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Thread: Wall Tank

  1. #1
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    Wall Tank

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    Anyone has a tank built into the wall? Note: not the one you hang on it, but it's really inside your wall.

    Does normal interior designer advise on it? Or is it a separate thing altogether?

    For brothers and aquarists who had done it, may i know roughly the cost of getting it done, and whether is it a hassle in concealing all those special equipment for aquariums? Wife do not really want a cabinet tank and prefer one that is not occupying any space in our cramped 4 room HDB already.

    please help!

  2. #2
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    Re: Wall Tank

    One restriction is that you cannot build it in a wall that is load-bearing.

    Another concern is the width or thickness. Is the tank only going to be as thick as the wall, or is it going to be thicker and jut out on one or both sides? A tank that is too thin will not have enough surface area for sufficient lights, except MH. And usually not so easy to scape or maintain.

    You need to make sure you have enough space above the tanks for you to access the tank for maintenance. Remember some of the lights need to be in place for you to see what you're doing. MH will probably be to hot to be under, so you'll need to consider makeshift FL lights.

    The wall can be completely hacked (or from ceiling to floor, but wide enough to fit your tank) and replaced with a built in cabinet. In this case the equipment can be hidden in the normal way.

    If hacked halfway, then sit the tank on the wall, you could have space covered with panels on left and right of the tank for plumbing, electrical, etc. The top still need space of course for reasons given previously. There is a tendency for designers to recommend a closed cabinet, but consider heat buildup from the lights in there. Consider building in ventilation fans and vents.

    Lastly, contractors sometimes give shoddy work in covered areas, so make sure you specify it must be a good proper finish inside. I.e smooth cement, painted, power points mounted properly.

    Check the design for accessibility and flexibility. Run through the set up and maintenance you have to do and see if anything gets in the way. A friend had something similar built, and he had hard time running hoses and wires because the side panel cannot open. He had to feed hoses and wire from the top hole and then stick his finger in the bottom file to fish them out. He had problems positioning his lights and hoses due to the stands getting in the way.

    Most designers have no idea about tank maintenance, so they can design nice, but not practical. Contractors only fulfil the plan given. Few, if any, give a hoot about practicality.

    If you don't mind, scan and share the proposed designs here. We can help you vet. Might give others ideas too. If not, PM me. I don't mind giving some pointers.
    Vincent - AQ is for everyone, but not for 'u' and 'mi'.
    Why use punctuation? See what a difference it makes:
    A woman, without her man, is nothing.
    A woman: without her, man is nothing.

  3. #3
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    Re: Wall Tank

    Thanks vinz, for the long and precise response.

    Unfortunately, i've still got at least 2 years before my flat is due for collection. Thus, no floorplan yet. But i really need a price if anyone can give. Cause need to plan our finances.

    Knowing my wife, she won't really want a design that will cost a lot, something like another extra 5k for it.

    Thus, i can really only try to work my way into it upon knowing a price that i can play around..

    Will upload a rough idea when the date to collect my keys draws nearer.

  4. #4
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    Re: Wall Tank

    The former owner of Singapore Reef Club . com has did something similar before, with the tank taking the whole room.
    If you've learnt, teach, if you have, give.
    Don't walk behind me as I might not lead, don't walk in front of me as I might not follow. Walk beside me, as my friend.
    Mohamad Rohaizal is my name. If it's too hard, use BFG. I don't mind.

  5. #5
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    Re: Wall Tank

    The whole ROOM??? :-p
    Vincent - AQ is for everyone, but not for 'u' and 'mi'.
    Why use punctuation? See what a difference it makes:
    A woman, without her man, is nothing.
    A woman: without her, man is nothing.

  6. #6
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    Re: Wall Tank

    Here is the link. I believe it's in a HDB housing.

    http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-04/totm/index.php


    Enjoy!
    If you've learnt, teach, if you have, give.
    Don't walk behind me as I might not lead, don't walk in front of me as I might not follow. Walk beside me, as my friend.
    Mohamad Rohaizal is my name. If it's too hard, use BFG. I don't mind.

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    Re: Wall Tank

    Here's a thread posted by Chaq. Link You might get some ideas / inspiration from the pics.
    - eric

  8. #8
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    Re: Wall Tank

    Hi thanks people, had pm Chaq. Hopefully he can give me all the answers i need.
    BFG : the tank looks big! But he's very detailed in his setup, all except the ones about his in-wall tank. Sigh. For my pitty small Sengkang flat, don't think i have that big a luxury to place the big ones, think the best i can fit is 4 to 5ft

  9. #9
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    Re: Wall Tank

    4-5ft should be alright, provided you've checked with the relevant authority. You might go for 2.5 or 3ft wide to create depth. The wall should be framed like that of an art painting to create the look of a painting portrait, albeit a moving, living and growing art.
    If you've learnt, teach, if you have, give.
    Don't walk behind me as I might not lead, don't walk in front of me as I might not follow. Walk beside me, as my friend.
    Mohamad Rohaizal is my name. If it's too hard, use BFG. I don't mind.

  10. #10
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    Re: Wall Tank

    i thought 4-5ft should be generally ok? Do we still need to apply for a permit for that?

  11. #11
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    Re: Wall Tank

    Yes. See this thread.
    Vincent - AQ is for everyone, but not for 'u' and 'mi'.
    Why use punctuation? See what a difference it makes:
    A woman, without her man, is nothing.
    A woman: without her, man is nothing.

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