Acrylic Mer Tank

[MermaidNerenia]

Has anyone ever made, or thought about making an Acrylic tank to swim in at events? I know Mertailor has one. It really seemed to draw crowds. It might be cool as a marketing tool. I dont know anything about working with acrylic but it just looks like a glue to me.

[Toxotes]

As far as I know the Mertailor had a tank. Raven of the Merbellas bought it.
We had that in a thread on the old site mer.yuku.

It sounded also interesting to me, but such a tank would be very expensive.

[Odette]

it is expensive. i know how to make it its just gonna cost about $600 and its caulk and bent metal holding it together.

[Odette]

i know someone who made one but for a bunch of fish and a little smaller. real cool.

[ide]

When I looked into tank-construction (and I was thinking a wooden waterproofed tank with a plexiglass front so it would be lighter than glass), it seemed like the project, even done DIY could run up a bill of 2 grand, easily, but I'm continuing to search for options. If you want the tank to be large enough to move in at all, the plexiglass has to be really thick to withstand the water pressure.

I was thinking of a tank sort-of like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cmwoxaGh-k

Rather than making it clear all around.

Of course, even an empty 150 gallon tank (granted, a glass one) weighs around 200lbs, so to make a tank large enough to fit inside of (try 900gallons, ideally), you would need a pretty serious truck and a lot of people to move it (and then hours to fill it up with water on-location, so hopefully you'd be performing in the same place for several days, like at a festival.)

I really, really want one for my circus' sideshow, but I have no idea how to make it happen.

For a less beautiful, but still very fun and much more portable option, getting a small above-ground collapsible swimming pool would work great... if you could make it look nice/decorate & light it well.

[MermaidNerenia]

I actually have a private club I work every weekend at that it would be perfect for. Also I work alot of conventions each year that it would be awesome. Also trying to get one so I can set up at a Renaissance Festival next year.

[ide]

Yeah, that sounds ideal. I'm very interested, so if you come up with a financially viable solution to building one, let me know!

[MermaidNerenia]

Cool will do!

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Mermaid Odette, I'd was think the Ren Faire route, too! That would be amazing and awesome to do! I'd love to partake in that. :-)

Would you have it set up with tubes for air, so you wouldn't have to surface, or just make it a regular tank?

[AniaR]

eric told me the stand ALONE for the tank cost 3000 and Raven told me it was so expensive she coulda bought a car but she and Meshpa dont like to discuss the actual numbers. I found a tank that would fit 1 mer in it on kijiji and it was 5000$ and it was from the 80s!

[ide]

@Raina - that sounds about right, numbers-wise, it definitely would cost more than a car to get an all plexiglass tank of a nice size. Thus my ($2,000ish?) plan to make a treated-wood type tank with a plexiglass front.

I actually found a tank that I could fit into on Craigslist for only $200, but I couldn't fit in it with my tail on, and I could only fit into it sideways even so, so it wouldn't work for swimming around, more of a water-coffin really. Meh. That, and it was glass, so it would have weighed a ton, even empty. I almost wanted to go for it anyway, but it was a bad idea - lots of work moving something around that wasn't actually what I wanted. Still, folks are trying to get rid of 200 gallon fish tanks pretty regularly... 400 gallons and I'd be tempted again.

If I found someone trying to get rid of a big enough tank, I would probably start up a Kickstarter Campaign for it.

[MermaidNerenia]

I dont have any experience with air tubes so it would probably be just a regular tank, I would probably set a filter on it each night to clean it . The renfair route seems like it would be really amazing. If I cant get a tank, my renfaire has a huge wishing well area that I may try. We have a big aquarium company here in Ohio that I may pay a visit to and see if they would be interested in a mermaid for all the home and garden shows that they do. Maybe they could give me a discount.

[MermaidNerenia]

Since we were on the subject of tanks, I wanted to share these and thought they were really cool.

http://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/aquariums#47

There is alot of cool things to click on but its a confusing sight. My favs are the tanks where you can pet the fish, the one with birds in it, and the one where the cat can stick his head in.

[ide]

Those are amazing. I want that sink (although I imagine it would rarely look that clean).

[mermaid hannah]

Ya the sink toliet and all the ones in tables are awsome, i also love the telephone booth, i want my house when i grow up to be full of fish tanks

[MermaidAubrin]

I didn't know Eric sold a tank is it on his website?

[Odette]

im working on making a pool like tank to bring to events so i can swim,splash, and still communicate well with all the kids. they get much more into it when you talk to them.
the cost just for the wood on my pool tank thingy was $200.

Ide, i was thinking the very same thing with the wooden frame. tho i would like to burn some images into the wood. pyrography looks reall cool. you can burn your logo on the back.

[MermanJesse]

I am thinking about having a tank made in 2012. It is going to be 8ft long 4ft wide and 4ft deep.

You would need 2 inch thick acrylic, plus your supports, plus wheels.

[AniaR]

guys, Ive had big discussions with Raven about hers and I think you're seriously underestimating the cost, the mobility, and the safety. Trying to transport the tank the size you're hoping for is very difficult. Ravens vehicle couldnt easily move it and they had to get another. And you need that plexi glass thick, stable, and SAFE. In order to hold the amount you all seem to want for water I think you're going to be dishing out a lot of $$. Especially for custom. Raven's got a big filter and a heater, it takes her at least 4 hours to fill it with water too (you also have to consider the cost and liabilities that come with needing to fill the tank every time and dispose of the used water within city law) and at least 4 hours to pump it out. Im not trying to discourage anyone or be a downer but there's so much more that goes into these things, maintaining them, keeping safe (Eric was almost killed once trying to get it off a trailer) and it's so much more expensive to create something that's safe, functionable, and transportable than you're theorizing.

[malinghi]

aniaR, thanks for mentioning that.

[SireniaSolaris]

Funny that I just came across this. A company I work with making balloon animals is partnering with a big Italian Decor company that is coming to the states. As a way to advertise the new special events division, they were actually talking about building a huge acrylic tank at the front of the store to have me swim in regulary to kind of attract the crowds. I thought it was an awesome idea, but I was also a little concerned about the safety of it. I really don't think money is too big an issue to them - at least not to the Italian company. I understand that they kind of want to go all out. Does anyone know if Eric had the tank built himself? I'm assuming it is safe to have lasted through him, and now Raven. I'd actually be interested in asking him some questions as far as the construction of it went, so that I might discuss it with the company building the storefront.

[AniaR]

I doubt you'd get many answers from Eric, there's always this whole hush of not giving away trade secrets so other people dont copy! Le gasp! I know he didn't make it though he bought it, and a stand, and a trailor to move it. Mermaid Melissa apparently has a tank now but I doubt she'd give you much answers. Raven is often MIA from FB cuz she's too busy being in love ;) and her FB doesn't work half the time :p but maybe the people at the dive bar would tell you some info about their tank?

[Odette]

raina made some great points. if its not done correctly then it could be very dangerous.

[neonmermaid]

Anyone thought about using a dunk tank? Not much room to swim but you could sit on the stool and splash people with your fluke or duck in to the tank and make faces through the water. I think this is a pretty swell idea haha! You can rent one for less than $200 a day!

http://www.twisterdisplay.com/

[Mermaid Sirena]

That's an idea o_0 I never thought of that.

