This what I had in mind

[rhinoman]

This is what I had in mind for when we build our house next year. It just seemed like the expense was adding up. Biggest issue humidity control.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4282/solariumwithpondip8.th.png (http://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=solariumwithpondip8.png)

[guppy]

Big green house vent and fan system?

[rhinoman]

The plan has changed as it will continue to do until I have it all figured out. Anyway here's the new plan:

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/951/solariumwithpondws6.th.png (http://img78.imageshack.us/my.php?image=solariumwithpondws6.png)

It's greenhouse inside the solarium. The "fishtank" now has a cover!

[Joshy]

I know this thread is dead and buried, but heck i don’t want it 6 feet under.
rhinoman how is the planning going? Any improvements, movements or updates?

[rhinoman]

I have changed the plan to a 16'L x 6'W x 4'T (waterline is 36") concrete tank with 10' viewing window. Total size including the attached sump/filter is 20' x 6'W x 4'T (about 2500gal). The indoor pond project was cost prohibitive, just the solarium was going to cost $100,000! There was an issue with asthetics also. I'm not so sure that the indoor pond idea would have been as astheticly pleasing as a my current plan. The tank will be poured as a single container with a divider wall for the sump filter area. Electricity will be less than $200/month. The total cost for the tank, lighting, pump ect. will be about $20,000. I have the whole thing worked out fairly well right now. I'll try to post my plans within a few days (i'm at work right now).

[guppy]

Good luck:thumbsup: :popcorn:

[rhinoman]

I was at work yesterday when I responded. Anyway as I was saying the indoor pond was going to cost over $160,000, my new plan will cost less than $75,000. I'm including the cost for the entire patio/solarium in both prices. A few people commented on the possibility that the indoor pond would need supplemental lighting too, if I wanted to grow plants; that's a large area to light. The project just kept growing in scope till I finally said "UNCLE". My new plan is just fine and I don't feel as If I've "sacrificed my dream", it's just a different plan. It's still a very large planted tank that should be breathtakingly beautiful when completed. Electricity will be less than $150/month not the $200 I stated yesterday. "It cost the same as anyone who has a pack a day habit" (that's what I told my wife).
Here it is:
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5551/tankspecs0un.png (http://imageshack.us)

http://http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/5229/tankroomutilities3um.png (http://imageshack.us)

http://http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/8003/tankdesign0aw.png (http://imageshack.us)

Here's how it fit into the house design:

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2885/fullhouse8ey.png (http://imageshack.us)

These are just well thought out rough plans. The house will not be constructed until fall of "08". I have plenty of time to work the kinks out.

[rhinoman]

My drafting skills stink. But the pictures give you the idea.

[jarcher1390]

wow seem it will be awsum cannot wait to see it finished i may get around to this 1 day

[Joshy]

What's the "floating island"?

[TicaL]

What's the "floating island"?

In the kitchen I think you're asking about? That's just a counter in the middle of the kitchen that sometimes is where a sink is, generally have cabinets, and extra counter space making serving easier and such things like that. Just another feature that goes in some houses.

[rhinoman]

It's got nothing to do with fish! It's just a countertop with some shelves or cabinets below, but it's on wheels. Hence the "floating island". It's a mobile kitchen workspace.

[cbeitel]

very cool