Tank Dimensions

[Reefland]

Hey all,

I am beginning to plan for a new tank and I wanted to get some input. I was thinking around 75 gallons with the dimensions of 36x24x20. Would there be any draw-backs to these dimensions? I'm not looking for length but more interested in a wide tank that has lots of room for some radical aquascaping.

scuba, got any ideas? Be interested in building one? ;)

Thanks,
Scott Z.

[scubadude]

Scott why dont you build it yourself.....its EASY! All you need is some masking tape, a tube of silicone, some razors, nail polish remover, and order the glass from your glass shop already cut and drilled.....or you could drill it yourself (if your feeling aggressive. with the dimensions quoted you are looking at glass that needs to be 3/8" thick. If you decide to do this then I will help you in any way possible...you know that I would rather see you build this tank yourself....It really is easy as long as your get your glass precut.....you could probably even get some scrap glass for dirt cheap and make some eurobracing for the tank.

[Joaco]

Originally posted by scubadude
I would rather see you build this tank yourself....

...so when it cracks I can ROFLMAO and say: told ya not to glue it THAT way


;) C'mon scuba, give Scott a hand on his first DIY tank! So he can always build a 1000 gal all by himself next time (BTW Scott, at least invite him to lunch, that might help! you should't work with an empty stomach, right scuba? ;) )

Joaco

[Joaco]

BTW wide tank, you have my vote there!

Joaco

[scubadude]

Originally posted by Joaco


...so when it cracks I can ROFLMAO and say: told ya not to glue it THAT way

Exactly! hehe....No seriously though....you would have to pay almost as much for shipping as you would for the tank.....I have a couple of projects that im working on right now maybe I can post some pics later that might help give you some guidance. I agree w/ width on Joaco.

BTW welcome back bud!

[Reefland]

You mean you'd charge me for shipping?

I wouldn't have a concern with building it myself except this, I want it to hold water. I would much rather have it constructed and have something that would look professional with clean edges and no glue runs or anything. Money isn't an object...right? :eek3:

I want to go with a wide tank to give me several options for aquascaping. I like the one that Perry posted in the General Forum with a couple of piles of rocks on each side and maybe something piled in the as you work your way towards the back of the tank. Make since?

Scuba, are you doing dark glass overflows in your tanks? Are you using Starphire? Can you give me an idea on material pricing? I don't know squat when it comes to tank construction.

Scott Z.

BTW, it's great to be back!

[scubadude]

To tell you the truth Im beginning to question working w/more acrylic versus glass! 1/2 weight almost, I can get it cheaper (im pretty sure) less liability of breakage, clarity is great, the only downfall I really see on acrylic is scratching and there are polishes that can take almost any scratch out. Acrylic is seeming much more DIY friendly!

From Reefland Scuba, are you doing dark glass overflows in your tanks? Are you using Starphire? Can you give me an idea on material pricing? I don't know squat when it comes to tank construction.

I actually used tinted plexiglass glued to the glass (inside the glass oveflow area) and siliconed it in....it holds it but I also siliconed in glass braces...I dont cut notches in the Overflows...I just put eggcrate in the top usually I can do the notches, but that takes more time, the plexi bows a little after time but you cant notice it cuz of all the coralline algae anyway and its in the back where its slightly noticable. I can get smoked glass/mirrored but its pretty pricey unless I have to buy it buy the sheetloads...which can be anywhere from 6-10'

I would charge approx $260 for that tank in standard glass which comes w/one overflow box and 2 drilled holes you get perim brace or center bracing...this is all glass boxed NO trim or wood base boards. Starphire is about 2.5 times more...but that would be for the whole tank.....if you wanted say just the front panel and the two sides starphire then the bottom and back reg. glass it would only be about 1.5 times more. So a starphire front , and both sides would be $390 plus shipping approx. and $50 for each addtnl hole and $100 for each addtnl overflow box w/2 holes I will see if I cant dig up some prices on smoked glass. You could probably get all the supplies for about 100 bux less than price Im quoting....cuz thats about the price im paying on supplies.

[organicreefer]

WIDER IS BETTER

have you considered going with a four foot tank?
either a 120(24 inches wide)or better yet the 150(30 inches wide like golfishs)
i like the four foot length because i think its one of the easiest tanks to light -4 foot flourescents and two halides.
with the 36 inch tank youre stuck with bulbs that are too short(or powercompacts)-and one halide isnt enough -two is probly overkill......
just a couple thoughts