Juwel 1.5M aquarium

[Big G]

Hi Folks, I'm looking to get a 1.5m tank for a large livingroom setup, and was looking at either the Juwel Rio 400 or Vision 450. Anyone know the cheapest place to buy these tanks, and what kind of ball park I'd be looking at?

Otherwise, I'll be after a Jebo or Boyu 1.5 tank! Any ideas of other tanks in this size range?

Cheers
Big G!

[brentnorm]

Where in the country are you situated ?

[Big G]

Sorry yes, meant to add that bit!

I'm based in Cape Town!

Cheers
Big G!

[brentnorm]

I know Panorama Pet Shop keeps the Jewels as well as Northern Aquatics. Not sure on price.

[Zafgak]

Hey BigG - why not a glass tank ??? much cheaper

[Big G]

Yer, i would consider a glass tank, but I'd have to get one made... If I were to get glass, I'd prob go for a 1.5 l x 60 w x 80 h. But what would I do about a hood? And where would I get such a tank built? I wouldn't want to go to your average LFS as I'd be doubtful it would stay together! So I guess I'd need you good folks recommendations?

Cheers!
Big G!

[veegal]

You could use sliding glass as a lid. Keep a lookout in your local classifieds, you can usually pick up some bargains there :)

[2time]

Tropicum has some Juwel tanks

[Henk Hugo]

you can really build a VERY nice normal tank for the budget of a jewel :D

[2time]

you can really build a VERY nice normal tank for the budget of a jewel :D

Yep so far I found out that Pet Adventure is the cheapest in custom size tanks

[Henk Hugo]

yea but NAAC in somerset west does a MUCH neater job

[2time]

never heard of them are the a pet shop or do the only make tanks, could you pm me their number please

[Henk Hugo]

they are in Somerset west - if you check the sister website www.marineaquariumsa.com (http://www.marineaquariumsa.com) you will see they are a sponsor there.

[Big G]

Just had a look at their website... www.naac.co.za (http://www.naac.co.za) but didn't really see anything about them custom building tanks. think I'll give em an email and see what they say??

Any other suggestions? What about the place behind Builders, do they do custom tanks?

One other question... What kind of size/weight tank do you start considering getting a structural engineer in to check if your floor can handle the weight? Obviously, a tank in that kinda size range is going to be around 600 - 900 KG's just in water. So is this a safe weight to place on a tiled livingroom floor?

Cheers
Big G!

[Henk Hugo]

The guys behind builders is bad news. rather go with Northerns/Pet Adventure/Sams...

I cant go into details about the guys behind builders but lets just say i had to get NAAC in to fix their f*ckups

[Big G]

Cool ok! Thats all I needed to know!

But are you sure that Naac does do custom builds? They wouldn't hate me for being a fresh water freak rather than a marine monkey? Are they reasonably priced? Or would I just be better going for a Boyu or Juewel from a cost perspective?

Cheers
Big G!

[Henk Hugo]

Johannes will build anything you want. Tell him i sent you :D

[Big G]

Cheers Henk! Will do! Does that mean he'll charge me double cos he knows you?? haha!

And Henk, are you able to answer the question about the weight on the floor?

Cheers
Big G!

[veegal]

Big G, I also have a tiled lounge and have previously had a 2m x 600 x 800m tank along with a 1.2m tank and never had a problem. I guess, and I'm not technically minded, it is because the weight of the water is distributed over a large surface area. I never actually thought about it to be honest. I suppose the only time you'll have a problem is if you have suspended floors.

[Big G]

Hey Vee! Thats good to know! I was just a little concerned about the height being 80cm so therefore far more pressure than a 60cm due to the extra 200KG of water over the 60cm mark. I accept that it is spread over the 150cm x 60cm area, but thats still a lot of pressure! I'm sure I could probably work it out, but I'm a little out of practice with my physics equations!

Anyhow, the proof is in the pudding! If you've had no probs with your 2m then I guedd it'll be fine! My main point of concern was that most houses in Cape Town seem to be built over sandy ground, so wasn't sure if that would cause a prob?

Cheers
Big G!

[veegal]

I doubt it will be a problem.....Henk has a 2.5m which is 800 high as well, as far as I remember, and he has no problems. You'll be cool. Just remember to post images once it's up and running.

I'm picking up another 2m tank on Saturday...can't wait!!!!!

[Henk Hugo]

Yea weight shouldnt be aproblem. my dad is a civil eng and as he said to me one day, if your floor cant take 1ton per sq/m you really shouldnt be living there.

my total tank weight - stand,glass, sump etc stands at like 3 tons....

[veegal]

my total tank weight - stand,glass, sump etc stands at like 3 tons....

:eek: Wow! It's amazing but I've never really thought about the weight of a tank, just the volume and how nice it looks.....typical woman I suppose :blink1::bigsmile:

[Henk Hugo]

ooooooooh its so puuuuuuurdy! i want one! - like that? :D

[veegal]

Something like that.......I can't help it, it's an addiction! That's my story and I'm sticking to it :)

[Zafgak]

Ok BigG if your floor is tiled, do you know what is beneath it ? The calc is quite simple take the weight and divide it by the area of the stands feet that touch the floor. Our tank that Veegal was talking about weighed +- 900kg the stand had eight feet which worked out to +- 125kg per foot over an area 100x100mm which is bugger all really, structually speaking - the only thing to worry about is whether the tiles were laid well, or you may crack a tile.

[Big G]

Hey Zaf!

Nope, I know it is a concrete floor, not a wooden one, but as for what is between the tiles and floor itself I really don't know? I'm not TOO worried if a tile gets cracked, just don't want to wake up one day to find the fish tank at floor level in a hole! haha! But I guess that It'll be fine as long as you guys are sure! I just wanted to get an idea of what kinda weight becomes a concern! Obviously, 900KG's is quite some weight! But thanks for your helps!

I'm currently awaiting NAAC to get back to me with prices for a few similar kinda sized tanks, so should hopefully hear tomorrow! I managed to find the part on the website that mentioned custom built tanks!

I'm really rather excited to get a new tank sorted, but I just hope it doesn't cost an arm and a leg! If it does then the wife might take the left over arm and leg, and maybe even my head! Lol!

Cheers
Big G!

[Zafgak]

If you have a stand made - get the feet made BIG, more area more weight distribution. If its a concrete floor you will have no probs

[Henk Hugo]

come take a look at my stand... will put things into perspective

[theosmit]

Some people make the stand with a frame at the top and at the bottom. The feet then connect the two frames and hence the area making contact with the floor is significantly larger.

[corylyle1]

you can always look on gumtree!! there are always people selling tanks for cheap!!!

[SauRoN]

I know Panorama Pet Shop keeps the Jewels as well as Northern Aquatics. Not sure on price.

Northern Aquatics still around?

Last I was there they were missing in action, I suspect they only moved?

[theosmit]

Northern Aquatics still around?

Last I was there they were missing in action, I suspect they only moved?
Was there this weekend. Business as usual and causing problems with the Financial Director back home.

[veegal]

Northern Aquatics still around?

Last I was there they were missing in action, I suspect they only moved?

SauRoN they are still there. They just moved from 'within' the centre to the other side of the garage that is there. Access via the main road now. :bigsmile: