HOW TO: Build a plywood aquarium | Part 1 | Building the tank TUTORIAL

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How to build a plywood aquarium. Sounds fishy right? Building a wooden tank? Have no fear... I will show you how to build a plywood aquarium, while keeping it affordable, simple, LOOK GREAT and what i like to call: Bullet proof.
This is part 1 of a 6 part build. In this video I show you how I built the tank itself. The shell of the tank came first.
Part 2: • HOW TO: Build a plywoo...

[@matthewcarranco2149]

Long live the King (of DIY); been watching your videos for over 5 years now: Thank You Joey!

[@rtheprizeisright7323]

From a woodworking standpoint, you could make the joints, as lap-joints, or a traditional dado joint, for boxes. It provides more area for glue, thus making the joints stronger. And if it should ever fail, at the joints, is usually where, and you don't want any of your little friends getting out, especially if you have hots, like I do. But great video.

[@djt7387]

Isn't this a crazy under build? 340!

[@jesselove3715]

I think the goal of these videos is to help people with minimal tools and experience building. I was groaning when he didn't even bother with miter cuts, then i saw the burn marks left by his circ and realized he probably never sharpened or replaced the blade. Definitely some basic skills could make it better, but it might make people wonder what to do if they cant follow along. He pulled that router out though.

[@joelcote-kanning5589]

Great build: solid, straightforward, and approachable. Oh yeah, and the aquarium looks good, too!

[@mtaher13]

You and your videos are seriously the best... I can just continue watching it over and over again, and get new ideas each time I watch it... Thanks Joey for sharing such valuable information...

[@girishnaik5337]

J Why you always make me [us] feel that there is so much that can be done with aquariums and life? Great job. God speed!

[@norocketsciencebuild5371]

You are certainly the King of DIY, my friend. I love your creativity and out of the box thinking.

[@AquadesignAquascaping]

Love your plywood builds. This one is shaping up to be an impressive tank. My favourite is still the big tank you built in one of your videos with the base of plywood and sides of glass and using the barrels as a fluidized filter. It was impressive, a dream tank. I love aquascaping and can only imagine how that could have looked planted. Keep it up joey.

[@thekingofdiy]

Aquamaniac That was an awesome tank wasn't it?

[@grahamsong4585]

been watching your videos since 5 years ago. your production is getting better and better. keep up the good editing :)

[@Seanmmvi]

Really enjoying your improved videography skills. The transitions and camera slider really add an extra layer of intricacy that not everyone picks up on. Keep up the great video work and editing! We all know the projects will continue to be excellent.

[@JungleScene]

Sean Williams Agreed, this channel has come a long way. Even compared to a year ago, its noticeably a better quality and consistency

[@thekingofdiy]

Sean Williams Its hard to invest in any good equipment when you do videos like i do. being the camera man, the builder and presenter... it is easy to destroy equipment. Im constantly covered in epoxy, paint, silicone, etc... Even knocking my camera over once and shattered a lens. So while i do aim to improve, im limited to being a one man show. (PS: I also ruined the slider I used in this video. I got epoxy all over the rails). Its not that im not careful, but when the clock is ticking and you are worried not only about building correctly so that you dont end up with 370 gallons of water on the floor... Its tough to still get good angles, show everything, etc.. It can be a nightmare sometimes to film a project. Glad you noticed some improvement. :)

[@thekingofdiy]

The Graceful Savage Well, I am only an aquarium hobbyist. Filming, editing, speaking, etc... was never part of the plan... So with time, i am learning to get better. :)

[@chriscasey7113]

Rewatching this in February of 2024.

[@elopingantalope3509]

Prime DIYJoey

[@bit-zh4gu]

March

[@rivermonstersaustralia2743]

Me too😂

[@Luca_Silvio]

April

[@JaymePaladino]

Rewatching May 2024

[@upsidediy3945]

Very good building slills. This comes with extra thaught, and a good build. For space and materials, probabbly the best plywood aquarium I've seen. For what it's purpose is for.

