7.5 to 14.6 gallon concept

[AndrewH]

After seeing someone else's ideas I came up with this concept for a small desk tank...

Whatcha think?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Andrew_H/fishy/7%20cube/7GALCUBE_3.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Andrew_H/fishy/7%20cube/7GALCUBE-2.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Andrew_H/fishy/7%20cube/7GALCUBE_FILTER2.png

[AndrewH]

If I go 12" x 12" x 12" (not including the extra 6" for the filtration) it'll be 7.5 gallons and if I expand it to 15" x 15" x 12" it'd be about 11.5 gallons. 15" x 18" x 15" would be about 14 gallons.

[kewlkatdady]

glass or acrylic?

[AndrewH]

glass (from the guy that built my 33).

[AndrewH]

Concept when finished.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Andrew_H/fishy/7%20cube/plans.jpg

[bra8ndy8]

Very classy!!! I like it!!

[AndrewH]

My plan was to mount/wire in a plug system with a trap door in the top so to only have one cord going to the wall.

I was also thinking of adding a second notch in the top of the glass towards the right-hand side for a bubbler.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Andrew_H/fishy/7%20cube/7GALCUBE_4.png

Or for a really easy setup, keep the entire back opening clear (but have the enclosed glass area) for an HOB or HOT. For this size tank, either would be plenty of filtration, and cheaper than all the compartments shown in these drawings.

[Bubbles]

Very interesting. I am excited to see the finished tank.

[ElijahTurtle]

Why not just start with a 10G & add the filter section to one end of it? They would come out to similar dimensions to what your looking for. It seems like it would be quicker than having the tank built & if it ever leaked, you would have a standard size tank to fall back on.

[ponderbc]

Does any one know were you can find direction on how to build acrylic tanks online or were to buy kits that aren't through the roof expensive?:confused:

[ElijahTurtle]

If your looking for a custom size tank there is a thread on Andrews 33G planted tank that lists a guy in NRH that builds glass tanks up to 75G really cheap. I know it's not acryli, but they are dirt cheap.

[AndrewH]

Why not just start with a 10G & add the filter section to one end of it? They would come out to similar dimensions to what your looking for. It seems like it would be quicker than having the tank built & if it ever leaked, you would have a standard size tank to fall back on.

That would be too easy, simple and cheap!

No seriously, great idea!

Simply add in a divider piece of plexi so I have some where for the filtration... I think you're on to something!

[ElijahTurtle]

Well I figured it would be about the same size & if you messed up, then you wouldn't have to wait to have him build another one. $10 for 10G at wally world is pretty cheap. Besides if you come up with a surefire system you could always "mass produce" pieces for more of them. Plus you can find "standard" size lighting that will fit the tank setup

[AndrewH]

:exactly:

I figured once I had the first one built, I could come up with a jig or template to recreate the wood pieces pretty quickly (heck they're only some trim and plywood and a hinge or two).

[flamenco-t]

I did this about 3 years ago, it's a 2.5 gallon salt :)

I modified the AC Nano with refugium and a surface skimmer. I had to break it down because I have to keep AC running 24/7 in my office even after business hours and it wasn't worth the electricity bill

stan