Through the wall question

[johndawg]

I think I am finally making the move from my 75 to a larger tank. I'm looking at either a 120 or125. It will be in my finished basement, behind a wall into a storage area that will house sump, frag tank etc..
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29636123@N00/3299981329/" title="IMG_1224 by johnroseseanohio, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3299981329_8a7a1b9630.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1224" /></a>
I'm leaning toward the 125 due to its length and depth (hopefully I won't need to upgrade from my exsiting 175's). I've been laying it out on the wall trying to see what tank looks best. My question is, the stand for the 75 is 27" tall. What have you all done for the height on your though the wall projects. My wife says 27" is too low.
Thanks in advance for your anwers!
John

 

[cash03ins]

Behind the wall you would be better off using 2X4's and make it how ever tall will make the little lady happy

 

[aerius007]

I have mine in the wall and its height looks perfect from a distance, about the height of a picture, but for upclose viewing its too high. I had to try and find a perfect balance so it asthetically (spelling?) fit into the room. Try to keep it as low as possible without looking out of place.

 

[aerius007]

Just checked, the bottom of mine is at the 52" mark. Hopefully Vietc will get into this thread and post his height, I'd say the middle between his height and mine would be perfect

 

[serpentman]

I agree its probably too low. I am in the beginning stages of designing an in-wall and am planning to go 36" from the floor. However, the downside is this will make work in the tank much more difficult.

 

[Kreeger1]

Mine is at 42. I would say 42-48 inches would be perfect. I have low ceilings in my basement if they were 8 foot I'd go 46 inches.
Erik

 

[StanD]

I strongly agree with Jeff, that the height should incorporate what loks good, but still allows you to work in the tank without needing a stepstool.
But all else being equal I would do what my wife tells me because she usually does know best, after all she was smart enough to marry you, right??

Stan

 

[vietcu]

Mine is in wall and it is about 32" from the floor. I find it to be a perfect height for me. But I am only 5'6", and would have to bend a little to look at the bottom of my tank. When it comes to cleaning, I have to use a chair to be able to clean it.

 

[DiscoReefRover]

mines 24" of the ground and still cant reach the bottom...lol

 

[johndawg]

Thanks guys, good information. I may end up making a template and putting on wall to see what she thinks!

Next question, anyone have up close pictures on how you finished wall right up to tank... through wallboard, abut up to wall board, framed it out? Also. How did you finish around the opening
Thanks!

 

[vietcu]

Hey Johndawg, you are in Hudson. That's not too far from my place or Aerius007. You are more than welcome to come and look at my setup, and I am pretty sure Zach wouldn't mind you checking out his setup either. We are only about 10-15 min from each other.

 

[aerius007]

For mine I just had them trim around the opening same as the windows when I built the house. I do plan on going to a frame shop to have a picture frame built for it, so it will look different from the windows. It's one of those things that I just havent gotten around to doing.

 

[johndawg]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14455673#post14455673 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vietcu
Hey Johndawg, you are in Hudson. That's not too far from my place or Aerius007. You are more than welcome to come and look at my setup, and I am pretty sure Zach wouldn't mind you checking out his setup either. We are only about 10-15 min from each other.

Thanks for the offer! I will take you up on that. Maybe next weekend?

 

[johndawg]

One of the things I have always enjoyed about the hobby has been the people I have met and their willingness to help fellow reefers.

Vu (vietcu) and Zach (aerius007) - Thanks for opening your homes to me so that I could see how you have set up your behind the wall tanks. You both have great setups, I only hope that I do can come close to what you have accomplished.

Phil (pgolnick) - Thanks for stopping by, seeing my setup (and setup to be) and making some great suggestions. Also thanks for joining me on my tour of Vu and Zach's tanks. It was great to have some company!

Regards,
John