tank in the wall

[adamman]

has anyone tried to build a tank in a wall ok this is a bit diff all i want to do is use the stud depth so it would be what 4 inches wide only wanted to try do like a 3 feet long 2 feet high then the 4 inchs in depth just like putting in a window go with some powerheads on the sides with filters a sumberged heater no sump or skimmer anyone

[Geoff]

that is an interesting idea. most people build them into the wall, but not actually in the wall. there is usually a room behind the wall for the tank and all of the goodies. i do not see why it could not be done, it would be tricky with all of the plumbing. whenever doing a reef tank a skimmer is a must. this would be the difficult part.

if you could put a cabinet somewhere near it than i can easily seeing it working.

G~

[VWD]

I'm sure it can be done like the picture frame tanks out on the market, I think that is very narrow, You can always add and inch or two in depth byt bringing it out like a picture.

[Casey]

No doubt it is doable and cool

[motorslave]

There is a company that doesz it but for the life of me I cant find it. Same basic idea except I think the tanks they do are 5 or 6 inches deep so they stick out a bit.

Robert

[Doug1]

It seems that with that narrow of a tank the options are going to be way limited, seems the cost versus benefit ratio is going to be really low, it would be interesting to see one in action, there maybe some aspect that i am missing

[adamman]

not really i was more of thinking of like adding some old thin coral some live rocks build it in that 4-5 inch width and then up and then add a eel then adding more corals and such a little at a time.
kind of like a live wall you walk past it everday like looking out a window

[Geoff]

corals do not grow thin. at least the ones that are photosynthetic. those that do grow thin require large amount of flow across them, which will be difficult in that tank. an eel, i think is a fine choice, the smaller the better obviously, bu they are every flexible so they will not mind the thinness that much. another good choice would be sea horses.

with either fish a skimmer would be a must. along with significant amount of flow along the bottom. cleaning it would be tough. i hope your forearms are thinner than 4".

G~

[The Old Fool]

I have a standard 12 inch wide tank built into a wall as you plan. I got a chance to cheat a bit when I built an addition and ended up with a "pass-through" over the kitchen sink where a window once was. It was perfect and I love it, but it has its problems too.

If you are planning on a 4 inch width, you will have very little room for anything, including stock. LR won't go unless it is crushed finer than usual, power heads might fit, and your substrate will need to be specifically chosen, if you are using it. Lighting will be an issue. You will need to build something to fit or mount it external and shine it in. And then there is the issue of temperature control. A thin window tank will be suject to every draft that comes along.

Remember to leave enough room above to access with a cleaning tool. Water changes and cleanups might be an issue. And remember to reinforce the base. all that glass and water will weigh a lot moire than the old wall did.

Sounds like a great project! If I can help, lemme know.

TOF