Thinking About Constructing a Monster Aquarium Yourself?

[richman]

Just finished the thread. It is excellent. I found your information very informative.
My summer project is to build a much smaller 1000g tank in basement.
This site will help alot.

Thanks again for spending the time with the newbs.

 

[PrecisionAquatics]

Great thread. Thanks for the info. I would definitly be interested in a start to finish article, maybe in a pdf so that we can print it for future reference? Thanks. Great job.

 

[scousy22]

Im definitely interested in a step by step of your build.

Cant wait to find out why you use a lot of 2x4s instead of 4x4 posts or thicker. Is it more cost effective or just easier to work with?

Anywayz, brilliant thread Ted. Eagerly awaiting the next one(or is it already been done,i havent found it if it has)

 

[necrocanis]

I always get warm fuzzies looking at this thread. Inspired me to do my 4000 gal which should be completed soon for under $1 per gallon also. Might even be as low as $0.75 per gallon. Good looking tank for sure! Can't wait til mine is up and running! I'll be looking for a very cost effective way to heat the water for sure.

 

[Anythingfish]

INSULATION is the key to saving energy. I used R-19 Fiberglass between the 2" by 8" wall studs, covered it with plastic sheeting and 1/2" plywood. My wall studs are on 12" centers so if you insulate with fiberglass get 24" material and cut it in half. Seattle had 3 days of sunshine, at last, temperature got all the way up to 70 degrees. As I have a glass, greenhouse type, roof over my aquarium the heat buildup is significant. I have not had to heat the 8000 gallon outdoor aquarium water for the past 72 hours. Be sure to cover your aquarium and sump as the greatest heat loss is from the top. I look forward to seeing your handy work soon.

One word of caution; when your friends and neighbors find out about your big aquarium they will want you to adopt their big fish. I planned to have a dozen or so fish but I have over 100 now and have to say NO to any more fish adoptions.

Filtration can become a big issue; I am operating two 36” diameter sand filters in parallel with a combined water flow of 150 GPM. I also have other filters as well as 200 gallons of bio balls for the little ammonia eating bacteria to reside.

 

[necrocanis]

The tank is completely covered, and plan on making the filtration completely insulated and covered as well. 300 gal sump with two bio towers made from 55 gal drums. Trying to find the most cost effective means to seal up this bad boy now. It's in the final stages of construction.

 

[necrocanis]

I think another problem I'm comming up with is the bulkheads. My walls are nearly 3" thick, and I will be using 4" outlets into the sump, the pumps use 2" pipes up to the biotowers which overflow out another set of 4" pipes into the tank. Just need to find a 4" bulkhead which can be fitted to a 3" thick wall.

 

[Anythingfish]

In the past I have used common PVC or ABS plastic flanges, on each side lined up on the hole through the wall. They can be secured to the walls with GE Silicone II, the "White Paintable" type. This material is very strong and non-toxic. For added strength drill holes through the wall where indicated on the flanges and use 1/4" or 5/16" stainless steel machine bolts. I am not sure where you can get bulkhead fittings for a 3-4 inch thick wall; you might try John at Jehmco, www.jehmco.com.

 

[necrocanis]

I've had that same flange idea, but wasn't sure. Looks like that might be the route I go!

 

[Anythingfish]

The flanges are from Home Depot, standard 4" ABS fittings. I used lots of GE Silicone II, (White Paintable) to fill any gaps and unused holes. This worked great and a year later when I took the tank down the plywood delaminated before releasing the flange sealed with Silicone II.