A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

Using orchard crates for fish tanks?

Hi all,

Hope this was the right way to pose this question...On a forum discussion...

I am thinking through a new way to increase my fish tank area inexpensively....IBC's are not plentiful or cheap here...but I am close to orchard country. So I was wondering for any of you knew if using those wooden orchard crates would work for fish tanks? Of course I would line them with a pond liner. Most of the orchard crates around here are about 3' tall, and 4'X4'. They are usually made of plywood. I think I would need to re-enforce the corners for strength and maybe some more along the top...But not being an engineer, I do not know if they would be strong enough to hold the water volume...Anyone know? Any pointers?

- Converse

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Permalink Reply by Patti Taylor on March 5, 2012 at 11:26am

I don't think it will hold close to 3 thousand lbs of water without any reinforcement.How thick is the plywood? Might be a good idea to post a pic ,so we can get a better idea on how they are constructed. You can start by constructing a frame for it to sit in.Take a look at http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?63850-DIY-amp-MODs-%28... .Hope this helps

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Permalink Reply by TCLynx on March 10, 2012 at 8:53pm

And if you are in termite territory, beware of using lumber against liner. There will be condensation between the lumber and the liner and this makes a very inviting space for pests.