New 240 Gallon (4X4X2) Custom Build

[Gig-Island]

So I started this build about 18 months ago when I started the building process of my new home. I have a bonus room downstairs with an attached mechanical room. I knew this would be perfect for a large aquarium and the mechanical room would be perfect to also serve as a fish room. Here are some pictures of the area. In the pictures you can see a metal stand I got fabricated by a local metal worker. The feet I found on Ebay. They are industrial grade rubber with a threaded bolt of 1/2". The stand is made out of 2X2 steal and L angle iron for the top and bottom.

My wife said I could put a tank in between the bathroom and mechanical door ways so I am limited to the 4 foot gap.

 

[Gig-Island]

Found this 4 X 4 X 2 custom aquarium near me. It defiantly needed some TLC. When I went to look at it I found out that it was custom built, euro braced, made of 3/4th inch glass, all seems were strong and intact, and was only a couple of years old. It had been sitting outside for a while so I decided to reinforce the seems to be safe.

Decided to take a chance because I got it for pennies on the dollar. This thing had to cost 2-3 grand brand new.

This thing weighted almost 500 lbs empty!

 

[Gig-Island]

It took me and 3 of my buddies to get this monster in my basement and on the stand. The stand ended up being almost 32" tall after the feet, boards and insolation board were installed. The tank is just over 2 feet tall. Combined a little taller than normal, but I don't mind considering I'm 6'3".

One negative is that I have to use a small step ladder to get to the bottom of the tank but that is a trade off I was ok with.

Those aren't scratches on the glass you see in the picture just old deposits I had to clean. Glass ended up being scratch free! Thank goodness!!!

 

[Gig-Island]

Decided to go with the Herbie overflow method. I have 2 1.5 inch main drains. 1 drains into a filter sock area and then into the skimmer and reactor area. The other drains into a long refugium area. The clear flex tubes are 1 inch emergency drains. I combined these 2 hoses since there would be minimal water flow through these pipes.

Below you can see the 2 gate valves that control the flow to make the system almost silent. The bottom pipe is the emergency drain. The plumbing above the sink is the return line. I also added a valve to help do easier water changes.

 

[Gig-Island]

Followed the lead of the BRS team with my aquascaping. I am going to have a lot of ledges and islands. The cool thing about this tank is the 4 foot depth. It really adds to the possibilities of rock placement.

 

[Devaji]

heck yeah! this going to be a great build. keep us posted

 

[Gig-Island]

Put almost 200 lbs of sand in and got system up and running with the aquascape. To my surprise and delight, no leaks!!! Love the 3D effect the 4 ft depth gives.

These images are about 2 weeks old. Still very cloudy from sand. I will get better pictures later.

 

[Devaji]

glad there was no leaking! I agree the depth is so cool.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Put almost 200 lbs of sand in and got system up and running with the aquascape. To my surprise and delight, no leaks!!! Love the 3D effect the 4 ft depth gives.

These images are about 2 weeks old. Still very cloudy from sand. I will get better pictures later.

Wow that’s a lot of sand but that’s also a lot of tank! Sweet build dude!

 

[dyno]

Awesome tank! 4 feet deep HS! Your fish are going to love swimming in there!

 

[m4gts]

Where did u get the stand?

 

[Gig-Island]

Where did u get the stand?

Sorry I am just seeing this. I took dimensions of the tank and approximate weight filled and gave that to a local welder/metal worker in my area. I live near a lake so there are many locals that work with steel and aluminum with docks. I told him I wanted an open concept with no bracing underneath. He designed and made the stand with 2x2 steel and 2 inch L angle iron. Love the way it turned out. When I got it I put 3 or 4 coats of black paint on it. I wanted to get it powder coated until i got quotes! That process would have cost more that the stand build. If I remember correctly he charged me $500 total.

3 1/2 years later everything is holding up well.

 

[Gig-Island]

Gig Island -

Here is an updated picture of the front right of the 240. I've had these Giganteas in the system for almost 2 years now. The Green is around 12" and the Purple is around 9". The mated pair of clowns have been with them the entire time. The Gigs have never moved from the island. They have heavy flow and a dedicated daylight spot light that blast them for 6 hours a day. You can see the shadows. The spotlight washes them out but they are so happy with the extra light. I would guesstimate they are getting 750-900 par when all lights are running 100% mid day. I have 2 Orphek Icons over the tank as well.