I could use some help planning this in-wall build (with pic of current space)

[ktownhero]

Hi all,

In my home, I have a space that I believe will be perfect for building out a 120 gallon reef system, which has been a dream size for me for a long time. It is a "dry bar" that that is cut out into our wall, which I'd like to transform into an in-wall reef.

Here is the current space:

The measurements of the space are 28.5" x 56" with more than ample vertical space so I didn't bother measuring. I plan on ripping out everything that is there so I can completely rewire the space and build something custom (and much stronger) to hold the tank. I could really use help with coming up with a design for this space. I'd like to do a 120g tank plumbed to a sump, preferably by going out of the back of the tank (bean animal style). Accessing the back of the tank is a concern of mine. The room behind this space, however, is my home office so I am thinking I could install some sort of large access panel back there?

I have done a fair amount of tanks in my life, but I've never had the opportunity to use a space like this. I would love feedback regarding overall design and/or, more specifically, how you might suggesting dealing with plumbing and access in a space like this?

Thanks for any and all input!

 

[lifeoffaith]

An access panel in the back will be a must. I would also suggest an access panel in the front to access the front glass for cleaning. Are you going with a custom tank to fit the 56 inches, or are you going longer or shorter (standard 120s are 48" and longs are typically 60") and then just building the space around it?

 

[ktownhero]

An access panel in the back will be a must. I would also suggest an access panel in the front to access the front glass for cleaning. Are you going with a custom tank to fit the 56 inches, or are you going longer or shorter (standard 120s are 48" and longs are typically 60") and then just building the space around it?

The plan is to use a standard 120g and allow for some space around it that will just be covered by a frame that can also be opened for access. I also intend to have doors on the front, like it is currently, to access it from there as well.

 

[BrettDS]

Here is the build thread for in wall 220:

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...share_tid=2563684&share_fid=1489&share_type=t

One thing I will say is that I absolutely love that my tank is viewable from both sides... there is much more room to place corals, since you have two sides of the rock to place them on, and there are far fewer places for things to hide... I see my shrimp and crabs and such much more often than I did in my previous tank where they could hide between the rocks and the back of the tank.

You mentioned that your home office is behind that well, so that seems well suited to opening up the wall so you can see the fish as you work.

 

[ktownhero]

Here is the build thread for in wall 220:

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...share_tid=2563684&share_fid=1489&share_type=t

One thing I will say is that I absolutely love that my tank is viewable from both sides... there is much more room to place corals, since you have two sides of the rock to place them on, and there are far fewer places for things to hide... I see my shrimp and crabs and such much more often than I did in my previous tank where they could hide between the rocks and the back of the tank.

You mentioned that your home office is behind that well, so that seems well suited to opening up the wall so you can see the fish as you work.

Wow, that's actually a really good suggestion that I hadn't thought of at all... The only issue I have is that on the other side of that wall, in the office, there is baseboard radiant heat. I could just build cabinets above it and leave it alone I'm pretty sure though. I don't think the heat generated would pose much of a problem.

 

[BrettDS]

Wow, that's actually a really good suggestion that I hadn't thought of at all... The only issue I have is that on the other side of that wall, in the office, there is baseboard radiant heat. I could just build cabinets above it and leave it alone I'm pretty sure though. I don't think the heat generated would pose much of a problem.

Yeah, I don't think it would really be an issue. On the one side of my tank I just left the baseboard and drywall and everything in place and simply cut a tank sized hole, so you may not even need to worry about building cabinets or anything on that side.

 

[ktownhero]

Yeah, I don't think it would really be an issue. On the one side of my tank I just left the baseboard and drywall and everything in place and simply cut a tank sized hole, so you may not even need to worry about building cabinets or anything on that side.

I see, and it looks like your tank is plumbed through the bottom which probably makes the most sense for this type of install. I prefer going through the back, but I could either do the bottom or possibly put all of the plumbing on one side where it is hidden sort of inside the wall (with a way to access it).

 

[BrettDS]

I see, and it looks like your tank is plumbed through the bottom which probably makes the most sense for this type of install.

The drains go through the bottom, but the return pluming actually goes up the sides and over the top. I was hoping to do it all through the bottom, but there were only two holes in each overflow and I wound up going with dual herbies, which used all four holes for drains.

 

[postshawn]

If you like plumbing the back you can probably plumb the sides or one side instead. You could get a more standard size tank then and use the extra space for an access panel part of any trim or whatever you do around the tank. Could be hard to get in there though from just one side.


Examples:

 

[ktownhero]

The drains go through the bottom, but the return pluming actually goes up the sides and over the top. I was hoping to do it all through the bottom, but there were only two holes in each overflow and I wound up going with dual herbies, which used all four holes for drains.

Well your tank is so big, that makes sense to use both overflows as drains. For a 120g, I can probably get away with just one overflow. I still like the idea of going through a side, that way I can use a low-profile overflow inside the tank. I have a closet next to where the tank will be going that I might be able to make room for some of the plumbing. The only problem is that it's my server closet I'll have to be creative there... my electronics can be moved if necessary.

The one thing I am realizing with this is that I am probably not going to be able to really wrap my head around what I want to do until I get the crowbar out and rip that thing out of there. Hopefully the misses won't mind big hole in that space while I figure things out

 

[ktownhero]

If you like plumbing the back you can probably plumb the sides or one side instead. You could get a more standard size tank then and use the extra space for an access panel part of any trim or whatever you do around the tank. Could be hard to get in there though from just one side.


Examples:

Thank you for the input, that's what I was thinking as well. This is definitely the route I will shoot for if I decide to make the tank visible on both sides.