Custom Acrylic Tank Size?

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ragin_cajun

ragin_cajun

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Sep 8, 2013
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How wide is too wide if I were ordering one to be built? I know a pretty standard size is 96Lx36Wx30Tall. So 36 inches wide is a good size. Is there any problem with going up to 40 or 42 inches wide with seeing all the way to the back of the tank? I know if I look in the side of my current 72 inch 125 Gallon, the water has to be REALLY clear to see all the way out the other side of the tank, and it looks a little bit hazy viewed from the side. But looking in the front of the tank, water is crystal clear. Would a 36, or 40, or 42 inch tank start to always look hazy just because of the width of tank/water I'm looking through? There must be a limit, is it like 48 inches wide maybe?
 
I loved having the extra width from a 48" wide tank. Only issue was scaping and water flow evenly. Also tended to "lose" fish for periods of time, but never had an issue viewing my fish
 
Water flow evenly? What do you mean by that? I'm planning to run a sump, and have loc line on top of the returns in the overflows. I'm planning to have 2 overflows on the back wall of the tank, each overflow to have 2 1.5 inch drains, and one 1 inch return. I figure moving the loc lines around enough, I oughta be able to experiment til I get return line flow aimed just right for ideal water flow? I'd really like that to just work out and not have to add any powerheads or Koralia's in the tank. I'd like the tank to just be totally empty, nothing but water, fish, and two overflow boxes inside the tank.
 
And what about a drain? Since I'm getting a tank built, it'd be nothing to have them drill a hole and put a bulkhead for a drain? I figure put it on the side of the tank, about 2-3 inches from the bottom. What would you do if it were you? I imagine that'd make water changes REAL easy. Put a hose barb on it, run a hose out to the front yard, open a valve and drain half the water out. Or is the convenience not worth the eventual problem of a leaky fitting on a huge tank?
 
UnstoppableJayD said:
48 inch is the reasonable max do to the way acrylic sheets come. I have 36 wide do to the space I had wish i could have fit 48. Viwing is no problem
Click to expand...

Me to. I had to go 42 inches because 48 wouldn't fit down my stairs.
Viewing through 42 inches is no problem. Even through 10 feet is really clear.

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How do you guys drain your tanks, do water changes? Do ya'll think putting a drain on the side of a tank at the bottom is worth the trouble? Or is it not real useful?
 
My water changes are done when I back flush my ultima 11. It could be a good idea but not sure. If that valve or bulkhead leaks you'll be in trouble.
Best to keep everything behind overflow.
Just my opinion.

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I drained with a hose and gravity. It took about 30 min to drain 200+ gallons, but you just set the intake of the hose to the level you want and come back later and the siphon will break at the water level you choose. My tank was near my back door so it was easy enough I didnt put much thought into making it easier.

Edit: I was trying to prove a point by showing fish through 8' of water but the lighting was only in the middle so they arent very visible

20111219_141219.jpg
 
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