Need help and advice for tank DIY

[KPhilly]

Hey y'all, I'm wanting to start a tank build for a 210G. I want to build the tank and stand for it. I have a few ideas but could really use some help. Should I go with acrylic? Is this really cost effective or should I just buy retail? Types of reef safe silicones? How to put in overflow box? Thank you for all your help!

 

[Reefing Madness]

I'd use Glass, and use Starfire Glass fo front and sides
HOW TO: Build A Large Aquarium 1/6 - YouTube
Glass-Holes Overflow Box Installation - YouTube
Bean Animal's OR Herbie Overflow - YouTube

 

[Frag freak]

^ good stuff!!

there are tons of diy threads if you do a lil digging.

are you looking to upgrade? Or just setting one up?

What kinds of finish are you interested in? When it comes to diy threads instructables.com is a good site for lots of ideas with anything diy related.

Are you familiar with the downsides of both acrylic and glass? Have you ever made a tank befote?

If you diy I would buy extra glass or acrylic and practice on your sump before jumping into making tbe big tank.


you will need help with the big tank so thats something to consideralso ...do you have flood ins?
It woukd be wise to call your ins company JUST INCASE and ask about insurance if a big tank were to let loose- not just a pipe or natural disaster.

you always run the risk of a tank leaking even if you buy from a manufacturer.

Try and shop local! It will save you a ton on shipping. Im sure there are plenty of glass or acrylic manufacturers or dist in you area big city.

Good luck with the build!!

 

[KPhilly]

This would be my first build. I honestly need to figure out the dimensions of the 210 tank.

 

[Reefing Madness]

If your building it, you can have any dimension you want. I'd opt for wider more than height.

 

[KPhilly]

Exactly what would you recommend?

 

[Reefing Madness]

If its going to be a reef tank, go like 24-36" wide, this will give you a good aquascape, along with giving the fish room to swim, if your going with fish make it an 8' tank.

 

[KPhilly]

It's gonna be reef with fish. Whole nine yards, and you think I can build this more cheaply than buy retail?

 

[Reefing Madness]

No. Only if you planned on a custom size.

 

[KPhilly]

I reckon I'll just buy retail then build everything else then. Like the stand.

 

[SloppyJ]

Not sure around there. But here you can find a 180 with a stand for around $400.

 

[KPhilly]

I can't find a deal like that round here. Take was 1,100 by itself!

 

[Reefing Madness]

I can't find a deal like that round here. Take was 1,100 by itself!

Yea, I had the same deal myself trying to get just the pieces of glass. They buy in bulk thats how they can sell em so cheap.

 

[JPG@CFI]

What part of the country are you in? It would help everyone to help steer you in the right direction. J

 

[Saltlife]

If you go with the glass holes kit it seems a little too loud for my taste. I have the 3000 kit and I hate how loud it is. I have added 2 ball valves to slow the water in the tubes and it is real quiet that way but I am too scared to leave it like that all day, afraid it will overflow in the floor. I am trying to fab something up to make it a little more quiet.