U Shaped Tank
- Thread starter kniesh
- Start date
AA still not got back to me, but he does know this is a long term project so he know's there's no rush.
As for the capacity of the tank. I have worked out that without the extra bits from the corners. It will be just under 1500 US Gallons. This is working to the dimensions of 12ft long, then 8ft along the other two walls, and 3foot high and wide. I decided I probably wont have a room that is 12ft by 12ft. More likely to find one 12 x 8 x 8.
As for the capacity of the tank. I have worked out that without the extra bits from the corners. It will be just under 1500 US Gallons. This is working to the dimensions of 12ft long, then 8ft along the other two walls, and 3foot high and wide. I decided I probably wont have a room that is 12ft by 12ft. More likely to find one 12 x 8 x 8.
1500 US Gallons?! 
That's 5677.5 litres!
That's 5677.5 litres!
I'm looking forward to finding out the water capacity of the tank!
Im looking forward to the quote from AA. They have great standards and are probably one of the best custom tank/designers in the world so services are not going to be cheap.
Kind Regards,
Adam
You were right there. Lets just say it was a few thousand above what I was looking for. I asked ND too but they only do cubed and rectangle apparently.
curlyriff
Fish Crazy
I am not suprised based on who there clients seem to be but I would be interested in a tank from them once I have my own place and a cool £40,000 spare.
Hope you get some other quotes though. I can't think of any at moment that would do what you want. You could try Acrylicaquarium if you want to go down that route. They do bespoke design which should be cheaper than AA.
Or what about Coralcabinets as they state that they do custom shaps as long as it is straight edge which shouldn't be a problem for your design.
They are the other two I know I would check out just to get an idea of pricing.
Kind Regards,
Adam
What was AA's actual quote?
£20,000!
I would want to pay £10K, maybe 15 max.
I would want to pay £10K, maybe 15 max.
£20,000!
I would want to pay £10K, maybe 15 max.
Yeah, 10k was around what I was thinking. However received good news from the missus, we hadnt discussed actual figures, and when I showed her it, she said she thought it would be more around 13k, so I get to up it a bit if I need
As I say though, this is not a project that will happen right now. But need to start looking at these things.
You have to find a house first!
curlyriff
Fish Crazy
That's actually slightly less than I thought. I was putting it around the £25,000 mark all in but depends on what the quote included really. Was literally just the tank with stand? what about filtration, lighting etc. Is your total budget about 13k then?
It would be achievable but it depends on what your building expertise are like. I think for this type of tank you would be looking around the 15k all in minus the structural flooring.
I am more than happy to help design this sort of thing and can do drawings, depending on what you are after with the architectural design to meet your brief. I help allot of people out on AV Forums with TV Stands and Cinema Room designs. They often send a small gift like a bottle of wine or something when I get them some 3D conception drawings.
Reinforcing the floor wise I think you would be looking at anything between 1.5k and 5k depending on what you have. best bet is to have something like an attached double garage you could build a reinforced slab in as retro fit to internal floor space of house will be costly as you would have to a site investigation of the underlying ground unless rather new property. If you went for new build there are some companies that will actually allow you to specify this is you got a structural engineer design first and got there sub contractor at your cost to do it to start with.
Although it has complication and would have to be small site development otherwise it wont fit their schedule.
I assume that this build would have to be site installed and it depends on access as well. You could build this in 3 parts and have it lorry delivered and use flat bed to position each part and silicon those together on site rather than forming it all on site which would lead to long site times.
Obviously at your stage getting ideas, photos and putting a collage book together over a few weeks even months would be good. You can then go through that pick out the ideas you like and design it around that.
If you want to discuss further and that always drop me a pm in case I miss some posts. Interested on the design as it is something I wouldn't mind trying although I would split my U-shape tank into 3 very different tanks with planted one side. Brackish in middle and Cichlids on the other side.
I think this would give a really cool effect of different bio-types while not needing lots of tanks dotted about. The only other thing to consider is with U-Shape tanks like yours is your viewing point.
You are going to be limited to standing in front of tank or having swivel chair or similar to sit in to appreciate it all which is why this type of tank isn't common. If you have it in the living room area you can't see 70% of tank from a sitting position unless central. L-shapes would work better as you can place a corner sofa or custom shaped sofa to fit as a viewing place with small coffee table to relax while having more like 85% viewing at all times.
