5000gal Concrete w/ glass panel info.

[AZreefkeeper]

Hoping someone can direct me to any info. regarding building a 5000 to 10,000 gallon concrete/ and glass panel system, like the ones built for public aquariums.

I remember seeing Richard Harkers system before it was finished, does anyone have a link where he has it done?

any help would be appriciated.

thanks
Vince

 

[luvtolean]

There's a fish store I went to on a visit to Houston with a 40,000 gallon set-up.

Here's the link, but it's not too informative.

http://www.aquariumworld.net/profile.htm

Give them a call, maybe they'll help.

I definately plan to do this type of set-up someday.

I was told the average swimming pool is 20k gallons...this tank was plenty big to swim with your fish.

 

[Goldleaf Reef]

I ws just there In Houston, staying off North East Freeway, I saw this place, and did not stop in because I thought it was a Cheezy Aquarium store Dang I missed out on that one.

 

[luvtolean]

Yeah, their fish selection was basic (I'm spoiled living in SoCal though), and practically no corals, but the tank and other equipment they had was pretty cool.

I'm actually planning a smaller version of their tidepool for my yard.

 

[AZreefkeeper]

Thanks guys
there has to be someone out there that has this link, I had it about 2 yrs ago but can't seem to find it anymore.

 

[AZreefkeeper]

luvtolean
do you have any info. on concrete specs? thats basically what I'm looking for I only want to make it about 6' deep with viewing panels about 20' long (2 -10' panels.

so basically 20' viewable x 6' deep x 8 to 10' frt to back.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

Send Bill Wann a PM...he is working on a 22x15x6 I think.

 

[AZreefkeeper]

Fiziksgeek
sent PM

 

[luvtolean]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7485572#post7485572 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AZreefkeeper
luvtolean
do you have any info. on concrete specs? thats basically what I'm looking for I only want to make it about 6' deep with viewing panels about 20' long (2 -10' panels.

so basically 20' viewable x 6' deep x 8 to 10' frt to back.

Nope, sorry.

I wanted to ask them that...but they were busy with reps and I was impatient...not to mention this project is vapor ware for me for at least 10 years.

 

[AZreefkeeper]

thanks, I PM him just now.

 

[JazzMan]

Vince, you dont own the Coffee Plantation, do you?

 

[AZreefkeeper]

Not a plantation, but we do well. We are adding to our house and I would like to have the specs of the concrete incase the Architec needs them.

I researched it about 10 yrs ago but I'm sure things have changed.

 

[reefnewbie54321]

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/aquarium.htm

Thats richard harkers tank, I wonder f you asked around for his email you could contact him.

Theres also another member JustJoe who build the 20,000g tank at Atlantis Aquarium. He is very busy and is always bombarded with questions about the tank so dont expect a respond to fast.

Also from what he told me Bill Wann is not building a cement tank.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7402121#post7402121 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bill Wann
Iam in the process of laying out th ehouse right now , The tank will be 22 feet long , 15 wide and 6 feet high . I figured I would get it right this time ,I made th elast tank too small . It will be made of a steel frame covered in plywood and then lined in pvc sheets weled togther .
Iam starting on th econstruction of the tank in a few weeks . Iam waiting for the front acrylic panel to come from reynolds .
If anyone is interested in buying a 1500 gallon tank with a 600 gallon tank and a 340 gallon tank in the loft with a nice house to go around it let me know . Iam basicly giving the tanks away with the house minus th elive stock . I would hate to rip them out and sell the house to a none reef person .Oh yea , the house id like 4000 sq feet , 3 bedroom , 4 bath . 3 car finished gararge with heat , hot tub , 8 person movie theater , large kitchen with all top of the line appaliances on one acre with ingroungd sprinklers witha few fish tanks and a large room for them . Ianclueds most of th eequiptmet also . just need fish and corals .

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7415906#post7415906 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bill Wann
The panel was 17k from reynolds . its 22 feet long and 3 inch thick .
Ive got the electric thing down pretty good . My whole system which is around 3k gallons only runs me 215 a month . Not bad .

Heres another member in the process of building a large tank aswell

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7420671#post7420671 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by massman
I am starting something quite big too atm. 19'x7'x5.5'.
Third floor of my house, utilising sunlight.
Stay tuned.


Ps Bill empty your mailbox!

Just so you have an example of what a 20k tank is lit with

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7425427#post7425427 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Justjoe
That was at T.O.P. (Time Of Print)

I'm now up to 22, 800 watts. And its not accurate to quote watts/ gallon, but I'm just about 1watt/ gallon. That is probably as far as I'll go with the lighting on this tank.

I could have easily gone with more lighting or less, all depends on the rockwork placement, etc.

The tank is getting small already with regard to the corals, so even 20K isn't enough!
Joe

Thats all the help I can be as of now ... be sure to share any information you find. I am not in a postition to build a tank that big as of now but theres always the future...

 

[AZreefkeeper]

reef newbee
thanks for the link, I saw his tank in person before it had water, he had just finished applying the epoxy.

I lost his contack info. so if anyone has it I would appreciate it.

thanks
all

 

[Justjoe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7489989#post7489989 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AZreefkeeper
Not a plantation, but we do well. We are adding to our house and I would like to have the specs of the concrete incase the Architec needs them.

I researched it about 10 yrs ago but I'm sure things have changed.

You'll need an engineer to sign off on it before a contractor will build it. From what I know, its basic engineering for them to calculate the concrete thickness, amount of rebar, etc. depending on the water height, etc.
Joe

 

[alien9168]

This will be a really neat project...w/o a doubt!

What do you plan on housing inside this beast?

 

[AZreefkeeper]

alien9168
Its going to be a mini reef:rollface: . it will be lit by natural sunlight still in the planning stages.
We are looking to break groung next yr. we have been wanting to do this for about 10yrs. Its going to be very similar to Richard Harkers. Don't know if its going t be a full on reef or shark/ reef tank.
Lots to still look in to...
I will definetly post it here when we start.

thanks all

 

[alien9168]

thanks...soundes cool...

just one question...how can you justify the term "mini-reef"...lol

This tank sure seems the anti "min"...at leat if you were to ask me...lol

W/E...lol im sure its going to be great...and i cant wait to read up on your prgress...you may wish to supplement the natural ligt with some acentic...natural light...even in arizona(your bio )...tends to be very yellow...

 

[X-FACTOR]

I built a freshwater koi pond like this. It is 25,000 gallons. you can see some pic's of it here If you need any advice let me know, I am working on a 15,000 gallon saltwater room with windows for a doctor now.

 

[AZreefkeeper]

x-factor
Did you go the pool method (gunnite/ plaster) or did you have the concrete specially mixed?
thanks
vince