Concrete Aquarium Questions

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
for rays, I would think that the width is great, but length could use some adjustment. Perhaps 8ft x 4ft? Depth isn't as important, but your footprint needs to be as big as possible.

And yes, rebar is a must for almost any concrete structure - especially one like that
 
Can someone explain to me in a short but understanding manner what I will need to filter / sump this size of an aquarium?

Essentially I need to know everything I will need to operate this thing.
I know there are some real professionals out there that can help me out.

I know I am a real noob, but I do not want this to fail.
 
Clay;4302662; said:
for rays, I would think that the width is great, but length could use some adjustment. Perhaps 8ft x 4ft? Depth isn't as important, but your footprint needs to be as big as possible.

And yes, rebar is a must for almost any concrete structure - especially one like that

Ok, I can work with that I think, the area in which I want to put this is roughly a 15' wide bump out in the basement, so..... 15' - 9' gives me 3' on either side of the tank for doors to access the back of this thing, hmmm pushing it I think. I wonder if I can get away with only having one door and making the room deeper so I can walk around the back of all the plumbing? I think this is my only option if I go with an 8ft tank.
 
I believe after a short search I can get an Acrylic panel for just under a thousand dollars, does this sound right? Sounds pretty good to me.
 
If you are going to the effort of pouring it, i would make it as big as possible. More than likely, you will want to expand it later than get rid of it. Dimensions like 10' or 12' long, 4-5' wide, and 4' deep will be far more rewarding, and you won't regret it later. It will also hugely increase the amount and variety of fish you can keep.
 
to filter a tank that size since you want to drop the work needed id think if you used a koi type settling chamber or vortex pre filter then most of your solids would be removed before the bio filter,

http://www.koicymru.co.uk/constructb3c.htm
that would mean all you really need to do is open a drain line which would take a few seconds if you have a drain installed.
then install a constant water drip system so you dont need to do water changes.

if you really want to make it effortless you might wana work in a bottom drain
http://www.koiclay.com/diy/pg4.htm

if you put a slight slope in the base towards the drain then your weekly tank work would be open valve drain rubbish scrub algea if you want to
monthly change water filters (if you need them from your tap)
yearly clean bio filter ( this would be after the vortex )
if you really want it effortless :ROFL:
 
frasertheking;4302984; said:
to filter a tank that size since you want to drop the work needed id think if you used a koi type settling chamber or vortex pre filter then most of your solids would be removed before the bio filter,

http://www.koicymru.co.uk/constructb3c.htm
that would mean all you really need to do is open a drain line which would take a few seconds if you have a drain installed.
then install a constant water drip system so you dont need to do water changes.

if you really want to make it effortless you might wana work in a bottom drain
http://www.koiclay.com/diy/pg4.htm

if you put a slight slope in the base towards the drain then your weekly tank work would be open valve drain rubbish scrub algea if you want to
monthly change water filters (if you need them from your tap)
yearly clean bio filter ( this would be after the vortex )
if you really want it effortless :ROFL:
OMG I have no idea what any of this means!
Good thing I am hiring a local guy to set up the sump system!!! I would be pulling my hair out.
 
SpmnE9zero;4303029; said:
That is actually a great idea! I could make 90% of that myself!
yeah and you will know exactly whats going on inside if anything goes wrong.
 
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