Objective 1

Replace the two aquariums in the living room with a single larger aquarium.

Objective 2

Build a turtle tank with a custom stand and canopy.Canopy will include a windowed front and right side with a nice green basking area for the turtles.

Objective 3

Cut down time and preparation of maintenance of the aquarium.
This includes running Fill and Drain water lines to the tank location.

 

Turtle Tank Concept

The tank and stand design will incorporate a sump, basking area and chord and wire hide.

My High Level Plans

I am going to try some things I have never attempted and some things I have done, but just want to do better (Not in any specific order):

  • Electrical plugs placed in just the right position for hiding the wires.
  • Run two water lines through the walls and the attic to the laundry room where I have my RO/DI system and sink. I am hoping to hit a switch to drain water to the laundry room and open a valve to fill water to the tank. No more siphoning water and carrying buckets.
  • Build a stand that has the interior optimized for sump maintenance.
  • Have water detection devices placed within the stand to identify leaks.
  • Build the canopy to hide the turtle lamps (UV and Heat lamp)

Project Costs

Let’s see how much this project costs in the end.

110 Gallon X-High DeepBlue Reef Ready Aquarium

Beverly’s Pet Center $634.94

Trigger Systems Ruby Red 30''

Reef2Land $298.00

Electrical Outlet Install

Electrician $350.00

Tank Stand Frame Materials

2×3 8′ Boards $24.00

2 1/2 Inch Wood Deck Screws $8.58

Miscellaneous Items for Build
  • Knape & Vogt P2417TAN48 Plastic Sliding Door Track $15.98
  • 2 of Exo Terra Background, 18-Inch by 24-Inch $33.98
  • 2 of JACKYLED Extension Hanging Lantern $15.98
  • Green Dream Artificial Grass Area Rug – Grass $19.99
  • Zoo Med Combo Pack Turtle Lamp $18.99
  • 60 Count Clear Plastic Suction Cup Sucker Pads with Hooks $11.59
Stand and Water Line Costs (Attic Work)
Background Paint

Paint $40.95

Additional Building Materials

28×15 Basic LED Puff Light $47.58
More Clamps $37.90
#20 Biscuits $7.97
Wood Glue $4.47
Cable Ties $4.48
Additional Wooden Boards $45.84
Plexiglass for Windows $18.01

 

Plumbing The Sump

Tubing, PVC, Connectors, Etc. $86.87

Pumps and Technology

Aquastation dc-9000 Silent Swirl Controllable DC aquarium Pump $94.99

Current USA 6009 1050 GPH eFlux DC Flow Pump $139.99

Mylivell Aquarium Heater 300W Submersible Fish Tank Water Heater Thermostat $13.99

Smart Wifi Plug Compatible with Amazon Alexa Echo 37.99

Zilla Incandescent Dual Bulb Reptile Fixture, 20-3/4-Inch, Black $36.64

 

Substrate and Decoration

2 of Exo Terra Background, 12-Inch by 18-Inch $28.98

Carib Sea Super Naturals White Sand 40 lbs $39.98

2 of Exo Terra Turtle Pebbles, Large $19.98

 

Running Cost: $2256.08

($2956.08 if you include the AC Repair)

This is a running total, and will change as the project progresses.
Check back each week to see changes.

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