AquaTheater 2007

We moved into our NEW home in Sept 2005 and I immediately started to attack the basement. I had one thing in mind...My own piece of the Ocean in our home. As the owner of an Aquarium Manufacturing company I have always had dreams of having a massive Saltwater Aquarium in our basement. Within a few months I had installed a drain in the floor, built the stand, installed humidity control and began to frame in the fish room. As the weeks ticked by and my business expanded I simply did not have any time at all to dedicate to the build and I ended up putting it aside for about 18 months.

Fast Forward to May 2007....
One day I stumbled across this website and saw some of the amazing HOME THEATER setups the members have here. Well needless to say plans changed dramatically. Initally I thought well I'll just adjust my plans a little and incorporate the new theater in the room I had available opposite the Aquarium. As I read more threads and more forums my plans changed. The problem I encountered was that the room I was going to use for the Theater Room was 14' x 14'. Of course it was a dreaded square...The other problem was my main HVAC trunk ran right down one side of the room. I am a very picky person and I simply could not find a way to make the room work. I decided that the current tank location had to go and since it was moving I would do a complete overhaul of my entire design.

Many thanks to the members here. Your input and patience have helped me so many times to get things as close to right as I possibly can. Everytime I have tried to cut corners or rush to get it done someone on the forum sets me straight and I come around to see the light. I will slowly update my progress here and will get everyone up to speed on where I am these days in the stage of my construction.

Thanks for stopping by!

WS

Equipment List

Display

Daily- TV- Panasonic- 58PZ700U

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/th-58pz700u.jpg

Movies- 120"- 16 X 9 Screen

Speakers

Center Channel- Klipsch RC-62

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Rc-62.jpg

Fronts- Klipsch RF-82

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/RF-82.jpg

Surrounds- Klipsch- RS-62

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/RS-82.jpg

Rears- Klipsch- RB-61

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/RB-61.jpg

Subwoofer- (2) SVS Cylinder

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/SVS-sub.jpg

Projector

Undecided at this time

Receiver

Pioneer Elite- VSX-94TXH

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Elite.jpg

Blue Ray

Playstation 3

HD DVD

To be Determined

HD TV Feed

Rogers Cable High Definition

Equipment Rack

Middle Atlantic- Slim 5

Original Basement Floor Plan:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Basement.gif

Builder Basement Rough In:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Picture056.jpg

Rough In 2:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Picture057.jpg

As you can see the builder's rough in was not anywhere near the quality I would have liked. When I started the original build I let it go...said to myself "It will be ok". As time has passed and my knowledge base has grown I cringe when I see those pics again. Some of the things I disliked:

* 2 x 3 Wall Framing
* Insulation only half way down
* Poor Vapour Barrier Install
* No Accoustical Seal of vapour barrier

Once the Theater plans came into the mix I decided to gut it all and start over :).

The floor of my basement had only 1 floor drain (by the furnace). In order to make maintenance and the obvious water spills easier to deal with we decided to install a new floor drain right in the tank room location.

Cutting up the floor:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Picture075.jpg

Installing the drain:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Picture081.jpg

Finished:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Picture087.jpg

New Typar Installed:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_1934.jpg

:confused:

I'm assuming those are placeholders so he can post some pictures and all of the messages will be together. Regardless, I'm subscribing so I can see a ginormous fishtank.

Hey, take a pic of your fishtank and theater while Nemo is playing.

Yes Eskay,

Placeholders as I have many pics to post of the original build, tear out, and current build.

I have never seen "placeholders" used in a forum before. Neat trick......I shall have a good time in some of my other less 'formal' internet hangouts using that.

Yes they are great. However, I have found in alot of forums they are not possible as you only have an hour to edit any post. Very happy AVS allows edits whenever you please.

WS

Update:

When I decided to move the Theater to the other side of the basement my stairs became a huge issue. They had a landing and then angled right into my theater room. We tried to set them on a smaller angle first but simply not enough clearance. Eventually we realized we could go straight down.

Original Stair Placement:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_2062.jpg

Stairs moved:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_2198.jpg

You shouldn't have a vapor barrier over your concrete basement walls.

I'm assuming those are placeholders so he can post some pictures and all of the messages will be together. Regardless, I'm subscribing so I can see a ginormous fishtank.

Hey, take a pic of your fishtank and theater while Nemo is playing.


