Firstly, thanks for the reply. The same goes for the rest.
Access would be TOP on the list IMO/IME.
'Access is the key to success'
Message clearly understood and having looked around a little more at the journals I've realised this more and more.
Do the long-handled tools help? I will try these on my practice tank, but its possibly more of a problem than I had envisaged. I had been planning on a 30" x 30" format (height and depth), but I'm leaning towards extending this so it could become very significant.
1. Being able to access the tank from both sides for planting and maintenance. Esp. if going high tech.
I've always envisaged this being viewed from both sides, but access will need to be thought out both sides. It’s a good point and something I'll have to factor into both the stand and hood construction.
2. Depth of tank (top to bottom) will you be able to reach the substrate level when standing next to tank on either side. Compounded if using braced tank as you have a deeper sides and bracing gets in the way.
@Filip Krupa has to get in tank or use snorkel mask)
My previous large tank had conventional bracing and it didn't really get in the way. However, it was only 24" deep, so noted. I can’t see how the tank I plan building wont have bracing, I’m planning on tank circa 2.4m long.
3. High of tank above ground. The higher you have it the harder the access or you will need to stand on something to reach bottom of tank. But too low and fitting hardware under tank becomes difficult
This is an interesting one, is there anything written up on height or any previous experience? Is there a suggested height?
I was thinking around 0.85m from ground level, but this is only based on my existing tank stand height.
I could drop the sump slightly below ground level, but its probably not needed. I’ll need to modify the floor and lay a slab for this tank to sit on. Current suspended floor in the tank footprint would be removed.
4. Braced tanks (cheaper) but need to be forward thinking with hardware placement. Whilst open top you just hook them on the sides.
I had always intended running a weir to a sump, so hopefully I've got this one covered. On my previous planted tank I ran 3 black plastic sump tanks, interconnected, for filtration and heating. My intention was to run a weir at either end with waste and returns running in the void leaving the main body of the tank undisturbed by gear.
5. Distance from side wall (Mine too close) Impedes access on one side unless your ambidextrous
I won’t have access to either end, I had not considered this a problem. Food for thought.
6. Width(Front to back) often referred to as 'depth of tank'. Needs to be wide enough to get enough hardscape (rocks/wood) in to look good both sides, But if too wide it will impede access again and compound all points above
Yes I am very aware of this fact, height to width will need to be thought out which is why I was looking for examples. The dentist tank, for example, has an excellent use of height, but it feels squished. The Olympus tank looks immense, but I cant replicate that length as a width and get it past the Mrs.
Being a bit 'crazy', 'stubborn' and being able to 'afford' helps too
Crazy – Check
Stubborn – less check, but determined.
Afford – Check (its timing)
Really appreciate your thoughts. Ta.