[Mermaid Saphira]

^ It would be so cool if you painted them a solid color and then painted a really pretty mermaid logo on there with your name beside it :)

[Capt Nemo]

Actually, it might be easier to get a semi trailer tanker with an acrylic side. ~4-5000 gallons.

[SireniaSolaris]

Funny that this just happened - a friend of mine (who was actually with me when getting our certification from Weeki Wachee before they put their new age policy in place) is coming back to my county (yay, local mer friend! :D ) and she was telling me about the tank she is getting build

8 ft by 4 ft by 4 ft, and it is being built on a trailer on wheels, so that her bf's truck and just pull it along wherever they need to go. Acrylic of course.

It's costing about 10k O_O

[Mermaid Sirena]

I wonder what the measurements are for Merbellas tank. Is it a 400 gallon?

I have a thought for sort of a reverse tank, what if you built a nice solid (collapsable) wooden box that fit a fully blown up pool. Then placed a large piece of glass or acrylic over the top? And sand on the bottom of the pool to disguise it. The box would hide it's a blow up pool and it could be easy to move around.

[Mermaid Sirena]

Never mind just found through a link and a link from their site that it is a 1000 gallon tank :O That's a lot of water, I can't imagine trying to haul it around and filling it with water.

[New York Mermaid]

thank you so much @NeonMermaid you just gave me a great idea for my nieces mermaid party.

Plus Im also thinking of getting a small "see through" inflatable pool, which would work in "land" events.

or something like this, maybe paint it up a bit
its 300 gallons http://www.enasco.com/product/Z40740N

Or the more"pool-like" 500 gallon:
http://www.enasco.com/product/Z18630N

[Mermaasai]

What about polycarbonate sheeting?
Its just as strong or stronger than acrylic, its clear... also you can get UV protection sheets..
Maybe using a thick plastic tank (like for horse troughs and such.. just... larger) and having a large sheet of polycarbonate installed on one wall of the tank/tub..
I would think that would allow for a much lighter tank when empty.. and still be durable.
Also since it would be plastic you could probably have a stopper at a bottom edge of the tank to empty the water from it.
Any way just a daydreamy thought..

[Kanti]

The main/most dangerous problem/obstacle would be storage and moving I'd assume.
As mentioned earler, attaching it straight to a trailer of some sort would be awesome, but
it's still an expensive process no matter what.

The size tank the average person would need would be 1000 gallons. 800 is ok but a bit confined.
You can get them custom made for $10k-$15k but if you check out used ones that people put up on
aquarium forums and petstore sites, you can easily get the price knocked down to around 5k.
It'll be used, but it's an awesome price for a huge ass tank. Just make sure you have the person you're
buying it from fill it up so you can see there are no leaks or imperfections. Don't get conned xD

The largest tank I've actually made was about 100-150 gallons and they're a super bitch to make. The
process took around 40 hours of work and that was a fraction of what the tank a mermaid would need.
Plus, you may throw out your money if the tank goes haywire and breaks on you.

It's safer/easier to just have someone make it for you. But if you're good at building stuff and don't mind
taking a few months to take the time to make sure everything is perfect, you'd save a bunch of money
just making it yourself. Just make sure you test-fill it before taking it anywhere xD

[SireniaSolaris]

The tank my friend had made was 1000 gallons. Merbellas is the same. You really don't want to go smaller than that - there would be no room to move. Filling and emptying the tank both takes HOURS. And yes, moving it can be very dangerous. Personally, I think it's too much trouble. People can have me at a pool, aquarium, ocean, or dry. But, for others, it can be a nice upseller. Rates for mermaids allon is $300/hr per mer. Add the tank, and it's an extra $500. If you don't mind the amount of time involved filling and draining, that's a nice upsell

[Kanti]

I'd love a tank~
It'd be the extra pizzaz to add to a performance or draw a crowd. You would probably have to use it
at a festival or an art show, though.
I'll probably look into the materials but right now have no money.
Making them isn't really that hard either, it's just so freaking time consuming.
Filling it would be a nightmare, but I think the end result is worth all the effort :'D

[Mermaid Lorelei]

It's been a dream of mine as well to get a tank. It just seems like it would make such a difference in performances. I feel that when people can see you on display from every angle like in a tank (rather than say a pool) you make a larger impact. And it's not like you can't communicate with the audience or anything, in fact, I think you're interacting better. But those are my personal opinions. All I know is, difficult or not, I want one. XD

[Mermaid Sirena]

If I had a tank I could approach Theater Bizarre with higher odds of being able to show + getting into Ren Fairs would be easier. I will have a tank someday, just might be a Loooong time from now.

[Kanti]

Yea, essentially saving for a tank is like saving for a tail xD

The cheapest option is certainly to find a used one. Usually you can haggle pretty well with the people
selling it since chances are, they're aquarium enthusiasts who are either moving and need to get rid of
it or can't afford to keep it anymore.

[Kanti]

It's been a dream of mine as well to get a tank. It just seems like it would make such a difference in performances. I feel that when people can see you on display from every angle like in a tank (rather than say a pool) you make a larger impact. And it's not like you can't communicate with the audience or anything, in fact, I think you're interacting better. But those are my personal opinions. All I know is, difficult or not, I want one. XD

Absolutely!
I think viewing the costume from underwater allows people to see the fluke/fin movement and also gives your
costume/performance more realism. It also lets you act more like a mermaid xD

[Merman_Ryan]

KIDDIE POOL IT IS! :P

http://www.merfolktails.com/Lawton2005/Lawton037%20copy.jpg

[Kanti]

Haha wow
That looks really awesome xD
It reminds me of a fortune teller o>O

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Haha, yay for kiddie pools!

And precisely Kanti! For me, one of the best points of mermaiding is the realisim. If a tank helps with that, then I'm all for getting a tank. That, and it would be plain awesome to have it hanging around your backyard or something for photoshoots. XD

[Kanti]

Ugh yea thats the thing I sort of want to avoid.
I know my parents aren't going to let me keep that thing lying around the house xD
I'd need to rent out a storage place or keep it off to the side of my yard where it's all
nasty and junk.

Either way, it's a fun thing to fanatsize about ~

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Thankfully I should be married and in my own place by the time I end up getting a tank, so I won't have to bug my folks with it. XD
Actually, my guy just promised me the other day that if he is able, he's going to get me a tank in the next couple years. :'>

[Mermaid Luna]

MerBellas Our tank is a 1000 gallons, it's 1700 pounds empty and 5 ton when it's full of water. It's 8 feet long and 4 feet wide, 5 feet tall. It was a custom made tank and it can cost up to a brand new car:)
November 6, 2011 at 6:00pm

I asked them by posting on their wall last November. =) Hope that helps.

[Mermaid Momo]

has anyone ever thought of getting a cargo trailer and cutting out one wall and replacing it with a thick acrylic sheet? Here's a website i found that sells good size ones: http://www.boyerrvsales.com/pennsylvaniarvsales/King-American/6-ft.-Wide-Cargo-Trailers/Cargo-Trailers.aspx
and here's a picture of a 6x12 ( 6 ft high, 6 fit in widt, 12ft in lenght)
2790

since the interior is covered in wood, you can probably cover it with something or seal it so it's water proof.

[Spindrift]

That's a pretty ingenious idea. To save on water, you could totally just also make a underwater grotto/cave and do photo ops with people instead of swimming around in it.

[ShyMer]

Oh hey, Draggersprez, I was curious about something like that as well. It didn't occur to me to use a trailer though. I wonder how doable a container with one transparent side would be?

