240 gal planet aquariums build

Rusch · Apr 12, 2026

Its finally here!!!!! The long wait is over. I had the local LFS help me get it in place and glad I did. They did a great job and definitely knew what they were doing. I could have got it done with some friends and a few beers but this was probably the better/safer option. Now on to designing the scape!

zxerrath · Apr 17, 2026

The build is looking good! I’m in a similar (albeit much slower) process. I have a 240 gal peninsula tank that is otherwise not set up. I was hoping to start with the sump and plumbing. I had looked into that same 75 gal Aqueon aquarium and baffle system from eBay, but was turned away by the reviews about leaks. Any concerns there or anything you did to prevent that?

Rusch · Apr 17, 2026

zxerrath said:
The build is looking good! I’m in a similar (albeit much slower) process. I have a 240 gal peninsula tank that is otherwise not set up. I was hoping to start with the sump and plumbing. I had looked into that same 75 gal Aqueon aquarium and baffle system from eBay, but was turned away by the reviews about leaks. Any concerns there or anything you did to prevent that?

I dont really have concerns with the tank. They are mass produced so im sure they get some failures. I was not aware of the swelling issue mentioned above. I had to cut the baffels down so hopefully I won't have any issues with that. I am going to water test once my plumbing is done to test for leaks. Honestly I was trying to find a place to save some money and the sump was a good place to do so. I only have $300 in it. Do you have a page for your build? I would love to see it.

zxerrath · Apr 17, 2026

Rusch said:
I dont really have concerns with the tank. They are mass produced so im sure they get some failures. I was not aware of the swelling issue mentioned above. I had to cut the baffels down so hopefully I won't have any issues with that. I am going to water test once my plumbing is done to test for leaks. Honestly I was trying to find a place to save some money and the sump was a good place to do so. I only have $300 in it. Do you have a page for your build? I would love to see it.

No build page yet as I only have the tank and stand so far. Here’s an image from within my office and it’s visible from the entryway as well. There are outlets for power beneath the tank and in the recessed area above for lighting. I have a sink in my office closet for water needs with conduit run between the closet and sump space for moving water between the two.

Rusch · Apr 17, 2026

zxerrath said:
No build page yet as I only have the tank and stand so far. Here’s an image from within my office and it’s visible from the entryway as well. There are outlets for power beneath the tank and in the recessed area above for lighting. I have a sink in my office closet for water needs with conduit run between the closet and sump space for moving water between the two.

That's going to be a sweet set-up! I love the through wall view. Can't wait to see it once you are up and running.

RFLKPTR · Apr 17, 2026

Looks awesome! I'll be following along. I love that you have enough space for that massive tank (8 feet long!!!!) - kids and odds and ends have eaten up all of mine.

Rusch · Apr 17, 2026

RFLKPTR said:
Looks awesome! I'll be following along. I love that you have enough space for that massive tank (8 feet long!!!!) - kids and odds and ends have eaten up all of mine.

Yeah the pictures dont do it justice. We just bought this house and I claimed the space before the wife and kids could fill it with junk lol!

Rusch · Apr 27, 2026

Slow progress so far but, I installed some lights under the cabinet. They work really well. I also found some barrels for my mixing station.

fish_collector · Apr 28, 2026

Nice, looking forward to the progress.

Rooles · May 11, 2026

Super excited to keep seeing updates!

Rusch · Jul 18, 2026

Well it has been way too long without an update!
The mixing station is finally up and running. This is really going to make my life easier!

Rusch · Jul 19, 2026

I also got the first rock section built. Its a very time consuming process but I think it will definitely be worth the effort.

Rusch · Aug 23, 2026

Alright! I completed the rock work, sand and we have water!!!!!
Also completed the ATO and mounted the lights. I finally see it coming together.
I added a few pieces of live rock from my existing tank so hopefully it will seed quickly. I would think a couple of days and I could add a clown fish pair. Please share your experience with this type of cycle.

Its a complete rats nest disaster of wires under the tank so a control board will be next. I also have a hydros system that will be going in. At least it will have fish soon!