First DIY Tank

Well, I've been fishkeeping for years and after being a dork, breaking my used acrylic tank and all other efforts to buy upgrades have failed. I decided that maybe buying a bigger tank just wasn't meant to be. So, after days of scanning mfk, I've decided that a plywood build is the solution for me. Before I dive in, I'd like opinions of my plans. The picture is of the space I plan on using(excuse the mess of toys). I'm thinking I'll take out the counter with the enclosures on it, and that weird brick shelf, then put the tank and stand in there; luckily this house has a concrete foundation. I have two main questions, first I'd like to know if I need to remove the tiles that would be under the setup, will they crack under the massive weight? And what size sump would you all suggest for such a large tank?

Dimensions for tank would be 120" long X 38"(not set in stone) tall X 36" wide, totaling 710gal. Viewing panel has to be glass because some of the inhabitants will be turtles(their nails scratch acrylic). I've only built two stands for small(130 & 100gal) tanks before, but my dad is a very experienced hobby carpenter, though no experience in diy aquariums and willing to help.

I'd appreciate any mfk'er opinions on the chosen area, plywood builds in general, suggestions, or even criticisms! Thanks!

Homer Siped said:

That space looks like itd be awesome for a tank to go into. I framed mine like a house with studs, it is way over built but id rather be over than under . The glass for mine was 25x50x1/2 inch tempered was $210. I fiberglassed the inside instead of using pond armor. Mine is 300 gallons and adding loly columns in basement so the weight isnt directly on floor. What kind of turtlesare you housing? I built my tank for my ssnapping turtle.

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Mine is for 1 adult RES, 1 adult YBS/RES crossbreed, and 1 adult map. Their current 137 is pathetic and was only supposed to be temporary, but due to unexpected events has become their permanent home :/ They eat, bask, are healthy, have space, but I think they should have more. They've started to fight about once a week, and to me, that's a sign they're tired of their current home. Since I know I'm staying at this house, it's time to go for the gusto! 710 gallons with some big fish should make for happy turtles! For fiberglass, I assume you need a huge, crazy shop? I've seen people talk about coating the wood with epoxy, but I was curious on the effect the turtles nails would have. Would they scratch it off? If so, what else could I use? I want to do it right and I'm ok with over building! "Better safe than sorry" is my motto for this project!