Wanting an in-wall reef

[russell_wiley]

I am looking into installing an in-wall aquarium. I haven't done this before, and I'm not really sure how to go about it. Does anyone have any suggestions or experiences that may be helpful in my planning?

Thanks,

Russ

[ReeferMan]

my only advise is access to the tank from the front. Its pretty easy to do. I built a stand and framed out the canopy. Then added drywall and trim. Paint and your done. Here is a pic

 

 

 

[Jon Lazar]

 

Chris,

 

I love that look and plan to do my someday tank that way as well. I want to be able to see the tank from the sides and enjoy that perspective.

 

russell_wiley,

 

I would consider leaving the back wall of the tank clear, but hanging a black backdrop behind it to hide the tank room. I would want to be able to see into the back of the tank while doing maintenance or taking pictures, but I don't want the tank room to distract from the normal front view.

 

If possible, I would include a way to access the tank from the front, like cabinet doors above the tank. I know I'm more likely to reach in and right an overturned snail or do other chores if it's easy to get into the tank.

 

Jon

[ReeferMan]

Can you even tell i have a front door? Because the whole front swings open and no one can tell. I even hang a picture from it

[Hoyden]

Can you even tell i have a front door? Because the whole front swings open and no one can tell. I even hang a picture from it

Could you post a pic with the front open? This is a very nice looking set-up. I might be able to sell something like this to the SO.

 

Jackie

[MisterTang]

Can you even tell i have a front door? Because the whole front swings open and no one can tell. I even hang a picture from it

 

 

No, I couldn't tell, which is why I was so confused when you advised him to make it front-accessible. Also, you also can't necessarily tell based on the framing picture that you were setting it up to do this.

[ReeferMan]

When i originally framed it i was going to enclose the front but took the advise of others and what i did was get some MDF wood (smooth) and cut it to fit the entire front. I attached to hinges on the inside so you only see a small opening on one side and a small crack on the other. I then painted it the same color of the wall and hung a picture to throw people off. Anyone that has come over is surprised when i open the front. Ill try to see if i have time to take a picture tonight

[CHUBAKAH]

I am looking into installing an in-wall aquarium. I haven't done this before, and I'm not really sure how to go about it. Does anyone have any suggestions or experiences that may be helpful in my planning?

Thanks,

Russ

My current tank is in wall, and over the years I have installed several others for customers.

 

Not sure where you are located, but I am happy to stop by if you are in the area somewhere.

[emissary]

My tank is in-wall. Dunno where you're located, but if you're near Vienna you're welcome to swing by and take a look. Or check out the website in the sig. I'm out of the country for the next 2.5 weeks though.

[chucelli]

I think your typical "In-Wall" contains one large viewable area, which limits your aquascaping options to the fruit stand method, which is difficult to keep clean IME. Your best bet would be to consider something like phisigs79's setup, or if room allows, to use the smaller side against the wall like a room divider. This will allow you to have two large viewing panels and one small. Kind of like having two tanks in one.