270 gallon In-Wall Build -1st saltwater tank

[Captneteach]

I'm starting a build, but I'm still modifying a wall in my house before I can place the tank. Hoping I can get some feedback on how best to build the wall and what space requirements are needed for future maintenance. My plan is to have my in-wall tank viewable from 2 sides, front and 1 side panel, with the back being in an equipment room.

My question is on the other side. How much room would be required if I wanted access to it for maintenance, cleaning or possibly placing a pump head on the end? Would 5" from the wall be enough for complete clearance?

I've attached a few pictures, the tank will be through the wall, basically where the glass block currently is. The side I'm questioning would be on the left in these pictures. The right side and front would be open/viewable to the room. I can easily leave room for around 5" of clearance on the left side, but any more than that will take a lot more work to modify the wall (too much to get into briefly)

Is 5" of clearance around the whole tank enough for maintenance? What's the minimum clearance you'd recommend?

Thanks

 

[Gumbies R Us]

This is going to be a really neat build!!!

 

[flyingscampi]

Is 5" of clearance around the whole tank enough for maintenance? What's the minimum clearance you'd recommend?

From personal experience, about 5 feet.

5" doesn't seem a lot, you could just about get your arm in there to clean the glass..

 

[Indymann99]

Not a typical in-wall but might give you some ideas. I used the space intended for a gas fireplace. 120g (48x24x24) back and side panels are black.
HIGHLY recommend you have plenty of overhead clearance so you can get a long handle scraper on the front glass.
I also set my "stand" height at 36" for good access to sump. My return plumbing (3/4in) runs behind the tank and also all the cables for APEX and power. I do have to stand on a 2 step ladder for all in tank maint.

Tank was up for 15yrs. Nov 2022 broke down tank to sand out 15yrs worth of scratches (Acrylic tank), new sump and redo plumbing. Cycled tank (fish-less) and my 15yr old clownfish are back in and happy.

 

[reelredfisah]

Tagging along I have a 180G Tall built into wall where I repurposed an old bar at the back of living room.

 

[Coasty944]

Update? Always looking for new ideas on built-ins.

 

[poseidonsparadise]

Good afternoon, I am also in the process of composing ideas of a very similar build with two sides exposed. I will be starting a thread sometime soon.
If reading correct, assuming the tank is rectangular and not square, maybe around 62”or72” length and 26”-30” depth? the tank could be fine if minimal options on that side (being the left in pictures)
I would recommend a couple feet behind unto the rear existing wall along to maneuver. More if your sump etc. will be stored below. That is if you’re accessing from behind.
Depending on depth of the tank and plumbing/overflow if external, and is your plan to be accessible from three sides or just the rear or just the viewing sides and not have free space behind the tank.
Also are you planning on leaving the brick and current wall in front?

 

[Captneteach]

Been a while since the last post. Ended up with higher priority projects around the farm that needed to be done over the past year.. anyway, here are some updates on the in wall tank. I got the bartop done and I've framed the portion of the wall that doesn't need the tank to be in place. I plan to finish the framing once I have the tank in its location. Right now I'm working on the tank in the garage.

Im wondering about resealing the second hand tank i bought.. I've attached a few pictures of the seals in this thread. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Once I have the tank re-sealed I'll get it up on the bartop and finish the framing of the wall. Slow progress but I should have more time to devote to this project in the upcoming months.