thanks Linga. first with the tank, im gonna section off 10-15cm as an internal filter at the back with black perspex. so that will be the filter and consealed heater done. next im going to build a stand ADA style.. and DIY t5 lights - as much as i can cram in there! fish.. may sound boring but lots of tetras, some dwarf cichlids, SAE or ottos and maybe lots of corrys! i like hatchetfish but this will be an open top setup and i dont want dead fish on my floor for my dog to eat then plants.. maybe glosso foreground, hygro.. havnt thought that far yet..main thing is to get the tank running also to get the scape in place.. i have many rocks wood etc..
Sounds like a dream tank, good luck! You're going to have to do some serious research about the livestock if you're going open-top though. I think SAE's have been known to jump out. Maybe make a mesh frame to go on top of the tank for security...
ADA style rimless tanks are friggin wicked, you said DIY lighting, but i suggest maybe check on the reef forums for guys selling second hand T5 pendants will look much more sleek, really giving it a nice look. also what thickness is the glass on that tank. sorry for all the questions, but also for the ADA look you will need the overflow to your internal sump to be quite high, as the tank must look filled to the brim to give it the look you are after. some CPD's schooling at the surface of an open tank would look amazing
yep im building my own T5 pendant and using a bent steel tube to hang it!yep, im not making an overflow but rather a intake near the bottom of the tank..i did this on my 2ft so it should work here too.. this means that i can make the filter panel the same height as the overal height its 1cm thick cos i wanted it rimless.. just for this sized tank it actually cost a small fortune
ok cool, yeah for that size the 10mm i think would be minimum to be safe without any braces. well cant wait to see how this all turns out.
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you end up paying for the tank? Because I'm looking at upgrading to a similar size, but I'm going for 600mm high and 500mm wide.
Might be wrong. But i think it says R1000 on it? Second hand tank? Got a feeling that this could be a master piece tank!
R1500 for 10mm glass and a nice build quality doesn't sound bad to me, it's a pity that the price of glass goes up so dramatically with thickness though. The tank (on a cabinet) I'm looking at is R2.3k with what looks like 6mm glass, but I'm going to ask them to build it with 10mm because I'd rather not take a chance.
it was meant to be 2grand but i negotiated a cash discount with him..i think they build this tank with 6mm usually but with braces.. but ya, 10mm glass costs a heck of a lot more..
ya.. i know i coulda gotten cheaper probably.. but this place is quite convienient for me.. anyways.. lets not talk abt it.. otherwise i'll land up regrettin it! hehe..
Hey still a nice buy though, let us know how your setup is going? I am busy with my new 6ft setup this week.
I think this is going to be a flippin great set up ! Will certainly be watching this thread closely - good luck man ! PS - what you planning substrate wise etc ?
just normal gravel i think..maybe add some clay balls and hydroton..main nutrients will be taken up through the water column..
