850 gallon acrylic aquarium

[Supalah17]

so after doing some measuring, some budgeting, and realizing the wasted potential of my massive basement, I have decided to move forward on building a 96x48x48” aquarium.

I have built a couple of 100g breeding tanks and know the basics of building aquariums, but I’ve never taken on a project of this size. I’m looking for specifics on acrylic thickness, I’ve been told 2” thick would be the minimum, but other opinions are appreciated. Also not sure what to do for a stand, I feel 2x4s would not be enough support for that massive weight, but it only needs maybe a 1’ lift, cinder blocks perhaps?

Also would appreciate links/descriptions of filtration for something that size, my previous biggest is a 350 running 2x fluval FX6s. Heating and lighting are under control.

As far as stocking, I planned on putting my fire eel and my TT eel in there, while they normally wouldn’t work together, that much space gives them both plenty of territory. Also probably going to house my rescue black arowana. Beyond that I’m not decided on anything.

Thanks I’m advance for any/all help!

 

[pacu mom]

How about making your stand out of 2 1/2" tubular steel? We went with 3 1/2" tubular steel for our stand...overkill construction

Was better looking after powder coating.

 

[Supalah17]

How about making your stand out of 2 1/2" tubular steel? We went with 3 1/2" tubular steel for our stand...overkill construction

Was better looking after powder coating.

How much $$ would something like that run?

 

[pacu mom]

My husband built it, so sorry I can't help you with cost.

 

[Supalah17]

I have a spare 120 gallon aquarium that I was thinking of using for a scratch made sump filter, any thoughts?

 

[pacu mom]

Are you just going with sump filtration? Have you considered Ultima IIs? Possibly two Ultima II 2,000s? A lot of people with big tanks go with Ultimas. Many use two Ultimas and purge them on an alternating schedule.

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

Are you just going with sump filtration? Have you considered Ultima IIs? Possibly two Ultima II 2,000s? A lot of people with big tanks go with Ultimas. Many use two Ultimas and purge them on an alternating schedule.

I would recommend you look into these. If you’re only lifting it 1ft then you will have even less height for a sump.

If you don’t mind having your sump located separately, and you want to use a sump over the Ultimas, then I recommend you get at least a 180 to use for the sump. However, a 220 would be better.

 

[Supalah17]

I would recommend you look into these. If you’re only lifting it 1ft then you will have even less height for a sump.

If you don’t mind having your sump located separately, and you want to use a sump over the Ultimas, then I recommend you get at least a 180 to use for the sump. However, a 220 would be better.

If I would have to get a 220 to run a sump, I’ll definitely be looking into the Ultima, looks like a cheaper option overall as well, even running 2 of them, also not sure I could fit a 220 down into my basement, the space is huge, but that’s part of why I’m building the 850. The sheets of acrylic will fit (barely), just no actual tanks bigger than a 125, tiny and weird shaped stairs

 

[Supalah17]

For reference before it’s asked: I literally had to remove my basement stairs and get about 8 friends together to get the 350 in there, not interested in doing that again lol