[@waterpiggies5928]

Been waiting for this video for ages! Looks great!

[@Power5]

Builds plywood tank with 10 gallons of dripping wood glue on hardwood floor... Great video explaining everything in amazing detail. Will be building a plywood home for my Bearded dragon soon.

[@allinthedetails836]

Joey, man... love the vids!! Never heard of a plywood tank!! Keep up the great content!!

[@carlosadams5262]

Hey Joey, I love the video so far... I'm looking forward to part two of the build.

[@thekingofdiy]

Carlos Adams Thanks Carlos!

[@Kuishibo]

This looks so good... Definitely something i should do someday.

[@lizzyanthus1]

Thanks! Great video. Well explained, as usual. :) Off to watch the next one.

[@philbascom8929]

Wow, great job.Easy to follow and understand.Thanks

[@timmlombardo9267]

It already looks amazing Joey! Keep up the hard work!

[@thekingofdiy]

Timm Lombardo Thanks Timm!

[@dannyaquatics]

Thanks Joey this video helped me build my own aquarium. I watched it about 15 or 20 times.

[@epayne91]

Great video Joey, this is the start of a awesome build! I like how you put so many details in your videos. Keep up the great work, I can't wait to see next Sunday's video!

[@thekingofdiy]

Eric Payne Im not sure how i will edit the next video together yet. I do know that from here on out i used 2 cameras though, so i suspect the series will get better as it goes. See you next week!

[@prasadsriram6468]

This is definitely hard word man. Your dedication impresses me!!

[@normg2242]

I love the size you chose! I always liked tanks that are very deep from front to back.

[@Les-OZZYTHEOSCAR]

Great vid Joey, you create some amazing things. Looking forward to the next episode :)

[@thekingofdiy]

OZZYTHEOSCAR Thanks Ozzy. I dont really aim to create anything amazing, but its nice to think you view some of the projects that way.

[@Gizmo1992]

The king of DIY is a understatement, looking great so far!!!

[@thekingofdiy]

Nathan Owen :) thanks pal

[@GWRevolutionTV]

great job as always i think i might tackle a similar project for my reptiles and use a sliding glass door instead of a glass viewing panel... awesome work!

[@justinfell7637]

I cant wait to build one of these... UaruJoey you are the man!

[@smsfrancis]

Great series. Totally sold on plywood build for my future 7ft marine tank. May even adapt it to a reef drop off....

[@dannyaquatics]

Thank you Joey I've learned so much from you and your videos. God has blessed you with a gift to help others. Keep up the great work my friend.

[@aznyoyo1883]

Just a tip from a person who is doing this build. I am following his build as much as possible. A pro tip is DO NOT let the wood glue sit. Sanding is extremely difficult around the seams. When glue is wet wipe away. Sanding is extremely difficult.

[@cescasreefandpond1137]

Great video enjoyed watching. Looking forward to part 2 :)

[@benbaxley2337]

Wow epic so far can't wait till next week!

[@sterling4224]

This is my new favorite video from you, Great Job!

[@thekingofdiy]

Purely Freshwater Awesome! Pleased to know you enjoyed it so much.

[@RyanLee1986]

Awesome series. Cannot wait to see it trimmed, stained / painted, and finished. I think it would be cool to have a canopy with hinged access panels for feeding, and mounting the light inside as well. Once all done and on a matching stand, it will look amazing, Excited!

[@thekingofdiy]

Ryan Lee Im not building a canopy. The tank was made larger to specifically have a recessed top for lids. ;)

[@ErickMirandadotcom]

Well done! I can't wait to see thenext episode! Thanks for sharing!

[@thekingofdiy]

Erick Miranda Thank you and your welcome!

[@jacoballen2664]

This is absolutely amazing, you do the best videos, I can't wait too see it finished. :)

[@thekingofdiy]

Jacob Allen Thanks!

[@tonstel36]

You truly inspire us with your projects. Thanks !!!

[@thekingofdiy]

tonstel36 That is the goal!

