10ft tall cylindrical reef tank?

[danreef55]

I am clearly at the conceptual stage of this potential project. If I feel if the project is achievable then your suggestions are good moving forward. I looked again at the portfolio of the first tank builder coming out today, and there is one cylindrical tank pictured that is of approximate similar height, although not as wide as necessary to penetrate the wall and have significant presence on both sides of the wall between the staircase and the living room. I dont see any fish in this tank so I am guessing this photo is right after installation. I will certainly ask the builder about that tank and how it is maintained.

Perhaps you could ask to see what the tank looks like now. There appears to be substantial about of sunlight hitting the tank which simulates algae growth.

 

[StaircasetoHeaven]

Ask the Silverton for a referral to who built and maintains their tank. Maybe you could integrate the 900 sq ft garage into the design. Rather than just a cylinder, maybe a 3/4 cylinder with the last 1/4 being a "door" into the garage where you could have a huge refugium, etc to support the visible part of the cylinder. Then you could have the mermaids come in through the "door" and clean the glass.

The first tank builder just left. He mentioned and referred to the Silverton tank and that he has at least worked on it. I neglected to ask him his exact role in the building and maintenance of that tank.

 

[StaircasetoHeaven]

Ok the first builder left. He recommended something different than my original concept. He recommended essentially a tank that conformed to the shape of the drywall on the periphery of the staircase and the current walls. I attached the sketch that he made. He recommended a coral insert (as opposed to live reef) as per all the issues that have already been discussed on this thread with lighting, cleaning, mess, access. He did a rough calculation of approximately 1000 gallons. Proposed tank height 126". As can see from the drawing, as you go up the stairs their will be a concave surface. The wall to the Living room would be cut out (up to 49" width) to have a rectangular window into the tank. There would be a center overflow with artificial coral around the overflow. He recommended against keeping clear window access to the tall rectangular window due to algae buildup. This could be potentially cleaned from the living room side, although this would be somewhat awkward. His concept would be that the tank directly abutt the wall with the tall window and to place either a glass or acrylic panel to seal the casement so that insects/dust debris would not collect over the years in the space without any way to access or clean it. Alternatively, the tank could be placed an inch or two away from the wall containing the tall window to allow a mechanical shade or even a smart glass black out film (the window was prewired for the possible installation of smart glass) could be placed to block out light during daylight hours to minimize algae growth. The equipment/pumps/chiller/etc would be placed in the garage below the tank. There would be a custom steel stand extending down to the foundation. He will forward estimate in several days.

 

[danreef55]

Ok the first builder left. He recommended something different than my original concept. He recommended essentially a tank that conformed to the shape of the drywall on the periphery of the staircase and the current walls. I attached the sketch that he made. He recommended a coral insert (as opposed to live reef) as per all the issues that have already been discussed on this thread with lighting, cleaning, mess, access. He did a rough calculation of approximately 1000 gallons. Proposed tank height 126". As can see from the drawing, as you go up the stairs their will be a concave surface. The wall to the Living room would be cut out (up to 49" width) to have a rectangular window into the tank. There would be a center overflow with artificial coral around the overflow. He recommended against keeping clear window access to the tall rectangular window due to algae buildup. This could be potentially cleaned from the living room side, although this would be somewhat awkward. His concept would be that the tank directly abutt the wall with the tall window and to place either a glass or acrylic panel to seal the casement so that insects/dust debris would not collect over the years in the space without any way to access or clean it. Alternatively, the tank could be placed an inch or two away from the wall containing the tall window to allow a mechanical shade or even a smart glass black out film (the window was prewired for the possible installation of smart glass) could be placed to block out light during daylight hours to minimize algae growth. The equipment/pumps/chiller/etc would be placed in the garage below the tank. There would be a custom steel stand extending down to the foundation. He will forward estimate in several days.

The tank I referenced earlier also had rockwork in the center was a coral insert. This provided all of what he mentioned. The added benefit is you can pressure wash the structure using the tank water. This was done monthly during the dive. During maintenance they ran a large external canister filter to extract the particulate.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Realism starting to settle in a bit. Progress.

 

[Extremeengineer]

Realism starting to settle in a bit. Progress.

Progress yes, but we haven't quite made it to Gary Wright's Dreamweaver, when I see the username changed to Dreamleaver, I'll know we've arrived in reality town.

 

[danreef55]

Honestly, I would change this to Highway To Hell.
This is a commercial concept that I truly do believe cannot be accomplished in almost all existing residential settings.

 

[StaircasetoHeaven]

Honestly, I would change this to Highway To Hell.
This is a commercial concept that I truly do believe cannot be accomplished in almost all existing residential settings.

I am all ears; tell me your thoughts. For this discussion let's assume we are talking a fish only tank on the order of 7-10 ft tall and 4 ft wide.

