Need suggestions on tank build etc...

Enzman · Mar 16, 2014

Hi guys-

I'm new to all of this, but happen to have a friend who's been doing saltwater tanks for years. I'm looking for a little bit of advice on what to do with this spot in my house. I want a tank that will be open on both sides, and would like to build my own support in the wall to house the filtration system etc. Right now the opening is 39"w x 13" deep. I've contemplated building the side out a few more inches based on what I would need as far as room underneath. Also, I may or may not be getting rid of the arch and changing the area above. I just recently purchased this house, and having that spot for a fish tank was one of the big selling points of the house (among others). Anyways, I know there's tons of experience out there, so have at it. Also, I'm an electrician by trade and like to believe I'm exceptionally handy at DIY.

Trying to post 3 pics to help you get an idea of what I'm looking at.

I'd like to get at least 75 gallons out of this spot, and slightly more if it's realistic. Just looking for opinions here, and don't get my feelings hurt easily so lets have some advice.

Thanks in advance, and looking forward to a long relationship here.

Marty

Enzman · Mar 16, 2014

Trying to modify one of the pictures that's not up and down, will figure it out. My apologies.

SloppyJ · Mar 16, 2014

Just put a tank on a stand on the other side of it so when you look through you see the tank. Other than a HUGE remodel, I think it'd be hard to do something there.

Enzman · Mar 16, 2014

What is it that is preventing me from putting a tank there? I could easily add as much thickness to that wall as I wanted for minimal investment.

Enzman · Mar 16, 2014

I could simply build an extra foot onto the inside of the wall (same place you suggest a tank stand) and build it up only to the height of the original shelf, and then I'd be able to have the tank closer to 24" deep give or take.

mfinn · Mar 16, 2014

Enzman said:
I could simply build an extra foot onto the inside of the wall (same place you suggest a tank stand) and build it up only to the height of the original shelf, and then I'd be able to have the tank closer to 24" deep give or take.

Yes, but you would want a big area underneath to hide a sump.
You could do a custom sized tank like a 38" wide x 24" front to back x 24" tall which would be a shade under 95 gallons.

Enzman · Mar 16, 2014

mfinn said:
Yes, but you would want a big area underneath to hide a sump.
You could do a custom sized tank like a 38" wide x 24" front to back x 24" tall which would be a shade under 95 gallons.

Isn't this more room than I would have if I put it on a tank stand? Maybe I'm not explaining myself. I would tear up all the room underneath and use it for my filtration system. The two sides are load bearing, but in between isn't. I could reenforce it to hold the weight and then basically make it a cabinet with everything underneath. Yes, 38x24x24 would be awesome.

mfinn · Mar 16, 2014

Enzman said:
Isn't this more room than I would have if I put it on a tank stand? Maybe I'm not explaining myself. I would tear up all the room underneath and use it for my filtration system. The two sides are load bearing, but in between isn't. I could reenforce it to hold the weight and then basically make it a cabinet with everything underneath. Yes, 38x24x24 would be awesome.

I think I see and it would be great. You could have a ( possibly ) 95 gallon tank and only take up 12"-13" of floor space in the room.

Enzman · Mar 16, 2014

Are there people that you would trust to cut me pieces of acrylic to size on the internet? Is this something I could get done locally instead? I have most of the tools, but from what I've read I would need a router to make a perfect edge and it wouldn't be worth the investment or time.

mfinn · Mar 16, 2014

Enzman said:
Are there people that you would trust to cut me pieces of acrylic to size on the internet? Is this something I could get done locally instead? I have most of the tools, but from what I've read I would need a router to make a perfect edge and it wouldn't be worth the investment or time.

For a tank that size and as visible from all sides like it will be, I would go with a custom tank builder to make you something special in that spot.
I don't know of any custom tank builders in Las Vegas.
I do know 2 in my area.

For glass I would go with a company called Oceans By Design. They are building me a custom 240 right now.
Custom Glass Aquariums & Signature Aquarium Filtration, Protien Skimmers, Sumps

For acrylic I would look at

home

JPG@CFI · Mar 17, 2014

ATM is probably right down the street! Have them build you phone booth tank, or a gigantic bubble gum tank! Just kidding, they don't have time for real aquarium projects, and don't return phone calls anyways. As mfinn has mentioned, www.worldclassaquariums.com will do a fantastic job. He has a thread on Reeffrontiers.com that is pretty impressive, best of luck, J