I'm wanting to install an aquarium in my wall that connects my living room and bedroom so that you can see it from both sides. Someone I used to work with did this in his home and I've tried to contact him for help but he has moved out of state and I can't reach him. I don't have a clue where to start. If you have ever done this and have any ideas, tips, etc, please share. Thanks!
2007-01-29 02:15:22 · 9 answers · asked by Nina Lee 7 in Pets ➔ Fish
Well a few questions that were not answered in your question will need to be answered.
First of all, how large of a tank do you want to install? As other posters have pointed out, the weight will need to be considered when building your frame.
Secondly, is the wall in question a load bearing wall? That is, does it play a role in supporting the weight of your home? Now while the other posters have stated that you need to ensure you have a strong base, you should also consider a strong header if you are planning to install a long aquarium. Also, if it is a load bearing wall, you will need a strong header. This would be better left to a skilled carpenter to take care of.
Other things to keep in mind is that there will be drywall work that will more than likely need to be done to finish the project up. After all, you will need to remove drywall from both sides of the wall to build your frame.
2007-01-29 02:39:34 · answer #1 · answered by Scottee25 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I am a former aquarium professional, and I will tell you in my professional opinion that while it looks cool, it will drop the resale value of your home like a stone. The chances of someone wanting to take over and maintain a tank like that is pretty low.
That being said, I will offer my advice should you choose to do it.
First off, make sure that your contractor is aware that there will be a massive amount of weight and that they will need to add supports to handle the weight of the tank filled with water. A couple 4x4s should be enought to deal with it, but you want to make sure that the weight is evenly distributed and that the tank is level.
Another thing to consider is that your walls are going to be thinner than the depth of the tank. This means that you will have a portion of the tank sticking out from a wall. If you want it to be flush on both sides, it will mean the construction of a new wall and you will lose some space. If you do install the tank, I would recommend that you make the tank flush with the wall in one room (also install soem trim around it. It will give the tank the look of a picture and make it easier to hide the fact that you cut the wall.) and make cabinetry on the other side for access to filtration and such.
On that note, make sure that you have access to your tank for filtration, lighting, and maintenance purposes. You will need a bottom access and a top access. This will allow you to feed and do maintenance on your tank. This can easily be solved with the cabinetry that I mentioned above. I would also recommend that you have our contractor waterproof the area around your tank because you will inevitably have spillage from your tank and you do not want to do water damage or cause mold growth in your home. I am currently working as an environmental consultant, and I have seen many places that have been damaged by water and mold, and I can assure you that it is not a cheap expense.
Consider using a sump for your filtration and having the equipment going over the side of the tank rather than the front and back of the tank. This will allow you an excellent viewing area from the front and back fo the tank without unsightly equipment in the way.
Finally, I still strongly recommend that you do not do this. However, the best way to go about it if you still insist is to make another door between the two rooms. You could design it so that you have the tank with access for the various things you need to do, and then on top of that you could have shelving and storage space. This will allow you to remove the tank and hang a door when you sell the home, and will not do as much damage to your resale value. Or you could repair the wall. It is your choice.
Good luck!.
2007-01-29 03:08:19 · answer #2 · answered by geohauss 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I have in fact installed a tank in a wall. Mine however was really with the tank in a closet showing through the wall into the next room.
The most obvious problem you will have is proper support for the tank. It needs a very firm, level and strong base on which to sit. The second problem you will face is where to hide the filter etc that usually sits on the back of the tank.
The best way to solve the problems are to built a cabinet that will center up in the wall. Basicall you would need to build a box about 1 foot taller than the tank and about 1 foot wider than the tank. Install the box in the wall with proper supports under it both insoide the wall and on the wall. (Such as strong shelf brakets on the wall) Place tha tank on one end of the box and use the other end to hide the filter, wiring and the like behind a cabinet door. Also install cabinet doors above the tank to cover the extra height of the hole. You will need this space to proper care for the tank.
Unless you are very handy with tools, I would suggest you hire a cabinet maker, have them come to your home and explain what you want to do to them. They should be able to plan how to attach the frame in the wall and the doors to the frame so that it would be attractive from both sides. Be sure to stress to them how much the tank weighs (figure 10 pounds per gallon for this)and the improtance of proper support. It's not going to be chreap to do it right, but can look really great once finished.
Best of luck with the project!
2007-01-29 02:29:01 · answer #3 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yes I had one in my wall. A few things to point out, it isn't a Deterrant for a buyer. Unique features are big sellers to make a home unique these days. Since I was moving, I removed all my fish and made it into a bubble wall with colored lighting (able to activate various lights) This was a big sell for my house. (It was between the large dinning area and living room.
You need to keep a few things in mind. CLEANING! My tank was 6 foot wide 1.5 feet in with but 8 foot deep. Cleaning was a tricky subject and required patience and creative thinking. Cleaning your tank will require extensions on everything you now know as regular aquarium items. However, you can avoid a lot of this buy using NO GRAVEL bottom (Yes it is possible.) I also used drift wood I had gotten from Lake Erie about 7foot high as an interesting added piece. (you are wondering how I got it in my tank aren't you?) (I had 14 foot ceilings.) Anyway, when building your tank, you do have to be sure you have a few things worked out ahead of time.
First of all, what size tank are you talking about? Remember water weighs just over 8 pounds per gallon. If you are making your own tank, be sure you are using the proper glass or plexaglass. Is your wall is load bear? If so, you will have to reinforce joists from the lower floor (or with the floor you are now working on) in addition to being sure you support weight for the floor above with the propper headders. Is your tank going to a floor sitter, or built on a raised frame? Where are your filters going, below, above or at a conceiled compartment on the side.
Instead of me typing all this check out the site below. They have lots of info and FAQ's.
http://www.fintasticviews.com/
This can give you a few more ideas.
http://www.vivaria.nl/home/intro.html
2007-01-29 03:46:59 · answer #4 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
what you need to do is measure your tank length height width basically what you are going to do is cut out the dimension's of your tank then you basically build a second wall on either side your bedroom or your front room buy building a second wall that gives you the space in between the two walls to be able to go in between them and clean your tank you can have your filters pumps and all of your cleaning supplies hiden and out of sight and all you see is the tank when it is all complete you can frame the tank on both sides and make it look like a picture frame good luck
2007-02-03 01:25:14 · answer #5 · answered by julie j 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I have installed one in the wall. You have to remove a section of the wall and reinforce the bottom of the structure with 2x4 supports at about 12 inch interval. then you need to create a "frame" for your tank.
Also, make sure you allow access to pumps and feeding. I used hinged section on the top-on both sides to allow access and created a pocket under my tank to place a canister filter.
2007-01-29 02:27:23 · answer #6 · answered by bluebettalady 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The best way to install an aquarium in your wall is to allow the professionals to do it. It is a lot harder than you think. You may want to visit httP://www.FintasticViews.com
Hope this helps
2007-02-05 00:46:05 · answer #7 · answered by outlook279 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I fitted a 3 foot tank into a disused chimney breast. Although I fitted it myself, I think the job is best suited for a builder. (Then, if something goes wrong, you get to sue him). You will need a pre-stressed concrete lintel to support the wall above the proposed opening.
2007-02-05 07:24:28 · answer #8 · answered by ispooky2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
(just a little joke)
Move into the house he moved out of.
2007-01-29 03:12:53 · answer #9 · answered by Michael M 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