BAD ***$$$$$ 500 gal setup 8'x5x20" ALOT of pics

[gveng]

I will be able to access the tank from all sides. The tank will be centered along the wall. Also the top of the tank will be 53" high. I will have a canopy on it, but it will be built just like this, but for WAY cheaper: http://steelaquariumstands.com/
He wanted $2000+ for the stand, and $2000+ for the cabinetry. HA HA, my stand will be made for less than $500.

are you local? i'm LA if you need any help.

 

[sponger_2]

Why paint the bottom, which will be covered with sand, but not the back or side?

I can't believe you let her take the time to brush that twice instead of going out to get a roller, btw. That was mean!

Will you be figuring out a way to cover up the sides since there's a visible overflow and the plumbing/holes? That presents a minor design challenge, but it could also just be done with a nice wide piece of fluted moulding to frame the entire unit, which would class it up quite a bit.

I also wonder how you plan to put a lid on that giant space. Kind of amazing it doesn't have cross pieces...

the overflow is or was visible if you were looking at the tank head on. I painted that part sa now its all black as well. Im not going to paint the back black, but am going to get a 1/4" blue acrylic sheet to span the outside back of it. So then if i ever want to change the background, i can. The plumbing holes are gonna server as my returns, even there are 2 returns in the overflow as well. OR i might go get some acrylic pieces cut them into a small square shape just big enough to cover the holes and be done with it. As far as the painting, it went quite fast actually, no complaints from her. lol.

i'm guessing he's going to keep it barebottom? that would be A LOT of sand...

I painted the bottom so that just in case i ever did go bare bottom it would be all ready to go. I have a lil over a 100lbs of sand and feel that should be enough. Also the fish that are going into it, will move the sand alot.

 

[DaveB]

Yeah, eartheaters do need earth to eat. I'd be willing to bet 100lbs isn't enough for that massive footprint though. I have I think 80 lbs PFS spread between a 4x2 and a 6x1.5 footprint and it's pretty thin (though I like it that way, easier to clean). That's 17sqft. Yours is more than twice that (god, my geos would be so jealous if they knew...)

Good call on the removable background. That's my one hesitation about painting my acrylic. I know I want black and a nice dark tank, but I don't know that I want it to be permanent...

I'm guessing that having returns on that other side would be great for circulation. Aim them low and stuff on the overflow side high. Would look better than plugging the holes. And being that it's in the living room then you could hide them with a removable end piece and maybe some nice moulding. Sorry, not to get pushy or anything, it's just what I'd do. Never hurts to impress guests even if the fish are asleep. And you can accomplish a lot with trim, too... it's not all that complicated.

 

[jsethcole]

pretty sick man.

i might be a little jealous

 

[blacktarotannis]

Omg I would love something like that.

 

[GEO QUEEN]

Yeah, eartheaters do need earth to eat. I'd be willing to bet 100lbs isn't enough for that massive footprint though. I have I think 80 lbs PFS spread between a 4x2 and a 6x1.5 footprint and it's pretty thin (though I like it that way, easier to clean). That's 17sqft. Yours is more than twice that (god, my geos would be so jealous if they knew...)

Good call on the removable background. That's my one hesitation about painting my acrylic. I know I want black and a nice dark tank, but I don't know that I want it to be permanent...

I'm guessing that having returns on that other side would be great for circulation. Aim them low and stuff on the overflow side high. Would look better than plugging the holes. And being that it's in the living room then you could hide them with a removable end piece and maybe some nice moulding. Sorry, not to get pushy or anything, it's just what I'd do. Never hurts to impress guests even if the fish are asleep. And you can accomplish a lot with trim, too... it's not all that complicated.

haha my geos are going to look pretty small in this tank. Im looking for bigger ones so give me a heads up if you hear of anyone selling any that are around 9+in
thanks for the input! But we are thinking that we dont want to put an end piece on the return side because it is 5ft and looking through the side could possibly make it seem like you are looking at a totally different tank. so that was our thought on thats. and it would be kind of cool to look from the side and see the fish swim away from you...8ft deep..lol

 

[honda237]

awesome tank, I love the idea of Geos. Its nice to see another person that has a girl that will help/ likes fish, my girl has 3 tanks of her own, but none of the are peaceful. I would probably use more than 100lbs, i have 150lbs in my 180g.

 

[Megabeta]

You are so lucky! Where did you get it?

 

[sponger_2]

You are so lucky! Where did you get it?

the tank we got up in san jose. took 13 hrs of driving to get it. Now a girlfriend thats into fish, that ususally a lil harder to find. lol

 

[Cookie*]

I seen you biting on this tank in the ad, glad to see you got it home alright. Cheers to your lady for all the help too. It sounds like you guys have everything planned out well, and I like your plan for the tank. It already looks 10x better than when you picked it up and it has yet to see water and fish. It just shows what a little hard work and elbow grease can get you. I will be watching this one unfold, thanks for sharing, both of you.

I have to echo the sand issue. I think you guys will need another 100 lbs. minimum.