 

[StaircasetoHeaven]

Other tank builder just texted and states he has 7ft x 4ft wide cylinder available. I did some measurements and this would probably work OK. He is working on numbers.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Giant fish tanks cleaned at Bass Pro Shops

www.montgomeryadvertiser.com

 

[BeanAnimal]

To be sure here…

It is your money so part with it in whatever way makes you happy.

My input is just my opinion on the feasibility based on my own perception of such a project and what the final outcome would be, both in terms of beauty and trouble.

 

[danreef55]

If this was 7' to 10' wide and 5' high all this would be a non-issue (almost). It is far easier to clean straight rather than curved sides. Whatever you decide upon be sure to incorporate raising the lighting hood with linear actuators.

 

[StaircasetoHeaven]

If this was 7' to 10' wide and 5' high all this would be a non-issue (almost). It is far easier to clean straight rather than curved sides. Whatever you decide upon be sure to incorporate raising the lighting hood with linear actuators.

Yes I do realize that curved edges are more difficult to clean. I have been fortunate in working on my other crazy project to have contacts with some very talented people who have skills in 3-D CAD/modelling, 3D printing custom fabrications ranging from plastics to stainless steel, that can make almost anything you can dream of. I just have used linear actuators very recently although I think my previous reef tank had a larger opening than currently planned, with an oak top with heavy lighting fixtures installed (Back in the day when we used Metal Halides). With a hinged opening. It was heavy but not that difficult to get open for cleaning and maintenance.

 

[StaircasetoHeaven]

To be sure here…

It is your money so part with it in whatever way makes you happy.

My input is just my opinion on the feasibility based on my own perception of such a project and what the final outcome would be, both in terms of beauty and trouble.

Money spent that actually makes you happy, is money well-spent IMHO. The trouble is that for most things, you have to spend money first, before you will know if it makes you happy.

 

[randomfishdude]

Hope you get somewhere. It's quite cool even coming up with just concepts.

 

[randomfishdude]

Hope you get somewhere. It's quite cool even coming up with just concepts.

 

[StaircasetoHeaven]

So I was feeling like texting the first builder that i had opted against the tank this morning. After seeing his concept and proposal, I liked the concept of the tank adhering to the curve on the staircase, but did not like the idea and feared having the tank essentially flush with the exterior wall with the tall window. No access to clean the tank or window from that side. I texted him asking him if there was a reason why he did not think a cylindrical tank would work, and his reply basically was regarding aesthetics. I really like the idea of a cylindrical tank protruding into the living room space where I imagine 98% of my viewing time will be, as opposed to a flat rectangular boxed window into the tank. I did not specifically state my opinions to the builder, but he must have felt my vibes, and today texted to me a drawing of a circular tank and will be providing a quote for a 10 1/2 ft circular tank. The other thing he mentioned was that he could provide quote using a seamed (less expensive) vs Unseamed tank. Seams especially in an over 10ft tank make be anxious. Second builder will provide quote for 7ft tall, 4 ft diameter tank.

 

[danreef55]

I actually spent some time thinking about this. Bottom line Failure is not an option, and I am certain that is your stance as well. The best input I can give is to make a list of typical tank issues and how you will overcome them. There are additional issues due to the tank dimensions that need to be evaluated. Your open attitude towards opinions from both sides is admirable.

 

[SALTWATER FISH HIPPIE]

I have a three foot cylinder and maintenance is more of a challenge but I have found ways to modify tools made for rectangular aquariums. I would want to be sure I could just get inside of a tank this tall to clean. Scuba Steve style

 

[StaircasetoHeaven]

I have a three foot cylinder and maintenance is more of a challenge but I have found ways to modify tools made for rectangular aquariums. I would want to be sure I could just get inside of a tank this tall to clean. Scuba Steve style

If I proceeded with this tank, I do not want to get into tank. I am requesting top access via hinged hoods on both sides to allow a telescoping arm to be inserted for cleaning. I can potentially have a 3-D printed 6-8" cleaning interior head piece made to conform to the interior curve. This head could be used on the end of a pivoting telescoping pole, or alternatively a matching exterior magnetized piece could be made for possible no-mess cleaning. So I just googled it, and I am seeing references that 0.125" of acrylic thickness is needed for every 6" of height. So for a tank 126" tall, that would calculate to over 2.3" thick acrylic. So if this is correct it is not clear to me that a magnet-type cleaner would work. Maybe because of the cylinder shape, the thickness can be reduced and still hold 10ft water column; dunno. I had asked the builder how thick the tank would be, and he said, he will let me know on quote.

Having a friend do a photoshop for me to give an image of what the tank will look like in the planned locations. Will post when I get.