Overall cost to run I haven't figured out, but my 240 costs me rough an extra $100-$150 a month depending time of year, but with this build being a little smarter/wiser on equipment selection. I've never been one to skimp on equipment, but there are more economical ways to run tanks. I've thrown out there in another section the possibility o using small solar panels to even run small items such as my Tunze PH's heaters etc. I was told to expensive and not really feasible, but that still hasn't stopped my searching or believing I can't do such a thing. You have to dream!!!!!
What made me choose a plywood build????:flame: Nah kidding!!!! I've built acrylic tanks, and glass, I've had tanks custom built with Starphire glass whole 9 yards, so it came down to 2 things. What would something comparable like this cost? Bottom line I wouldn't get all that I wanted in a conventional tank. With an acrylic build the issues with scratching!!!! Yes it's lighter, better insulator than glass, but has it's drawbacks. Glass bottom line; way to heavy, bracing becomes and issue, and depending on who's building the coast to coast over flow wasn't an option, and the wave box option was out. Yes I could find a builder to do these, but when you contact the best builders for something custom unique; you'll have to sell your kidney and then some to get the tank. I'm rather picky on equipment and honestly only 3 builders would get my money and that would be James from Envision Acrylics ( the best), AGE, no I don't mean AGA, and Miracles. These IMHO are the best builders in the field. Price out their tanks and you'll understand some of my madness.
Another issue is size of the tank. I didn't want your traditional store bought, production line tank. Rather limiting at times with options. I was after width, and there was no way I could get a tank of this size through the doorways; into the stairwell, down the stairs into the familyroom, so the tank would need to be built on site. Of course you could get a builder to do it on site, but would drive the price up even more.
Basically the finall decision was that the plywood build was a challenge!!!! It's not often you see them, and they are a total expression of the builder. I am able to tailor everything around my build as I choose. You might be trying to reason or rationalize labor; time spent, but when you enjoy all aspects of the hobby the labor doesn't matter, because your getting what you truly want. Might take some time, but it's all personal. Take all the woodworking done so far, all the detailed trim work, light rack, fishroom. These are all things that aren't store bought and makes you utilize all your talents, and pushes yourself to be better or learn!!!
My last build on my 240 was boring. I get bored when everything is store bought and thrown together. I spent over $30k just on the build and equipment. Did I enjoy the last build as much ad this one???? H3ll No!!!!!
