Amy T
Junior Member
Posts: 44 
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Post by Amy T on Jul 10, 2015 8:48:52 GMT -5
Yes, the age old question...which is better? I would like to (maybe around Christmas time when you can find good deals) start a very large Mbuna tank one day. I am thinking an 8 foot tank. I've always heard the bigger the tank the easier to maintain water parameters, but I have never had a tank this big before! Any tips/major differences when you go bigger? There are so many considerations in addition to the type of tank, but the tank is going to be the starting point. What are the pros/cons of getting a pre-drilled tank? I'm also kind of curious what you all think as far as filtration for a tank of this size with African Cichilds. Gotta start saving, but I need to get a list together first:)
Amy
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Post by parker002 on Jul 10, 2015 9:21:32 GMT -5
Once you get to a certain size, glass just isn't feasible anymore. Carl would know specifics on that. Also, acrylic scratches pretty easily. It can get micro-scratches which will give it a cloudy appearance.
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Post by Carl on Jul 10, 2015 11:07:54 GMT -5
Once you get to a certain size, glass just isn't feasible anymore. Carl would know specifics on that. Also, acrylic scratches pretty easily. It can get micro-scratches which will give it a cloudy appearance. Yep to all. Generally anything beyond 8 feet by 2 by 2 feet must be acrylic. Having a pre-drilled tank is a mater of preference, so no right or wrong answer here. I personally prefer one to come pre-drilled as I think it looks alot neater and when plumbed correctly with a bulkhead, I have never had a pre-drilled tank leak (this includes one I set up in 1982 that was still running 30 years later when I sold my aquarium maintenance and design business). A pre-drilled tank is a simpler way to run not only a sump, but even canister filters as priming never is an issue ever again as the filter fills automatically when the valve is opened. I would caution to use good heavy duty ball valves rather than the valves that come with canister filters, FSB filters, etc as these not only withstand pressure better, they are much more durable and fail safe. AAP sells heavy duty ball valves and bulkheads here: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/PlumbingParts.htmlThere is some information about "hard plumbed" aquariums here including this diagram of a combination I have used: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Filtration.html#canister_plumbed More information from "Aquarium Answers" about aquarium selection (acrylic or glass) www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/aquarium-silicone.html#diyCarl |
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Post by parker002 on Jul 10, 2015 12:36:01 GMT -5
Pre-drilled can certainly make the tank look cleaner and hide a lot of tubing and stuff.
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Amy T
Junior Member
Posts: 44
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Post by Amy T on Jul 11, 2015 9:02:22 GMT -5
I don't think I want to go bigger than 8'x2'x2', so both glass and acrylic are options. Which would you go with and why? Tempered? Starphire? Where is the best place to buy an aquarium this big? I'm guessing craigslist would not be a good idea;p
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Post by Carl on Jul 11, 2015 11:50:31 GMT -5
I don't think I want to go bigger than 8'x2'x2', so both glass and acrylic are options. Which would you go with and why? Tempered? Starphire? Where is the best place to buy an aquarium this big? I'm guessing craigslist would not be a good idea;p Craigs list would be fine as long as you inspect the aquarium and look for bubbles in the silicone or the cement in joints where the acrylic is cemented together. Never purchase an aquarium made from tempered glass, float glass is definitely best The resource from "Aquarium Answers" helps with both these questions as it tells what to look for in problems with an aquarium and also addresses the tempered glass versus float glass question Quote from the article: "*Tempered glass is too brittle for most aquariums over 60 gallons and even in 60 gallon aquariums it still should NOT be used in the bottom.
Float glass on the other hand is much more flexible and gives into the natural bowing/flexing of an aquarium holding water (based on 35 years of aquarium repair as well as apprentice training at a leading premium aquarium builder)."Here is this article again, it is definitely a recommended read if you are looking into such an aquarium, as it will help you know what to look for: www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/aquarium-silicone.htmlCarl |
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