I cringe when I hear saltwater fish or reef tank and 'Nemo' in the same sentence.

Will it be a reef tank or just FO?

What company do you own? I have had tanks from multiple manufactures, both standard and custom.

You shouldn't have a vapor barrier over your concrete basement walls.

We used TYPAR. My friend is a custom home builder and recomended this for my climate. The vapor barrier is installed inside the 2x4 walls as it should be.

EAGLES- Yes REEF TANK.

I own Aquarium Obsessed.

Small world. I too am greatly looking forward to this thread.
One of your customs and a dedicated HT too, sounds good.

Worried at all about the SW vibrations, or will the stand be reinforced a bunch?

What PJ's are you considering?

Any updates?

Hey Eagles,

Yes I have made some progress but the last 2 weeks have been slow. Its amazing you take a few days of and its so hard to get back in the rythm. I will post some pics soon.

I'm undecided on projectors. Looking for some input really...will be between 16' and 19' away from the screen. Room is DARK and screen 120".

thank you,
WS

Well, we've got anywhere from a Marantz 720p for ~$1300 up to a couple 1080p PJ's that are ~$4,500-$5k.

So my four questions would be:
-How far away are you mounting the PJ
-How far away will you be sitting
-Do you have a DLP/LCD preference
-How much do you want to spend

Aquafile,

I know exactly what you mean about the slow pace. I've been working on my theater for 14 months but it's almost done. Just need doors for my equipment cabinet. I put up the last of the trim today but haven't posted the pictures yet.

Feedback much appreciated..

14 months...ya I can see that! Especially when alot of the work is being done alone.

Eagles-

* 1080 P a must for me
* How far away are you mounting the PJ- I can mount from 15.5-20' from the screen.
* How far away will you be sitting- Front Row- 10.5'
* Do you have a DLP/LCD preference- No. Ive never had a projector
* How much do you want to spend- About 3K..but if its really worth it I could go higher.

thanks,
WS

You'll have to check further to see what you really want but here is a short list for ya:
-Sony VW50 Pearl ~$3100(lcos)
-Mitsubishi HC6000 ~$4000(lcd)
-Panasonic AE-2000u ~$2800(lcd)
-Sanyo Z2000 ~$2200(lcd)
-Optoma HD80 ~$2700(dlp)

Wow 10.5' front row for a 120" screen? You must like close up action!

How do you like your speakers? I'm upgrading and thinking of the exact same setup, although with the 575 watt Klipsch sub.

Ok I'll check those out- THANKS!

So far I like the Klipsch. At this time I only have the 2 x RF-82 and the center set-up. Still have not had the full effect as the room they are in now is too awkward for 7.1...And I have 2 boys :):):).

As a side note I have a chance to get (4) Laz Y Boy Matinee chairs 6 months old for $1500.00. I'm torn on whether to pull the trigger or not.

WS

Wow 10.5' front row for a 120" screen? You must like close up action!

My front row is just short of 11' from the screen and many people think that my 106" screen is too big. This seems to be more of a problem for people with glasses. They complain that fast acton or other suuden changes cause bluring. People complain more on TV than movies which I think has more to do with what they are use to.

Anyway, I think 120" is too big for that distance. I personally love my 106" 16x9 screen and wouldn't want to go bigger. Before I had the theater I wanted the biggest screen possible, partially because I thought I'd like it better and partially for bragging rights. I was limited to 106" due to the sofit. Thank God for that or I would have bought a 120" screen.

Having experience under my belt, I strongly think that you should stay around 106". It's still 8' wide and will really impress your friends while making others wince at how big it is.

It is a personal taste thing, I believe. As I use a 110" screen and sit 12.5' away. I could see as big as 126" working for me at that distance.

Updates:

Looking at back of Theater room and into future FISH ROOM

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_2058.jpg

Theater Room Exterior Walls Insulated

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_2063.jpg

Wall cutout for DVD Rack

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_2199.jpg

To me yes, that is about just how my room is set-up and they do their job well for me. Still throwing in front of and behind the seating.

Aquafire:

The ocean theme is very cool indeed. I'm gonna follow your progress. I too have a water theme. I don't have any recent pics. My Oscar is dead though. Instead, I have 2 tinfoils barb, 3 silver dollars, and a catfish with spots and a hi dorsal fin. Check out my old thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748164


What are you calling your theater? Mine is "The Aquarium"

vote for "The Obsession"

I like that!

