe marine epoxy sanding between coats. Laid it face down and silicon-ed the glass in. Silicon-ed all the inside seams to prevent leaks. Varnished the outside and built a rough sawn wood stand to hold the tank. Cut strips of glass to make a full factory looking glass top with a plexy strip across the back to provide cutouts. Use silicone to make the glass top hinges. Took two 8' rain gutters with ends and painted them black. Put an 8' florescent lamp in each gutter and hung the ballast on the back of the tank. I used that tank for many years both as a freshwater and later as a marine tank. I eventually gave it to a friend who fell in love with that tank and begged me for it. In truth I got tired of moving it each time I moved.

[@blondiekw1494]

Cant wait to see it finished and stocked. Its so exciting! Thank you for sharing your journey with us

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for following along!

[@80s_monsterkid28]

What an incredible project. I would say only 5% of the population on this planet would be able to do this job. And as usual, no thanks to Quinn. lol!!!!

[@RogueAquariums]

Way to persevere with the leak issue. You’ll like the Radion lights as well as the CaribSea rock. It’s what I’m using in my 600g display.

[@Thecla999]

Beautiful tank! I felt your pain with the leak! Good job, fixing it!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@Thecla999]

@@CichlidBros if I could make a suggestion. ( I've never made my own tanks, so I could be wrong). But if you make the frame for the glass and lay it on the floor. Then silicone the glass into the frame while it's flat on the floor. With the necessary padding for protecting the glass. The weight of the glass would help seal it to the frame! Once dry. Attach and seal the frame to the rest of the tank! 🙏✋

[@DNASlotCars]

Fair dues for showing the mistake. That bead was nowhere near good enough, unfortunately, but every day is a school day. I do worry that you've given yourself so little head room above the tank. Maintenence is going to be a nightmare. Even catching fish, etc, will not be easy. Look forward to the rest of the build.

[@geraldsnead-gm4jg]

Look Great 💪🏾

[@3xzsucof]

Concerned about how you attached the 2x4's to your plywood. I hope you also went from plywood side into the 2x4, not just in from the 2x4 side. There wouldn't be enough penetration to stop bowing. There is a Scottish guy on you tube who had that problem, about a year into the tank being full... maybe add pocket screws into all the 2x4's to help. Great to see it moving along though.

[@awilderireland]

Oh yes. I saw that vid!

[@gaidin]

My hat off to you for embarking on this project..... I hope you can stay leak-free. A lot of us are keen to see how it goes because tanks of this size in glass or acrylic just really aren't affordable. ps. There isn't much room there to hang those lights from the roof on some wire!! 🥲

[@Fox.Men05]

Türkiye den sıkı takipçinim dostum seviliyorsun 🇹🇷❤️

[@lunes-1]

👍😎

[@shelber10]

Id love to do something like this but i do not have the balls to do it and potentially have 400 gallons of water in my basement lol best of luck hopefully its smooth sailing from here on out

[@twinsreef6107]

A 3d background would be nice

[@coachalecholler]

🔥🔥🔥

[@farisellent]

You should clean the sieryu stone with muriatic acid it really darkens the black and highlights the white lines. Awesome build do far btw

[@Jlagjlag]

What’s the reason for not getting the glass large enough to sit on the bottom instead of having the weight of the glass held up by silicone?

[@marknestorovich1175]

Looks like you had a little bump in the road and you are moving forward again. My only concern is how close this tank is to your electrical panel. With that said you do not have it in its final position which will probably move it farther away.

[@Mid-Americabulldogs]

I cant wait to see what you stock it with i wanna build the 315 froma aquarium domain

[@ChrisWijtmans]

you should really cover as much as of glass mating surface as possible, it looks thin in places, as you said its structural glue not just water proofing and i think the sanding was unnecesary.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

I was thinking the excact same. Way too little silicone in the mating surfaces, especially at the bottom.

[@TheeFishGuy]

Interseal 670HS

[@scottgordin9709]

That’s why you always leak test a new tank, I have a 20gal tall sitting in my garage I got for free that I’m water testing before I bring it in the house, cause I’d rather have water on the concrete garage floor than on hardwood floors.

[@MrPatagonianFox]

When you didn’t post an update for 2 weeks I thought you might have run into a problem. I’m glad it all worked out. I am curious as to why you decided to go with such a tall piece of glass, since you wind up with 6” of empty space at the top of the viewing panel where water can’t go, but I’m sure when it’s stocked it won’t be as noticeable.

[@markkaupas8921]

I have one concern and that's the small mold free label on the front of the caulking tube 6:09. I believe I saw a post about fish and coral die offs using this very silicone. I'm not trying to scare you but you may want to do some research before adding fish to your aquarium. The first place I would start is a call to GE. Almost all silicones will be mold free after curing but if there are additives to make it mold free I would question if it is safe for my fish. For extra safety you can run a good size bead of black silicone on all the seams. Let us know what you find about the label.

