Outdoor Tank Possible?

[txav8r]

Good point Ace. I think most of the heat we see in aquariums comes from pumps and lights operating in a rather small volume of water. I've go a 600 gallon tank stock tank in the back yard that stays reasonably cool. it's in partial sun and has one pump running in it.

If I can remember, I'll check the temp when I get home and post it here.

[chunkymonkey]

I was just concerned about heat with the glass/acrylic, if maybe would contribute or boot heat.

[jc]

What about flying debris from lawn mowers and edgers?

[Squiers007]

Would this be a fish only aquarium or are you planning to keep corals? If you are going to keep corals do you plan on just using natural light?

[medi]

It can definitely be done. Check out this awesome build thread. I know it is a lot bigger than yours, but maybe you can get some ideas of what to expect.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ghlight=19+000

[phippsj]

It can definitely be done. Check out this awesome build thread. I know it is a lot bigger than yours, but maybe you can get some ideas of what to expect.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ghlight=19+000

Cool find, but I think filtering in ocean water makes temp control quite a bit easier. Kind like cheating

Regarding grass clippings, etc, the top would not be open. It is essentially the undercounter portion, so the top would actually be a counter. I'll get more serious about athestics if I can convince myself that this is realistically feasible. Right now, I think it is. If there is coral in it, it will be hardy stuff (hey, maybe my Texas Trash Paly's will have a new home!) I would likely keep very hardy fish in it as well... in fact, perhaps a vivid color, all damsel tank.

Natural sunlight would be idea for lighting, and then just supplement (much like Ace did with solar tubes). However, I have to be concerned about heat. If there is too much temp variance, then I will just go with LED.

[Kristy]

It can definitely be done... love to see you do it! Hopefully you can find a way that is not cost prohibitive. We saw several outdoor SW aquariums at the Waikiki Aquarium. Here is a link and description of the biggest one:
http://www.waquarium.org/edge-of-the-reef.html

[kkiel02]

I would go acrylic as I dont know how silicone + sunlight would work over time. I would also run some pvc through the ground for the geothermal cooling/heating like Ace mentioned. I say go for it and if its successful help me build one. lol

[jpond83]

I found this one a while back ago

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=1

[phippsj]

I found this one a while back ago

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=1

Thanks!