[@danieljoseph467]

Bob Villa of fish tanks! God bless you brother. I love all your tips & knowledge, one thing I would like to add is when you wipe the glue off when it's wet it is absolutely so much easier. Yes sanding off is one way to handle it but much more work. Also the glue rejects the stain, especially in the cracks. You never want to sand veneer to much.

[@SjaakSchulteis]

You have changed over the past three years... from "teacher" to the regular guy showing how he's doing it and a friend of us all! It's you, no doubt, but your 2018 presentations are a lot better!

[@PoPo-li2cf]

Zelfs ik 2022 kunnen wij nog volop genieten!

[@calebwatson3023]

I'm liking it! I can't wait for part 2!

[@SlimTim_dirty_aquatics]

You never let me down, Fired Up!!! Been curious on plywood tanks. This looks great and your not even finished.

[@thekingofdiy]

Slim Tim It actually has a long ways to go to get to finished. I suspect a plywood tank may be in your future tim. ;)

[@SlimTim_dirty_aquatics]

How'd guess that, Fired Up!!! I made plywood growbeds in my AP system using liners. Now I want to make 2nd system as DWC

[@ivoryqueen7000]

Awesome video! ! Can't wait to see the finished tank. It's going to b beautiful!

[@thekingofdiy]

Ivory Queen Yup!

[@andrewbaggett2505]

Excellent video as always! Very informative, the best one yet!

[@thekingofdiy]

Andrew Baggett Glad you think so! thanks Andrew.

[@lupo10]

Been watching your videos for years dude, this is the most professional to date. Nice work.

[@thekingofdiy]

lupo10 Thanks pal. The rest of this series will look like this one, however i did end up adding in another camera for different perspectives in the videos to follow. So i would suspect they will get better as they go.(this series anyways). Im not sure though, as i have not gotten to editing them yet.

[@fuba44]

Can hardly wait for the next episode, great video! thank you for making it.

[@thekingofdiy]

fuba44 You are welcome. :)

[@keywestkyn9250]

Built several of these back in mid 70’s, but not as finished out as yours. Used marine epoxy paint from Sears for the sealer. As far as I know, one is still in use. Brought back memories, thanks

[@JSpalding]

Awesome job bro. So far so good. Seeing from the pics online it came out amazing. Thanks for sharing your beautiful setup. Your Arrowana is gonna love that tank. 👍

[@thekingofdiy]

J Spalding Thanks J. The Aro loves it!

[@adonisroberts7466]

LOVED this!!! thank you!!

[@nyinfamous2k2]

Such a huge fan of your work Joey, you never fail to deliver quality and informative videos rolled up in and entertaining clip.

[@andrewhenderson4462]

You my man are a legend!!!.....my misses on the other hand maaaaay not think so when i start to build mine😊

[@mosherif]

Great job, keep it up and don’t worry about the negative people have not something better to do. All the best.👍

[@khenryhector]

This looks absolutely amazing.

[@thekingofdiy]

khenryhector I thought so too. ;) thanks!

[@Doomfreak90]

I’m actually trying to get a bearded dragon…… But I find the terrarium prices way too steep. Watched your “how to build a glass aquarium” video before this…… This is an even better idea!!!!

[@tdv0rtex998]

I did the exact same thing😂 except I’m not making mine for my bearded dragon I’m gonna make a bass tank

[@veroonramroop3304]

Can't wait for next week :) it looks awesome

[@JaydLawrence]

Oh man. A corded drill? I haven't seen those in years. Crazy how much things can change in 8 years.

[@davidmcdonald1295]

I have gotten SOO much inspiration from this for a new living room tank in my future house. AWESOME.

[@thekingofdiy]

David McDonald You can build one of these to match your home to a T!

[@TheAquaman1979]

Hey Joey can't tell u mate how much I'm looking forward to watching your next two videos. I'm getting some really good ideas here. Great video!

[@thekingofdiy]

TheAquaman1979 Thank you!

[@joshuaw.1069]

***** OMG! yes thanks you so much! I've been waiting for this build for sometime. No one does it like you Joey that's why I'm a subscriber.

