DIY ENTHUSIASTS-please assist

Hi guys so I have found a use for yet another tank. But I dont like the plainness of it so was wondering if a desk jockey would actually be able to build something.

This is what I have:
300mm X 230mm tank
HOB slim line
Heater

Heres an idea of what I would like to do.


(1st time using this app, so yes I know the lines aren't straight, pls bear with me)

Would you guys be able to assist me with wood ideas and measurements for the base and hood?

 

Anybody?

 

Heihachi here is a tip, do not build the base into something but rather build a little pedestal the tank can stand on.

If you build a sort of bucket the tank stands in all the drop going down the side or that you spill accumulate in the base and mold start forming etc.

 

It's a bit confusing but i get the general idea.

Can you post a pic of the current tank so we can get a better idea of what it looks like?

 

Thanks @Vis ! Was thinking about that, the only reason I wanted to sink it was to hide the polystyrene and silicone around the edge?

 

Here you go

 

Nice little tank,why not turn it into a nano planted desk tank?

 

I use a "tray" idee on the tank I have at work. Reason being I need to move it home during December as we are closed, and it covers the polistyrene. If you paint it properly there shouldn't be any problem with rotting but unfortunately it won't help with mold

 

What about if I used a frame at the bottom? No base. Just like the edging btween wooden floors and walls?

 

Melamine edging around the bottom / top ( the stuff they us to edge chipboard), and a glass / perspex top ... keep it transparent tomorrow you want to add a little light of sorts.

Later Ferdie

 

The glass top is definitely on the cards, I have tried the edging tape doesnt stick too well to glass.

 

Cut a groove in the edging you want at the top and slide the glass in it when assembling it. A frame, without a bace, will work for the bottom

 

Now that sounds like a plan, cutting a groove would require a router?

 

You don't need a router for this. If you have a table saw you can cut the groove in or if you feel brave you can do it with a circulas saw

 

+1
I have done this on a number of my tanks to hide the polysteryne and the bottom few cm of the substrate.

Unless you are messy and cause tsunamis in your tank, I don't see the problem. Just to be sure, you could just use a little bit of silicone to seal the 'joint' between aquarium glass and frame.
Then build a custom lid as the standard plastic lids will have some condensation water running down your tanks (unless you seal them of course).

Good luck.

 

My only worry is my lack of tools, I wonder if the hardware store will cut the angles for me.

 

I believe they should be able to. If you supply them with the details they should be able to do it. The groove you want cut is the same as the one they cut to insert the base on a drawr

 

Great! Let me sort out my measurements and take it through to them.

 

Before going to your hardware store consider using Marine ply wood for the top and then just do up a square/rectangular frame made from the same stuff.It is used to build boats and is very resistant to moisture and fungus and rot etc.