Coffee Table Reef

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So...this morning I went to see my friend Pete who is a glazier. We have come to 2 conclusions.

1. The tank will be made from acrylic rather than glass
2.We will use the wood effect plastic you make upvc windows from, to build the majority of the framework.

Acrylic will be much more expensive I know but he can get it trade price for me and can work it so there is no great problem there.

He showed me the wood effect plastics he uses to build upvc doors and window frames. If I choose carefully it will look just as good as real wood and will only be used for framing the "legs" and egdes. The main pro's with using this are....1. It's super easy to work with as it can be silliconed together rather than using screws etc right by my acrylic...2.It is very light and still strong...3. it's waterproof so no chances of it ever rotting as we all know how destructive saltwater can be...4.It has a very convienient structure...It is made of 2 straight edges, but the inside is hollow so I can easily hide the wiring for the LEDs.

The base of the table will be made from a solid sheet of treated MDF which will have a layer of neoprene on top and rubber feet on each corner, in the middle of each side and 2 underneath for added strength.

The acrylic tank will sit directly on the neoprene. Once the tank is in place we will build the "legs" around it. This is for 2 reasons. 1. we don't want to scratch the acrylic putting it in and it would be a fiddly job anyway. 2. There will be a load of LEDs in each leg and I don't want to damage them putting the tank in place.

Once the legs are put on we will frame the entire tank in the same wood effect plastic. I am not going to use flourescent tubes along the edges. instead we are going to have rows of white and blue LEDs along the top and bottom egdes of the tanks framing. This will be lots easier to build and should be plenty bright enough without blinding me!!

Luckily the person who has the next unit to my glazier friend is and electrician. He has offered to help with all the electrical work as he has never done anything like this before and is really interested.

Anyway....now we have ordered the acrylic. It should arrive next week as I'm too tight to pay extra for a fast delivery!!
 
Out of interest, did you see this one on eBay - not all that far from you in Cardiff?
 
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One could always try LED lighting for reefs. A 75W LED array gives out more useful light than a 250W MH. As detailed here: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/8/review2

It would require some serious DIY to make your own to fit in the corners and edges, but could come off very well. A search of Nano Reefs and Reef Central forums will give a couple of people who have created DIY LED threads. With LED you have far less heat and power used.
 
Out of interest, did you see this one on eBay - not all that far from you in Cardiff?


It is lovely but Cardiff is about a 5hr drive from me!! :unsure: Plus I don't want to spend £400!!!!

The whole set-up should cost me no more than £200....but am budgeting £300 as there are always unseen expenses. :good:
 
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An off the wall idea on lighting. How about a tank within a tank system? Lights can be put inside the central air filled tank with the coffee table tank around it. I am not sure about the heat issues, but it might be worth thinking about.
 
I had actually given that some thought....Not so much with an inner tank..more of a tube of clear acrylic through the centre, onto which I could rest some of the live rock and possible run some lighting.

The only reason I decided not to do it is that the top of the table will be clear so it would be visible. I did also think of having it half height with live rock covering the top but it was going to make the whole tank more expensive and I am running on fairly limited funds.
 
Sounds you are def the man with a plan!!!! :good: Its not many people who can get a glazier and an electricion to do work never mind for free!!! :rolleyes:

ARe you getting some pics up on here as you are building it?
 
Sounds you are def the man with a plan!!!! :good: Its not many people who can get a glazier and an electricion to do work never mind for free!!! :rolleyes:

ARe you getting some pics up on here as you are building it?

A LADY with a plan... :sly: :lol:

I have many useful contacts :nod:

Yes I will get some pics when I have something to take pics of -_-
 
It's ok freerunner :lol:

I might change my pic tho......seeing as how I must look like a man in it :-( :-( :-( LMAO














Only messin hun :*
 
It's ok freerunner :lol:

I might change my pic tho......seeing as how I must look like a man in it :-( :-( :-( LMAO


well didn't wanna say anything like..... :hyper:

sounds like a plan you got there. quick idea for the lighting for ya though. why not have a wooden top with a clear cut out in the middle.
the lighting can go round the wooden bits and you can also tack the lighting wires to it.

if you PM me your e-mail addy i will do a diagram fror you.
 
i just see this in the new studio caterlog and thought i would show it. it is nice but expensive.

tank-2.jpg



CURVED GLASS OVAL COFFEE TABLE AQUARIUM
Stunning new, designer, glass top coffee table complete with external control switches. Comes together with tank thermometer and Fish Care and Helpline information pack. 259 litres capacity. The aquarium is available in 4 stylish effects. Assembled size H53 x W121.5 x D61.5cm (21 x 48 x 24¼").
All our aquariums are delivered to a room of your choice and fully set up ready to be used
• Come complete with fitted filter system
• Fitted lighting system (replacement bulbs readily available in the UK)
• Easy glide castors (operational when empty) for easy positioning and a cable tidy
• Removable heating system for use with warm water fish
• Specialist delivery also includes all points of care fully explained
• Complete with manufacturer’s 12 month guarantee
DIRECT DESPATCH: These items will be sent direct from the manufacturer to your specified address. Please allow 14 days for delivery. Delivery cost £45

£749.99
 
Things like that are precisely why I am making my own :lol: They are very pretty but prohibitively expensive. Mine will be the rectangular type for ease of assembly and obviously won't look that posh :lol: All the acrylic is waiting to be put together and I am waiting to move house before I can make it, so it has gone to the end of the list of projects for now. :(
 

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