In-wall with only a front glass - opinions please?

[caaete]

Greetings!

Look this fresh water tank:

I have been thinking to build a reef tank in this model: in-wall, rocks and only the front view made of glass, just like the picture.

What you guys think? What kind of rocks should I use and what I have to do to prevent leakings in the rock structure?

There is an another idea: what about swimming pool's ceramic tiles? Here is a picture:

Well, is it a viable project? I´m very concerned about leakings!

The tank will by a fish only, 12 feet long, 4 feet high and 4 feet width

Sorry for my poor English :fun4:

Best regards!

 

[caaete]

Here another picture to illustrate better what goal I am trying to reach:

 

[dave.m]

My concern with swimming pool or bath tub models is that they may leach unwanted chemicals into the water. Most materials for these types of vats are not intended to support life but rather to kill bacteria - which would be bad for a reef aquarium. However, the general structural designs for both the swimming pool and the bathtub would be sound for a single-paned aquarium.

Dave.M

 

[caaete]

Thanks Dave!

Well, there are glass tiles wich do not release any kinds of chemicals in the water.

What about the material to grout (is this te correct word) the tiles?

 

[dave.m]

Grout is the correct word, and that is what I would be concerned about releasing unwanted substances into the water. Or absorbing chemicals and then re-releasing them back into the water later.

Are you really thinking of doing tiles? There is a user with a thread on this forum named Bennytheblenny who did tiles. You could read his thread for his experiences.

If you are only looking at the size and not the materials used then you could consider coating the inside of your enclosure with fiberglass and resin or an epoxy resin. Some of the newer builds are making the total enclosure out of cast resins. See pmroger's and hedgedrew's threads on this forum, as well.

Dave.M

 

[caaete]

Thanks Dave, I will take a look on those threads!