I need some inspiration and advice!

revhtree · Jul 15, 2016

I need some inspiration and advice for my new build!

I am going to have this tank in the wall but I feel like just a cut out rectangle is going to be kinda boring!

My wife thinks that will look best.

Should I recess it just a bit to have a lip?
Should I build a detailed frame around it?
Any other ideas?

What do you guys think and do you have any photos to share?

themcnertney · Jul 15, 2016

I made my opening 12" larger all around (sides and top) from the tank. I put hinges so that the frame could open and I could have access around the three sides. This helps with everyday cleaning as I can open these panels to get access from the front and not just the rear. I would strongly suggest doing this.

ProjectAnemone · Jul 15, 2016

http://www.furniturefashion.com/in-wall-aquariums-pictures-and-designs/

Robthorn · Jul 15, 2016

If I had access through the front I might want a recess or at least a lower ledge of maybe 4 inches to set stuff while working.
If there is no access I might only look at 1/2 inch recess just to add to the detail of whatever picture frame kind of thing I added.
You could always come down to the floor with some thin wood shaped like pillars or something. Routed grooves maybe?
Possibilities are endless.

kschweer · Jul 15, 2016

I too would suggest at least an opening up top with a door that opens upwards. You can have a cabinet maker or a good carpenter make you a raised panel door fairly easily. You'll love having some access from the front of the tank. It can be a real pain working in an in wall with only access from the back. If you have the door made you can have who ever did it make a nice frame around the tank to match the door.

revhtree · Jul 15, 2016

Dan McNertney said:
I made my opening 12" larger all around (sides and top) from the tank. I put hinges so that the frame could open and I could have access around the three sides. This helps with everyday cleaning as I can open these panels to get access from the front and not just the rear. I would strongly suggest doing this.

Photos?

revhtree · Jul 15, 2016

ProjectAnemone said:
http://www.furniturefashion.com/in-wall-aquariums-pictures-and-designs/

Oh wow thanks for the link!

revhtree · Jul 15, 2016

Robthorn said:
If I had access through the front I might want a recess or at least a lower ledge of maybe 4 inches to set stuff while working.
If there is no access I might only look at 1/2 inch recess just to add to the detail of whatever picture frame kind of thing I added.
You could always come down to the floor with some thin wood shaped like pillars or something. Routed grooves maybe?
Possibilities are endless.

I'll be working mostly from behind the tank but I do like the looks of a ledge.

revhtree · Jul 15, 2016

kschweer said:
I too would suggest at least an opening up top with a door that opens upwards. You can have a cabinet maker or a good carpenter make you a raised panel door fairly easily. You'll love having some access from the front of the tank. It can be a real pain working in an in wall with only access from the back. If you have the door made you can have who ever did it make a nice frame around the tank to match the door.

I agree I think I really need this the more I think about it and people suggest it. Just want something that will look GREAT!!

143MPCo · Jul 15, 2016

I like a combo idea myself, picture-framing the tank and a small ledge is aesthetically pleasing to me, chairs optional.

redfishbluefish · Jul 15, 2016

With a conventional basement build, I'd have to agree with access from the front...a minimum of the top opening. But you're not conventional. If I remember correctly, you have a very large back-room with very high ceilings. So I'm not convinced the front openings are needed. I'd have a step-up deck like arrangement on the back side to make access and reach that much easier.

Now as far as finish, I like tanks right up to the level of the walls with very simple trim.....I'd prefer simply flat boards....maybe 1 x 4 or 1 x 6, dependent on the scale, framing the tank. The reason is that the tank should be the focal point. Although I've seen some very fancy and ornate stands, I wouldn't want folks to come into the fish room and now comment on the woodworking, and not the tank. So simplicity in the finished wood working around the tank. JMTC!

twilliard · Jul 15, 2016

I can't wait to see this come around!
It will look awesome and everyone in the home will enjoy the view

It will be like a big live picture frame

Jimbo662 · Jul 15, 2016

Dan McNertney said:
I made my opening 12" larger all around (sides and top) from the tank. I put hinges so that the frame could open and I could have access around the three sides. This helps with everyday cleaning as I can open these panels to get access from the front and not just the rear. I would strongly suggest doing this.

On mine I had a neighbor build a frame like a picture frame and made it look great but after a while I wish I'd done something like what Dan did. With a tank against a wall most people don't worry about cleaning the back. With it in the wall you want to keep the front pane clean and trying to clean that pane from the back is a PITA!

themcnertney · Jul 15, 2016

revhtree · Jul 15, 2016

143MPCo said:
I like a combo idea myself, picture-framing the tank and a small ledge is aesthetically pleasing to me, chairs optional.

That's nice!

revhtree · Jul 15, 2016

redfishbluefish said:
With a conventional basement build, I'd have to agree with access from the front...a minimum of the top opening. But you're not conventional. If I remember correctly, you have a very large back-room with very high ceilings. So I'm not convinced the front openings are needed. I'd have a step-up deck like arrangement on the back side to make access and reach that much easier.

Now as far as finish, I like tanks right up to the level of the walls with very simple trim.....I'd prefer simply flat boards....maybe 1 x 4 or 1 x 6, dependent on the scale, framing the tank. The reason is that the tank should be the focal point. Although I've seen some very fancy and ornate stands, I wouldn't want folks to come into the fish room and now comment on the woodworking, and not the tank. So simplicity in the finished wood working around the tank. JMTC!

Nice suggestions and yes I have already considered a walk around type something so I can get right up level with the tank to work easily!

revhtree · Jul 15, 2016

Dan McNertney said:

Ah ok cool!

Drakonis · Jul 16, 2016

Its not what your looking to do but i always thought a custom tank in a lower level room where the foundation ledge is existant already so it wraps the room essentially turning most of the wall from ledge up to tank. maintenance would suck but just wanted yo throw that out there

Salty1962 · Jul 17, 2016

This is what I was thinking about, having panels on the front top and doors on either side for access to the sides of your tank. Make them ornate to compliment your wall and tank.
JM .02