[Toxotes]

A dry grotto or cave built into such a trailer would look really nice,
but i think that trailer carrying 11 tons of water would be too much for the walls and for the wheels.

[Mermaid Rillia]

well maybe you fill it with water when your at youre destination. and reinforce the wheels? i dunno just brainstorming.

[Kanti]

You'd probably have to call the company and ask how much weight it can support.
Taking out one of the walls will also be quite a task.

Does anyone even know how much one of these things costs? xD

[Mermaid Momo]

http://exportmatch.biz/2299/2299Pools.asp
I know this thread is kind of dead, but I found this and thought it would work just as well as an acrylic tank.
http://exportmatch.biz/2299/2299pools/27256ACD%20Clear%20Wizz%20Pool%204x1.2m.jpg

[Mermaid Lorelei]

That's really neat draggersprez.

[Blondie]

That's a really good idea too Draggersprez.

It might be helpful if you could cut the cost with a couple other mers that would be interested in a tank. That way you don't have to shell out all that money all at once.

[spottedcatfish]

http://exportmatch.biz/2299/2299Pools.asp
I know this thread is kind of dead, but I found this and thought it would work just as well as an acrylic tank.
http://exportmatch.biz/2299/2299pools/27256ACD%20Clear%20Wizz%20Pool%204x1.2m.jpg


I think it would work, especially the clear walled pools. Also it would be much easier to transport. The only question i would have it do they sell this brand of pool in the US?

[Mermaid Wesley]

oooh wait i have an idea! so instead of a tank, you could make a little natural looking pool in a trailer or something so that you are still in the water, but you dont have to hold ALL that water. like a mini jacuzzi that looks like its made of rock. it could be plastic and it would be cute for places that dont have swimming pools etc

[Mermaid Miel]

http://exportmatch.biz/2299/2299Pools.asp
I know this thread is kind of dead, but I found this and thought it would work just as well as an acrylic tank.
http://exportmatch.biz/2299/2299pools/27256ACD%20Clear%20Wizz%20Pool%204x1.2m.jpg


I have searched, but have had trouble finding anyone who sells this online. Sooo, I sent a query Contact email to Mitre10 and Bunnings Warehouse, the two local giants who fit the description of the type of store they want to export to. Here is what I sent.

~I want a Clear Aboveground pool and I have been searching the net. But the only product I found that fits my pool needs is here. http://exportmatch.biz/2299/2299Pools.asp

It doesn't sell individually, or even mention the brand on the site.

4 metre x 1.2 metre Wizz Pool set - Clear has received much positive comments on MerNetwork as being an excellent pool for performances and parties... if only we could buy it.

Would you please check it out and let me know if you decide whether or not to stock it? ~

Hopefully, one of them will respond positively, or at least let their pool manufacturers know what we want. (Clear Pools, and when do we want them... Now! lol)

[Mermaid Momo]

Yeah I noticed how rare they are. I put in a search and that was literally the only thing that came up that was the right size to actually swim around in with tails and 1or more extra mers

[Ayla of Duluth]

I have no idea what I'm doing because I'm running on like 2 hours of sleep in the past 2 days but I found this. (http://www.thetoybox.co.za/index_files/SeagullWIZZPools.htm) They won't let me click on anything though. :(

[Mermaid Momo]

You'd probably have to email them or call if you want to order one.

[BlueMermaid]

Searching for clear pools on google brought me to this thread! lol

[Mermaid Wesley]

i kinda feel like i need one now...

[MermaidNerenia]

Super cool! I love the clear pools! I got fu news though. It may lead somewhere and it may not. I realized today that a gentleman who has been in and out of where i work at for the last few years is breaking into the Aquarium business, so I sneakily brought up mermaiding, and he goes "Huh, thats really cool. What about a mermaid in a tank!" so I said "Oh, like at a convention or something, like to draw attention?" and he says "wow yeah, that would be really cool! Would you do that?" so I said (very generously ;) ) "sure I would do that" and he goes " wow yeah, that might be something to look into doing, our first big convention is in a few weeks maybe we could talk after that and see if we could build you something like that to be at a convention with us................so maybe it will go somewhere, most likely it won't, but it was still really fun to talk about, and at least I put a bug in their ear

[Odette]

Super cool! I love the clear pools! I got fu news though. It may lead somewhere and it may not. I realized today that a gentleman who has been in and out of where i work at for the last few years is breaking into the Aquarium business, so I sneakily brought up mermaiding, and he goes "Huh, thats really cool. What about a mermaid in a tank!" so I said "Oh, like at a convention or something, like to draw attention?" and he says "wow yeah, that would be really cool! Would you do that?" so I said (very generously ;) ) "sure I would do that" and he goes " wow yeah, that might be something to look into doing, our first big convention is in a few weeks maybe we could talk after that and see if we could build you something like that to be at a convention with us................so maybe it will go somewhere, most likely it won't, but it was still really fun to talk about, and at least I put a bug in their ear

good on you,twin! I hope that works out!!

[Mermaid Momo]

Also found this on tumblr
9713
It looks like some kind of giant or industrial size barrel that two windows were cut into and acrylic was inserted into. I don't know much about it because there wasn't a caption to the image at all.

[AniaR]

my dad is a carpenter so we sat down to look at the costs of simply building a wooden + plexiglass tank like they have at some of the faires, not even that big... and when we priced it all out, just for the tank, not a stand, not a pump or heater, you could buy a brand new car for the same price. I honestly think this isn't something people should consider unless they have loads of money or sponsorship. I don't think it's realistic. I don't want to be a wet towel but yep. Consider that you have to also pay a few hundred dollars each time to fill it which will take at least 4 hours for most, you have to pay to store it and safely/legally transport it, and there's sometimes fees for emptying the water too. Plus insurance if you want to use it at venues.

[Mermaid Miel]

Also found this on tumblr
9713
It looks like some kind of giant or industrial size barrel that two windows were cut into and acrylic was inserted into. I don't know much about it because there wasn't a caption to the image at all.

Yay! I was looking for photos of This.

The Mermaid Tank at the Fringe World Festival in Perth, Western Australia in 2012. I only heard about this month.
The Tank was a Corrugated Rainwater Tank. Here is a Closer look.

http://www.thingsbysimon.com/when-in-doubt-hire-a-mermaid/ (http://www.thingsbysimon.com/when-in-doubt-hire-a-mermaid/)

I Want One Badly! But again it will be too expensive.

[MermaidNerenia]

I have been looking into renting a dunk tank with a plexiglass front for the arts festival coming up here. I can rent the basic tank without all the "dunking game" equiptment for around $150. I think I could make that back in a weekend with tips, bookings and donations etc...

[Mermaid Miel]

Wow Nerenia! be sure to post here again and let us know how the festival went and what size the Dunk tank is... this might be a cheaper nicer option for us more cash-strapped mermaids.

[MermaidNerenia]

Purchase wise they run around 3000 with the trailer attachment needed, I think a rental is probably a good cheap option just to see the reception.

