So I decided I should finally post a build thread for my new 400g tank. I had started one about three years ago on a couple other forums but it ended up stalling. The display tank is 6'x3'x'3' and built into the wall with a dedicated area behind the tank. We'll start with the history first. Now I will tell you this is the most expensive tank I have ever bought, but also the cheapest. About 3 years ago I went to a meeting in st. thomas to see Mark's 8'x4'x3 monster and was in shear awe, of the size and the possibilities. Up until then I had a 25g, then a 65g, then a 120g, and never could aquascape them due to the limited size. I came home from the meeting went online and found a friend in Quebec had decided to sell the tank I have now. I have jokingly told my wife that I wanted to buy this tank, which would allow the current tank to be removed from our breakfast nook, and in the renos also get her a laundry room. Expecting her to say no she agreed, and we arrange to go to pick it up. This was the cheap part, he gave me a great deal. Then came the expense
So we had decided to put the tank in the back room of the house, an old garage that a previous owner had attempted to convert to living space. Problem # 1 came when I realized 2 things. The 7' ceiling would leave me just over a foot of space above the tank and a support post would run right through the tank which became a problem when I couldn't find a square 6" bulkhead for it. This is also what has delayed the build by a couple of years. Since getting the tank the renos took over. I have replaced the support structure in the room, raise the roof by 1', replaced the roof, replaced a 20' section of exterior wall that literally feel into the driveway, ran new plumbing, electrical, insulated, installed cabinets, built stairs, tiled, painted, laid flooring, and the list continues all for an $800 tank. I built the tank myself in place and then have done most of the reno's around it. The renos are done except for some cosmetic finishes so I can finally start on the tank.
I have gathered most of the tank parts but still have some things to figure out. The first real step forward on the tank came tonight when I installed the 14 bulkheads into the main tank. Next step will be to build and install the external overflow box on the tank then I can start the plumbing. I will take some pictures of the progression so far.
So we had decided to put the tank in the back room of the house, an old garage that a previous owner had attempted to convert to living space. Problem # 1 came when I realized 2 things. The 7' ceiling would leave me just over a foot of space above the tank and a support post would run right through the tank which became a problem when I couldn't find a square 6" bulkhead for it. This is also what has delayed the build by a couple of years. Since getting the tank the renos took over. I have replaced the support structure in the room, raise the roof by 1', replaced the roof, replaced a 20' section of exterior wall that literally feel into the driveway, ran new plumbing, electrical, insulated, installed cabinets, built stairs, tiled, painted, laid flooring, and the list continues all for an $800 tank. I built the tank myself in place and then have done most of the reno's around it. The renos are done except for some cosmetic finishes so I can finally start on the tank.
I have gathered most of the tank parts but still have some things to figure out. The first real step forward on the tank came tonight when I installed the 14 bulkheads into the main tank. Next step will be to build and install the external overflow box on the tank then I can start the plumbing. I will take some pictures of the progression so far.