I have a chance to get 5 Berklines in a Dark Burgundy and Black for a good price but I wanted to do Blue and Black in the theater...why are the deals always the wrong colour! ...LOL

Well its been a while since my last update. Time just keeps ticking by and I'm still not in my Theater.

Green Glue!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_2937.jpg

703 Arrived!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_2945.jpg

The Drywall never seems to end :):):)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_2943.jpg

Hey,

I'm about to close in my ceiling for my projector pre-wire.

How big a conduit should I run from my soffit to projector location?

thanks,
WS

Minimum of 2 inch, but it really depends on how many cables you plan on running and how convoluted the the journey is from PJ to equipment. I ran 2 2" conduits. Although I was able to run HDMI and component so far (1 in each conduit), I am a little worried if it was going to be possible to run more in the future. In other words, it took some effort to get them through the conduit. My conduit does make several turns however.

Most people advocate a 3" conduit to the PJ. Two 2" conduits have about the same internal area.

Hey mbgonzomd, You really have a nice looking Theater. Love the ceiling and lighting. I wish I had more room do have done one like that.

Aquafire.....I did the blue and black them in mine since in my mind blue represented the ocean and I live at the beach. The flash from the camera makes the blue look a lot brighter than it really is though. Also, I used a 3-inch PVC pipe for my cable run
http://thumb3.webshots.net/t/53/453/1/14/68/2119114680027742703wGMCCL_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2119114680027742703wGMCCL)


http://thumb3.webshots.net/t/16/17/3/6/99/2430306990027742703IurYAs_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2430306990027742703IurYAs)

Thanks Guys,

Anyone have thoughts on dual sets of side surrounds? I currently have Klipsch Dipoles. My issue is the way my columns need to be means they will be about 1-2ft in front of my first row seating. How will this be? Should I add a second set of side surrounds just in front of the rear row?

WS

Well on Thursday AM at 4:30 I was ready to just say the heck with my Theater...well more the entire basement. I was up till 12am on Wed night and then up again at 4 trying to finish insulating the entire ceiling. I finally gave in and decided to hire a drywall crew to finish the last 30% of boarding and all the MUD and taping. So I had to get it all finished before they arrived...I ended up working all day beside them on Thursday finishing all the details. Conduit, insulation, wiring...It is amazing how much work is involved in a basement remodel.

WHAT A WISE INVESTMENT!!!! Man it would have taken me months to do what they have accomplished in 4 days.

Pics to follow.

yes, pics please :)

Finished sanding the drywall and primed the entire theater room yesterday. I didn't realize what a relief it would be to finally get paint on the walls...

It's been a long time coming!!

My issue is the way my columns need to be means they will be about 1-2ft in front of my first row seating.

My first row is in line with my side bipoles and when I sit in the 2nd row, the immersion is better. The "hole" between side and LCR is completely gone. I was listening to the sewer scene in Ratatouille and the water literally surrounds you. I don't get that effect in the front row, but my front row is optimized for bass response. I don't know how you guys with direct radiating surrounds sit thru a whole movie (but that's a diff thread).

aquafire: I can't tell you what to do and this decision will strongly impact how your room will look. I will say that in a 7.1 system, in a room capable of ideal surround placement, "authorities" might want to update current guidelines. Why not try in your current setup, a more forward side speaker placement? If you like it, build columns to house two side speakers per side. you could always leave the rear-side column empty.

Thanks Bing,

This is good advice. I could always build one column and if I need a second it will be a few hours to add it.

thanks!
WS

Good to see you found some time to progress the theater room. I was just wondering about your build the other day.

Thanks Eagles. Yes the theater will be the first to be finished along with the Paint, Carpet and Trim of the rest of the basement. Then from that I will start work on the Aquarium Portion.

WS

QUESTION:

I'm about to install 703 on my front wall. Do I want to install it on EVERY surface behind my screenwall including ceiling and side walls? Also, on the door to my cold cellar?

thank you for any help!

WS

QUESTION:

I'm about to install 703 on my front wall. Do I want to install it on EVERY surface behind my screenwall including ceiling and side walls? Also, on the door to my cold cellar?

thank you for any help!

