In-wall tanks w/fishroom on backside?

[scubadude]

Well Im living with my folks right now, until I sell my house and convinced my dad after 2 mos to let me build a tank (in the wall) so here is what I got to work with, its going in the basement which is 90% finished the tank will be built into the wall the viewing panel will be in the living room and the back side of the tank w/all the equipment will be in the unfinished room section of the basement where the actual basement sump pump is....I figured if the tank ever flooded that the sump pump for the basement itself would serve as an excellent insurance policy and my dad likes that idea too. So im gonna knock a hole in the wall and it will go above the sofa you see in the first picture and the 2nd picture is the unfinished section where the backside of the tank will be....I need input and ideas.... Im thinking of making a catch pan underneath the tank stand like AC's or water heaters have incase they overflow...and just plumb the catch pan to the basement sump pump....thoughts?

[charlie]

Rocky, I think if you build it right, I don't think you will need the catch pan. What I mean is maybe bring your main return over the top, and drill siphon holes. Are you going to do an acrylic tank or glass?

[Samper]

Another way to do this is to drill the back return holes as close as you can to the top. Then put locline inside the display and angle it towards the water line. This way if the power ever cuts all you'll drain is the top 1-2" of water to the sump. As for a sump...those hundred gallon rubbermaids make great ones and give plenty of room to hold overflow water....you can easily plumb more tanks into it as added protection.

[scubadude]

Are you going to do an acrylic tank or glass?

Im thinking glass, dunno why? Dunno though I have my mom and sisters on a mission to look for big tanks 4 sale @ garage sales since they are sale junkies. Just kind of waiting for something (ideas, and hardware) to start formulating. Im pretty flexible on the size too...was hoping for a 120, maybe even 180.

[Reefland]

How big are you going to be able to make the equipment room? Our room is like 7' by 5' for our 75, and is more than enough for our operation.

[scubadude]

How big are you going to be able to make the equipment room? Our room is like 7' by 5' for our 75, and is more than enough for our operation.

The equipment room is already in place....And its pretty big...just gotta share it w/storage stuff which shouldnt be a problem. The basement is already finished except for one room which is the equipment/storage room

[Elmo18]

Oh wow, this will be nice Rocky I need to get back to SPS. I switched my tanks into Rbta tanks and clownfishes awhile back. I did spread that green Acropora around so I can get it back, when time comes..

Best,
Ilham