I'm looking to create a simple wave tank for a fun project, and I want to know how to go about it. No live organisms will be involved, and I'm open to various materials and methods. Has anyone tackled a project like this before? My budget is flexible, so I'm curious about different approaches!
3 Answers
I remember my dad made something like this back in the 80s. He used acrylic to build a sealed box filled with colored water and a clear fluid that wouldn’t mix. The whole setup was on a see-saw that an electric motor rocked gently, creating some beautiful waves. Just a heads-up, he used turpentine instead of oil and regretted that choice—it was a bit messy and not the healthiest option!
You can definitely build a wave tank! The key thing to keep in mind is the dynamic pressure from the waves can be significantly more than the water's static weight. Just be cautious about the structure you’re using—maybe avoid building it in your living room unless you're sure it’s secure!
I totally agree! That's where things can get tricky.
What's your budget looking like for this project? The acrylic or glass can get pricey, so it's good to know how much you’re willing to spend before diving in!
Yeah, physics can be pretty unforgiving, right? Better safe than sorry!