DIY Concrete Aquarium 5,000 gallon - Anderson Family Reef

[ClownWrangler]

I still need to watch that!! Maybe when I am done with the build

I did a single pour with tons of rebar rounding the corner with 6” on center 1/2” rebar with 5/8” more reinforcements in all corners. We should be good

thanks for the support / encouragement and for following along!!

That frame is quite robust, but the rebar will disintegrate quite quickly from saltwater exposure if the sealant fails. This is what took down that building in FL, and it wasn't even saltwater. I'm wondering if some sort of pond liner type rubberized coating might be a good idea over the epoxy

 

[samson78945]

This just might be the single greatest build I have ever seen! Fantastic work. I wouldn't even know how to start a project of this magnitude.

Keep killin' it!

 

[ScottB]

That frame is quite robust, but the rebar will disintegrate quite quickly from saltwater exposure if the sealant fails. This is what took down that building in FL, and it wasn't even saltwater. I'm wondering if some sort of pond liner type rubberized coating might be a good idea over the epoxy

Anything we think about the FL fail is speculation at this point. Salt water is tough on concrete; that part is clear. But a good epoxy job will last a very long time.

 

[ClownWrangler]

Thinking of using these:

Amazonas 320 Aquarium LED Lighting • Orphek

Orphek Amazonas 320 LED Light Fixtures are developed specifically for public aquariums and other venues displaying reef or freshwater aquariums.

orphek.com

How much power do you anticipate for heating? You might be better off with a custom built lighting unit using led modules like the ones from Blue Acro. Mount them to an Aluminum block with channels running through for water cooling then transfer that heat directly to the water in the tank. That's 300+ watts of energy savings for heat per light unit.

 

[James_O]

And my mom says my tanks are too big?

 

[ClownWrangler]

Anything we think about the FL fail is speculation at this point. Salt water is tough on concrete; that part is clear. But a good epoxy job will last a very long time.

Structures failing prematurely from this factor is not speculation. 100 year structures failing at 30 years has become the norm.

 

[ScottB]

Structures failing prematurely from this is not speculation. 100 year structures failing at 30 years has become the norm.

Precisely. Who among us has run a tank or owned a house more than 20 years? Bueller?

 

[george1381]

splinter by splinter

 

[george1381]

splinter by splinter

I cut my keyway angled on both sides so the bottom is thinner than the top normally pop right out. Keep in mind for you next up grade.

splinter by splinter

Angle cut the key on both side so that the bottom is thinner than the top. With some kind of form release it pops right out. For your next upgrade it should work out well for ya

 

[george1381]

Read through your build. Amazing. Having done some concrete projects over the years I'm curious about one thing. How did you ensure there were no voids under the windows when you were pouring the concrete. I notice the forms have no vent holes in the window frames. Doing similar projects I have found the voids due to trapped air caused issues. Thanks, Jerry.

I pour all different kinds of walls. We use vibratory, plasticizer admixture(Super P.) And use a P-gravel mix. If you go that route I can guarantee you won't have any voids anywhere.

 

[dca22anderson]

Structures failing prematurely from this factor is not speculation. 100 year structures failing at 30 years has become the norm.

I just need this to last 10 years

 

[dca22anderson]

Thanks for checking it out! Can’t wait to bring it all together!

next up sanding the epoxy and 2,3 coats then we should be on our way to installing the windows

 

[ClownWrangler]

I just need this to last 10 years

Fair enough. By then you will have the plans done for the 10k gallon upgrade I'm sure.

 

[dca22anderson]

Fair enough. By then you will have the plans done for the 10k gallon upgrade I'm sure.

It’s been a fun process and way more work than I anticipated. Super rewarding though as I complete each step! I’ll need 10 years time to want to do this again

 

[ClownWrangler]

Thanks for checking it out! Can’t wait to bring it all together!

next up sanding the epoxy and 2,3 coats then we should be on our way to installing the windows

What I like about your design is that the pressure will actually enhance the seal with an inside mounted window. A flush window looks nice, but hard to make structurally sound. There are ways though. I've seen some horribly designed aircraft with pressurized cabins that mount windscreens from the outside, a recipe for disaster.

 

[dca22anderson]

What I like about your design is that the pressure will actually enhance the seal with an inside mounted window. A flush window looks nice, but hard to make structurally sound. There are ways though. I've seen some horribly designed aircraft with pressurized cabins that mount windscreens from the outside, a recipe for disaster.

Thanks! I’m following those that have gone before me to hopefully steer clear of some of the challenges!! So far so good

 

[dca22anderson]

Precisely. Who among us has run a tank or owned a house more than 20 years? Bueller?

We plan to be here another 10 to get the kids through high school

 

[dca22anderson]

This just might be the single greatest build I have ever seen! Fantastic work. I wouldn't even know how to start a project of this magnitude.

Keep killin' it!

Thanks for checking it out! It’s been super fun to build!!

 

[dca22anderson]

How much power do you anticipate for heating? You might be better off with a custom built lighting unit using led modules like the ones from Blue Acro. Mount them to an Aluminum block with channels running through for water cooling then transfer that heat directly to the water in the tank. That's 300+ watts of energy savings for heat per light unit.

I’ll have to check this out! Thanks for the idea!!

 

[dca22anderson]

Wow! What a dream come true. Can’t wait for more updates!

Thanks for checking it out!!