Hi, I joined this forum to do research on a huge aquarium construction project I am considering.
I want to build a large panel/picture-frame style aquarium. It looks like a bigger undertaking with every bit of research I do.
I started out looking to build a cheap 30 gal tank. :idea:Now it looks like I'm trying to build a priceless aquarium for about $350. I found out about the use of plywood or mdf. I have decided this will be the material I use.
I want to build an aquarium that will measure 48" tall, 24" wide and 5" deep. I think it will have sit three or four inches off the wall because most filtration systems hang on the back. I used a volume calculator I found at GARF. It said this tank would hold about 25 gal. I am still researching the best way to attach a 200lb+ aquarium to a wall.:eek3:
Construction will be complicated because I won't be able to reach inside of it. Not all of the way at least. I am researching LED lighting because they are submercible and I don't think a hood light will shine all the way to the buttom.
This project started getting really complicated when I decided this aquarium needs staggered shelves in it to maximize space. I want the shelves to be about six inches wide, with a bubble bar hidden behind each one, and LED lighting on the buttom of each as well. I may put a bubble device of some kind on the floor. I want the shelves to be kinda of like little plant boxes too. More like a tray with edges about an inch and a half tall. This will also help to hide the bubble bars.
Since the sides and back will be made of wood, I plan to drill holes for the air hoses and wires. These will all have to be installed before the wood framed glass front is installed.
If the lights generate heat then I will put them on a thermostatic control and I won't need a heater. Maybe I will have both and put the lights on a timer as well to make the aquarium seem more automated.
Has anyone seen an aquarium this crazy before? I haven't done any searching here yet, I figured I'd come in and introduce myself first. Give a shout.
I want to build a large panel/picture-frame style aquarium. It looks like a bigger undertaking with every bit of research I do.
I started out looking to build a cheap 30 gal tank. :idea:Now it looks like I'm trying to build a priceless aquarium for about $350. I found out about the use of plywood or mdf. I have decided this will be the material I use.
I want to build an aquarium that will measure 48" tall, 24" wide and 5" deep. I think it will have sit three or four inches off the wall because most filtration systems hang on the back. I used a volume calculator I found at GARF. It said this tank would hold about 25 gal. I am still researching the best way to attach a 200lb+ aquarium to a wall.:eek3:
Construction will be complicated because I won't be able to reach inside of it. Not all of the way at least. I am researching LED lighting because they are submercible and I don't think a hood light will shine all the way to the buttom.
This project started getting really complicated when I decided this aquarium needs staggered shelves in it to maximize space. I want the shelves to be about six inches wide, with a bubble bar hidden behind each one, and LED lighting on the buttom of each as well. I may put a bubble device of some kind on the floor. I want the shelves to be kinda of like little plant boxes too. More like a tray with edges about an inch and a half tall. This will also help to hide the bubble bars.
Since the sides and back will be made of wood, I plan to drill holes for the air hoses and wires. These will all have to be installed before the wood framed glass front is installed.
If the lights generate heat then I will put them on a thermostatic control and I won't need a heater. Maybe I will have both and put the lights on a timer as well to make the aquarium seem more automated.
Has anyone seen an aquarium this crazy before? I haven't done any searching here yet, I figured I'd come in and introduce myself first. Give a shout.
