Mermaid Tank

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calvertbill

Guest
I'm in the process of setting up my most ambitious tank in my office but on the way from here to there an idea occurred to me and I thought someone out there might be able to punch holes in it before I

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something up!
The entire system will be about 670 gallons but the primary viewing tank is 450 (see www.millcovefarm.com/Marine525 ). After the tank has cycled and has a minimal rock/substrate base I was going to put my desk and office furniture back in place and add a few fish and one 96 lb. mermaid for a one-time photo op (once the tank becomes more established with a full population I’d be too nervous that the model’d sit on a fire shrimp or something!).
The problems I’ve thought of so far include pollutants due to make-up, hair care products, human bio-cycle, and soap residue. Am I being too paranoid or not enough? I must admit I’m a little nervous about scratching the acrylic as the model gets in and out of the tank…
I thought of using Yellow Tangs or something which might stand out swimming in front of the blonde model.
 
petjunkie

petjunkie

Active Member
Maybe make her take a long shower with just water? She's gonna displace a lot of water and all your fish are probably just going to hide, they won't be used to people in their territory, lol.
 
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surfinusa

Guest
Alright now that you have our attention what do you really want to ask about your tank.
 
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calvertbill

Guest
Why?...I guess...because I can? Because it might make an awesome shot? Because I once spent 2 weeks fabricating lead soled golf shoes for a topless underwater sports series?
 
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regina13

Guest
that is a very nice tank you have... I like it but would not chance killing the fish.. but just my opinion.
 
alix2.0

alix2.0

Active Member
Originally Posted by Calvertbill
Why?...I guess...because I can? Because it might make an awesome shot? Because I once spent 2 weeks fabricating lead soled golf shoes for a topless underwater sports series?
 
ifirefight

ifirefight

Active Member
I hope that stand is stronger than it looks.
I have seen many people OVERKILL a stand,,,but that one looks bare bones IMO.
 
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calvertbill

Guest
Originally Posted by ifirefight
I hope that stand is stronger than it looks.
I have seen many people OVERKILL a stand,,,but that one looks bare bones IMO.
How do I know for sure? The stand is a 1 1/2" angle tray with a depthwise steel angle strap every 2 1/2' (making three internal). These were added to protect from twisting forces and a second 1 1/2" angle added (reversed) to the face since the face is the only side not tied to a wall. The tray sits on 2x4's screwed to the walls supported by 12 vertical 2x4's (2 in each corner, 3 along the back wall and 1 in center of face). The floor joists were tied together with a 6x6 running transversely supported by three lollys and the tray contains a 3/4" and a 1/2" sheet of plywood sistered with glue and screws to fill the 1 1/4" tray.
 
jkcrumb

jkcrumb

Member
I like the idea................but then again, I'm a little strange myself
............It would definatly make for a interesting conversation piece............Will u be displaying a pic of it on the same room as the tank????? I would have to think that your filters and skimmer and a substantial water change would get your water back to a perfect condition within a day of cycling after the shoot. Is the mermaid gonna be using a snoorkle to breath until the shot happens or were u able to find a real mermaid??
 
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calvertbill

Guest
Originally Posted by jkcrumb
I like the idea................but then again, I'm a little strange myself
............It would definatly make for a interesting conversation piece............Will u be displaying a pic of it on the same room as the tank????? I would have to think that your filters and skimmer and a substantial water change would get your water back to a perfect condition within a day of cycling after the shoot. Is the mermaid gonna be using a snoorkle to breath until the shot happens or were u able to find a real mermaid??

Last time I did an underwater shoot (in a swimming pool) I lowered a diving regulator on a boom to the model while I was setting up, had it removed while the shot was taken, and relowered to her while setting up for the next shot.
 
beth

beth

Administrator
Staff member
My priority with fish tanks has always been the welfare of the fish and other tank inhabitants as well as the environment.
Are you a professional photographer?
 
mscarpena

mscarpena

Member
I think the mermaid thing is a bad idea. Getting in and out will be quite difficult and something bad could happen. What if she pee's. just joking about the peeing thing, but you get the idea. I also agree that the tank should be re-enforced stand wise and not to be to picky, but your skimmer looks undersized. About the tank stand and skimmer you need to decide because there are things that you know and see that we done. You need to understand that water weights 8.5 LBS per gallon and you tank is near 700 gallons. You talking almost 7000 LBS. Thats a whole lot of weight. It sounds like you have a basement and I think you should contanct an engineer or professional before proceeding. Houses with basements are not ment to have that kind of weight in one area. I know you did some re-enforcing, but I wouls sure want to be sure.
 
stdreb27

stdreb27

Active Member
Originally Posted by Beth
My priority with fish tanks has always been the welfare of the fish and other tank inhabitants as well as the environment.
Are you a professional photographer?
Sounds like it. Lead shoes for a underwater sports shoot...
Hey if you can do that, and really don't want to worry about stuff leeching from the babe. Green screen it, put in a green screen fill it with water. Drop the mermaid in take your shots then put in some fish and a backround. Unless you want the publicity stunt... Then o well.
 
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