Now that I've captured your attention I would like any tips regarding the build of a large aquarium out of cement. The reason I chose cement is because it's relatively cheap and strong plus I live in the tropics so wood is not such a good material considering the insects and constant humidity changes. So far I'm planning to have an L-shaped aquarium with the following dimensions (in inches): 164 long by 36 deep (front to back) by 36 high in the long part and the short part will be 130 by 60 deep at most (front to back) by 36 high.
The tank is going to be used as a freshwater aquarium. I also plan to keep the canopy clear and just wrap the front side with plastic to allow more light to enter as I want to keep plants in the airspace above to help with filtering the water. Lighting will be done with natural sunlight supplemented by any good cheap both in costs and upkeep (this is important) lighting that I can find and will serve the purpose right. Substrate will be most likely sand as I like the natural look. The plumbing for filters and water changes will be as follows:
> False floor of one inch to allow for easier water removal.
> Water outlets will be through the bottom of the tank and will go up a bit higher than water level. This should cut on the noise of a sump and give me an easier method to clean the tank. To strengthen the plumbing I plan on building the tubes into the walls of the aquarium itself.
>Water return will be by water level pipes and an array of tubes at ceiling level with holes cut in them to give the effect of rain. This will be controlled by switches so it's not constant.
I have a small draft of how I would like it designed but it doesn't include the plumbing or support structer as I haven't had time to finish that part of the design.
I'd like a relative guess-estimate of the cost.
What would be cheaper and safer: acrylic or glass and what thickness would I need for it?
Any advice before, during and after the construction process to make this a safe, enjoyable build for years to come?
The tank is going to be used as a freshwater aquarium. I also plan to keep the canopy clear and just wrap the front side with plastic to allow more light to enter as I want to keep plants in the airspace above to help with filtering the water. Lighting will be done with natural sunlight supplemented by any good cheap both in costs and upkeep (this is important) lighting that I can find and will serve the purpose right. Substrate will be most likely sand as I like the natural look. The plumbing for filters and water changes will be as follows:
> False floor of one inch to allow for easier water removal.
> Water outlets will be through the bottom of the tank and will go up a bit higher than water level. This should cut on the noise of a sump and give me an easier method to clean the tank. To strengthen the plumbing I plan on building the tubes into the walls of the aquarium itself.
>Water return will be by water level pipes and an array of tubes at ceiling level with holes cut in them to give the effect of rain. This will be controlled by switches so it's not constant.
I have a small draft of how I would like it designed but it doesn't include the plumbing or support structer as I haven't had time to finish that part of the design.
I'd like a relative guess-estimate of the cost.
What would be cheaper and safer: acrylic or glass and what thickness would I need for it?
Any advice before, during and after the construction process to make this a safe, enjoyable build for years to come?