[Fathom delMar]

http://www.jonolavsakvarium.com/eng_diy/2200litre/2200litres.html <---- Someone posted this in the NC Mermaids FB group. It's about half the size of what you would need, but his design plans can be adapted to the size you need. He even has a list of supplies that you could compare to the prices wherever you live to get a total price estimate for the project. The kicker though with his design, is it can be taken apart for storage. It comes apart into 5 pieces which can be stacked or leaned against a wall for storage. Depending on how expensive this design would be, it might be cheaper to buy a 1,000 gallon rainwater tank and cut out a big window, or 2 or 3 smaller windows and attach plexiglass or acrylic sheets....... However, my thing with this is that is A LOT of water that is just getting wasted.... I thought about coming up with a recycling rig, but if you're traveling somewhere, that might not work..... and when my focus is on environmental awareness, climate change, water conditions, etc..... it seems wrong to waste that much water. Just to put on a show. So until I can come up with a way to recycle the water, it's just a nice idea in my head.

[Fathom delMar]

Purchase wise they run around 3000 with the trailer attachment needed, I think a rental is probably a good cheap option just to see the reception.
Do you pretty much get to just sit in the tank, or is there enough room to maneuver around a bit?

[spottedcatfish]

As interesting as this post is. It looks like a dunk tank or kiddie pool are the best options.

[Mermaid Momo]

http://www.jonolavsakvarium.com/eng_diy/2200litre/2200litres.html
i guess if you wanted to use the same measurements he has, the tank will at least be big enough for you to lay down in for photos.

[Mermaid Momo]

Yay! I was looking for photos of This.

The Mermaid Tank at the Fringe World Festival in Perth, Western Australia in 2012. I only heard about this month.
The Tank was a Corrugated Rainwater Tank. Here is a Closer look.

(http://www.thingsbysimon.com/when-in-doubt-hire-a-mermaid/)http://www.thingsbysimon.com/when-in-doubt-hire-a-mermaid/

I Want One Badly! But again it will be too expensive. with the other photo I can tell just how amazing(and big) that tank is! Though if someone wanted something like that, transporting it and deciding what to do with all that water would probably be a bit of a problem (though I'd totally use one of these tanks and dump the water on some trees and use the water to water some of the greenery [but I live in the desert, so everything could use some water lol])

[MermaidHyli]

So after a lot of careful consideration, research, and penny pinching I am getting a tank! Raina is right, the tank alone you could buy a car, not to mention building the stand, the water, the trailer, decorations its a lot to take on! I'm very excited though and may have a gig for it already haha. It really is something you gotta think out and make sure this is your dream not something to give up on in a year or two. I plan on using my tank until I'm 70 and then my husband can have it for an aquarium hehe I'll be sure to post some pictures when it arrives =]

[Mermaid Veruliya]

OMG Hyli I'm so excited for you!!! Post pictures and videos your first time! :)

[MermaidHyli]

it takes about 5 weeks to make and ship but I will be sure to do so then!

[MerEmma]

WOW! Congrats!

[Merman Dan]

Back on Ebay... Of course you'd have to swim upright all day...

Fish Tank/Alien Cylinder from "Independence Day" (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fish-Tank-Alien-Cylinder-from-Independance-Day-Acrylic-Plastic-Tube-/250929399927?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6c8ec877)

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Fish-Tank-Alien-Cylinder-from-Independance-Day-Acrylic-Plastic-Tube-/00/s/MTAyNFg3Njg=/$(KGrHqF,!jME66NElpO+BOvElVdK-!~~60_12.JPG

[MermaidHyli]

That reminds me of the tank that was on mermaids the new evidence with the side show mermaid in the cylinder tank. Really cool

[Mermaid Momo]

Looking at that tank, I've just thought maybe we'd come up with more stuff in searches if we use other keywords? Like alien tank? Or side show tank or something?

[MermaidNami]

I really like that upright tank....how much?

[MermaidNami]

Never mind I found it on eBay. I love the idea of it. But it's way too expensive.

[Merman Dan]

Yep. Unfortunately cost will be a factor for anything that large. For example: Glass Cages (http://www.glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=64)

[MermaidNami]

I found a site that has large used aquariums 300gals and bigger. I found a 750 gal acrylic tank for less than $5000.....
Any Ohio mers want to work together for one?

[MermaidHyli]

So I was still curious of other tanks and started looking around. I found the tank I originally wanted so I cancelled my order and got this tank. Its bigger, thousands of dollars cheaper, and in Richmond. Literally its too good to be true! The guy was selling it because he's getting a much bigger tank haha Here's a picture of me in it =]
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[MermaidNami]

How much?

[MermaidHyli]

I don't really feel comfortable listing the exact expenses. I will say as Raven did a tank custom made costs as much as a new car. This one was as much as a used car.

[MermaidNami]

Fair enough. I'm jut keeping my fingers crossed for a decent tank under 10k

[MerEmma]

WOW! Congrats!<3

[Mermaid~Summer]

I'm thinking something like this http://www.ntotank.com/coba.html and going with one that is 4-5 feet high but wider around so I can swim around and still do tricks and stuff. They also do custom jobs which is what I want, then I just have to find someone who knows how to cut out areas and put in plexiglass or acrylic viewing windows all around it and still be water tight. This is all I've got so far but I think it's a good start and it's more affordable :)

[MermaidHyli]

I'm thinking something like this http://www.ntotank.com/coba.html and going with one that is 4-5 feet high but wider around so I can swim around and still do tricks and stuff. They also do custom jobs which is what I want, then I just have to find someone who knows how to cut out areas and put in plexiglass or acrylic viewing windows all around it and still be water tight. This is all I've got so far but I think it's a good start and it's more affordable :)

It reminds me of a dunk tank, I've looked into those as well and they're not that expensive. Just an idea =]

[Mermaid~Summer]

It reminds me of a dunk tank, I've looked into those as well and they're not that expensive. Just an idea =]

I looked at dunk tanks but I want something bigger that I can actually swim in. Plus it's something that I can have in my yard to practice in. I was thinking of possibly having it as a salt water tank and keeping it on a trailer type hitch and having a lid for it for I don't have to constantly empty and refill it. Just some thoughts I have to do more research and see what is actually doable.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Congrats on your new tank Hyli!

[MermaidHyli]

The only issue I forsee with keeping it filled is the weight. Plus the weight of the trailer and making sure the trailer can support the tank filled. Not to mention your vehicle for transport. All just little nuggets of knowledge to pass on. Thats why we decided to keep it empty and then have drains installed

[MagickalDJ]

Well, not sure how many of us would know the technical details of this kind of idea, but what if we could take a simple above ground pool like this one, http://www.lesliespool.com/-28233EG-Metal-Frame-15-ft-Round-Above-Ground-Pool/28233EG.htm , and replace several of the sections between the steel barrings with acrylic sheeting?

[Mermaid Lilium]

Well, not sure how many of us would know the technical details of this kind of idea, but what if we could take a simple above ground pool like this one, http://www.lesliespool.com/-28233EG-Metal-Frame-15-ft-Round-Above-Ground-Pool/28233EG.htm , and replace several of the sections between the steel barrings with acrylic sheeting?

I've been having the same thoughts as storage for a tank would be the main issue over here - there's not much space with most houses lol. I think the engineering of getting the join between the liner and the acrylic is much harder and riskier than you would think at first. the liners are polyester mesh sandwiched between heavy duty pvc, but as soon as you cut it, that becomes a weak-point and water will always go for the weakest point and try to force its way through. I am however, (when I have a spare min) going to contact two companies who make the frame pools and see what they say and/or suggest. From what my aquarium-versed friend said, you would need to pay an engineer to adapt it and the materials costs and chances of failure and parts replacement would set the budget for the project very high.

