AlexGs 4200 Gallon Display + 2100 gallon fish room? --- New House = New Build

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Update time.

I have finished the moisture proofing in the fish room. That was a lot of plastic, tape, and time but 100% worth the effort to contain humidity. I also have plumbed in the utility sink which I raised 8" so it is more comfortable to work in. I also made a custom DIY trap so sand or other large heavy objects don't go to the extraction pump and will end up in a bucket. I should be getting to stuff that's more fun soon.

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Made lots of progress with one setback. I have been working on the frag tank and completed the canopy and prepped the tank for the pond liner by sealing screws and filling gaps. Unfortunately after several hours of work removing the glass from the old plywood tank frame I was flipping the glass over when it slipped out of my hands and shattered. I was not hurt luckily. Its a setback but the glass can be replaced.

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Oh dear, I know THAT look. Run for cover LOL.

BTW, I am quite interested to see how you approach the display. Have you settled on a size. I've been noodling over a really large plywood tank .... something in the 12-16 foot range. Bigger, obviously than any plywood sheets that you can buy.
 
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Oh dear, I know THAT look. Run for cover LOL.

BTW, I am quite interested to see how you approach the display. Have you settled on a size. I've been noodling over a really large plywood tank .... something in the 12-16 foot range. Bigger, obviously than any plywood sheets that you can buy.
I am not 100% settled on a size yet. My current plan is to make this a composite bottom tank with multiple layers of plywood and fiberglass with all the tank sides being glass. The canopy will be is supported by the stand and not the glass sides. The canopy will also have integrated cross bracing using threaded rods inside PVC as long as it works with the frag tank and refugium tanks in the fish room. for holding the glass in place I am planning to use 2" 90 degree stainless steel bolted to the tank bottom for the bottom edge and use the inside edge of the canopy to hold the glass in place up top.
 

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Made lots of progress with one setback. I have been working on the frag tank and completed the canopy and prepped the tank for the pond liner by sealing screws and filling gaps. Unfortunately after several hours of work removing the glass from the old plywood tank frame I was flipping the glass over when it slipped out of my hands and shattered. I was not hurt luckily. Its a setback but the glass can be replaced.

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That suck glad you’re ok. Ask Joe @glasscages I’m sure he will get you taken care of
 
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Sorry about your glass breaking, but really glad you are ok. I bet that was scary!

Thanks. It was one of those moments where I was just shouted no when it slipped from my hand and then it was all slow motion. I stepped away as it started to shatter and then I remember shouting that did not just happen.
 

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I am not 100% settled on a size yet. My current plan is to make this a composite bottom tank with multiple layers of plywood and fiberglass with all the tank sides being glass. The canopy will be is supported by the stand and not the glass sides. The canopy will also have integrated cross bracing using threaded rods inside PVC as long as it works with the frag tank and refugium tanks in the fish room. for holding the glass in place I am planning to use 2" 90 degree stainless steel bolted to the tank bottom for the bottom edge and use the inside edge of the canopy to hold the glass in place up top.
Why not aluminum instead of SS for the bottom?
 
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Why not aluminum instead of SS for the bottom?
Aluminum could be used as well. I am considering having the frame welded and from my understanding that would be a little easier with stainless steel. Since this will also be in a splash zone I am a little concerned with corrosion with aluminum even though exposure to saltwater should be minimal.
 

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I just did a little Google search and I guess I was in in my thinking aluminum was more corrosion resistant than SS with marine applications. That being said you have to get a specific type of SS I think.
 

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Oh dear, I know THAT look. Run for cover LOL.

BTW, I am quite interested to see how you approach the display. Have you settled on a size. I've been noodling over a really large plywood tank .... something in the 12-16 foot range. Bigger, obviously than any plywood sheets that you can buy.
Look on youtube a guy built a 24 foot tank in his basement. It was freshwater but same principle . Here is a link to one of the build videos.
 

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Do you intend to weld a stand yourself or have someone do it?
 

ca1ore

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Look on youtube a guy built a 24 foot tank in his basement. It was freshwater but same principle . Here is a link to one of the build videos.


Thanks, yes, I am familiar with that video - it’s been on YT for a while. Trouble with these videos, there’s rarely any follow up. Perhaps it’s in the comments .... but is it still running, any leaks, etc. I much prefer looking for my inspiration here on R2R where I can assess ‘credibility’.
 
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I just did a little Google search and I guess I was in in my thinking aluminum was more corrosion resistant than SS with marine applications. That being said you have to get a specific type of SS I think.
I was thinking 316 but I need to do more research and see the price and availability when I am ready for it.
 
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Do you intend to weld a stand yourself or have someone do it?
I am not sure if the stand itself will be made of steel. I might build it from wood since I have a proven stand building method that has held up for years. The other issue is if I go with steel it needs to be welded on site as it would be unable to physically fit down the basement stairs. It might be possible to bolt together a steel stand. The other factor is that I have the tools for woodworking and I do not have the tools for heavy steel work.
 
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Thanks, yes, I am familiar with that video - it’s been on YT for a while. Trouble with these videos, there’s rarely any follow up. Perhaps it’s in the comments .... but is it still running, any leaks, etc. I much prefer looking for my inspiration here on R2R where I can assess ‘credibility’.

It might have been Ohio Fish Rescue that took the fish out of this tank. If I recall correctly I believe the builder of the tank sold the home and the new owner decided to take the aquarium down. Not sure if there were any issues with this tank but I understand there is not always lots to go on with some of these builds to understand if they were successful or if they failed. Another reason I like to share.
 
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