I know this restricts amount of space but you may be better to go for something like a 16ft length tank on one long external wall or similar. Obviously this depends on your property you end up in.
Sorry about the long post just some thoughts been having and trying to work out what you want from the tank so can help you gain maximum potential.
Kind Regards,
Adam
It would be achievable but it depends on what your building expertise are like. I think for this type of tank you would be looking around the 15k all in minus the structural flooring.
I am more than happy to help design this sort of thing and can do drawings, depending on what you are after with the architectural design to meet your brief. I help allot of people out on AV Forums with TV Stands and Cinema Room designs. They often send a small gift like a bottle of wine or something when I get them some 3D conception drawings.
Reinforcing the floor wise I think you would be looking at anything between 1.5k and 5k depending on what you have. best bet is to have something like an attached double garage you could build a reinforced slab in as retro fit to internal floor space of house will be costly as you would have to a site investigation of the underlying ground unless rather new property. If you went for new build there are some companies that will actually allow you to specify this is you got a structural engineer design first and got there sub contractor at your cost to do it to start with.
Although it has complication and would have to be small site development otherwise it wont fit their schedule.
I assume that this build would have to be site installed and it depends on access as well. You could build this in 3 parts and have it lorry delivered and use flat bed to position each part and silicon those together on site rather than forming it all on site which would lead to long site times.
Obviously at your stage getting ideas, photos and putting a collage book together over a few weeks even months would be good. You can then go through that pick out the ideas you like and design it around that.
If you want to discuss further and that always drop me a pm in case I miss some posts. Interested on the design as it is something I wouldn't mind trying although I would split my U-shape tank into 3 very different tanks with planted one side. Brackish in middle and Cichlids on the other side.
I think this would give a really cool effect of different bio-types while not needing lots of tanks dotted about. The only other thing to consider is with U-Shape tanks like yours is your viewing point.
You are going to be limited to standing in front of tank or having swivel chair or similar to sit in to appreciate it all which is why this type of tank isn't common. If you have it in the living room area you can't see 70% of tank from a sitting position unless central. L-shapes would work better as you can place a corner sofa or custom shaped sofa to fit as a viewing place with small coffee table to relax while having more like 85% viewing at all times.
I know this restricts amount of space but you may be better to go for something like a 16ft length tank on one long external wall or similar. Obviously this depends on your property you end up in.
Sorry about the long post just some thoughts been having and trying to work out what you want from the tank so can help you gain maximum potential.
Kind Regards,
Adam
Thanks a lot mate, your input is very helpful and much appreciated. In terms of the stand, as stated I think I want a brick effect one as I think you can make this look like a very nice piece of furniture. My Dad is excellent at that kind of stuff, so the cost there should be minimal.
Myself, I am not very good at DIY, or designing so every bit of advice is valuable. I have a good friend who is a Chartered Surveyor, so in terms of the structural work for the floor, he will be quite valuable. Haven't been able to speak to him just yet as he is on his honeymoon for a year trip around the world (it's ok for some )
I like that you have given me ideas of not being able to view all the tank at any point really. These are the kid of things I was after. It has made me think that the 'U' shape is certainly far from final. I will now be looking at the 'L' shape seriously too.
The whole idea I have here ( I really like your idea of 3 Biotypes btw ) is to be able to create a number of different environments all within the one space. I think in a 'normal' cubed or rectangle tank this isnt really possible. I really want to keep Oddballs such as Bichirs, Datnoides, Eels, Elephant Noses, Knifefish, all in the same tank, but with some other fish you wouldn'y normally keep with them, such as smaller Cichlids, Hoplos, Pictus Cats and similar. I will be hoping to get them behaving as naturally as possible, knowing some of the younger Cichlids after breeding, will be eaten.
All this obviously depends upon the room I find, and untill I really see what's out there, I suppose it's impossible to know for sure on shape and size. Having ideas like you said will actually help while looking at properties though and is a very good idea. I would love it if you did continue to advise.