I also thought it through looking at the designs as many have 'straps' to support and restrain the bulge and attach it to the frame, so doing viewing windows as small 'port-holes' for smaller kids might be the best option if you were going to do this, and I've thought that you could build a segmented wooden frame to make it look nicer, frame the windows if you did them, and to create a set of stairs/ramp to allow people to come up and view from the top and possibly join you in the pool. Main issues here as well would be Health and Safety laws (it's silly over here with them) so I probably would have to pay for the finished tank and design to be deemed safe for public/business use by the HSE(health and safety executive) and/or my local council/fire dept or something.

My friend was certainly steering me towards a plywood and acrylic tank, but that it would have to be build on a trailer or flat bed industrial truck/lorry (not the huge long ones, I'm talking flat bed van type thing) that can carry the weight of the filled tank (we're talking like 9 tonnes)

I am seriously considering doing a kickstarter in a year or two for building a portable professional tank either way, for my own gigs and to have it available for hire as I don't know of any other portable tanks in the UK or perhaps europe. Hire would either have to include the cost of filling it and petrol costs, or the person doing the hiring would be responsible for providing the water lol.

[Jessica]

I saw some awesome pictures on mermaid star's fb page! It looks like a giant dunk tank :

https://www.facebook.com/MermaidStarFL?ref=ts&fref=ts

[Winged Mermaid]

Yes, I believe Star said it's a dunk tank that was altered. I think she said it was either donated for use of the fair or was rented. Pretty cool!

[Prince Calypso]

what about glass coffin
like the one Blackbeard had Syrena inside in Pirates of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
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Its smaller and more practical that a huge tank and easier to transport. you could even make it a big bigger without it being a huge huge thing

[Aziara]

Yes, I believe Star said it's a dunk tank that was altered. I think she said it was either donated for use of the fair or was rented. Pretty cool! I've been looking at dunk tanks, and the one Star is in is huge compared to what I'm finding. Most are only something like 2' deep and not much wider... Wonder where I'd have to look to find one that big?

[Aziara]

I just had the weirdest thought--It would require a knowledge of weldihttp://media.tractorsupply.com/s7viewers/dhtml/images/spacer.gifng, however. What about using two stock tanks, one on top of the other, welded together, with a sheet of thick plexiglass put in on the front side? I say one on top of the other because they're only 2' tall. You'd also have the hassle of cutting out the bottom from one of them. http://media.tractorsupply.com/s7viewers/dhtml/images/spacer.gifThey come in both round and oblong. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41P9TTAzP7L.jpghttp://media.tractorsupply.com/is/image/TractorSupplyCompany/2168692

[Echidna]

not sure what a dunk tank is, but all I can think of while looking at those pics is, "a pie baking form, and a sardine can? pretty small for swimming" :lol:

[AniaR]

I've used a dunk tank I have photos and videos. All too small and impractical

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[Mermaid Crystal Shimmer]

How big does it need to be? I have a dream to perform in a tank on an event, and there's an option to rent a dunk tank. Dimensions are: 450 x 232 x 230 cm
I just need to know if it's big enough once I own my Finfolk tail =)

[Mer_Adella]

If anyone has ever seen "The Lucy Show" with Lucile Ball and Vivian Vance there was an episode where they were installing a shower. They turn the water on and start to flood the shower stall (fiberglass back with glass door) there is a cover over the drain so the water just fills up the shower.

Why couldn't that work?

Shower: http://www.thebathbarnshowroom.com/images/cornershower.jpg

part of lucy show with shower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b39Dy6r1Z0

[Mermaid Wesley]

Well they would have made a special tank-like shower prop for this. Regular shower glass is too thin and might break under the weight of all that water. Also you would have a hard time sealing all the edges.


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[Anahita]

Sina and I have been drawing out plans for a tank - because quite frankly, ordering the very one I want just doesn't seem a prudent move - and I think it's really important to state that one of the things that causes them to fail dangerously is that no one takes into account just how thick your acrylic/lexan/glass needs to be, and just how HEAVY the whole thing is, not only full, but empty as well. I see a LOT of willing to cut corners here, and that's a bit terrifying, honestly, because of what can happen.

So, when trying to mash things together to make a tank for cheap, please try and keep that in mind for your safety - the deeper the water, the more the pressure builds up, the more the pressure builds up, the more likely a sub-par "tank" will fail, which can injure the performer and the audience.

[Winged Mermaid]

I agree. Cutting corners means that people can end up injured or dead. Think of what would happen if a tank on a stand bottomed out.. anyone in the tank would be crushed, probably to death and instantly, under the weight of the falling water. Because that's literally tons of lbs worth of water weight. Heck people in the community have almost died from moving an EMPTY tank. I'd recommend for a performing tank to NEVER EVER use glass. Use acrylic that's few-several inches thick. Acrylic at that size is more likely to crack and leak the water out. Glass is more likely to shatter, often suddenly. This is why if you want to build a tank you need to really know what you're doing. There's some serous math involved, and if it doesn't pan out it could mean putting someone's life on the line.

[Morticia Mermaid]

I've got plans in the works for a custom "dunk tank" style tank.

Made a friend at an event last year, now my shops personal cook for events, who put me in contact with a friend of theirs at a technical college here in Oregon that specializes in custom/outrageous tanks. He's helping me with plans and construction :)

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[Morticia Mermaid]

By shop I meant ship. As in pirate ship xD

Anyways, my point is if you're REALLY invested in the idea of making a tank, check with your local tech schools or see if anyone locally makes custom tanks. They might be willing to work something out with you :) and it could help prevent safety issues/risks

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

How bout a portable swimming pool?

[Morticia Mermaid]

I tried that last year. didn't get many visitors and what kids did visit tried to climb on the sides of the pool to be able to see

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

How bout one of those giant fish tanks?

I like the second one... You can swim in it!

http://www.okeanosgroup.com/blog/aquariums/go-big-or-go-home-3-of-the-worlds-largest-home-aquariums/

[Anahita]

How bout one of those giant fish tanks?

That's what a correctly built mermaid tank essentially is. Except that it's expected to be frequently drained and moved. Giant fish tanks cost giant amounts of money.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Oh. Its too bad you can't host it at a local swimming pool. It could work both ways, the pool and you will get more customers, and recognition.

[Anahita]

Defeats the purpose of the tank if you're at the pool.

[Thalassa]

My mermaid group has a 25 ft portable pool. The pros are that it's big and people can watch you swim from above. However, since the sides are not clear (and as of yet I've found no way to get a clear pool liner or walls) they do need some sort of step to see up close. If you get them up to the surface of the water you also have to have a way to ensure they won't fall in. In addition, the ground under the pool can get very soupy. It was a workable situation, however. We'd still be using it, but it got left up at a site and destroyed.

[Echidna]

I've tried to find a merdance-compatible solution for me for a while now, although I would be content with a static pool/tank.

There ARE pools made from glass:
19955

and also some with only one glass front:
19956

I've also been looking into aquariums large enough to swim in, but all of these options cost way more than a normal pool (not to mention we don't have the space).

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Convert a spare room into a pool with access through the roof?

[Mermaid Wesley]

Sounds ideal to me!


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[Starfrit]

When I was a kid, I used to dream of tearing the floor out of a room in my dad's house, digging down several feet and turning it into a big private aquarium that I could swim in... I still think about it, sometimes!

