The thing about larger tanks is that there is larger margin for error when things like the power goes out and such since there's so much more water.
Just a few things on the notebook:
1) tank will be understocked
2) room will water tight 2' up and there will be 2 4" drains to outside
3) even before this project, I've been considering a whole house natural gas generator
4) I'll have huge cycled sponge filters on hand at all times
5) my Dolphin AV-150 kicks butt and will run the sponge filters
AV-150 HIGH VOLUME AIR PUMP:
This is a true powerhouse that will run 100 outlets. This is excellent for use as a pond air pump or for multiple tank setups. Will pump down up to 14.5 feet. Only 100 watts of power to run and comes with a 33 outlet manifold. Pumps 150L/min or (5.3 CFM) 6.57 PSI and 20 foot electric cord.
The question about the liner folding and its potential to leak and the possibility of fish/waste/debris getting behind it.
1) the entire top of the liner even with the folds is at the same level and overlaps the sides of the tank. It's not shown in my drawings, but 12" of the liner folds over the top of the tank.
2) the water pressure seats the liner flush against the plywood and the fold edges are in the corners. There are no gaps since the excess is behind the part of the liner that comes in contact with the water column. The folded part over the top of the tank secures the fold against the plywood as well.
alleykat0498, I used to do some tile work many years ago, so I can relate to what you're saying. The difference is that there is no water pressure against the shower liner. The water just pools. In the tank, the sheer force of the water presses outward against the liner. Much the same way that the water pressure will seat the acrylic viewing window.
opcorn: