Today day was our first real construction day of the tank. So far we have the box framed out and set in place in the foundation room of our basement. Most of the frame was used from left over materials from our old deck that was ripped up. We did purchase the bulk of the rest of the materials that were going to need for the structural basis. The materials we purchased today were 26 2x4s, 12 wonderboard 32x8, and 4 sheets of quarter inch thick plywood. Totaling in at around $360 including screws and a couple drains we bought ahead of time for the bottom. The next step is going to be laying 2x4s upright in between the two rails to create a base for the ground of the aquarium. Then we will place plywood on top of that as well as the outside. The entire inside of the aquarium is then going to get covered in wonderboard which is basically concrete sheets that look like sheet rock and are built to handle moisture which is why they are used in showers and bathrooms. Once that is all together I plan on coating the entire inside with either pond armor or bluemax. I'm not sure which one I'm going to use yet. Feel free to make suggestions on how to waterproof the thing because I am still a bit unsure on what to use or how to make it completely water proof. I was also wondering whether regular silicone caulk would do the job for the cracks I need to seal up or if there is a special type I am going to want to use feel free to make suggestions about that as well. I am going to be running to drain holes through the bottom of the aquarium which will probably double as the outtake for the filter I want to build. Again I don't have much experience with building filters. I've seen some projects and have an idea of how to do it but an overview on how to build a large sump would be nice if anyone could make any suggestions. As far as lighting goes I was thinking about some underwater pond lights but not sure yet, again open to any suggestions anyone might have.
