Planning a large custom FOWLR system

[skraj011]

I'd like to upgrade to a large FOWLR system.

Originally I was thinking of a 300 gallon deep dimensions, but now I want to go bigger. Perhaps, in the range of 600-1000 gallons.

I was hoping people could help me sort out several issues:

1. Would 6' x 6' x 30" be manageable from a maintenance perspective?
2. I'm not set on a square footprint, so what other dimensions would people recommend (I don't want it to be too tall)? It will have a wide variety of fish (angels, butterflies, tangs, etc).
3. Acrylic or glass?
a. Are the scratches with acrylic a major issue?
b. cost difference between acrylic and glass?
4. Which vendors are the best (reasonably priced) custom tank builders?

thanks.

 

[skraj011]

anyone?

 

[geaux xman]

72x72x30" ??

are you sure about the 72"(front to back) part??

and if you are wanting to do 72" deep, you can forget about reasonably price.

for a 600+gal tank, i would try to go a little longer than 6ft.

 

[Dustin1300]

1. Would 6' x 6' x 30" be manageable from a maintenance perspective?
Does not sound right...I would not want to have to clean as you'd likely have to climb in to work on anything!
2. I'm not set on a square footprint, so what other dimensions would people recommend (I don't want it to be too tall)? It will have a wide variety of fish (angels, butterflies, tangs, etc).
Long and Tall with FOWLR IMO. Depth is not something you want so much as you do want to see the fish, right?
3. Acrylic or glass?
Depends on preference really. I wanted to go glass in basement but glass weighs about twice as much and was going to be impossible to move. A 450 gallon glass tank was going to be 1200+ pounds.
a. Are the scratches with acrylic a major issue?
I'd say acrylic scratches easier but you can also buff it out unlike glass.
b. cost difference between acrylic and glass?
Glass is likely to cost about 25% more.
4. Which vendors are the best (reasonably priced) custom tank builders?
Glass:
A.G.E., Miracles, Reef Savvy

Acrylic:
Midwest Acrylics, Envision Acrylics, A.G.E.

Shipping becomes a factor so whichever is closest might help!

 

[skraj011]

if 6 x 6 were possible from a structural perspective. It would visible from all sides, i.e. access from all 4 sides, so the furthest reach for maintenance would be 3'.

But i'm certainly not set on any of the dimensions yet. Now that I think about it, i'll probably stay with 3' (rather than 6') from front to back b/c I would want for it to fit through the front door.

thanks for the info regarding vendors.