Build or Buy?

[raeven]

So I just got a black ghost knife a few weeks ago. It was a bit of a spur of the moment "that's a cool fish!" buy, but I didn't really know anything about it at the time. After doing a little research it was clear that this guy is going to grow pretty quick and I'm going to need a different tank for him to fit in, as mine is only a 45 gallon. And honestly, I'd like to see him get as big as possible. I'm hoping to go for a 240 gallon tank to give him a good amount of room.

The reason I'm posting this here is because I know a lot of you guys have built your own aquariums, as well as bought. So my question is, is the cost difference worth it to just build one? Keep in mind this would be a first time project for me, but something I'm very interested in doing. Naturally I would want to get things done right the first time.

Also, if I were to go this route, how thick should the glass be to keep it from breaking? And are there any tips you guys might have for a first timer? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch!

[taureandragon76]

http://www.garf.org/tank/buildtank.asp

If your gonna go big building it I think is alot cheaper. If your gonna go with building one just make sure you research lots.

[-DC-]

Building is the way to go on anything over 160, not just for cost but at that size your likely dealing with larger fish, so the standard Tall narrow long "aquarium" shape isn’t always best.

DIY tanks allow you alter spec's to match your fish and/or home space. You can also build it to match perfectly with your DIY filter's too match!

I find the biggest appeal is the fun, In fact I enjoy planning and building the tanks and filter systems as much as keeping the fish!

[dean9922]

I have built 2 of my own aquariums. A 100 gallon and an 80 gallon. In hind sight, it would have been cheaper to find used ones instead. But as mentioned, if you plan on a bigger 200-300 gallon tank, I would definitely look at building one. The garf website is where I got all my plans from also and has excellent info. Good luck.

[-DC-]

Yup, i agree only worth it if you’re dealing with tanks pushing 200g+ and fish over who will pass 18" . Otherwise standard tanks are likely cheaper and easier and will give plenty of room for a BGK you'll be fine long term with a 100g. If you want to go above and beyond find a 120g breeder 4'x2'x'2 , good footprint for even the biggest BGK.

240 won’t hurt but it's i'd say it's much bigger than needed

[raeven]

Excellent! You guys are awesome If a 120 is all I'll need for him, then I might just do that instead, which probably won't need to be built. I'm looking at that garf site, and it's fantastic. If I do decide to go on and do this, I'll definitely be using that. Thanks a bunch for all the feedback guys

[deepRED]

I have a 120 gallon tank 4x2x2 that I'll be taking down soon. Pm me if you are interested.

[-DC-]

just checked out the link pretty cool, I'm a big fan of BGK's almost bought one several times but they never fit into my plans, most tank mates i have are either too aggressive or too large

how big is your guy now ? I have a clown knife I bought at barley 2” long, that I’m growing out, he’s 6” ish now growing VERY fast lol

[raeven]

Mine is currently about 2 inches, so still a baby. Probably had him about a month now? So for all I know, he might have grown a cm or two in that time. Hard to say. They are really cool fish, though. I love the swimming pattern, and I'm starting to hand feed him to help encourage him to be a little less shy. I wish I could tell if it was a male or female, though. I have this part of me that wants to know that with all my fish lol. Some are easy, like my kribensis and my red-tail. Others, not so much. For the life of me I can't tell the sex of my apple snails

[-DC-]

that's what size i normally se them at, you should have a long time before you'll need to worry about it out growing your 45g tank!