[@CichlidBros]

This silicone is definitely aquarium safe and no additives or mold inhibitors. I did my research

[@markkaupas8921]

@@CichlidBros Good job!

[@sandyloyst1811]

Hi Troy, I was wondering if it would be worth your time to slap a coat of pond shield over the inside window frame? The whole tank looks huge and incredible. The scaping is going to be wild, you have the touch. I am already checking to see if you posted yet. lol TEAM TROY! Peace.

[@mizukage796]

I cant wait for the aquascaping! Will you be using live plants!?

[@bcain3729]

Stopped when I saw the lack of silicone when you slapped that glass in. Was that the leak? You guys are the best for cichlid info! I was going to go Africans in my 125 again until i saw your tanks. 2 red spot severum, 4 blue acara, 1 black angel, 1 albino threadfin, 1 regular threadfin, and a pack of lemon, lamplight, and white skirt tetras look great. Thanks for the video on the threadfin. I've had the other species before, but that albino is amazing. I'd put it against a lot of saltwater fish for color and shape.❤

[@adambundy2639]

I thought the same, I'd of definitely done the outside seam straight after so that the silicone is one seal

[@demetrafishtank]

my biggest concern!! leaks in my tanks.. what a headache..

[@Candy-ji1sr]

These DIY plywood outfits always seem to leak. There are ton's of video's on You Tube with the same exact issue. Even when repaired they leak again. I like them though and hope this one works out.

[@nickh3064]

If you're not comfortable I understand, but i would love a price break down of the build. I've been considering building one for a few months now. Glad the leak was minimal and fixable!

[@CichlidBros]

I’ll definitely do a dedicated video to the final cost. Keeping a running total!

[@lukehimes1428]

Damn $3k in lights. Better be good

[@richardkim1318]

Man for this being your first diy tank you're doing an amazing job...can't wait to see it finished and what you stock it with...keep it up! 🫡

[@jacobmull5125]

I have a jack dempsey and recently I noticed one of his left eye is way bigger then his right. Any idea what it could be?

[@marknestorovich1175]

Any updates on the Plywood tank. Been Several weeks and I am on the edge of my seat wondering how it is going.

[@CichlidBros]

It’s coming soon

[@mk_cichlids]

I know this has been mentioned already, and the other person sort of got shut down in the comments. But I, too, have long heard that you should not use silicone with mold inhibitors for aquariums. I can't verify one way or the other, so im not picking sides here. Just saying, there might be validity to the argument of mold inhibitors not being the greatest in an aquarium setting. Could also just be an old wives tale also though.

[@CichlidBros]

Yeah I’m just using what I’ve seen the majority of builds use. Main source is Aquarium Domain, but paired with other videos and forums, I believe it was the right silicone to use

[@CichlidBros]

It is the exact same silicone lol. In his how to series, he shows the bottle and it is the same as what I used. Also mine says 100% silicone as well so not sure what you’re looking at

[@WildernessBuilderness]

6:10 of the video you show the tube "7-year mold-free sealant"

[@CichlidBros]

@@WildernessBuilderness it is 100% silicone. Idk how many times I gotta say it. Maybe read the full bottle? Have a nice day.

[@ericnegron8331]

@@CichlidBrosit clearly says 7 years mold free on the tube you hold up in the video, yes it’s 100% but it has chemical mold additives. What don’t you get bud

[@oscardean6351]

That’s a lovely tank you built there mate I really hope you’re not going to fill it with African cichlids A big tank needs big fish I would love to see some rays that is if they’re allowed where you are Arowana or a river fly turtle those kind of fish/turtle👍☹️

[@edpereira1908]

Where did you get the suction cups for moving the glass?

[@CichlidBros]

Rented them from custom aquariums with my other tanks, just kept needing them

[@pchykins6680]

I'm so over "plywood aquariums"...they leak in the end and it's a huge stress!

[@CichlidBros]

Crazy how there’s so many of them still running smoothly out there then!

[@Boogerboys1990]

Tampered glass is stonger, but that pane will flex and tempered doesn't like to flex. U should always use regular float glass. Could explode any time. Also that silicone has mold inhibitors in it aka chemicals to keep mold from growing. Asi aquarium silicone is is way stringer and a true 100% silicone. This is not 100% it has 100% silicone with other additives

[@CichlidBros]

Only responding to this because I 100% disagree. Did a ton of research on the glass options and absolutely prefer tempered

[@Boogerboys1990]

That's why all glass panels are non tampered in big tanks. That silicone has mold Inhibitors. Not good. As far as tempered glass goes my best friend is a manager at a glass manufacturer facility I get the 1000$ glass for 150$. I told him and all his superiors what I was using it for and the said its stronger. I said it will.more than likely flex. They said nit a good idea to have any tempered glass flex. It does not like to bow. Take a straight edge and see how much it's bowing. Good luck. Hope it holds. But if it bows bunch like I think it wants to with that size. Could be ugly one day ...

