i just wanted to stop in and say hello, I will be spending some time lurking on your site to gather information. my wife and i are in the process of building a new house in Pennsylvania and i will be building an 8000-12000 gallon marine display tank, i will be using the plywood and fiberglass technique. The display will have 3 4x8 acrylic windows, and be 7 feet deep. I need information on plumbing, sump building, and building a(some) protien skimmer(s). i am thinking Sand swimming pool filters. anyhow, any information would be grately appreciated. PLEASE REMEMBER, IF YOU HAVE NOTHING NICE TO SAY DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL. THIS THREAD IS MORE TO SAY HELLO AND GATHER INFORMATION, NOT TO GET FLAMMED ABOUT HOW DIFFICULT THIS PROJECT IS, THIS TANK HAS BEEN ENGINEERED INTO THE HOME. THIS WILL HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!! and Just to answer some obvious questions. The foundation under the tank is poured 18 inches thick, i have a source for 2.5 inch acrylic, and i have a bachelors degree in Marine Biology and Ecology.
Hello, All
- Thread starter HeavyChicken
- Start date
Sounds like an awesome project!
You said it has already been engineered, but I was wondering why you are using plywood. It seems like concrete would be more the norm in a tank that size. I have never built anything bigger than 180 gallons (YET!) so I'm no expert by any means.
Good luck with everything, and PLEASE post pix!
You said it has already been engineered, but I was wondering why you are using plywood. It seems like concrete would be more the norm in a tank that size. I have never built anything bigger than 180 gallons (YET!) so I'm no expert by any means.
Good luck with everything, and PLEASE post pix!
The problem with concrete was being too permanant. I may not live in this house for ever, and a 12000 gallon aquarium is not always really helpful to your resale value.
pictures will come in due time, I am living in daytona beach now, and my home is being built in PA, I am gathering ideas now and tank construction will begin in the fall or winter of this year.
footprint will be 20x10, being 7 feet deep should give me approx. 10,500 gallons but depth will not be exact and since 1 cubic foot of space is equal to 7.480519 gallons of water total volume has a lot of potential to change with just a couple inches in depth change
I would make it so you could convert it into an extra room when you move 
20x10 is a good sized room.
20x10 is a good sized room.