If I were to ever win the lottery, I'd probably buy a nice house and do just that with it-- take one room, tear the floor out, install a huge tank in it, and have a big viewable side down on the next floor in a big lounging area. My only concern would be keeping the glass and water clean... That and I don't know if I'd want to put fish in it. I'm always paranoid about owning fish because I feel like they'd be unhappy and I'd inevitably end up killing them.

Still though... A big showy aquarium in my own house... That's such a dream to me. <3

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Its my dream house too! To have a deep swimming pond inside the house. Or even a grotto in the cellar leading out into the main pool in the backyard... I'm still wishing to win the lottery!

[MoonMermaid]

Tanks can be INCREDIBLY costly and VERY dangerous if you just try and whip one up. They have been known to explode. Be safe, be smart if you try and make one.... please. I currently offer the largest traveling mermaid tank in the world. It's massive holds 5000 gallons and is 40ft long several mermaids can swim in it at once easily. If any of you ever have an event with a large enough budget (it's very expensive just to even move it) I do and will work with other mermaids. I don't rent the tank out without me, but I do collaborate. Feel free to contact me any time <3
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[OceanRose]

cool seahorses!!!

[MoonMermaid]

Thank you :)

[AniaR]

if I coudl afford it I'd love to fly down and work with you sometimes Moon, you and I seem to have a lot of common themes- Raina :)

[Merman Arion]

@MoonMermaid > please, don't tempt me! :p


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[selkie13]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?8952-Building-My-50-000-Gallon-Monster-Mega-Tank

Just thought it was appropriate. That and the fact if I could I would want one in my house too

[AptaMer]

Tanks can be INCREDIBLY costly and VERY dangerous if you just try and whip one up. They have been known to explode. Be safe, be smart if you try and make one.... please.

Yes, water creates huge pressures, and the smallest unanticipated thing, like temperature changes stressing the glass, can lead to disaster.

Here's an example


http://youtu.be/xcaCk0OZseM http://youtu.be/xcaCk0OZseM

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Typical humans! Just take photos only, nobody saves the fish!

[Mermaid Miel]