[@thekingofdiy]

Josh Wurmnest Thanks Josh!

[@hashika20]

Love the video, cant wait for the next one! Couple years ago I made a glass aquarium using your videos, so keep up the content :D

[@thekingofdiy]

Hashika Pieris Awesome!

[@wildlifeYaktographer]

Awesome video! Looking forward to part 2.

[@thekingofdiy]

Jason Lee Thanks! Part to will be out sunday at 8am EST

[@wildlifeYaktographer]

***** Not soon enough! J/K!

[@1961pelican]

lovely video, very nicely explained, excited to see the next part on waterproofing.

[@thekingofdiy]

andrew da cruz That portion is arguably my favourite.

[@jnT646]

Niceeeeee! I'm excited for next week. I wish I can make an aquarium like this here at home.

[@thekingofdiy]

Joshua Noel Guaves At least you will know how i do it, for when the time comes and you want to build one. :)

[@MichaelEugenio]

Thanks for revisiting this topic . I've always wanted to build this but never built up the courage. Maybe this time I'll tackle it .

[@thekingofdiy]

all4mefitness No problem. I have been wanting to do another one for a while!

[@handyside123]

You have inspired me to do my own plywood aquarium. A little description for you, I’m going to build a 500 gallon in my basement. When I’m done it will look like it is in the wall. Thanks for your videos, very professional.

[@tahayaseen6457]

Lovely work

[@EdLukacevic]

All your videos are great!!!

[@kg2nc]

It's looking really nice Joey. I can't wait to see the it finnish. 40 years ago I made a 55 gallon plexiglass tank and I did the corner overlap just like you did. I did the stip's 1 inch so it gave the tank as if it had a frame around the corners. The strips were black and I polish all the ends even the tank. Thanks for sharing.

[@thekingofdiy]

Ruben i still sometimes build acrylic tanks just like that. Adds and incredible amount of strength.

[@BrianStalter]

I am so glad you are building one of these..

[@thekingofdiy]

Brian Stalter So am I. :)

[@donemby9744]

Thanks Joey, I need to try this for sure.

[@thekingofdiy]

Donald Francis Good luck!

[@mackenziecarullo1768]

Love the video quality and transitions very very helpful starting to buy supplies for my own!!! Thank you for the Hard work and including measurements sooooo damn helpful

[@bradschultz8062]

awesome set of videos, Im looking at building a large vivarium for a Chinese Water Dragon and find myself viewing this video a lot. my enclosure will easily double this size but wont need near the amount of bracing because it isnt holding water like an aquarium would but will have a 33 gallon pool on the bottom for swimming so for moisture I am definitely using pond shield, the pool will have an external aquarium filter cycling water for freshness though, thinking of using concrete for background/pool with a waterfall but not sure just yet, just have to get the box built and sliding glass panels for the front door. Great job btw! you have already given me many ideas as to starting this project!

[@ryanberg8508]

great work thanks for sharing

[@cwj3rd]

I have been thinking about building my own 300+ gallon tank for my Oscars. I am now inspired and will follow your build,,,

[@thekingofdiy]

Claude Johnson I cant imagine you not wanting to build one after you seeing the full series. You are going to love it!

[@gospelofgrace6320]

Love your video, using your basic foundation details I built my very own aquarium. Thanks to you I now own a 20' x 2' x 4' tank in a rectangular shape on a 2 1/2' base. It's awesome and my koi love it.

[@Idgixgxjgx]

that's a huge tank!!!!! i would love a koi pond some day :)

[@gospelofgrace6320]

+little tin goddess thanks

[@noahmartin2130]

How’s it doing now?

[@eduardoflores6101]

You're awesome I watch all your videos

[@metr0labs]

That thing is built like a tank...

[@MaximilianYT]

Sam Weatly i get it

[@blakebodaciousFTW]

Always a great video. Thank you brother.

[@thekingofdiy]

blakebodaciousFTW You are welcome!

