A chance to build a dream tank...

Custom plumbing, room to work, redundant heaters are all good ideas but why do water changes?
Trickle/continuous water change system. (talk to Rallysman)
Then all you do is vac. once in a while.

Put some thought into your lighting too. You may do well to have some areas better lit than others (hot spots for myrophyllum... not for java ferns)
 
Wow that price of $1800 seems like a lot for tank+stand+tops. I guess it all depends on which stand you get. I got the AGA Oak stand for $500. I did not do the matching top - we just did not care for the look of a top.

8 foot long custom sounds nice. I must say though, I wish my 180 was 6 inches taller. It just doesn't seem to look right. I suggest cutting out a piece of cardboard with that 8' X18" dimension and see if you like it.

As far as child/rabbit proof, I guess you can put some kind of gate up to quardant off the back. My tank made it through 2 kids. The back of the tank was always an "off-limits" zone. Not only the wires, I was afraid of them pulling on the hoses!! :eek:
 
i think you can do it for a lot less than what you are estamating... if you buy a new aquarium that will be your biggest cost and everything else you can do for cheaper if you shop around... i am partial to the trickle system it sounds nice
 
Well the good news is that I just came from the bank today, and once a few quotes are finalized it sounds like this basement is getting done. The tank may not happen until the winter though, but this just gives me time for more planning :)
 
your still in the planning stage...the tank will be a future project...plan not only for the biggest tank possible, but the easiest conversion when ready to do the tank...

I would frame in a 6' x 10', or so, closet, with access from the back or side...rough in the plumbing, electric, ventilation, ect....the basment can be finished...you have your new space, everything is pretty, life goes on....when your ready for the tank, build a platform, cut the hole, trim it out... all the work is done out of site without disrupting the living space...your equipment is hidden....quiet...kid safe....looks great...If the tank idea fizzles out you have a good size storage area...

last winter I helped a freind trim out their basment...they planned on the big tank from the beginning...access was from the laundry room behind the wall... the 180 gal reef was set on a platform about 42" off the floor...bar hieght... sump and fuge underneath... light box above... everything out of site....fridge to the left...cabs to the right....sorry lane, I have to post your pics...
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That's just awesome :eek:
 
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