In-Wall Tank Advice Needed

[Argus1]

Hi - I have been dreaming of salt water aquarium (fish and coral) for a long time. Now I am ready to take the plunge. I am considering a 300 gallon (96 long x24 wide x30 high) in-wall aquarium. I have just started my research and am looking for advice. I am not doing this work myself. I am meeting with my builder to discuss the feasibility of putting a large tank in a wall. I will also contract with an aquarium installer to set the tank the up. The problem of going to an aquarium installer, now is that I do not know enough and know that I will be lead to buy whatever the installer recommends; not what is best my me and my budget. I want to buy right the first time; not later wishing that I spent a little more to get what I really needed. What should I consider before starting such a project? What will be a good source of basic information?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R! There are a couple of users on here who have done what you're looking to do, @4FordFamily is the first one that comes to mind and I believe is in the process of building in an wall tank.

#WelcometoR2R

 

[Art2249]

Hi - I have been dreaming of salt water aquarium (fish and coral) for a long time. Now I am ready to take the plunge. I am considering a 300 gallon (96 long x24 wide x30 high) in-wall aquarium. I have just started my research and am looking for advice. I am not doing this work myself. I am meeting with my builder to discuss the feasibility of putting a large tank in a wall. I will also contract with an aquarium installer to set the tank the up. The problem of going to an aquarium installer, now is that I do not know enough and know that I will be lead to buy whatever the installer recommends; not what is best my me and my budget. I want to buy right the first time; not later wishing that I spent a little more to get what I really needed. What should I consider before starting such a project? What will be a good source of basic information?

Here's my build thread if it helps
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/art2249s-160g-build.383321/

 

[MSB123]

Welcome!

 

[Dsnakes]

Welcome to R2R will you have a dedicated fish room or plumbing to a basement? Just so we know how you plan to access the filtration equipment.

 

[jsker]

Welcome To R2R

Get at least 3 bids from different installers. Also let the installers know that you are shopping, do not make it about price Once you have the bids, pick through them for your best options and put together the list of what look good for your needs and have them rebid it. You want to see pictures of there work, a good installer will let you ask to talk to past clients if they stand behind their work.

You will get some great advice here on R2R as your wading through your decision process.

 

[SPR1968]

That’s a big tank for a first saltwater system, but at least you won’t need to upgrade, well for a while anyway! Lol

And welcome to R2R as well!

Looking forward to maybe a build thread once you get everything sorted.

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome to R2R! There are a couple of users on here who have done what you're looking to do, @4FordFamily is the first one that comes to mind and I believe is in the process of building in an wall tank.

#WelcometoR2R

My wall tank turned in to a patio, hot tub, and fire pit but it is still on my radar!

Op, welcome home, you will love it here!

Keep us posted and I’ll be watching your build thread! I’m still looking for a tank that isn’t an arm and a leg or some help building a plywood tank!

 

[Ari_Ball]

welcome, and plz keep updating this tank

 

[AlexStinson]

Hi - I have been dreaming of salt water aquarium (fish and coral) for a long time. Now I am ready to take the plunge. I am considering a 300 gallon (96 long x24 wide x30 high) in-wall aquarium. I have just started my research and am looking for advice. I am not doing this work myself. I am meeting with my builder to discuss the feasibility of putting a large tank in a wall. I will also contract with an aquarium installer to set the tank the up. The problem of going to an aquarium installer, now is that I do not know enough and know that I will be lead to buy whatever the installer recommends; not what is best my me and my budget. I want to buy right the first time; not later wishing that I spent a little more to get what I really needed. What should I consider before starting such a project? What will be a good source of basic information?

I am just in the install phase of a 330 gallon in-wall. Please check out my build thread in the description. Feel free to PM me with any questions you might need answered.

Main thing for the new build will be making sure the floor can support it, and since you are building, have at least a walk-in closet/mudroom sized fishroom for the sump, skimmer, etc.

 

[lapin]

Welcome
Here is my build thread.
http://www.austinreefclub.com/topic/38910-tank-sump-build-500-gal/
Build your house around the tank. Things to think about; Support for the tank weight. Space for the equipment. Heating and cooling (Co2 issues). Wiring and back up generator. Wet floor issues. Last 2 things i can think of is dont build over a sink hole and have fun.

 

[AlexStinson]

Welcome
Here is my build thread.
http://www.austinreefclub.com/topic/38910-tank-sump-build-500-gal/
Build your house around the tank. Things to think about; Support for the tank weight. Space for the equipment. Heating and cooling (Co2 issues). Wiring and back up generator. Wet floor issues. Last 2 things i can think of is dont build over a sink hole and have fun.

\

Sinkhole = bigger fishroom

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I would go 30 wide and 24 tall....

Will you be able to access the tank from the front or behind only or what?

 

[Argus1]

Thanks all for the responses and encouragement. This is exciting. This is already built house. There is a large laundry/mud room on the other side of the wall. The house is on a slab. I will have access to the back of the tank; I am planning to put all of the equipment will be in the mud room.

Thanks again for the support.