New IN WALL 300 gallon build!!

Saw the video and thanks so much for sharing! Will basically be doing the same thing, but will be adding a footboard as well since I will still have drywall at the bottom of the tank. Measured everything today so I should be good to go when the house closes. Thanks again!

Matt

Check This Old House they probably have all the info you need for your header. Actually saw a episode 2 weeks ago about this very subject on thier show.
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20506202,00.html
good video on how to do it.
 
Also, I plan on going without a closed loop system. Unless someone convinces me that closed loop is the way to go, then I will prefer doing without it. Anyone? Thanks in advance.
 
are those 2x4 on the bottom of the stand part of it? I think that may be an issue trying to level the tank. I just built a stand for my 300 and I can tell you that you want it level at all costs.. I think with the 2x4's at the bottom you will end up trying to chase level and never get it
 
Been a little bit since an update. Hearing the feedback from different people, I have decided to return my 220INT skimmer and upgrade to a 250INT from Reef Octopus. I never envision having a fully stocked tank, but if I do then I know this will be able to handle the load. Should be arriving next Friday!

Also, will be closing on the house a week from Monday and then the demolition begins! Will update everyone when it starts. Thanks!
 
Also, Kris101....those are PT 2 by 4's on the bottom, and as of right now the stand is only off level by a couple of millimeters. Am prepared to shimmy it up when I move and when it's full of "test water." This will not be permanently filled if it isn't level don't worry. We will wait and see now!
 
Today is the day!

Today is the day!

Closing is today and I start ripping out the wall in preparation to put the tank in! Since it's a load bearing wall, the header will go in tomorrow. Pics and updates will come soon!
 
Disaster strikes.....bigtime :(

Disaster strikes.....bigtime :(

So I read the reviews and still decided to go with Glasscages for my tank. The bad reviews were from a while back and wanted to take a chance. Sighhhhhhhhh. Was about to post the update to my tank build when disaster struck. My beautiful 300 gallon tank broke and spilled out all over the first floor of our beautiful new house. Hardwood floors are toast, along with furniture, rug, fireplace, and personal belongings. Insurance will hopefully cover it all, and I still can't believe this has happened. :furious: Here are a few pictures of the aftermath. :(
 

Attachments

  • photo 1.jpg
    photo 1.jpg
    36.8 KB · Views: 4
  • photo 3.jpg
    photo 3.jpg
    39.8 KB · Views: 5
  • photo 4.jpg
    photo 4.jpg
    46.9 KB · Views: 5
I can't even imagine!!! It appears their quality is still sub par... I have 1 of their 60 cube tanks and it leaked day one and they wouldn't do anything for me at all. I had to completely reseal the tank on my own time and dime...

Good luck! Hopefully Glass Cages will work with you, but they will likely try to blame it on your stand and stick you with the bill... I hope not though.

Don
 
Good luck! Hopefully Glass Cages will work with you, but they will likely try to blame it on your stand and stick you with the bill... I hope not though.

I have the feeling that they will blame it on your stand as well. Hopefully you will be able to get it resolved
 
Quick question... Did you have the tank sitting on foam? I couldn't tell from any of the pictures. I know glass cages tanks have to be sitting on foam since they are a flat bottom. My Miracles tank is the same way.

EDIT: After closer inspection of the first pic, it looks like it is sitting directly on the plywood. That is bad news for these style of tanks and, if so, likely the reason it failed. I am SO sorry this happened!

Don
 
Quick question... Did you have the tank sitting on foam? I couldn't tell from any of the pictures. I know glass cages tanks have to be sitting on foam since they are a flat bottom. My Miracles tank is the same way.

EDIT: After closer inspection of the first pic, it looks like it is sitting directly on the plywood. That is bad news for these style of tanks and, if so, likely the reason it failed. I am SO sorry this happened!

Don[/QUOTE

I've always used pressure treated plywood to go under my tanks. Of course, this is the first time I've bought from Glasscages. Can you please tell me why it wouldn't good for their "style" and why styrofoam would be the better option? Always trying to learn, even in a disaster. :twitch:
 
Tanks that have a flat bottom are very susceptible to irregularities in the stand. Most tanks are supported around the edges by the trim, these are not. The foam evenly distributes the weight of the tank and provides a perfect surface for the tank to sit on. I'm fairly certain glass cages outlines in their warranty. Hopefully they are helpful.

Don
 
I also had a Glasscages tank years ago and since it is a flat bottom the Styrofoam gives a soft surface to rest on. It adds a bit of forgiveness for warpage, imperfections in the ply or or screws.

I think the design of your stand and not having foam is probably the culprit. 300 gallons is a lot of weight. even a screw head not driven flush will do it
 
I use both 3/4" plywood and 3/4" insulation foam for all of my tanks

That sucks that it happened. Report back what the insurance company says, I have always wondered about that
 
Oh man this is just horrible on so many levels....the loss of the tank, personal belongings, damage to your new house and I'm sure this has created some stress between you and your wife! My wife has already told me that if the ever cracked or the entire contents ended up on our floors I shouldn't come home. Good luck man and hang in there!!!!

Also, all glass tanks that don't have the plastic rim regardless of who makes it needs to have foam between the tank and the plywood.
 
Back
Top