Thinking about a DIY... but will need help

[Redchamp]

OK..

I am thinking about a DIY tank and filtration set up. I have read a lot of topics on this site and have a ton of questions.

Here is my plan.....

I am located in southern Cali 110-120 in the summer and 30-50 in winter

After house is finished being built (6 mo - 1 yr planning still) I want to build a big tank. Dont know size yet due to I need to know where I want it set up. However it will be setup either in the garage or on a covered patio. The garage will be fully insulated but no heat or air.

ok first questions of many

Tank

1. What is better?
----Wood tank with glass or plastic sides?
----All glass tank?

2. How long does a wood tank last?

3. Is there a lot of extra maint on a wood tank?



Filtration

1. Is getting a pump and making your own "canister" similar to buying say a ocean clear type?

2. How often do you do water changes with a bigger tank?
----I have a 75 and 80 gal that I do a 1/4 tank every week. Do I do the same with say a 2k gal?

3. How do you aerate a tank that big?


More to come later.

Thanks
Red

 

[Redchamp]

Bump

 

[Knowdafish]

With enough heating capacity and enough $ for electricity keeping your tank warm in the winter is no problem, but how would you keep a large tank cool enough in an unairconditioned space when it gets up to 110-120?

As far as a wood tank, acrylic, or glass goes it depends on your budget and what size tank. alot of it is personal preference, but the rest depends on your budget. You are very smart to do your homework!

 

[Redchamp]

With enough heating capacity and enough $ for electricity keeping your tank warm in the winter is no problem, but how would you keep a large tank cool enough in an unairconditioned space when it gets up to 110-120?

As far as a wood tank, acrylic, or glass goes it depends on your budget and what size tank. alot of it is personal preference, but the rest depends on your budget. You are very smart to do your homework!

I am thinking that I could build some kind of cooler device for it.

I can make all types. I have access to a glass shop so buying glass/acrylic at cost is easy. I am going to check the cost of all, BUT what would be better??

Well I dont want to make any stupid mistakes and rush into it. I have not had a monster tank before. I think my biggest was a 150 Gal

 

[Frostyone]

I'd say if you're building a house that you incorporate it into the plans somewhere inside where your A/C will help keep it cool enough in the summer. Install it in a wall on the lower level..................that's what I'd do.

 

[Redchamp]

I thought about inside but I dont want a tank that big inside so my only option is to do it under the patio or in the garage

 

[Redchamp]

bump

 

[Marius]

Tank

1. What is better?
----Wood tank with glass or plastic sides?
----All glass tank?
Depends on the size. If you want to make a monster tank a plywood tank (with glass or acrylic front) is an option.
I like my 400 acrylic (8'L x 3'W x 27"H) from Tenecor.

2. How long does a wood tank last?
If built properly even up to 20 years.

3. Is there a lot of extra maint on a wood tank?
It's very important to build it properly. To my knowledge bulkheads and front glass need to be periodically resealled as the silicone tends to give up after a few years.


Filtration

1. Is getting a pump and making your own "canister" similar to buying say a ocean clear type?
Sump is definitely the best filter for large tanks.

2. How often do you do water changes with a bigger tank?
----I have a 75 and 80 gal that I do a 1/4 tank every week. Do I do the same with say a 2k gal?
I do weekly 80% water changes ...even for the 400gal.

3. How do you aerate a tank that big?
Venturi enabled powerheads ...I used 3 Aquaclear 110 powerheads with air source.

 

[Redchamp]

I like my 400 acrylic (8'L x 3'W x 27"H) from Tenecor.

But what is the price on just a tank that size or bigger? pretty expensive?


Sump is definitely the best filter for large tanks.

Never done a sump. What is the difference between that and big canister can make either but would need to do a bit more research.


I do weekly 80% water changes ...even for the 400gal.

Holy Crap 80% every week That is a bit much for me but for you it works so keep on. Maybe more like 20% - 25% weekly for me, so keep doing that for a big tank?


Venturi enabled powerheads ...I used 3 Aquaclear 110 powerheads with air source.

K

Thanks

 

[Redchamp]

Bump