WS

You generally would want it on all surfaces on the front wall (front, ceiling, sides), with bass traps in the corners. YMMV

Any updates?
Isn't real life a bummer as it keeps getting in the way and changing your plans when you want to get a project accomplished for yourself, lol.

Hey Everyone,

Yes life seems to keep getting in the way of my theater! Well I have come a LONG way since my last update. Heres a few new pics:

Projector Mount Pre Plan:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_2941.jpg

What a theater build looks like after a weekend of work:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3038.jpg

Well I finally ordered my projector. I decided on a Panasonic AX-200 for alot of reasons. I was scared that coming from a Plasma to my first projector that the 1080P units at only 1000 Lumens would be tooooo DIM for me. Once the 1080 units add Lumens and drop in price I will switch over.

Aquarium- My Aquarium Stand will be built this week and assembly should start in the next few weeks.

WS

Updates...

Theater Room Drywall

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_2939.jpg

Double Drywall Started on Wall

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_2940.jpg

More Updates.

Well the THEATER ROOM double drywall is all done. I also managed to prime all the walls.

Theater Room Primed

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3193.jpg

I have a good friend that is a painter and he is coming over to spray the ceiling black.

Theater Room Drywall FINISHED. Prepping for Ceiling Black Paint

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3192.jpg

TANK TEASER:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/1200-3.jpg

This is an Aquarium we built for a LARGE fish store last year. Figured it would be of interest to some on this forum to see that FISH guys are just AS NUTS as Home Theater Guys :):):)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/1200-4.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/1200-2.jpg

So I don't have to go to R.C. for the calculator, how many gallons is that?
I am eagerly anticipating the shots we get when this is all done.
But will continue to watch along the way and can't wait to see the next round of shots.

Updated Pics:

Here are the pics of my Theater ceiling painting.

Just Starting:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3195.jpg

Back bulkhead Done:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3194.jpg

Almost Finished

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3197.jpg

Ceiling and Screen Wall PAINTED!:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3196.jpg

The pics make the job look really bad...LOL...It looks awesome now that it is dry. I went with the California Knock Down ceiling in the entire basement. I highly recommend it with the Black Ceiling it looks incredible.

Lots of updates...

AQUARIUM:

Aquarium Stand has been started. In the final design I decided on a "L" shaped Aquarium.

FRONT- 96" Long x 42" Wide x 30" Tall
SIDE- 84" Long x 36" Wide x 30" Tall

The tank will sit just outside of the double doors on my theater room. Originally I wanted it to be seen from the HT room in the wall but for obvious reasons I thought better of it.

CARPET INSTALLED:

Theater room was carpeted on Monday. It always amazes me what a difference carpet makes. I was able to get my projector and screen hooked up last night....

WOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!

After MONTHS of work I finally see why I was doing all this...Pictures coming soon.

thanks for checking this thread out!

Aquarium Size:

Front Section is 96"x42"x30" = 523 GALLONS.
Side Section is 84" x 36" x 30" = 196 Gallons. (after deducting front section)
TOTAL= 719 Gallons

Awesome.
I love the big guy you guys built for the store as well.
External overflow on the end that runs th whole width...great idea.
Gotta love eurobraced and rimless tanks.
I am going to be so jealous when it's done.

Updates:

Started building my stage FINALLY! Kids thought sand in the basement was a great idea...Until I screwed the plywood on. :)

Stage Started:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3284.jpg

Truck Time:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3282.jpg

WOW, just ran across your thread for the first time and all I can say is WOW. When I was thinking about what I wanted my theater to look like, I wanted to do a whole wall aquarium as one wall of the theater. Many reasons why I didn't end up going that route such as cost, lighting control, sound reflections, etc. but I always loved the idea. Being born and raised in Southern California has made me into a water lover, not the beach per say, but the water. Can't wait to see how your theater turns out.

Thanks for the comments Mark. I originally wanted the tank to be viewable on the back theater wall but after months of reading on here realized that was not the wisest move. I compromised and will be able to see the tank from the Theater room with the doors open.

WS

Dude, this is going to be awesome. As the last guy said, you and I have had the same dream (except you are actually going for yours). Kudos!

Awesome.
I love the big guy you guys built for the store as well.
External overflow on the end that runs th whole width...great idea.
Gotta love eurobraced and rimless tanks.
I am going to be so jealous when it's done.

