Enclosed reef tank

framer · Nov 11, 2024

Hello, I'm new to this, I really enjoy the community! So much information out there... I want to build an entertainment type stand, where my tank is on visible from the front. It will have a 75 inch tv above it, and a partial flip up lid on it. I'm thinking of building a slide out with casters, so I can easily access the tank whenever I need to. I guess my question is, do u people think I'm crazy? Lol

revhtree · Nov 11, 2024

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D

vetteguy53081 · Nov 11, 2024

vetteguy53081 · Nov 11, 2024

framer said:
Hello, I'm new to this, I really enjoy the community! So much information out there... I want to build an entertainment type stand, where my tank is on visible from the front. It will have a 75 inch tv above it, and a partial flip up lid on it. I'm thinking of building a slide out with casters, so I can easily access the tank whenever I need to. I guess my question is, do u people think I'm crazy? Lol

Only concern I see is humidity and salt creep very close to the LCD tv unit

Crabs McJones · Nov 11, 2024

Welcome to R2R!
Agree with @vetteguy53081
humidity and salt creep by a tv and other electronics not rated for it may not be the best idea

framer · Nov 11, 2024

I was going to have lots venting on the back and sides, and think about a foot between the 2? I'm still on the fence about lighting, and how much space I require for that?

Gman83 · Nov 11, 2024

Welcome!

SudzFD · Nov 11, 2024

framer said:
Hello, I'm new to this, I really enjoy the community! So much information out there... I want to build an entertainment type stand, where my tank is on visible from the front. It will have a 75 inch tv above it, and a partial flip up lid on it. I'm thinking of building a slide out with casters, so I can easily access the tank whenever I need to. I guess my question is, do u people think I'm crazy? Lol

I once had a similar idea. I think it’s a cool idea and would look great.

However. Practically speaking. I don’t think it’s feasible.

People don’t realize how much clearance above a tank is needed. For lighting. For maintenance. The idea of pulling it out on a sliding shelf is good but that would be an amazing shelf to hold several hundred pounds.

What about behind the tank? Protein skimmer? Fuge? Etc….

I ended up doing a freshwater tank on a dresser below my wall mounted tv and there were issues with that if mousture getting to the tv.

If you find a way to be successful with it please share photos but I think it’s a great idea with a near impossible ability to execute it.

Kristopher Conlin · Nov 11, 2024

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!

It's a cool idea but I worry about how easy it will be to clean the tank and the TV that close to saltwater and the humidity from the tank.

If you are up for the challenge try it and document it on here so others can learn!

framer · Nov 11, 2024

SudzFD said:
I once had a similar idea. I think it’s a cool idea and would look great.

However. Practically speaking. I don’t think it’s feasible.

People don’t realize how much clearance above a tank is needed. For lighting. For maintenance. The idea of pulling it out on a sliding shelf is good but that would be an amazing shelf to hold several hundred pounds.

What about behind the tank? Protein skimmer? Fuge? Etc….

I ended up doing a freshwater tank on a dresser below my wall mounted tv and there were issues with that if mousture getting to the tv.

If you find a way to be successful with it please share photos but I think it’s a great idea with a near impossible ability to execute it.

Thank you for your feedback! I'm stubborn, when I get an idea in my head it's all I focus on and I love a challenge. I'm gonna go for it, and yes when its complete I will share my photos and how I solved all the issues u guys brought up... Thanks again everyone!

danreef55 · Nov 11, 2024

Here is a bit of input:

You can get enclosures for the TV or get an outdoor unit.
As you move the shelf the water will move back and forth and almost certainly spill. The faster you pull out the shelf the worse it will be.
You need to properly ventilate or temperature control to contend with the heat
The shelf needs to be deep enough allowing space for equipment.
The plumbing must be capable of being moved as the shelf extends

Is the goal to be able to view the tank while you are watching tv? you could consider having the tank behind the tv and be capable of raising or lowering the TV.