260 Build log (still in planning stage, assitance requested)

[djr2001]

I've finally decided to get off my rear and figure out what I'm going to do with the 260 gallon that sitting in my friend's garage collecting dust.
Originally I was going to put it in the wall but found out the wall I wanted to use was a load bearing wall. I then contacted a few people to build a stand and canopy but the height I wanted would have cost between $700 & $1300, which I really wasn't inclined to spend.

Yesterday I just decided to do somewhat of a "built-in"...
I'm going to build a book shelf around the aquarium just so i could take up the full wall.

Here are two pictures just to show the concept..

**Ignore the colors. They are just there to attempt to show depth for the shelves and doors**

Now to the hard stuff
Do I have this unit go all the way to the ceiling or do I just let the whole thing be about 70 inches tall (stand is 40 inches tall and the aquarium is 30 inches)

If I take it all the way to the ceiling, I want to install a heat vent so I can pull the hot air out the canopy and push it out the vent in my attic... I'm also considering running a small duct from the a/c to the canopy so I can cool air running across the water surface, this way I could possibly eliminate the need for a chiller in the summer and heaters in the winter.

Which ever route I decide to go (ceiling or not) would effect my lighting configuration. If I have the unit go all the way to the ceiling, I'd have to hang pendants in the canopy, or either only have the canopy itself go up so high then turn the remaining area above the canopy into bookshelfs also.

I need you guys assistance in deciding which route to take.


Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[Tremelle]

I would say spend the money to get what you want. By the time you build a book case and canopy around and over the tank, you would probably be close in price and not have exactly what you want.

How much space is there from the top of the tank to the ceiling?

 

[djr2001]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7692645#post7692645 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tremelle
How much space is there from the top of the tank to the ceiling?

I'd guestimate about 26 inches from the top of the tank to the ceiling.

stand is 40" tall, tank itself is 30. If I recall correctly, from floor to ceiling is 96 1/2 inches.

 

[Tremelle]

If you go the bookcase route, I would say take the canopy to the ceiling since it is not too high.

 

[mflamb]

Visit melevsreef.com. He's a neighbor.