^

>:(

~~~
About the export match clear pool... Link no longer works, hopefully this one does. http://alexipro.fm.alibaba.com/product/229862903-101290069/metre_x_1_2_metre_Wizz_Pool_set.html

So, a short note from Bunnings saying they don't stock pools. (far enough) and every other store either uses a certain brand only, or not at all.
I then contacted as many local above-ground pool-makers as possible... no go there either.
I have three possibilities for buying an Acrylic Pool in Australia/from overseas. One of those is the link above... might not be able to ship to Australia, Might not reach Australian safety standards, might have a minimum Bulk order.
The other is to contact the inflatable Pool-makers direct in China and have them custom-make a deep pool. (should be okay as far as safety standards go.) Could be expensive, might require a bulk order might not be very stable. (being a deep paddling pool.)

The other is a Melbourne Acrylic Tank maker, that does viewing panels for High-end pools and Mega tanks.
Will be expensive, doesn't provide interstate shipping. Will be to standards and to exact specifications. reefscape.com.au
(http://reefscape.com.au)
I'm putting the Acrylic Tank in my "When I (miraculously) win the Lottery" folder.
(miraculously because I so rarely enter... like Once in the past 4 years)

EDIT: Reefscape have one office in Melbourne, two in Thailand, and one in Saudi Arabia.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Be careful with those China made ones, they do not conform to Aussie standards.

[NixieOona]

http://www.jonolavsakvarium.com/eng_diy/2200litre/2200litres.html

heres an instruction for a giant tank. not shure about pricing but its a start ^^

[Nyx]

I highly suggest NOT ordering from alibaba.
There are a bunch of scams in that website, I've met quite a few cosplayers that have had issues with it.

[shimmygoddess]

Alibaba stole my photos once promoting skirts for sale (made by another vendor) . I had to contact them several times before they removed them.!!


I highly suggest NOT ordering from alibaba.
There are a bunch of scams in that website, I've met quite a few cosplayers that have had issues with it.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Alibaba is like amazon, they just don't regulate the sellers very well alibaba/Aliexpress doesn't sell anything Itself I don't think


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[Thessalonike]

How thick does the glass in a tank need to be to hold the pressure? I want to make a tank. The dimensions (as far as I can figure right now) will be about 7x4x3, so that's 84 cubic feet. It will be about 630 gallons. Any ideas? :)

[Mermaid Lilium]

How thick does the glass in a tank need to be to hold the pressure? I want to make a tank. The dimensions (as far as I can figure right now) will be about 7x4x3, so that's 84 cubic feet. It will be about 630 gallons. Any ideas? :)

Honestly you need to ask an expert these things so you need to be talking to tank builders on aquarium/tank forums online or find an engineer who specialises to build it for you.

Off the top of my head the acrylic would likely be AT LEAST an inch thick to be on the safe side. But possibly several inches thick - hence asking an expert.

[Mermaid Lilium]

oh and as previously discussed, I strongly recommend acyrlic rather than glass - glass is more fragile and much heavier than acrylic, meaning that acrylic is much safer and easier to work with, especially if you're planning on moving your tank anywhere

[Odette]

I got in a tank recently. I love how it looks on the inside. Doing it a night was crazy. Its all dark except for the small light in the tank. Epic! 22094

[Mermaid Mika]

I realize this thread is a bit old....But I've been trying to find info and pros/cons on making an existing chlorine tank into a salt water one.

Those of you who have tanks already or who want one....what are your thoughts? (I mostly just fantasize about a salt water one because of my eyes and to avoid the over all harshness of chlorine, but wondering about ease/cost, etc?)

[Slee]

Pity this clear pool is a distorted view. http://www.seagullindustries.co.za/products.asp?page=100&id=180

[SeaSister]

Those clear pools look really cool, Slee! Even with the distortion lol.

I think that this was briefly touched on earlier in the thread, but what about the possibility of a few mermaids living in the same area pitching in money to buy a portable tank and then sharing it? Of course this would limit the flexibility of each mermaid to schedule appearances (they would have to "book" the tank in advance for certain dates) but it might be worth considering if there are enough mermaids within the same state/province who really want to have a tank to use. It could also be a neat thing to have at a comic con or renfaire - say there were three mermaids sharing a tank, for a couple of hours two of them could be doing dry appearances/photo shoots while one is in the tank, and then trade off time in the tank. Just throwing the possibility out there.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Speaking of clear pools
http://m.aliexpress.com/item/1896264416.html



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[Slee]

If only I trusted that merchant site.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Oh it's on amazon too!


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[PearlieMae]

This one is cool, but unwieldy and impractical for gigs, unless you had a gig where you could leave it up for the season, or assemble it on a flatbed or trailer you could tow...empty, of course.

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Unfortunate name, though... Wizz Pool? Uhhhhhh...no.

[Slee]

At least if you had it in your yard it'd discourage the neighbors from skinny dipping.

[PearlieMae]

Hahaha! I would hope so! Especially some of my neighbors! Shudder!

[Mermaid Galene]

Would there really be that many gigs where a tank or pool is needed? I would think most swimming gigs would be at established pools.

[Echidna]

An established pool only allows view from above, so anything done underwater can be seen only partially, not to mention you don't see much of the tail unless you're at/close to the surface.

That's why I have 2 sets of different choreographies for my waterballets.
One is designed to look good in a normal pool or lake, and the other for underwater viewing (which can only be realized in a clear tank or aquarium).

Also, it's nice to be independent of established pools and simply tow your tank to wherever you want to perform.
I wish there was a less costly and inconvenient alternative.

[Echidna]

I love the WizzPool xD

Would be really cool for home-gigs.

[Mermaid Galene]

Good points, Tuna. I also think the Wizz pool is pretty cool, if it didn't have to be moved. One could get some nice little videos with it in one's own backyard. If only it were big enough to really swim in and were available in the US, I might be tempted.

I don't think I'd want the hassle of dealing with a transportable mermaid sized tank, myself. It's bad enough having two large fish aquariums to take care of!

[Echidna]

The biggest variety of the pool is 4 metres in diameter, and 1,20m deep.
Which means water depth (with skimmers) is around 1m.
Bummer :p

anyways, I couldn't find a means to purchase it.
Would have been satisfied with something like that in my backyard, but the "just enough to have a toddler sit down in it"-pool variety is not really useful for any merish activity...

[Mermaid Galene]

Yes, it would be great to have a backyard swimmable pool if it weren't for all the expense and the hassles of upkeep. Just for kicks, I looked into the cost of an inground, chlorine-free pool with uv sterilization and moss filtration. Such a thing would cost around $70,000! If we had that kind of money lying around, I'd rather use it to go to Hawaii 10 times!

[Echidna]

yep, the costs for anything swimmable are insane.
I've done lots of research, without coming up with anything viable
(I'm sure otherwise, everymer would have something!)

and then I always come across teasers like this
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which is a garden pond made for swimming, and costs even more than a normal pool, but CMON REALLY
do you have to post such pictures lol.

[Mermaid Galene]

:swoon: Paradise in a puddle!

[MarkF]

This is my debut location. I've tested the fin in the pool, the tail will be here.

24011

Cost me only a few dollars to visit.

[Mermaid Galene]

What a lovely spot!

[Mermaid Mika]

reminds me of natural pools - that use natural filtration instead of chlorine. They are amazing and more cost effective and healthy than a regular pool.

also, did no one see my other post? I'm still wondering why tanks even use chlorine.

[MarkF]

Kill bugs, teeny tiny bugs.

[Mermaid Mika]

salt water.

[Echidna]

There are bugs that thrive very well in salt water.
Vibrio vulnificus, for example.

Natural filtration systems can only be used in extensive spaces (our garden would already be too small to have a little natural pool).
If a tank is filled with fresh water before use, a normal filter (no chlorine) should be ok though, unless your tapwater is at doubt.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Would it be too costly just to buy the shell of a fibre glass swimming pool? You know like one where you have installed in a hole in a ground, but instead of that, you just buy the pool and tote it around on the back of a truck?

Or a really big inflatable pool like this? Scroll down to 2nd pic, that seems deep enough?

http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/portable-swimming-pools_510221571.html

[Mermaid Galene]

One problem I see with transporting a tank or pool to a gig: until you get there, you never know what kind of water will be available to fill the thing. The water could be icy cold from a hose, or from a municipal supply filled with chemicals, or from a well that may or may not have been tested for pathogens, etc. And you would have to scrupulously disinfect it after every use. I have battled every aquarium parasite and bacteria under the sun, in both fresh and salt water. Some of these pathogens need nothing more than a slightly moist and warm environment to grow. They often attach to algae/mold colonies, which can create a film on an aquarium/pool surface in a matter of hours. I'm not saying it's too dangerous to ever use a portable tank or pool, but you would have to be prepared for more than a little upkeep in order to be safe.

[Aziara]

^Even more than filling it, I've often wondered how you dispose of the water after? I don't think you can just dump several hundred gallons of chlorinated water on the ground...

[Mermaid Wesley]

For me (living in Los Angeles) pretty much all the water is regular tap water. I wouldn't sweat any parasites or bacteria mostly because I've drank tap water my whole life, I'm fine, and it's not like I'm a real mermaid breathing the water in. I wouldn't chlorinate it either. Chlorine is hard on the eyes and tail and skin you know? Id rather have plain old water. If it's in a tank


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[Anahita]

Would it be too costly just to buy the shell of a fibre glass swimming pool? You know like one where you have installed in a hole in a ground, but instead of that, you just buy the pool and tote it around on the back of a truck?

The problem with that as a solution is that those shells are not designed to be free standing. They rely on being put into the ground to give them support against the pressure of the water.

[MermaidNami]

