In wall tank build advice

[Dball]

I was thinking of starting a reef tank in wall.

The wall is a non loading bearing wall in a basement. one side to a family room, the other side is unfinished area that i would use as a fish room/ office.
i would have full access on the unfinished side

i'm looking for advice on
whether the tank should be flush with the wall, or recessed like a window
any recommendation on the framing, ie build the stand as part of the wall
front access panel

any other advice is welcome
thanks in advance

 

[Techie_]

I'm doing the same thing right now. You can do both really. Its up to personal preference. I'm building the front of the stand as part of the wall, which will leave a half inch "reveal" with the finish board (drywall, concrete board, etc.) so there will need to be some sort of trim to give it the look I'm going for. Usually I'd do something like this in AutoCAD but it was easier for me to draw it out since its just for my own use, really.

 

[workhz]

My thread might be of use to you.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-to-forum-hi-in-wall-tank-build-90g.832850/

 

[bkwonnn]

I broke down the wall and placed a red Sea peninsula system, and then build a cabinet and wall around that. Just really think everyting trough. What equiptement etc. And leave room for cable management. Make sure The Floor is level. I have added mechanical Air vent to suck up the humid air. Would like to finish my in wall build Thread to show you all the details, but thats alot of work. Maybe I will it next week when I have time

 

[Dball]

thanks everyone for the information , its helpful.

for those who flush mounted , the tank with the wall, how did you mange having space for cleaning the glass?

it the 2x4 frame around the tank get in the way of a magnet cleaner ?

 

[workhz]

I have the scraper attachment to the mag float so no issues. I also don’t have a 2x4 recess but that doesn’t matter. I also made my opening smaller than the tank so I don’t see the tank frame or water line up top.

 

[cilyjr]

i'm looking for advice on
whether the tank should be flush with the wall, or recessed like a window

Recessed like a window. Better yet slightly exposed yet still with a ”sill”

Also allow access to the front of the tank from the display side. Potentially using some sort of cabinetry.

When I did my 180 in the wall before I moved across the country, somebody gave me that advice and it was key. Having frontal access is really helpful.

If you can give yourself some sort of viewing angle from the side. Maybe extend the display area 1 ft into the room and allow cabinetry to wrap it. Somehow you will be happy. I wish I had done that.

This is the 180 that I had back before I moved here.
Thread 'Cilyjr's 180 in wall' https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/cilyjrs-180-in-wall.335756/

 

[Osler]

My build thread may give you a different take on “in wall”. I prefer to look down on my tank as a viewing option. Framing, stand, drywall, ventilation are covered even if it’s a different take on what you’re after.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/oslers-odyssey.705126/

 

[Gregg @ ADP]

We have done several in-wall tanks. Most tend to be framed somehow, but I tend to like recessed with drywall trim features.

Here’s an example of a recessed tank we did (ignore the rock wall aquascape…it was a long time ago :face-with-tears-of-joy: ):

Here’s an example of a framed in-wall that was framed with repurposed barn wood:

One thing you will find very difficult is flush with the wall. You would need a frameless tank, and would probably have to do something like tape around the top, bottom, and sides to hide them, then paint the wall. Maybe somebody knows of something specialized to accomplish that, but I can’t think of anything off the top of my head.