Hello All...
I just want to start by saying how much this site has helped my knowledge of fish keeping. Even though I have not been a member for very long, I have spent much of my time reading and researching the forums for ideas and direction...
It has greatly influenced the care that I provide to the tanks that are in current operation and will certainly increase the quality of life for the future inhabitants of this new tank...
So here is where I am today (sorry in advance for the crappy quality pics - cell phone only for now)...
The tank dimensions are L-10' 10" X W-24" X H-24"
Approx. 300+ Gallons - built with 1/2" glass
Full tank shot from front (view from doorway in the kitchen)...
Full tank shot from the right side...
The width dimension of this tank were pre-decided (after a consultation with my wife concerning the allowable space
). I suppose that I could have gone slightly taller but after review of additional costs (the cost of the tank would have more than double if I had gone taller because I would have been bumped to 5/8 glass by the builder
).
The stand was built with pretty much entirely with help and direction from one of my good friends (who happens to also be my neighbor). It was constructed by using 4x4 and 6x6 posts with 12" lag bolts to secure the cross members. It is also secured to two walls of the house for extra stability.
Originally, before MFK, I had planned to filter this tank with canister filters. Needless to say, after spending many weeks on this site (reading and researching), I have decided to have an overflow installed and use canisters as a secondary.
This brings me to the first of my questions...
Because of the way that my stand was built, I would rather drill in the side panel instead of through the base of the tank (see picture below)
View of left side panel from inside the tank...
View of corner from outside...
Does drilling a side panel weaken the tank compared to going through the bottom?
Also, for referecnce, I am looking for flow of 3,000+ gallons per hour. I need to know what type bulk head will be required to support this. My original thought was 2 @ 2" but the person who will be drilling on site has mentioned a single hole at 2 1/2" to 3".
Will either one of these handle the flow that I need?
Is one option better than the other?
Any thoughts and or comments would be appreciated...
My second question is in regards to the lid and bracing... Currently I have three 1/2" glass braces spaced across the top from the original builder of the tank.
Current bracing picture...
Rather than what I have, I am hoping to find someone who can provide a complete cover with holes in it so there is a border around the entire top of the tank. I was thinking this could be acrylic instead of glass...
My questions is... If I go with acrylic, will it bond (using std aquarium silicone) to be as strong as glass to glass?
Will having a 2-3" border (as well as cross members)help strengthen the tank as I am hoping? Or am I better off to stay with what I have?
As for stocking, this is still up in the air... I have seen so many incredible set ups here!
My goal is to have the tank completed and up and running in the next few months (this has taken allot longer than I originally anticipated). Once the filtration and cover are in place I will be able to finish the rest of the construction (canopy and asthetics)... The end goal is to have the tank have the look of being built into the wall...
Again, any comments or ideas are welcome...
Thank you in advance...
I just want to start by saying how much this site has helped my knowledge of fish keeping. Even though I have not been a member for very long, I have spent much of my time reading and researching the forums for ideas and direction...
It has greatly influenced the care that I provide to the tanks that are in current operation and will certainly increase the quality of life for the future inhabitants of this new tank...
So here is where I am today (sorry in advance for the crappy quality pics - cell phone only for now)...
The tank dimensions are L-10' 10" X W-24" X H-24"
Approx. 300+ Gallons - built with 1/2" glass
Full tank shot from front (view from doorway in the kitchen)...
Full tank shot from the right side...
The width dimension of this tank were pre-decided (after a consultation with my wife concerning the allowable space
). I suppose that I could have gone slightly taller but after review of additional costs (the cost of the tank would have more than double if I had gone taller because I would have been bumped to 5/8 glass by the builder).The stand was built with pretty much entirely with help and direction from one of my good friends (who happens to also be my neighbor). It was constructed by using 4x4 and 6x6 posts with 12" lag bolts to secure the cross members. It is also secured to two walls of the house for extra stability.
Originally, before MFK, I had planned to filter this tank with canister filters. Needless to say, after spending many weeks on this site (reading and researching), I have decided to have an overflow installed and use canisters as a secondary.
This brings me to the first of my questions...
Because of the way that my stand was built, I would rather drill in the side panel instead of through the base of the tank (see picture below)
View of left side panel from inside the tank...
View of corner from outside...
Does drilling a side panel weaken the tank compared to going through the bottom?
Also, for referecnce, I am looking for flow of 3,000+ gallons per hour. I need to know what type bulk head will be required to support this. My original thought was 2 @ 2" but the person who will be drilling on site has mentioned a single hole at 2 1/2" to 3".
Will either one of these handle the flow that I need?
Is one option better than the other?
Any thoughts and or comments would be appreciated...
My second question is in regards to the lid and bracing... Currently I have three 1/2" glass braces spaced across the top from the original builder of the tank.
Current bracing picture...
Rather than what I have, I am hoping to find someone who can provide a complete cover with holes in it so there is a border around the entire top of the tank. I was thinking this could be acrylic instead of glass...
My questions is... If I go with acrylic, will it bond (using std aquarium silicone) to be as strong as glass to glass?
Will having a 2-3" border (as well as cross members)help strengthen the tank as I am hoping? Or am I better off to stay with what I have?
As for stocking, this is still up in the air... I have seen so many incredible set ups here!
My goal is to have the tank completed and up and running in the next few months (this has taken allot longer than I originally anticipated). Once the filtration and cover are in place I will be able to finish the rest of the construction (canopy and asthetics)... The end goal is to have the tank have the look of being built into the wall...
Again, any comments or ideas are welcome...
Thank you in advance...
