Aquarium SOS

BenEadir

Hi all,

I would like to build an aquarium into a house extension currently under construction in Stillorgan. I have no experience of aquariums but have always admired them wherever I've encountered them and now have an opportunity to build one into a space perpendicular to a main wall in order to segment a large area in two.

The length of the aquarium would have to be between 150cm to 170cm in order to function as an effective partition with the depth and width being flexible and I guess heavily influenced by the bearing ability of the floor and overall cost but 50cm wide by 80cm deep would look appropriate in the space which is away from direct light & radiators. The floor will be harwood oak, will it support the tank? Will the tank damage the floor and if so am I better to have the floor built in around the tank and let the tank sit on the concrete base? I'm very reluctant to do this as the gap left behind should we want to move the tank somewhere else in the future or sell the house and bring the tank with us would be a real eye sore and devalue the house.

Would I have to be an experienced aquarium keeper before committing to such a project? Can anyone recommend someone who could put this together for me and help me get it up and running? What type of aquarium should I go for? Tropical Vs Marine Vs Coldwater etc. Is there a pro's and con's ready reckoner which would help me decide? I like colour and variety and whilst I will commit to it I also want relatively low maintenance, I don't want this to take over my life!!

I understand that any amount can be spent depending on the set up but if anyone can give me some ball park pricing or a range of pricing from entry level at one end to full bells and whistles at the other end that would be great and enable me to determine whether it is financially feasible given the overall construction budget I'm working to. Anything would be better than a studded partition!!

If I'm to do this I'll need to get the ball rolling ASAP as the builders are already in so any feedback or ideas will be most welcome.

Regards,

John

heirenach

Hi,John.It is a big venture for a beginner.Your main problem is tank maintenance with such a big tank,regular water changes to and from tank to water supply over your new oak floor,about200lt a week.I would advise you put in a supply and waste pipe to tank before floor goes in.Put floor oak floor under tank,it will support tank.You are talking about 8ookgs .You will need a strong support under with access for two cannister filters and more if marine which i would not advise being a beginner.Powers points over and under tank.You can get a tank made for about E2ooo to your dim,and they will charge you another 2k to 4k to set up for you .Made up tanks have no guarantee for water damage.Acrylic tanks scratch easy and are harder to clean.My advice get a good brand name tested tank ie juwel and work to its measurements before you start building ope Best prices online shops ie petshopline.ie.Then study fish and find one for you.good luck.

BenEadir

Hi Heirenach,

Thanks for the candid response. Would you recommend the Juwel tanks over the Aqualantis Tanks? I saw a large Juwel up close and did not like the wooden finish, I thought the veneer looked a bit cheap and nasty. Apart from the astetic finish is one brand significantly better or more expensive than the other? I think this Aqualantis Aquarium looks pretty good. http://www.aquatlantis.com/img/fichas/8980_EVASION%20200x60.pdf Vs this Juwel http://www.petshoponline.ie/customer/product.php?productid=775&cat=564&page=1

What do you think? Any idea what this would cost to purchase, set up and stock properly?

Rudi33

You should contact Seahorse Aquariums in Ballymount. I was very impressed with them I am telling everyone! They do wall and floor tanks

BenEadir

Hi Rudi,

Thanks for the tip.

I'm actually dealing with a guy called Damien O'Kelly from Aqua Clear Aquariums who seems like a decent and knowledgable guy. He set up his own business specialising in the installation and support of aquariums so am hoping he will come back to me with a sensible quote. Has anyone had any dealings (good or bad) with Aqua Clear Aquariums?

I'll take a look at Seahorse Aquariums also.

Regards,

John

heirenach

HI BenEadir.I would recommend Juwel ,it is tried and tested.German tech, One years quarantee on electrics and tanks are pressure tested and are not likely to leak on your floor unless damaged on or before installation.Alumenium frame,covers tend to corrode over time,pit and hard to clean.Plastic is more durable.<like pvc to alum. windows >.You will get more pr from Damien but at a cost.The IFS .ie is a good site for info.
Sea horse Aquariums has an expert fish consultant <marine biologist>.The tanks their are great value for money ,chinese tanks at low cost.but you pay for what you get.
I have one Jing long tank,good value for money but later i had to change electrics and
reseal top of tank.I have three jewel tanks only a light unit was changed on one .<free>
If you have the money i would get it fully automated.To stock a tank depends on type
of fish,between e200 and e800.