What kind of budget should I be looking at?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Drstrangelove said:
You're right, I think it's as it gets smaller, the cost benefit shrinks. In addition, if you need any tools that you don't have (sanders, drills, specialty saws), those costs are sunk costs and make it less attractive.

I can't tell you where people said it was much less attractive to build versus buy. I recall it was in the 100-300 gallon range, but don't quote me.

Also, it depends on whether or not you value your time. I don't know many people who would give up their weekends or vacation time to build a tank for someone else for free. If it's treated as "free" (because it's a hobby), then it's a lot easier to make it look like a cost savings. OTOH, if you think your spare time is worth something ($10 / hour, $25 / hour, etc.) then it can change the results.
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As a rule of thumb I've seen anything over 300 gallons (sometimes 500) is more cost effective to build. I think if I find someone who will build a tank that size out of glass (acrylic would be bad here for numerous reasons), and they would do it for the cost of materials (again, good chunk added to tax return), I would jump on the opportunity immediately. My grandfather is in construction, and said he can get me a powder-coated steel stand (or however many I need) for the cost of materials as well.

Personally, I would much rather buy than build. However if building is the only way, I would be willing to do it. I don't want to take a profit from this unless it's offered.
 
Professional showroom quality would easily cost over $50k. Just the cabinetry alone could cost $12k. Electrical and plumbing for it all could be another $12k. The building might need some foundation work too yo support the water weight. Humidity control could be an issue also, so a proper hvac system could cost another $12k. Most big projects like this never get finished once the money stops flowing. You might end getting sued for rhe incomplete work and not be on talking terms with the school.
 
I agree with most of what was posted. Wondering if it would be easier to contact some vendors, contractors, etc and see what they would be willing to donate for a large school project.

Also, I am trying to picture this in my head, but are we talking like a random long wall and on that wall these tanks are all lined up end-to-end or? Whats the layout plan here?
 
BMac91 said:
I agree with most of what was posted. Wondering if it would be easier to contact some vendors, contractors, etc and see what they would be willing to donate for a large school project.

Also, I am trying to picture this in my head, but are we talking like a random long wall and on that wall these tanks are all lined up end-to-end or? Whats the layout plan here?
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Look up "fish wall build" here on MFK. Something like that.
 
stempy said:
I musta forgot my sarcastic face... How's the 15k gallon build coming along?:rolleyes:
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Oh. That was a pipepine dream. I've since realized that a 15,000 gallon tank... is a lot more work than I'm used to. I've not owned anything over 265 gallons. 15,000 is a BIG step up. Eventually if I settle down and get a house and stable income, and plenty of experience with tanks that get up near that size, I might tackle 15,000 gallons. Until then, it's a pipeline dream and I'm not going to give it any more thoughts.

Either way, I'll be sure to update you guys on the meeting tomorrow. Hopefully he says yes
 
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