Building A Custom Aquarium: 3 Things You Should Double Check Before Signing Off On The Plans
Hobby aquarists love to build tanks from the ground up. There's nothing more challenging than sealing the acrylic, running the plumbing, and establishing a tiny ecosystem in which all sorts of marine species can thrive. If you've been planning on building a custom aquarium, you no doubt have an idea of how you want the final product to look. However, you may want to double check a few of your decisions before you sign off on the plans and have the acrylic manufactured. Following are just a few things that deserve a second look.
Placement
Make sure that the size, shape and placement of the tank allows for good traffic flow throughout your home. While you can't knock your tank over by bumping into it, constant banging and vibrations can stress your fish out, which can make them more susceptible to illnesses. Choose a spot in your home that is not too busy or noisy. Also, pay attention to the amount of natural light that the area receives. Too much sunlight can cause algae growth and may upset the delicate balance of your ecosystem.
Electrical
Have an electrician sign off on the electrical plans for your aquarium, especially if you plan on building a control room. You should also make sure that the area where you place the tank has enough outlets. If not, you will want to add some more before you start building your tank. You may even want to think about having your aquarium placed on its own circuit. Don't put electrical planning off till the last minute; make sure your electrician approves of your plans before you have your aquarium components made.
Weight
When filled with water, a small, 10 gallon tank can weigh 110 pounds, give or take. As you can imagine, a medium-sized aquarium, say 100 gallons, can weigh over 1,000 pounds. If you plan on having a large tank, you have to calculate the weight and have an engineer come out and see if your floor can support it. An engineer can also tell you if you need to make any changes to your design due to weight restrictions. For example, a longer tank of the same capacity spreads the weight of the aquarium out over a larger area, which might make it easier on your floors. You can also work with an acrylic fabrication company to determine the weight of your tank and see if any modifications can be made to reduce it.
There are a lot of things to consider when building your own custom aquarium. While these factors might not be as fun to consider as landscaping and picking out your tank's inhabitants, they are vital to the success of your project.
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