Should I attempt to build my dream tank?

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SeanCJ

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 6, 2009
36
11
8
Kansas
I'm wanting to purchase a new monster tank. Dream size is 11 feet long, 30 inches deep and 48 inches tall.
I can't really afford to have this tank built new, so I've been looking for a similar sized used tank for about a year but most are either too deep and not tall enough. I've literally looked every single day on craigslist, ebay, and countless fish forums with no luck.
So, after reading many of the DIY threads here, I'm starting to think I could build my own. However, most of the tanks built here seem to be deeper and not as tall as I'm wanting. I'm limited to a tank 30" deep due to pool table and wall location. Before you say it, no, the pool table nor the wall can be moved :)
A hobby of mine is finish carpentry (I build custom aquarium stands/canopies, full surround cabinetry, and other projects for the home) and I've done a fair share of remodeling homes and basements, so I'm capable with wood and tools.
Just not sure about building such a tall and long tank.
Any advice or suggestions?
Anyone else built such a long and tall tank?
Thanks in advance for all the tips and advice.
Happy Thanksgiving All!
Sean
 
It's been done many times. But at 4 feet high. Your biggest expense will be the viewing window.

Do you want 1 viewing window in a wood tank or multiple windows? How tall do you want the viewing window to be. At 4' vertical it would need to be quite thick. If you reduced it to say 25-30"s then you would be much easier to do. But you need to know what you want first.
 
I know what I want, and its got to be 40"s, or taller, preferably. If I wanted a tank only 30" tall I would simply buy one. Tanks of that size are relatively easy to find.
I would want as tall a viewing window as possible. I'll be building a full cabinet surround, so viewing would only be from the front.
 
At 4 feet deep, personally, I would feel much better about a cement block tank over a wood one. Thats a lot of water pressure. Also, two things I don't like to see around a tank is pool tables and weight benches.
 
Can't do the concrete. At this height, I'm sure I'll be using acrylic for the viewing panel and any premade tank I find will be fairly thick acrylic and relatively safe near the pool table. The pool table doesn't actually get that much use so I'm not worried about it.
 
Just running numbers.


Acrylic

132" x 40" - supported wall = 1.75" thick


Glass

132" x 40" = 1" thick with saftey ratio of 3.2
glass sheet would weigh 415 pounds.


Water weight of a 132" x 30" x 40" = 685 Gallons = 5,725 pounds.


Hope you got a good floor.
 
Muni;3653022; said:
Just running numbers.


Acrylic

132" x 40" - supported wall = 1.75" thick


Glass

132" x 40" = 1" thick with saftey ratio of 3.2
glass sheet would weigh 415 pounds.


Water weight of a 132" x 30" x 40" = 685 Gallons = 5,725 pounds.


Hope you got a good floor.
Click to expand...
Its the basement floor, concrete slab, so it will be fine.
 
Why wouldn't you build your dream tank? If it is within your capabilities -go for it! There are plenty of people here with the know how, and from experience I know there are even more here that are willing to lend a hand. Do it, do it, do it!
 
I agree. Build your dream tank. One day when I can afford to do it, I would like to attempt it also. 48" tall eh? you must have really long arms.
 
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