In-wall tanks, any advice?

[GeoB]

I'm thinking about putting my 180 in the next room and cutting a hole in my wall. I'm looking for advice. Any bad experiences with this? I know it is not a load bearing wall, and I know I want to have access to the tank from the front. Anyone know where I could get some good direction on doing this or maybe hire somebody?

[edawgm]

Here is the thread about Louis build of a 215 in wall. It might get you started.
http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=22509

[erikharrison]

even if it is not a load bearing wall, you may want to reinforce it somewhat, just in case. Your tank could shift at some point putting excess weight somewhere that is less than likely desired.

[LoneStar]

Well are you thinking about building a fish room behind the tank? What kinda room will the extra room be? Old bedroom or utility room? Theres a lot of fun stuff you can do in a fish room if you got the space (prop tanks, bigger sump/fuge, utility sink, storage, mini-fridge for beer when hiding from your spouse).

Here is a neat setup. Although you don't have to go AS wild on the plumbing, its a decent looking inwall tank build.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1067858

It looks like he converted his garage or spare bedroom into a big fish room. I really like how the tank is built into the wall on this one. The canopy has openings AND it slides into the main room to move the lights out of the way while working on the tank. He also has access to the sump via three opening in the main room too.

**Note these are not my photos, they are Bart's. I am only using them as an educational purpose just as he has in his ReefCentral thread above**
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/4-6g-1.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/5-15e.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/5-14d.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/5-14g.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/5-14h.jpg

[technomex]

If you plan on doing an in-wall tank, you may want a fish room or some kind of closet behind it. I placed my tank in more of a niche area with cabinet space underneath. I soon ran out of space and invaded the laundry room closet directly behind the tank where I put my skimmer, top-off tank and water change tank. I should have some pics in my gallery.

[GeoB]

Thanks for the input! It would be in a office/bedroom that shares a wall with my living room. Plenty of space for a fish room but no plumbing. Louis' thread and the pictures above provide some great info. I have a 1950's house so all the rooms are small and the 180 seems to crowd out every room it's in. I was first planning to just put it in the office/bedroom, but an in-wall is so nice. I just have to get the nerve to do the constuction part of it. Thought I'd check to see if there were any pitfalls I should consider.

[Bill S]

You are welcome to come see mine...

[GeoB]

Thanks! PM sent.