[@Boogerboys1990]

​​​@CichlidBros u don't want tempered glass to flex period. It will shatter that silicone doesn't stick to the pond armor. It will leak within a year. Silicone job looks horrible. 4000lbs of pressure. Bowing that glass. 😢 gotta learn tho. Wish u the best

[@michaelhamann156]

Just wondering (not a ding), why the glass panel wasn't resting on the tank bottom?

[@CichlidBros]

Good question. The panel would’ve needed to be 3-6 inches larger on all sides (so much more expensive, and it would be a big challenge to waterproof around the edges without a gap

[@Aquamiamiguy2901]

Where did you get the glass from?

[@CichlidBros]

Local glass shop to me

[@eelcog]

When are you going to scape it / fill it with fish?

[@CichlidBros]

Very soon

[@justinstuart8382]

Would never attempt this cas I just know I'd never get it right.

[@CichlidBros]

If I can do it, I’m sure most could!

[@justinstuart8382]

@@CichlidBros fair play but my worry is I'd come home one day to dead fish and water everywhere 😬

[@mikehaines5467]

rule of thumb- silicone does not bond to silicone --- i hope this one lasts

[@CichlidBros]

As mentioned, I cut out the old silicone

[@ericnegron8331]

Did you use mold free silicone?

[@ericnegron8331]

Just looked up the silicone you used. It was hard to see. You used a 7 year mold free. I have repaired many tanks over the years and have heard a ton of horror story’s about silicone. Mold free will leach into your water column. it will wreak havoc on your water parameters, beneficial bacteria, etc. etc… unfortunately there is only one solution,,, cut and scrape all that out and use 100% silicone Aquarium safe specifically. .

[@awilderireland]

He did. He holds up the tube at one stage.

[@CichlidBros]

This is 100% silicone. But thanks for the concern.

[@boneheadfish7893]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but long term that glass really needs to come out, all the old silicone removed, and redone. Silicone does not adhere to itself so putting new silicone over dried silicone is a no go. I would just hate to see all that water end up on the floor and causing some massive damage.

[@CichlidBros]

As I mentioned in the video, I cut out the old silicone before adding the new

[@ericnegron8331]

@@CichlidBrosmy comment just got removed… hmmm weird. But I’ll add it here again. You used a 7 year mold free silicone. You need to cut all that out and use aquarium safe. It will leach into the water

[@CichlidBros]

That’s incorrect. This is following the same steps/silicone as Aquarium Domain

[@ericnegron8331]

And… that just means he used the wrong silicone as well.

[@ericnegron8331]

@@CichlidBrosthere is a reason why they have aquarium safe products. Do some of your own research instead of just following others lead. Just was tryin to look out for ya b4 you get to deep into this tank. Best of luck

[@hamdanosman7477]

too much silicone. too much will create micro bubble. Over time, it will burst & collapse

[@frankiefingerz8047]

Plywood aquarium??? This actually exists i heard about this i thawt it was a joke

[@jeremy87turbo87]

To be honest, your first mistake was following DIY wanna be king. Second mistake, should I use first Coats of fiberglass? Just like a boat boats, hold water in and out. No problem. Pond liner over the top to darken. The whole tank that's it very easy, so much cheaper. You spent so much money. It is insane you could have built 5 of those for the price if you would have use fiberglass as your primary. Is sillet Second mistake, should I use first Coats of fiberglass? Just like a boat boats, hold water in and out. No problem. Pond liner over the top to darken. The whole tank that's it very easy, so much cheaper. You spent so much money. It is insane you could have built 5 of those for the price if you would have use fiberglass as your primary. Coats

[@admirgracic3421]

there are beautiful glass aquariums and you spend months making that crap out of wood where you can barely see what's inside.🤷🤷🤷🤷🤷🤷

[@CichlidBros]

Maybe you missed the whole point: I can’t fit a tank of that size down the stairs. Plus it will cost about 20% of a new tank. But thanks for the negativity!

[@51inches]

SO HAPPY YOU STOPPED THE LEAK......WISH YOU NOTHING BUT THE BEST IN COMPLETING THE HARD WORK YOU PUT INTO THIS PROJECT....LOOKS GREAT SO FAR...CANT WAIT TO SEE THE FISH IN IT....

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you, really appreciate that!