So it begins!
So why this tank? The plan is to share the reef experience with others. Fortunately, I have a captive audience. We have a park where folks and their kids travel from all over to stay with us. I want to offer the opportunity for the kids and their parents to enjoy and learn about reefs. The tank will be semi public, meaning there will be times available for viewing and personalized tours of the tank.
Since this tank will be rebuilt are there any opinions on whether the tank should be larger? The building size has increased so we can do a tank of any size really. I chose the 8’x 3’ cuboid because I can reach everywhere with tongs.
The maximum width can only be 8‘ but the length could be greater. The benefit to a larger size would be the “wow factor” for the park guests and crazy large fish.
Here are the down sides I can think of:
1- The larger the tank, the greater the loss of of coral detail (this is my greatest hesitation) Countering this point is the reality I’m not sure anyone but us nerds are really looking at the coral
2-Big glass is heavy! The largest glass I’ve built with is 9‘ and I’m a little scared about maneuvering, say, a 16’ pane- but it can be done if it’s the thing to do.
Anyway, I would love some feedback whether the “wow factor” is worth from your point of view.
Update: The stainless steel frame was 1/8th stock; this was suggested to me as the smaller and thinner a tank frame is- the nicer the presentation of the tank. I love the look of exposed polished/beveled corners on a glass tank. This, however, isn’t an option for a public aquarium. I’ve found the masses do strange things and so the glass edges must be armored.
I am not pleased with this thinner steel as it has propensity to flex and twist. The epoxy will be removed from the frame and the frame will be rebuilt with heavier and wider stock to prevent bow or twist.
Cuboid down! But shall be Resurrected.
This thread is in the wrong spot, though, I’m not certain it matters.
Glassing and epoxying the composite board.
* please disregard the background; we affectionately call this area “the junkyard”. The building behind is the repair shop and this build is taking place under the awning. The fabrication shop is not yet built.
What size is the tank? 8x8x3
I have always been fond of large tanks and over the years discovered these are the largest dimensions one can reach with tongs.
By the way, it’s amazing how proficient you get dealing with tongs; I often forgo the chop sticks and dig in at the Japanese restaunt with them. It’s a real head turner.