I never considered...getting the tank in the house.

[mnloki]

tl, dr part on beginning:
I originally planned a large tank in livingroom. Construction changes, etc made me not want this. Big tank in basement was more logical.

So, I settled on basement. But, stairs have a 180 degree turn, and only one egress window. Do I mock up a PVC frame the size of aquarium to test? That's all I can think of. I'm 99% sure my original 120X30X24 won't fit. I want as big as possible...but not wanting to spend thousands and not get it in. I may be able to do a 96x30x24. I feel like for the cost I should test first.

Second option...build plywood and glass. I didn't want this because I would rather spend money than time. But, I want the big tank. I may have to just to get over 250 gallons...

 

[FreshyFresh]

Using the egress window isn't an option?

 

[FJB]

There was somebody here in MFK who made a mock-up model of a tank to test it in his truck/van and also I believe in his house(?). I believe it was part pvc and part wood or cardboard. Don't remember who, but do remember seeing it.
It would certainly be the sensible to do, as it would be a PITA to build/buy a tank and not being able to bring it in. Good luck!

 

[Denon]

tl, dr part on beginning:
I originally planned a large tank in livingroom. Construction changes, etc made me not want this. Big tank in basement was more logical.

So, I settled on basement. But, stairs have a 180 degree turn, and only one egress window. Do I mock up a PVC frame the size of aquarium to test? That's all I can think of. I'm 99% sure my original 120X30X24 won't fit. I want as big as possible...but not wanting to spend thousands and not get it in. I may be able to do a 96x30x24. I feel like for the cost I should test first.

Second option...build plywood and glass. I didn't want this because I would rather spend money than time. But, I want the big tank. I may have to just to get over 250 gallons...

I saw a 400 on craigslist awhile back and was super excited. After measuring my front door it was only 35" though and the tank was 36", I thought well I can always put it on its side and get it in. Then I realized the stand wouldn't fit. Be sure to consider all your measurements including the stand. I ended up buying a 96Lx30wx25h from glasscages.

 

[Albertan]

Have it built on site in your basement. Then you only have to worry about the individual sheets fitting, rather than the entire tank. There's also less chance of damaging your house or the tank, and you'll be able to have a bigger tank this way.

 

[fishdance]

If you have trouble getting it in, you will have trouble getting it out too. I know that sounds obvious but something to keep in mind if building insitu.

There are fiberglass tanks with glass or acrylic windows that can be bolted together. Almost any size you require.

 

[Oughtsix]

I think your PVC mockup is an excellent idea to make sure the tank you order will be able to fit through the path it needs to so that it will end up in your basement!

 

[jjohnwm]

Do the mock-up and try it out.

Don't discount the possibility of minor mods or demolitoon/re-work to the doorframe and walls.

 

[fishdance]

I lived in an apartment on the 7th floor many years ago. I wanted the biggest tank that would fit in the elevator and I made a wooden framed mock up 2.4m x .6m x .8m which did fit, just when tilted end on. Unfortunately the glass tank of same dimensions didn't fit by 2cm. So the wooden frame must have flexed somehow. I was so pissed. The stairwell was much narrower.

I ended up getting 3 glass tanks 1.8m x .6m x .8m and joined them (end on) to make a single 5.4m tank. Just masked the vertical join with black vinyl (PVC) tape.

In my current fish shed the doors are only 1.2m wide and I had a 4m x 1.5m x 1.5m tank to get in. I was able to remove some of the roof and crane it through. So I'm sure you will find a way if you want it badly enough.

 

[mnloki]

Using the egress window isn't an option?

It may be...but I still have to go smaller than planned.

Have it built on site in your basement. Then you only have to worry about the individual sheets fitting, rather than the entire tank. There's also less chance of damaging your house or the tank, and you'll be able to have a bigger tank this way.

I like that...except getting it out.

Do the mock-up and try it out.

Don't discount the possibility of minor mods or demolitoon/re-work to the doorframe and walls.

Going to have to mock it and go as large as possible. Demo would only be possible on the egress, which would cost a bunch since it's 6 inch thick concrete. Any other way would be major.