Where will it end?

[Alex]

Hi everyone,

I've just joined the forum as it looks like you guys know what you're on about :). I have a Murray Cod that is currently in its 5th tank upgrade (6'x2'x2') and I'm beginning to think that it's that time again (groan). I'm looking for some ideas on a new tank setup. This one will have to go in the shed, which is luckily quite big so space won't be a problem. I'm thinking about a custom 6'x6' to allow for as much time as possible before the next upgrade. Does anyone out there have a setup this size or any ideas/contributions/possible problems?

cheers,

Alex

[joz]

Welcome Alex,yea we sometimes even know a bit between us all.haha!

But did I understand that right 6x6' ??
Or the original 6x2x2?

[Alex]

Thanks Joz, I currently have a 6x2x2' inside, but looking to go MASSIVE in the shed. Dimensions aren't set in stone, but I'm pretty set on building a tank big enough to last for quite a few years.

[wombat1100]

Hope you have lots of $$$$$ for a tank of that spec!!!!
i would assume metal frame would be needed to support the load on the Glass from the water pressure, i think about 2000 kg of water if its only 2 foot high!
nice strong concrete floor too!

[joz]

Its almost worth thinking about a small above ground pool in that situation..

[wombat1100]

1/2 a poly water tank or the like, never have to worry about breakin it then.

[Alex]

Hope you have lots of $$$$$ for a tank of that spec!!!!


lol, I know, the better half will freak :eek:, I think realistically I'll be looking at around 1000 bucks for a 6'x4'x2.5' taking into account double jointing and a stainless collar. I'd really like to go deeper and make a big overhanging snag but would need to go to 15mm glass which gets really expensive (and onsite build heavy). I think the stand will go close to the price of the tank too with the price of steel at the moment but I'll save some $$$ by doing the welding myself and have a mate who is a powder coater. If anyone has any suggestions or advice I'd love to hear from them :)

[Alex]

I can get hold of a second hand 5 ton aquaculture tank with stand for cheaper, and I did consider it, but still want an aquarium rather than a fish farm.

[lil_fuzzy]

How about going for a solid tank rather than glass and just have a couple of glass bits in it so you can see the fish? Might be cheaper than all glass.

[Alex]

How about going for a solid tank rather than glass and just have a couple of glass bits in it so you can see the fish? Might be cheaper than all glass.

I've been thinking about doing that lil_fuzzy, and I really like the idea of building my own but it's a lot of work. Who would I blame when it all went pear shaped? lol.

I've seen a few tank builds (online) using plywood over steel/timber frames, do you have any suggestions or links?

Not to mention the BOSS wanting new bathroom, laundry etc....

I'm sure I could hide a few hardware costs if I did it that way....hmmmmm:wink:

[joz]

Hmmm,maybe a pond may be the go now.

[Alex]

Hmmm,maybe a pond may be the go now.

Don't talk like that Joz. Aquarium or bust (most likely if I build it). Hopefully I'll get a spare weekend in a couple of weeks, it's honestly like a gulag around here at the moment, shovelled and wheelbarrowed 3 metres of mulch and 3 metres of top soil today. Got to drive a tipper truck though, so something good came out of it. For now, plans must be hatched....mwahahahaaahaaa...:biggrin:

[Alex]

Plan A.

If I build it out of plywood with a split viewing window, I can make it 1500 (5ftish) deep with 2 x 950mm x 1100 (ish) pieces of 18mm glass (affordable & liftable). Shed floor measures approx 300mm where the tank would be going so no worries there. I approached the boss with this brilliant plan and she couldn't see the bright side "He just sits there looking at you, why would you need a bigger tank?". Obviously she doesn't understand how much personality a murray cod has. Hopefully she'll come around :rolleyes:.

423 424 425

Plan B. Still working on it.

[cichlidboy]

Great idea I picked up from a trip to malaysian aquariums.
use rectangular or square fiberglass ponds and cut one of the sides out and stick acrylic or glass to it.
strong, and still "viewable"