Feedback from building your own tank...

Onebaldman · May 4, 2012

So I've talked to Mike in the past about building a tank, but the whole process still worries me. I know that manufacturer's do it all the time, but that's the point...they do it all the time.

That and I originally wanted a cube, but now I'm thinking of an "L" because my stand will handle it. So I wanted to get feedback from anyone who has built their own tank or even thoughts of me wanting to build an "L" tank.

JSB · May 4, 2012

Never actually built one...yet, but many people have. Couple of things to think about, I believe. Are you at all handy with tools and have a place to work on it? If not, I would look elsewhere. Next, is what you want available from a commercial vendor? If you are wanting a 55g for instance, they are a dime a dozen and it will cost you as much to build it as buy it, and you have no warranty. Now, if you want a 56g or 57g, or L, or 271.625g, or any other unique shape or size, and you have the tools, materials and the expertise available, then go ahead and build it. If you can get the glass or acrylic CNC'd to the exact sizes you need, it is really a matter of gluing it together. You will likely over-engineer it anyway.

Do a couple of trial runs. Build yourself a sump or a q-tank, and op-test it in the garage for a month or two, and place it on a less the perfect stand and see how your handy work holds up. You might just impress yourself.

The one I have always wanted to build is like the ones in the movie Cannery Row. Basically, ~120g that is framed with 2x4s and threaded rods to give it an industrial loft look. I just don't have a place for something like that. But someday...

Onebaldman · May 4, 2012

I have built smaller acrylic tanks before, but with acrylic being different than glass...that's what bothers me.

To answer your question, yes...I am a very DIY person. I have tools, I have work space, I have knowledge...confidence, not as much. I'm looking at roughly a 145 gallons. If you think of the L as two different rectangles, one would be 24" tall, 10" deep, by 48" long. The other rectangle would be a 30" cube, 24" tall.

I would love for the tank to be 32" tall, but then would be getting into thicker glass, ect.

Just things to think about as I stare at my space.

Onebaldman · May 4, 2012

Another thing I thought about was calling around and seeing how much a 24" wide, by 18' long piece of acrylic would be. I would then slowly heat the acrylic to bend it and make all the walls out of one piece. I would look pretty slick...but expensive...

I don't know why I have it in my head that I need an L shaped tank over a cube...

Tomoko Schum · May 4, 2012

I remember 8ball building a hexagonal sump by bending an acrylic plate for his hexagonal display tank. It fit in the stand perfectly.

markie mark · May 5, 2012

Just my 2 cents.Mike can build the sh_t out of a tank..We've built a few together...His prop tank,my prop tank building an awesome cube for a guy now. 32''x32''x24'' and I also stuck the front paine on my 150..Its not the hardest thing in the world to do but Mike has all the tools to do it right and clean..plus knowing the correct silicone to use and making sure its really clean...

davidc · May 6, 2012

Well, I finally registered. Usually just look around, but when I saw Mikes name come I had to post on this one.
I own a couple of frag tanks from Mike and have seen his personal tanks and markiemarks too.
The quality and attention to detail is top notch.
You will very happy if you have Mike build it.

Onebaldman · May 7, 2012

Thanks guys, I figure it was fate that stepped in because I was in Petco and just happened to flip through their special order tanks. They have a marineland 30x30x24 cube for $400. Going to go with that one until we change houses.

davidc · May 13, 2012

Onebaldman said:
Thanks guys, I figure it was fate that stepped in because I was in Petco and just happened to flip through their special order tanks. They have a marineland 30x30x24 cube for $400. Going to go with that one until we change houses.

I had the same cube a few years back and loved it.
Had it built by an Ocean Springs shop for $420 something.