building a huge tank

[Finique Aquariums]

After lots and lots of research, i have decided to build a 20 foot L x 2 foot W x 18"H fish tank. ill be bracing the top every 3 feet (approx), and the glass will be 12mm front back and sides with 15mm base. Safety factor according to calculations is 5. As i am a welder ill be building my own stand. If anyone has any notes or advice they would like to share, please feel free.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Please photo-document this epic journey!

 

[ThisIsTheWay]

This sounds like my dream type of tank. Please do document the process, I’d love to see more cool mega tanks like this.

I am curious, is this 20ft long straight, or is it like an L shape with a total length of 20ft?
If straight, is it possible to get a piece of glass 20ft long? Or will you have to use multiple pieces and seal them together in the middle somewhere?

 

[Finique Aquariums]

This sounds like my dream type of tank. Please do document the process, I’d love to see more cool mega tanks like this.

I am curious, is this 20ft long straight, or is it like an L shape with a total length of 20ft?
If straight, is it possible to get a piece of glass 20ft long? Or will you have to use multiple pieces and seal them together in the middle somewhere?

I can get hold of 6mtre lengths of glass. So will be 20 foot long straight. (19.685 mtrs to be precise)
Its possible to get the lengths but OMG they are pricey, and the worst thing is, is the transportation to get the lengths home. But once that side of things is covered, then it shouldn't hopefully be too much of a hassle.

I do have another project which is what most would call, "out of control sized" but thats for another story lol.

 

[Finique Aquariums]

Please photo-document this epic journey!

Absolutely i will. As far as i know, its illegal not to :)

 

[EliMelly]

What’s the stocking plan? Sharks??!

Absolutely i will. As far as i know, its illegal not to :)

 

[Finique Aquariums]

What’s the stocking plan? Sharks??!

Im not too sure yet but ill work on that later, Guppies maybe lol

 

[EliMelly]

Why not any wider?

 

[Finique Aquariums]

Why not any wider?

Didnt really want it any wider to be honest. thought 2 foot would be enough for where itll be going.

 

[lubeck]

Exciting. What is your timeline on this beast. Can you share any details of your plans, space, equipment.

 

[Finique Aquariums]

Exciting. What is your timeline on this beast. Can you share any details of your plans, space, equipment.

Timeline will be about 2 years from start date.
il be using 2 Aquael Hypermax filters one at each end. 4 x 200 watt heaters. and assorted decorations. thats as far as i have got with my planning at the moment

 

[Finique Aquariums]

I can get hold of 6mtre lengths of glass. So will be 20 foot long straight. (19.685 mtrs to be precise)
Its possible to get the lengths but OMG they are pricey, and the worst thing is, is the transportation to get the lengths home. But once that side of things is covered, then it shouldn't hopefully be too much of a hassle.

I do have another project which is what most would call, "out of control sized" but thats for another story lol.

Sorry all, i meant 19.685 feet long not mtres lol

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@dca22anderson is someone you might want to talk to. He built a huge tank and could provide some helpful tips for you. Also @Troylee is another one I would talk to.

 

[Troylee]

Sounds heavy and expensive lol.. while it’s cool sounding it’s not gonna really be practical for most large fish as the depth and the height are short. What is the goal with the tank? If I was to do something along these lines I would put several closed loop systems on the tank to get proper flow without a ton of wires and money.

 

[Finique Aquariums]

Sounds heavy and expensive lol.. while it’s cool sounding it’s not gonna really be practical for most large fish as the depth and the height are short. What is the goal with the tank? If I was to do something along these lines I would put several closed loop systems on the tank to get proper flow without a ton of wires and money.

Hi Troylee. Yes very heavy it will be, hence the fact it'll gt built where it'll stay.
I'm not actually sure what a closed loop system is. the only reason i would be using the Aquaels is i already have them. and as they each have to inputs and 2 out put, getting a flow wouldnt be too much probs. Worst scenario i could use a wave maker in the middle
I build computer systems too so hiding wires and cables doesn't really worry me. Ill be able to keep them all tidy and still have good access.
I still have a lot of work to do before this project goes ahead as im wanting to know every in, out, pro and con before i start. Its the best way i think

 

[backbayreef]

I would honestly go for at least a 3ft or 4ft deep; otherwise, it's "just another" long tank. :)

 

[Finique Aquariums]

I would honestly go for at least a 3ft or 4ft deep; otherwise, it's "just another" long tank. :)

I cant say i disagree with you there. Im still debating on salt or fresh water though , thats my main issue at the moment

 

[backbayreef]

I cant say i disagree with you there. Im still debating on salt or fresh water though , thats my main issue at the moment

Go reef or go home! Sorry, I’m biased, along with every reefers here… ;)

 

[X-37B]

I cant say i disagree with you there. Im still debating on salt or fresh water though , thats my main issue at the moment

A good compromise is 30".
I went from 24" systems to 30 and you will be happy you paid for the additional 6" on your 20 footer.

 

[Finique Aquariums]

A good compromise is 30".
I went from 24" systems to 30 and you will be happy you paid for the additional 6" on your 20 footer.

Yeah 6" isnt much on the outside but the extra in a tank can appear a huge difference.