Which direction would you go. Large DIY tank.

[MonsterFishCreeper]

As I get closer to getting my house on the market im starting to think about possibilities for a big tank. My current layout just doesn't have space for what I want. One of the key requirements in the new house search is a basement with a solid concrete slab so I can go as big as I want. If the layout allows I would love to do a tank with a wall cutout in one room for viewing and the tank itself in the next room, presumably some kind of laundry/utility room.

My first idea to was to buy two used 125 gallon tanks for the 6 foot panels and buy a 6x6 piece of glass for the bottom. Would the panels on a 125 be thick enough to safely support all the pressure? If not, what thickness of glass would you want for a 6x6 tank.

Second idea is just a plywood tank the only downside is it could only be viewed from one room. The upside is I can make it deeper and even though a lot of fish won't use all layers of the tank I think it's visually pleasing to have the bigger front panel especially considering the rest of the tank isn't viewable.

Im assuming that if I cannot repurpose two large tanks that the cost of buying all new glass panels wouldn't be worth it. If the 125 panels are too thin what about bigger common size tanks? Aren't the 150 and up made of thicker glass?

 

[Jez1992]

Look at that.

I'm sure you've seen joeys diy aquarium of those dimension with plywood base as he's answers your first point in the above video.

In relation to second point, even if you go with plywood build I'd do a side panel too as you may not be able to see it when in the room, but will make it a hell of a lot easier to clean it when round the back /side and see what your doing, especially when dealing with a 6x6 tank.

 

[MonsterFishCreeper]

Look at that.

I'm sure you've seen joeys diy aquarium of those dimension with plywood base as he's answers your first point in the above video.

In relation to second point, even if you go with plywood build I'd do a side panel too as you may not be able to see it when in the room, but will make it a hell of a lot easier to clean it when round the back /side and see what your doing, especially when dealing with a 6x6 tank.

That was certainly another concern. I don't want to build something without considering long term maintenance and what it will really take to keep it going. The 6x6 dimension isn't something I'm stuck on to be honest. I just though it might save build money using old tank panels. I'll watch joeys video I don't think I've seen that one.

 

[Jez1992]

Fantastic series I must have watched each video like ten times lol!

Other option is to buy a 6ft 125 and then a smaller 4ft 75 and using the panel for that but use same method as in video, mad then you've got loads of left over glass to cut down and use as braces.

 

[Jez1992]

So would then be a 6x4 instead of 6x6 as 6ft deep is very deep and no point unless keeping huge rays or cats really