I had a 96" X 24" X 34" reeftank in my old house that had a single overflow on one end ... I would recommend having 2 overflows for anything that large [ one on either end ] as one alone does not sufficiently skim the entire surface area ( probably only skimmed about 60" of the surface of my tank )

@ aquafire ...Cant wait to see the new tank you build though

Good choices on equipment!!!!

Justletmein,
I never did any planning on a tank quite that large, thus me thinking that was enough.
Someday though I will have my 300g island center overflow cube. From this mans' company as well as they make beautiful tanks.

Justletmein,
I never did any planning on a tank quite that large, thus me thinking that was enough.
Someday though I will have my 300g island center overflow cube. From this mans' company as well as they make beautiful tanks.

Yea ... the size changes a few things once you have to move that much water :)


A large cube like that would be very cool ... there is a restaurant in town here with a similar setup ( 8' X 8' cube ... center overflow ) ... it is freshwater though with lots of large cichlids and about a 4 foot arrowana

This looks pretty interesting.

Holy cow. This is close to my long-term goal, except my tank will "only" be 96x48x36, and it won't be in the theater. Given how much I lurk on the "Large Tanks" forum over at RC, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this develop.

Thanks guys.

I'm amazed at how many people have the same 2 addictions as me!!

Theater and Tanks....im poor :):):)

Here are the pics from the Aquarium Stand building on Saturday.

TimberStrand to hold this beast up !!!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3501.jpg

Top View

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3504.jpg

Ready to Prime

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3500.jpg

Priming DONE!!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3505.jpg

Tank View from Theater room back double doors

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3506.jpg

That tank is going to be a monster.

The room looks like it will also hold it's own. ;)

Stand Painted

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3507.jpg

Finished for now....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/IMG_3510.jpg

Any updates?
I'm sure you are busy, but I would love to see some new pics when you get some free time.

Dude, you are killing me here, where is the update? Can't wait to see the tank with some water in it!:)

Yes, the room was coming along rather nicely, would love to see how it looks now.

is that stand going to hold the weight of 700ish gallons of water?

1 gallon of water = ~8.36 lbs

700 gallons = 5852LBS!!!!!!

Wow..the room is looking great! I am considering doing a deep sea theme for my yet to be built theater and am very much anticipating how yours will turn out!

Bring on the updates!! :D

First time I've seen this thread...Great idea. My father has a 600 gallon salt-water aquarium and it is awesome by itself. Putting one in a theater would be amazing!

CJ

Hey Everyone,

Yes i'm alive!

I have been in my theater for about 4 months now. Believe it or not the tank (2 sections of the L) are being pushed together on WED and the final piece put on. I have lots of pics and will begin posting tomorrow!!!

Sorry for the delay!

is that stand going to hold the weight of 700ish gallons of water?

1 gallon of water = ~8.36 lbs

700 gallons = 5852LBS!!!!!!

Yes it will be fine. I have another post to put in after the sumps underneath are pushed in. My buddy is a master carpenter and he designed it. I used the engineered joists on this beast.

Yes it will be fine. I have another post to put in after the sumps underneath are pushed in. My buddy is a master carpenter and he designed it. I used the engineered joists on this beast.

Engineered joists that are being held up with standard 2x4s :eek:

Not that I have any background to suggest anything different. However, with the weight being over 5k pds, I'd worry about the strength of the concrete floor. :o

Can't wait to see how this one turns out.

Engineered joists that are being held up with standard 2x4s :eek:

Not that I have any background to suggest anything different. However, with the weight being over 5k pds, I'd worry about the strength of the concrete floor. :o

Can't wait to see how this one turns out.

LOL...yes it looks scary. We have built many of these and 700 is on the smaller end so i'm not worried :)

Stop all this fussing about weight :) ... I had a 330G marine tank with 100G sump underneath in my last house on (8) 4X4 supports with no problems ... if anything that stand looks over built ... my only concern would be the inside corner support ;)

UPDATES:

703 started:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Picture108.jpg

Equipment rack and media shelf holes:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Picture122.jpg

Columns Started:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Picture254.jpg

First coat:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/aquariumobsessed/Picture256.jpg

Sorry, I can't wait. Where are you at??? Can't wait to see this!

Main Tank is together! Now to do the Euro-Bracing :).

Also waiting for my new VW80 Projector to arrive!

Awesome thread! Can not wait to see the final outcome.

Was this ever finished aquafire?