Local Contractor To Build Huge Tank N Basement

[noledoc]

I've been searching for a large tank to buy. Some aquarium builders have questionable results (internet search). Others are way too expensive. Just as I was giving up on a big tank I shared some of my frustration with the contractor who has been putting my house back together again following a tornado strike three months ago. My contractor has developed a strong interest in taking on this project of building my aquarium.

The man has been totally delightful to work with. He's outstanding, thorough, creative and honest and he's become a friend. As we talked he asked questions and offered suggestions. His interest grew rapidly. Finally I ask him if he would be willing to take on a project like this. He said he would love it.

As we talked we enlarged from what I thought I would have to accept due to cost etc until we got to an L shaped tank. The tank will be on a stand he'll make. It will have one face 16 feet long and the short part of the L would be 8 ft. The entire tank would be 36" in width and 30" deep. It will have a steel frame. This basement monster will hold over 1,000 gals.

James is a glass expert as well and works with a master welder. He is excited about doing this project and so am I. He has access to all of the materials wholesale including glass of all thicknesses, laminated, tempered etc. No one in this area builds large custom aquariums and he sees the possibilities.

Never could I afford to have what he's planning to build on site except under these conditions. Of course the big drawback is that he's never built an aquarium before. Obviously we will need to consult with an experienced aquarium builder.

I have a question. Do you or anyone know of good fairly technical sites online that discuss the finer aspects of construction including water depth, glass thickness and engineering details?

Also, would you know of an aquarium builder who might be willing to consult on a project like this?

Thanks for letting me share this with you.

Paul

 

[emma12321]

monster fish keepers has loads of documented massive tank builds i'm always on there lol once i get the money i want to build an 9ftx2.5ftx2.5ft across the end of my dining room will probably work out cheaper to do it in plywood with a viewing window similar to what vikki and kev have done on here but deeper.

 

[OldMan47]

As Emma has mentioned, MFK does indeed have examples of people who have built huge tanks.
With that said, please take note of a few facts. Each large(as in long sides) tank requires that braces be included across the top of the tank at intervals of 2 to 3 feet, in my home it is at 2 feet. Any long tank has 2 design considerations that deserve consideration. The glass thickness is mainly determined by the height of the tank and secondly by the distance between top braces which can only be extended using thicker glass. If you want to minimize the cost (which often reflects the cost of the glass) you will provide lots of top braces for your tank and will not allow a very large depth of the tank. If you are willing to place a top brace at 2 foot intervals and limit your glass height to 2 feet, you can probably get away with 3/8 inch thick glass for the glazing. Although 3/8 inch glass is fairly weak, the 2 foot maximum spacing of top braces and the somewhat short tank height will make things work out for you.

 

[hillmar77]

Here is link of what it looks like to build a monster tank!
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UHIAG1JRyw&feature