Thanks Vinny
Myself, I am not very good at DIY, or designing so every bit of advice is valuable. I have a good friend who is a Chartered Surveyor, so in terms of the structural work for the floor, he will be quite valuable. Haven't been able to speak to him just yet as he is on his honeymoon for a year trip around the world (it's ok for some )
I like that you have given me ideas of not being able to view all the tank at any point really. These are the kid of things I was after. It has made me think that the 'U' shape is certainly far from final. I will now be looking at the 'L' shape seriously too.
The whole idea I have here ( I really like your idea of 3 Biotypes btw ) is to be able to create a number of different environments all within the one space. I think in a 'normal' cubed or rectangle tank this isnt really possible. I really want to keep Oddballs such as Bichirs, Datnoides, Eels, Elephant Noses, Knifefish, all in the same tank, but with some other fish you wouldn'y normally keep with them, such as smaller Cichlids, Hoplos, Pictus Cats and similar. I will be hoping to get them behaving as naturally as possible, knowing some of the younger Cichlids after breeding, will be eaten.
All this obviously depends upon the room I find, and untill I really see what's out there, I suppose it's impossible to know for sure on shape and size. Having ideas like you said will actually help while looking at properties though and is a very good idea. I would love it if you did continue to advise.
Thanks Vinny
I'm a glasscutter by trade and yes I should be building larger aquaria 
£20K I should definately stop messin around with small tanks and go large.
You must have a good job or better still an understanding wife.
The base alone would cost a small fortune as it would have to be cut by CNC.
How you gettin it though the house to position it or is it made on-site.
Good Luck
Regards
C
£20K I should definately stop messin around with small tanks and go large.
You must have a good job or better still an understanding wife.
The base alone would cost a small fortune as it would have to be cut by CNC.
How you gettin it though the house to position it or is it made on-site.
Good Luck
Regards
C
Cooper2085
Fishaholic
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Have a word with Wharf Aquatics, they build custome tanks are are pretty competetive.
curlyriff
Fish Crazy
Thanks a lot mate, your input is very helpful and much appreciated. In terms of the stand, as stated I think I want a brick effect one as I think you can make this look like a very nice piece of furniture. My Dad is excellent at that kind of stuff, so the cost there should be minimal. Thats alright always interested in projects like this. And the brick stand would work great for this. Just have to make sure your levelling is spot on. Your best option would be steel frame. Marine Ply top with a single skin of brickwork to face the stand. If you do this would need to make sure you have an access panel to get to all the equipment or plum it to a room that you can have all your equipment in.
Myself, I am not very good at DIY, or designing so every bit of advice is valuable. I have a good friend who is a Chartered Surveyor, so in terms of the structural work for the floor, he will be quite valuable. Haven't been able to speak to him just yet as he is on his honeymoon for a year trip around the world (it's ok for some )
Im in the wrong job then within this career. In terms of the structural floor that is all fine then. As said this will really depend on location and all sorts so having someone close to do this at a minimal cost is always benificial.
I like that you have given me ideas of not being able to view all the tank at any point really. These are the kid of things I was after. It has made me think that the 'U' shape is certainly far from final. I will now be looking at the 'L' shape seriously too. Thats alright, I think that the U shape would be workable but needs some adjustment to your design. If you give me an idea on total size of room you would be looking to put this in then I could do some quick 3D models of how it could look to give the right balance of space, sizing and what the finished look could be. I know your budget is a little fluid but if I take say 10k as basic with a further 3k for contingancy and you let me know if this total amount needs to cover everything from structural work to the fish I can see what kind of pricing I think the basic concept would be.
I would include a breakdown with basic furnishings to give an idea of total room cost and maintance design etc...
The whole idea I have here ( I really like your idea of 3 Biotypes btw ) is to be able to create a number of different environments all within the one space. I think in a 'normal' cubed or rectangle tank this isnt really possible. I really want to keep Oddballs such as Bichirs, Datnoides, Eels, Elephant Noses, Knifefish, all in the same tank, but with some other fish you wouldn'y normally keep with them, such as smaller Cichlids, Hoplos, Pictus Cats and similar. I will be hoping to get them behaving as naturally as possible, knowing some of the younger Cichlids after breeding, will be eaten. I got the idea from someone who split a standard 6ft tank in half and had 2 biotypes in it but my idea is just a larger scale version. If you go for an L-shape my best suggestion at this point would be to better having seperate biotype for the fish you want with to distinct zones that the fish. Only other issues I wouldn't be sure on is what you can do about water chemisty that the different types of fish may require. I think this is something that you will have to consider and look at closely.
