New Tank Build - 280g

[cbarria]

So I think I've convinced my wife to let me build a new tank. I had to basically start with a 600 gal monster... so I could get it down to something more reasonable, such as a 280 gal and get her approval ;-)

I wan to stick to glass and keep it at 280g. I would like to use starphire for the front panel, as this will be an in-wall tank. These are the dimensions I'm thinking: 96l 32w 21h. I would like to have an external overflow along the entire length of the tank too.
So I have a couple of questions.

1- What do you think of the dimensions? Any obvious issues I should consider? I know it is a long tank.

2- Where can I get it from? Ideally, I would get it locally unless it was substantially cheaper to get it from a reputable internet dealer. I've heard too many conflicting stories on glasscages.com, so I'm a little hesitant to go with them.

3- The tank will be situated in the basement. The fish room is going to share space with our furnace/tank water heater. It is an unfinished room, so I'm worried about evaporation. I've heard evaporation is not really an issue until you get into the 400+ gal range, but I'm not sure. The last thing I need is to ruin our house due to mold, etc. The basement stays at a pretty constant 70-72F in the summer and can go as low as 62 F in winter. I will have a sink build so I can do easy water changes too. I plan to have a 29g refugium and a 65g sump too. There mey be a future 40g frag tank too. So, any issues with the location of the tank?

Any suggestions are welcome too!
Thanks,

[Boozeman]

heres one to consider www.miraclesaquariums.com

[motorslave]

Evaporation will be an issue. I would consider a strong vent fan to bring fresh air in and old air out. But, since the air in our houses can have less oxugen that the air outside, keep it in mind. Over ventilate.

[cbarria]

A while back I saw someone covering their unfinished walls/celing with some sort of plastic (vapor barrier). Does anyone know what type of material I should use? Will I run into any issues with that approach?

I'm definitely thinking about keeping that room well ventilated. However, I've also heard of someone else who had a carbon monoxide issue after installing a vent in a fish room that also housed their furnace. Something to do with upsetting the air pressure in the house (???).

Originally Posted by motorslave

Evaporation will be an issue. I would consider a strong vent fan to bring fresh air in and old air out. But, since the air in our houses can have less oxugen that the air outside, keep it in mind. Over ventilate.

[cbarria]

Any other recommendations on where can I get a tank made?

Originally Posted by cbarria

So I think I've convinced my wife to let me build a new tank. I had to basically start with a 600 gal monster... so I could get it down to something more reasonable, such as a 280 gal and get her approval ;-)

I wan to stick to glass and keep it at 280g. I would like to use starphire for the front panel, as this will be an in-wall tank. These are the dimensions I'm thinking: 96l 32w 21h. I would like to have an external overflow along the entire length of the tank too.
So I have a couple of questions.

1- What do you think of the dimensions? Any obvious issues I should consider? I know it is a long tank.

2- Where can I get it from? Ideally, I would get it locally unless it was substantially cheaper to get it from a reputable internet dealer. I've heard too many conflicting stories on glasscages.com, so I'm a little hesitant to go with them.

3- The tank will be situated in the basement. The fish room is going to share space with our furnace/tank water heater. It is an unfinished room, so I'm worried about evaporation. I've heard evaporation is not really an issue until you get into the 400+ gal range, but I'm not sure. The last thing I need is to ruin our house due to mold, etc. The basement stays at a pretty constant 70-72F in the summer and can go as low as 62 F in winter. I will have a sink build so I can do easy water changes too. I plan to have a 29g refugium and a 65g sump too. There mey be a future 40g frag tank too. So, any issues with the location of the tank?

Any suggestions are welcome too!
Thanks,

[OneDummHikk]

I would try to close off the furnace from the wet room. Too many issues with CO, CO2, humidity. Lots of ventilation and even a dehudifier to help withthe evaporation/humidity. Best thing for the walls is something along the lines of tileboard for bathrooms. comes in 4x8 sheets from HD/Lowes. Has a finish on it similar to melamine (formica) but the coating isn't quite as thick (about half) of what formica is.

[mcliffy2]

Sounds like a nice build. For a tank builder, how much do you want to spend?

Miracles is good from what I hear, if you want the creme de la creme, A.G.E. is the way to go. You'll be hard pressed to find someone local to build. If you are willing to change the dimensions a bit (ill talk about this in a sec), marineland has just released some really nice 300 gallon tanks (72x36x26), that will run you about $1500, and you can probably find a local fish store that can order one for you. This will probably cut the cost of the tank in half...I'm guessing the dimensions you named will run $3000+ custom.

As for the dimensions, if its in-wall I would go a bit higher, at least 24" (height doesnt increase cost much). I also highly recommend going as wide as you can, 36-40". I would do this even if it means you need a shorter tank to get the wife to sign off....a 72x36x26 would be awesome. The extra width especially, will give you a lot more aquascaping options.

[OneDummHikk]

I agree about the standard size tank. If you can alter your designs a little to use a "standard" size tank instead of a custom size, you can save a lot of money on it. Less money on the tank = happier wife = more corals.