New Tank First DIY?

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Davidiator

Davidiator

Polypterus
MFK Member
Sep 17, 2017
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Hi,
I've been wanting to get a 150 or larger taknow but they are simply far to expensive...
So I wanted to ask is it cheaper to build my own stand and tank?
I am thinking 4' x 4' x 4'

I would want the tank to be 4' x 4' x 4'
Just checked on the tank calculator and that would be right there at 500 gallons :D

Now, the stand would be 27" high and would go to the same dimensions as the tank (L x W)

I want the stand to close and be beautiful...

What would the price be for something like this? If I was to build it all myself... Buy glass from some where and silicon it all? Build the stand? And filtration I would probably do a large Canister filter (Maybe build it myself?)

I have all sorts of tools so that is not a problem... Basically can I have the price of buying wood, glass, filtration, and anything else needed...

Also I would instructions on how to properly build the actual tank as I don't want it to leak ( I will defiantly fill and test outside )

Thanks :)
 
where to begin...

i guess to begin with, no matter how you do it-plywood, glass, acrylic- the project will cost well over $200 in materials. unless you happen to have everything you need lying around which is doubtful.

for a tank this large, you have to consider filtration and heating, the costs it will take to power them, and the structural integrity of your build location. youre gonna have close to 3 tons (a heavy duty pickup truck) resting on a 4x4 area.

for filtration you either need a large sump, multiple large canisters, or perhaps a single large pond filter like an ultima ii or equivalent. the easiest method, probably 3 used fx6s, will run you around $500-600 used.

this is an ambitious project. i would advise you get all materials gathered and your plans drawn up before you get started.

there are a lot of threads here on the diy board with tank builds in detail. i would read over them relentlessly for awhile before starting anything.
 
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Well,
Never mind about a DIY tank...
As soon as I told my mom what I wanted to do it went down hill lol.

She said there is NOOOO way that she is going to let an aquarium in her house that I build...

I have a pretty good track record with building things such as sheds etc. But I have never built something that is transparent and holds 4,000 pounds of water... so never mind... She told me if I find on for cheap used or something she is fine but she said she won't even let me attempt building a 10 gallon. :/

So thanks but I will sadly not be building anythign except maybe a stand anytime soon...

Will keep looking on Craigslist and stuff...
Anyone know if a website where there are used tanks?
 
Yeah, building a 500 gallon is quite a project man. Probably for the best. I would just keep an eye on craigslist. Letgo is an app that lots of people around me (nj/nyc) use as well that is similar to craigslist.
 
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Davidiator said:
Well,
Never mind about a DIY tank...
As soon as I told my mom what I wanted to do it went down hill lol.

She said there is NOOOO way that she is going to let an aquarium in her house that I build...

I have a pretty good track record with building things such as sheds etc. But I have never built something that is transparent and holds 4,000 pounds of water... so never mind... She told me if I find on for cheap used or something she is fine but she said she won't even let me attempt building a 10 gallon. :/

So thanks but I will sadly not be building anythign except maybe a stand anytime soon...

Will keep looking on Craigslist and stuff...
Anyone know if a website where there are used tanks?
Click to expand...
Your cheapest option right now probably would be to buy a 300gallon Rubbermaid tub..
 
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