having actually been in a mertank....I now understand why they are 1) so exspensive and 2)hard to build. a pool shell would not hold up to the pressure youre going to be putting on it. Frankly, I'm going to look around for large aquariums, and sealife transports. a shark transport tank with a large window would probably work.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Its such an interesting topic to a rec mer like me. I hope you can a find a solution soon, so that we can all see you swimming it in!

[just_d]

I know the thread is kind of old, but did anyone end up trying that little see-through kiddie pool?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E7810DM/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

I'm booked for a Halloween event, and we're trying to figure out if there's any way to do a tank. We were thinking of just dressing up a dunk tank, covering the dunk target with a painted sheet hawking a "captive mermaid", but that inflatable tank could be another option on offer if it actually works.

[PearlieMae]

I would dress up a dunk tank...it's already built to withstand the water pressure and abuse.

I looked into one of those pools for the Maker Faire next month and A: You have to have it on perfectly level ground; B: they are...delicate...; C: One errant/casual leaner can collapse the side and all that water goes rushing out.

nope nope nope :no-no:

[just_d]

True - I didn't think about leaners. Alright, dunk tank it is!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Aside from building one (or having one custom built), dunk tanks have been my number one option as well.

[Mermaid Momo]

anyone know where to find bigger dunk tanks that aren't the usual thin rectangle ones? or short ones? let's say... one to fit a rather wide fluke? and have enough space to at least sit on the bottom completely? or do one full turn around in it?

[Calizaire]

I keep reading dunk tank as "drunk tank" and all I can picture is an over indulged mermaid locked up till she's sobered out, haha!
https://slm-assets3.secondlife.com/assets/910642/view_large/8ce4d64defdb196cd2372ec49b252668.jpg?1277167786

[stellar lee]

Level water is the number one issue with tanks/pool/water carriers in general. Putting a water cooler on an out of level surface doesn't cause much issue. Putting a 60 gallon aquarium on an out of level surface, and the issues start building.

Let's do some hypothetical math

a 5' wide x 5' high x 8' long tank, filled to only 4' high (to allow for mermaid) : holds almost 1,200 gallons of water
Fresh water weighs roughly 8lbs/gallon , so that becomes 9,600 pounds of water
We assume that weight is equally distributed, which provided the ground is level, it will be. However, in a faire or party environment, lets assume your tank isn't on a level, concrete, surface that can hold 9,600 pounds... most likely your tank will be on dirt or turf. Dirt and turf that probably will gradually sink under that weight... start to get the idea? Even if you are able to set up on a patio, what happens when the travertine pavers can't handle that amount of PSI?

There is a reason that a well made fish tank isn't cheap. There's also a very good reason that a tank over 40 gallons starts to come with warnings about level surfaces with adequate engineering for weight. In other words, the home made mermaid tank sounds like an awesome idea, but, at some point, a magnificent failure is most likely going to occur.

I don't mean to rain on people's parades here... I just worry about safety. Not just of mers, but the kids around, should catastrophic failure occur.

[Mermaid Wesley]

I'm glad you bring that up, Stellar Lee! We have pretty much established in the past that you should only be making mermaid tanks if you know what you're doing. I think an altered dunk tank or something similar would be much more safe, cheap, and doable.

[stellar lee]

it isn't even the tank itself that is as much of an issue as you don't know what that tank is going to be sitting on. Dunk tanks and huge water barrels work great because the PSI is generally so much lower! A tank that has a stand and legs that needs to be moved around from venue to venue can quickly spell disaster, simply because there is an issue with the unknown surface.

[PearlieMae]

I'm sticking with the kiddie pool and drunk tank. ;)

[Mermaid Coralia]

I know this thread is old now, but I was wondering if anyone had seen anything swim worthy out there? Does anyone do gigs in an inflatable portable above ground pool? Like a pool about three feet deep? That way you could still swim and interact with people but they could come up to the sides and see you.

[Merenneito Nerissa]

With Mermaid Riia we have done and are doing gigs in portable, 12 000 litre pool :) It actually is pretty cool but needs a lot of work with putting it together and filling etc.

Here's a photo from last summer's gig (https://www.facebook.com/merenneitonerissa/photos/pb.295526760640116.-2207520000.1457097463./394753504050774/?type=3&theater) :)

[Mermaid Coralia]

Nerissa that looks great! Does that seem to work pretty good and be stable enough not to collapse if people lean on it?

[Aziara]

In the $100-$300 dollar range, Walmart has easy set up pools. Then the only problem is figuring out how to fill and drain it at the event. Much cheaper and easier to transport than an acrylic tank! I imagine with the steel frame, people leaning on the sides wouldn't be a problem.
http://www.walmart.com/browse/toys/ultra-frame-swimming-pools/4171_14521_132873_1218921_1218924?sort=price_low

[Merenneito Nerissa]

Well, it actually shouldn't last people leaning on it, it said so in the manual. However, the fence weren't pretty good at that event so kids were leaning on it, and the water was actually so damn cold that we needed to get up on the edges every now and then :D And it held up great :) ( we won't do it like that again though :D better fence and warmer water are the way )

[Caymanmermaidbubbles]

Hey I'm not sure if anyone posted this but I found this online, might be a cheaper way to make a tank.
http://www.jonolavsakvarium.com/eng_diy/2200litre/2200litres.html

[Mermaid Kassandra]

I know someone found a portable pool with clear plastic walls that would be a great alternative in my opinion, I just can't remember the website where they were sold.
More I saw a maxi bucket with a clear glass that some mermaids are using and it looks really perfect for travelling the only problem is that you can't transport it easily as it is rigid

[MermaidNerenia]

I just look back now at how young and mer-naïve I was when I posted this thread.

Raina you should have just chucked me in my head with your fluke. Silly me posting this.

SO many dreams, so young LOL. Now im an old jaded mer happy with just getting in a pool ;) ......

It is really cool though, just to see where the 'tank game' has gone.

From Eric having the only tank around to Raven getting his tank, and now Renaissance festivals everywhere are getting them, The Dive Bar opened, Melissa has the trailer tank, more and more clear sided pools are being built (lookin at you Jaguar stadium), the Fringe Festival tank, Moon Mermaids, Hyli's tanks, Nerissa's pool, The Real Mermaids tank show......they're everywhere now!!!!!!

Just a few years and the pro-mermaid game has exploded. It's so wonderful to see!

[Mermaid Miradis]

Hello mers! :)

So I found this the other day: http://www.tanks-direct.co.uk/aquosis_water_tanks
What do you think about it? They are made of PVC covered polyester and seem to be able to hold the water. And they are portable and don't have cheap plastic framework.
Do you think one could cut out a piece and replace it with industrial clear PVC sheets or similar? What glue to use or how to stick it together again?
I found a video of Raina in a dunk tank and I must say that it seems waaay to small (especially with a large fluke) if you use it just as a "pool" without all the dunking :)

[MermaidNerenia]

Something like that might be really cool with a little step stool or bridge so kids can see you in the water, if I remember correctly Dive Bar did an event with something similar to that where they were in a large pool and the kids could climb up and see them.

I don't think replacing any part of that will work though, you'll ruin the structural integrity of the product by trying to remove a portion and then replace it.


With Mermaid Riia we have done and are doing gigs in portable, 12 000 litre pool :) It actually is pretty cool but needs a lot of work with putting it together and filling etc.

Here's a photo from last summer's gig (https://www.facebook.com/merenneitonerissa/photos/pb.295526760640116.-2207520000.1457097463./394753504050774/?type=3&theater) :)

Like this!!! ^^^

[Mermaid Miradis]

wow, that looks great! I will definitely do that if I can't find a similar transparent pool (I still think of a tank substitution to interact with people through the 'glass', too). I just seem to find inflatable family pools that are transparent, but not really high or clear enough (is one meter too low?).

[Mermaid Miradis]

Sorry to write in here again, but I just found the thing i was looking for: http://www.kingsjumpingcastles.co.za/dunktanke.html

Those are custom-made collapsible dunk tanks. The size like it is here is about $590, but I requested a quote for a custom one of 3m x 3m x 2,5m with larger window and windows on all sides.

I think it would be also cheaper with just the "tank". I could really dress it up nicely, depending on event (how about a victorian one?) plus maybe a great light on the bottom for the evenings? I thought about a filter, too, so that the water stays clear? I've got an event coming up next summer, where I will be probably in a tank for about 3 or 4 weeks (not constantly :))

[maybe mermaid mika]

Poking in again to see if after all these years if people have any thoughts on types of water to fill these tanks with? <3

[PearlieMae]

Water. Straight out of the tap. Heated, if possible.

If tanks were easy to build and maintain and transport, don't you think there would be tons of them and all their subsequent discussions? Not trying to sound mean, but if you've ever watched any of those aquarium builder shows, or know anything about acrylic construction, you'd know that first and foremost (aside from safety), tanks to swim in are going to cost trends of thousands of dollars. Especially a tank to transport. Most Merfolk I know aren't exactly swimming in the big bucks.

I WISH I could afford a nice swimming tank! I would use it all the time, and when i couldn't, I'd hire it out. But to be honest, it's a big empty box that you keep throwing money into.

[maybe mermaid mika]

I work in a number of tanks. I'm surprised more of us don't actually.

But tap water is really the worst. It often has higher chlorine than a pool. Salt water is ideal and of course my favorite. I'm just surprised there isn't more talk on the subject of maybe travel conversion kits or how to make exsisting tanks better.

[StellaRae]

But tap water is really the worst. It often has higher chlorine than a pool. Salt water is ideal and of course my favorite. I'm just surprised there isn't more talk on the subject of maybe travel conversion kits or how to make exsisting tanks better.

Not sure what area you're in but most private pools have a recommended level of 1.5-3 ppm chlorine. Public pools up to 5 ppm. Tap water I've tested in different parts of the North East contains about .03 ppm chlorine. I'm genuinely interested in where the levels of chlorine are higher in tap water.

Side note: pools with salt generators are still chlorine pools, the chlorine in them is just made via chemical reaction from running over the metal plates of the salt cell and getting zapped. I agree though, Oceans or lakes are where its at!

[PearlieMae]

You're not going to be living in a tank, a few hours in tap water might not be ideal but it's not gonna kill you.

Besides, there's no talk about tanks because nobody has one except the one in question.