193 gallon plywood build thread

LOL, I've got the same crud in my tank.

 

It seems to go away once you get critters in the tank that touch the scum layers.


Thanks Bristletooth Kole tang

 

horkn I have a dilema. You know I am getting ready to build a 200G woody and I plan on starting the build on Nov 1st after my halloween party. But a friend of mine just called me and wants to sell me a 180g Aqeuon tank and stand for $149 He works at a LFS thats going out of business and they are blowing it out for 80% off. So my question to you is- would you of still built your aquarium if you could of got this deal? I still really want to build my own aquarium especially since this tank is longer than I want. But this is a pretty amazing deal. I havent seen it yet. I am supposed to go check it out tomarro. I may just buy it and re-sell it for like $400-$500. I think this set up was originally like $900-$1000

 

Tough call really.

Had I gotten that deal I would have bought it, but I don't know that I would have set it up. I really like the 5 foot ish tanks, and I really did not have room for a 6 footer in the spot I wanted to put my tank downstairs.

Now, what I probably would have done, was build a really nice stand and canopy, unless the stand that it comes with is really nice, and put that 180g upstairs in my living room. I doubt the stand is "furniture grade" as it is proabably aqueon and IMHO, not worthy of putting in my living room.

I almost had a super sweet deal on an extremely sweet pure custom stand and canopy and aqueon 180g RR. That would have been too good to pass up, but that deal went sour because it was it was dependent on the owner selling his house. That house is still for sale. Now if he sells that house, I would still be in on that 180g if he would offer me the deal we had agreed on. That way I would have 2 tanks, 1 upstairs and 1 downstairs with a good 450g of water total.

Then I would start my takeover of the world

But that said, I love my 30" deep tank. If I knew now, about the 30" depth, I would never want "only" a 24" deep tank upstairs. Well, unless that deal were to materialize.

You are in a tough spot my friend. About the best way to determine if you still want to DIY your own tank is to answer the question of..."how much time do I have to make my own tank?"

I had to have put 120 hours a bare minimum into this tank. And it cost me 400 dollars to make it, if that matters.

 

I am not to worried about the money. I work alot but I could defenetly find time to build the tank. I plan on it takeing about 1-2 months to build and I think I would really enjoy the build. Plus looking at a tank that you built by hand hast to feal pretty damn good. But this is a pretty good deal. I think I am going to buy the tank. If I decide I really want to do this build I will just sell it and use the money on the build. I could probably sell the tank for like $400-$500 and that would cover most the building material. I will let you know what I decide tomarro and I will post pics if I get the tank.

Thanks for the insite and quick response.

 

I gotta say, there is no amount of joy that can describe how I feel about making my own tank. Some people have kids that they are proud of, I have my tank.

 

Tom's tank truly is beautiful(which Tom I need to see full now!!) the only downside I would forsee in a DIY tank build is I like the 3 sides to view, even with my tank set up standard with a front, back(against wall) and 2 sides, I can still view things from another angle or side... BUT a 30" deep tank is something to be reckoned with...

I personally say you cannot pass up that deal though, even if you resell it... You will not find a new tank at that price again.

 

well I decided I am going to buy the tank and re-sell it. I am still going to build my woody. But hear are some pics I took of the tank today. I am going to pick it up on thursday. I am not a big fan of the stand. It is pretty low and will be hard to fit a decent sized sump under there. I allready have a 55g tank I want to use as a sump.

Should come to $160+tax

 

I would do the same. But make sure you make a good profit on that tank. Granted now is not a good time to be selling stuff in this hobby since a lot of folks are getting out, but for what you paid for it, you can make a nice profit.

I will be here to answer any and all questions about your woody build.

Tom

 

Just the tank retails for $750. Not including the stand which was close to $350. I will try and craigslist it for like $600-$650. Figure I will start high and work my way down if no takers. I may also try and trade it off for some good equipment. Maybe a nice chiller, calcium reactor, lights who knows. I should defenetly get more than a buck fifty for it.

I will be starting the build on November 1st. So i will be hitting you up then. I would start now but I am throwing a big halloween party and dont want the house to be under construction for that.