Newbie installing in-the-wall saltwater tank needs help!

Lone Wolf · Feb 13, 2014

Hello Everyone,

I am totally new to this, so looking for some help. I bought an in the wall fish tank from Wall fish tanks and unique aquariums for sale It is a 45 gallon tank that is 5' long x 2' high x 8" deep. We are going to tear down all the sheet rock and build a frame to support this tank. Questions I have: Does the filter, pump, etc that comes with this tank support a saltwater aquarium ? Do I need anything else? I don't want to find out later that I needed to add anything before closing up the wall. If I need additional equipment what is it? Wear does it need to go? I am definitely looking to put coral, live rock, etc. in here. I will also be looking for answers regarding what can fit safely in a tank this big. Really appreciate any feedback, advice and info as this is a little more complex than just having a tank that sits on a accessible console.

vlangel · Feb 13, 2014

Hi Lone wolf, I had a 40g in our wall 25yrs ago and here's some of the things you should think about. An access from the front. When you are aquascaping or placing corals you want to be able to see them right away, not get down off a step stool and run around to the front of the tank. (My tank showed in the living room, but I worked in it from the bedroom closet behind the living room wall, which was a major pain). Make sure you have room to work in the tank with your lights safely out of the way. I cringe when I remember that I used to just prop my dual flo fixture up on end on a 4" joist next to the top of the tank. I never even unplugged it cause I needed light to see what I was doing. Amazing I didn't get electrocuted!!! I was young and stupid.
As far as livestock and equipment for a tank your size, check out the nano section under members aquariums and see what folks are doing.

benny z · Feb 13, 2014

i think the tank they are referring to is a tank actually designed to rest *in* the wall studs (without fish room access behind the wall). correct?

i believe you will find the 8" depth limiting for a reef tank. but i'm sure it can be done. with no real sump or place for external equipment, you are going to have to do very religious water changes/siphoning.