All this obviously depends upon the room I find, and untill I really see what's out there, I suppose it's impossible to know for sure on shape and size. Having ideas like you said will actually help while looking at properties though and is a very good idea. I would love it if you did continue to advise. Thats fine. what I think you need to consider is what you are really looking for. You may end up having an out house that you can go and relax with just some light music. An open fire for warmth and somewhere comfy to sit while looking at your fish. I am more than happy to advise and as said will sort some basic models out or similar for you to really see what kind of options.
If you want to email me with design ideas and photos of what you like etc let me know via PM and we can talk via email about the basic concepts you have. If we start now it should leave you with the basic ideas and concepts ironed out
Kind Regards,
Adam
P.S in regards to what BigC mentioned with install. This can be incorperated in the design and would depend on location and property itself. At this size I would suggest removing a section of external wall out with temperary props and then it can be re-built along with new cabling and plumbing as would be necessary for this tank. Since the floor is very likely going to need to be strengthend then this can be combined at this time.
It would be more cost effective for it to arrive as a single unit and craned into place but again depends on logistics.
Myself, I am not very good at DIY, or designing so every bit of advice is valuable. I have a good friend who is a Chartered Surveyor, so in terms of the structural work for the floor, he will be quite valuable. Haven't been able to speak to him just yet as he is on his honeymoon for a year trip around the world (it's ok for some )
I like that you have given me ideas of not being able to view all the tank at any point really. These are the kid of things I was after. It has made me think that the 'U' shape is certainly far from final. I will now be looking at the 'L' shape seriously too. Thats alright, I think that the U shape would be workable but needs some adjustment to your design. If you give me an idea on total size of room you would be looking to put this in then I could do some quick 3D models of how it could look to give the right balance of space, sizing and what the finished look could be. I know your budget is a little fluid but if I take say 10k as basic with a further 3k for contingancy and you let me know if this total amount needs to cover everything from structural work to the fish I can see what kind of pricing I think the basic concept would be.
I would include a breakdown with basic furnishings to give an idea of total room cost and maintance design etc...
The whole idea I have here ( I really like your idea of 3 Biotypes btw ) is to be able to create a number of different environments all within the one space. I think in a 'normal' cubed or rectangle tank this isnt really possible. I really want to keep Oddballs such as Bichirs, Datnoides, Eels, Elephant Noses, Knifefish, all in the same tank, but with some other fish you wouldn'y normally keep with them, such as smaller Cichlids, Hoplos, Pictus Cats and similar. I will be hoping to get them behaving as naturally as possible, knowing some of the younger Cichlids after breeding, will be eaten. I got the idea from someone who split a standard 6ft tank in half and had 2 biotypes in it but my idea is just a larger scale version. If you go for an L-shape my best suggestion at this point would be to better having seperate biotype for the fish you want with to distinct zones that the fish. Only other issues I wouldn't be sure on is what you can do about water chemisty that the different types of fish may require. I think this is something that you will have to consider and look at closely.
All this obviously depends upon the room I find, and untill I really see what's out there, I suppose it's impossible to know for sure on shape and size. Having ideas like you said will actually help while looking at properties though and is a very good idea. I would love it if you did continue to advise. Thats fine. what I think you need to consider is what you are really looking for. You may end up having an out house that you can go and relax with just some light music. An open fire for warmth and somewhere comfy to sit while looking at your fish. I am more than happy to advise and as said will sort some basic models out or similar for you to really see what kind of options.
If you want to email me with design ideas and photos of what you like etc let me know via PM and we can talk via email about the basic concepts you have. If we start now it should leave you with the basic ideas and concepts ironed out
Kind Regards,
Adam
P.S in regards to what BigC mentioned with install. This can be incorperated in the design and would depend on location and property itself. At this size I would suggest removing a section of external wall out with temperary props and then it can be re-built along with new cabling and plumbing as would be necessary for this tank. Since the floor is very likely going to need to be strengthend then this can be combined at this time.
It would be more cost effective for it to arrive as a single unit and craned into place but again depends on logistics.
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