Opinions about my in wall setup.

Tasher80 · 10-06-2006, 09:12 PM

I think im going to start framing my wall tomorrow for my 180 gallon in wall. My basement is already finished. Im sectioning off a section for the new tank. I just used a stud finder. The joists are running the same direction as my wall will be. I don't have anything solid to secure the top of the new wall to without taking down some drywall. Also on the left side where it goes to the wall I don't have a stud there either. I need to some ideas. I know the framed wall will be fixed to the concrete with the right scews. My neighbor has the right drill for that. I just need some suggestions. I haven't done any major work like this before. Here is a very quick drawing of what I have. Nothing is to scale.

Fly Guy · 10-06-2006, 09:13 PM

Im no carpenter but if you want my opinion of your new fish room.....

I WANT A NEW FISH ROOM!!!!!!!!! Very cool

ya need to start a build thread : )

notatallhappygolucky · 10-06-2006, 09:15 PM

span the joints with 2x4s to secure the wall to the ceiling & other wall - or call a handyman.

VWD · 10-06-2006, 11:14 PM

I will add one thing only, Put an access panel in the front to work on tank, cleaning the fron glass from the back on that size tank is a real pain. I have accounts that don't have front panels and it kills me to get it clean. You can't hardy see anything from the back and working over the rock and corals are hard. You can put in a lift panel and make it look good .

Tasher80 · 10-06-2006, 11:39 PM

I actually have hinges that will let my top panel that is going to be about 12" hinge up and it will stay in any position I put it. The perks of working with cabinets. Thanks for the input.

VWD · 10-06-2006, 11:43 PM

Anytime, It's just something thet I have seen so many people do when they install tanks.

angry gary · 10-07-2006, 01:18 AM

for my build i built the frame for the entire wall. stood it up, plumbed it level and square to the adjacent walls. start with a chalk line on the floor to get your baseline from. secure to the floor first and then secure your ceiling with screws at every point it crosses a joist. if it is going to run parellel to the ceiling joists then you should put 2x4 cross members at least every 36".
once i have the wall secured then i incorporated my tank stand into the wall using 2x6's for the frame and put them on boxed out 2x6's on the ends. always have your beams stacked when building a frame. in other words you should be able to literally stack all the framing up as if it was ready to hold the tank. without it having a screw or nail in it. wood should support wood. never have anything the is load bearing that has screws or nails holding it up.
is that confusing enough? it sounds confusing but it is the most structurally sound method.

ag

whatevva · 10-07-2006, 05:15 AM

You might as well open up the ceiling to install the cross pieces flush with the old drywall. You're gonna end up having to drywall over them if you mount them directly to the ceiling anyway.

Tasher80 · 10-07-2006, 01:22 PM

Im going to just mount 2x4 to the ceiling perpendicular to the new wall. The new wall will mount against these and I will use these new 2x4 to hang my lights and ballasts from so no big deal there. It will be on the fish room side so no one will see them but me.

Tasher80 · 10-07-2006, 01:44 PM

If I build my stand like the picture below. The vertical supports will be 2x4's doubled up. That way when I put a 2x6 frame around the bottom and top I don't have to knotch a 4x4. Easier. Can I get away with only two supports on the working side as the picture shows if I have the 2x6 frame around the edge and a 2x6 down the middle underneath my 3/4" plywood bottom?

Kimpossible · 10-07-2006, 03:06 PM

Very nice! Wish I had an In wall and a fish room for equipment....
I just browsed thru your picture galery, do you still have your crinoid? How long have you had it? Your tank is gorgeous, how old is it?
I'm new to TRT, so sorry for all the ???'s

Tasher80 · 10-07-2006, 03:20 PM

My tank is over 2 1/2 years old. The crinoid died a long time ago. The LFS failed to tell me they were easy to keep. Well they actually said feed them this and it will do well. It starved to death in about 5 months. I learned a lesson about researching first and I have never shopped at that store again. It was beautiful to see it swim though.

Tasher80 · 10-08-2006, 12:10 AM

Anyone know an answer to my question about the stand support???

darthteddy · 10-08-2006, 01:08 AM

I think that that stand should be fine. I whould however try to incorperate a few 4x4s in it but thats just cuz im really caustious. Better to have a little work now and be able to sleep at night not worrying about your tanks stand.

Doug1 · 10-08-2006, 09:24 AM

Looks like it should work fine, esp with the center rib under the top. You could make a middle suoort that goes in place after the sump and stuff is in place