[@genealameda1163]

Great project Joey

[@thekingofdiy]

Gene Alameda Thanks Gene

[@rickyspanish5691]

Awesome idea. Im going to start building reptile enclosures for sale soon. Now my thought on all these wood tanks and enclosures is there is a little too much time and money put into trying to seal them water tight. Wouldn't just be easier to paint the wood with whatever color you wanted then box it all in with plexiglass and silicone with a piece of real glass for the front. 😎

[@Govinkuna]

Excellent video again! Gave me some idea as well..

[@thekingofdiy]

govinda kuna Perfect!

[@Dongerino.]

Very relaxing watching you work ;)

[@thekingofdiy]

CookingInterminatum Added a bit of music to break the silence :)

[@kevinbowers9165]

loved the video. very informative gonna have a go myself. could you make a sump with plywood too?

[@omatad]

why why why you have to give me more ideas!! 😀 Great video!!

[@richardhoblyn]

2022 and still watching his videos all I can say is a big thank you me and my family really enjoy this video

[@briansfishtanks]

This is going to be an awesome build. I can't wait to see it. Other than your square plywood tank, I think this will be the best you've done so far

[@thekingofdiy]

Brian's Fish Tanks Thanks Brian. It ended up turning out really nice.

[@goatschilling]

***** Joey thank you so much for the videos that you post! They have been immensely helpful while I built my 300 gallon plywood bottom tank. You are plumb full of great advise. If you get time please check out my channel "goatschilling" and let me know what you think.

[@piranha8111]

you are doing great job dude

[@supremerulerofall]

Nice! Finally, now I'll definitely do one been thinking about it a while but now it'll be easier wii joey's help

[@thekingofdiy]

BeastAquatics This series will certainly help with your own build. ;)

[@IntergalacticArts]

You rule diy king, thank you!

[@thebeardeddon5620]

hey love all your tank builds s and other videos! I am planning a plywood build of my own and was hoping for your opinion on something. my tank dimensions will be 94x36x24 with front and side viewing panels. as of now it will be flat front but I was curious if you think I could do a box front at that size if I were to brace for it properly? do you think the plywood could hold? thanks!

[@TheMFLAV]

Looks great so far. Dam it we have to wait another week. This would be kick ass for an in wall viewing window..

[@thekingofdiy]

TheMFLAV If an in wall tank is what you are after and it doesnt matter what the tank look like, then this is by FAR the most cost effective way to build.

[@TheMFLAV]

Absolutely.. Cant wait for the rest of the build.

[@jmmustangs3078]

Very interesting Joey can't wait to see the next video I never knew you could build an aquarium out of plywood. I suppose there can be some pretty cool finishing aspects for a custom painted background along with exterior of tank. Still curious to see what you use to waterproof inside keep up the great work!

[@thekingofdiy]

JM CHICAGOLAND CICHLIDS Plywood tanks have been in the hobby twice as long as i have been alive. I suppose that is my favourite aspect of my channel though, in being able to bring these things to a wider audience, even if they are old ideas... they are new ideas to a lot of people. :)

[@jonlosche]

Nice DYI Project

[@torpkid349]

where did you buy the plywood from? looks amazing so far. you have inspired me to make my own huge aquarium out of plywood.

[@deborahkane4481]

Fancy! I hope this is for your beautiful discus. :)

[@fernandoescobar5412]

Awesome DIY tank =)

[@NYCityCichlids]

Nice project Joey

[@thekingofdiy]

NYCity Cichlids Thanks NY

[@baja1980s]

Great job, great video only thing I would have done is use the kregs pocket hole jig and screw them all along the bottom length and width top also even the front panel to put together, either way you did a superb job

[@jayinla228]

Great vid, what kind of clamps and screw brand/length did you use? Thanks.

[@DaleyAdventures]

Hi I really like watching ur videos.. just a quick question.. I'm looking at building a tank but I would like to go 4 ft long 4 ft hight and 2 ft wide.. what size glass would u use?

[@subitadahal1903]

very nice method