[Ross87]

My love for saltwater aquariums is without a doubt and natrually as a CAD designer, I'm already dreaming up and designing a huge fish tank.

My question is, What all equipment is needed in a full blown setup?

I know the basics, but what really gets involved when you start to design something big? I've heard things like refugiums, waveboxes............. I as an avid carpenter, architect, machinist and engineer. I plan on making everything I can besides the actual equipment itself.

Please help!

[gramesy777]

well how big are thinking about doing? Check out the featured tank on the home page...its 600 gallon display with a 1300 gallon system....you could model his tank if thats what ur thinking.

[Ross87]

Currently I'm looking at 1/2" Acrylic Sheets measuring 48"x96". I'm thinking the tank will be somewhere around 900-1000 US gallons.

I have looked at the amazing 600gal tank and it's nothing but inspiration. But as new as I am to the saltwater aquarium hobby, he has things going on which I do not understand yet.

[Ross87]

I'm thinking the 1/2" won't cut it. If I knew the approximate shear strength of acrylic, I could calculate the exact thickness I need

[IceMan]

if you make a sw tank of acrylic you will kick your own butt for it... VERY bad idea! ever dealt with acrylic? it scratches easier than wet toilet paper

[Ross87]

Not from what I've read, acrylic is lighter, has a higher yeild stress, and is easily repairable if scratched. You can also buy a 3M protectant coating for it.

Here's a quick idea I threw together of what I'd like it to look like.

[IceMan]

that looks good, will be beautiful i'm sure, but if i were you it would be glass or remain a theory, all these coatings they promote are a joke from what i've seen, simple cleaning will scratch it and the only way to realy clean it is a chem bath, ask your LFS about there shallow disp tanks. not trying to discourage you my friend just hate to see you make an investment you will regret.

[IceMan]

from the pic, will there be a equip. room behind the DT?

[Ross87]

Yes, the equipment would be in a room behind the DT. For glass, I wouldn't have the equipment to make it unless I further invested.... (Diamond cutting blades) which I'm not sure how much they cost without looking it up

[Ross87]

Well, diamond saw blades run about $50 a piece and diamond router bits cost about $100 a piece which isn't horrible since I can use the equipment I already have.

[IceMan]

or have the glass cut for you, surely there is a glass shop near you. and you have to order it anyway why not order it to spec.?

[Ross87]

I guess it's a matter of whats more rewarding? I's like when I build a piece of furniture, I know it's unique, well crafted, and not something you'll find in a store.

Altought it's not a bad idea, I could have the glass company cut and router the glass for me. Without a doubt, I'm sure their equipment is better than mine.

[IceMan]

i'd let them cut, route, drill and all... you still do the build.

[Ross87]

well thats definitly one step in the right direction. I will still be able to craft a beautiful cabinet and stand for the tank. I can definitly settle for the glass work being done for me.

[Ross87]

Now that I'm thinking about glass, I'm thinking about different shapes. possibly a longer, more shallow tank. I shaped the tank as above because of the availability of acrylic sheet specifications, 96 inches being the longest available.

[Ross87]

If my fiance is going to make me live by the city, I'm at least going to bring a little bit of the ocean with me

[Jeremy0322]

Look around and see if anyone can get you Lexan, and then do some research about it and verify that it will not turn yellow, because I am not sure about that. But if you use the right width of Lexan than it will be bullet proof, so it should work. The right width is like 3/4" or something like that. Its what i used for my overflow and sump baffles.

[admann]

In my opinion, I like glass because it is so much easier to clean without scratching. And a tank that is shallower from top to bottom has many advantages, plus deeper from front to back looks more natural and leaves so many options for rock work. I'm still building my tank but have read like 14 books and have done hundred's of hour's of research online. All the luck to you in this wonderful hobby. Oh if it were me and I had the room Id have a tank that was 200L x 48W x 24T roughly 420gal with a 200gal sump and a 200gal fuge.

[jimw369]

I think I would figure out what was going in the tank first. That decision will help you decide dimensions based on the lighting you choose and flow you will need. Might I suggest reading TOTM forums on all the salt sites to get a grasp on whats involved in designing a well thought out larger reef tank as well as the countless options open to you. Brian here at RB would be a good resource also.

[Ross87]

Thanks guys!

This is still all up in the air and it will be able before I make my first investment into this project. With planning and design, time is your best friend.

[Ross87]

As far as stocking the tank... I'm thinking VERY exotic! Things like: Japanese Dragon Morey Ell, Sting rays, Striped Bamboo Shark.....

[IceMan]

Japanese Dragon Morey Eel!!! very nice choice, let us know how he does i don't know anyone who has one

[Ross87]

When the time comes, I will keep you all informed