Look What I Found

[tmiller]

So look what I found at the 2nd hand store for $15!!!!
So cool. Dimensions are 38"(3'2")x 19.5"(1'71/2")x10.5" measured 5gallon buckets into it ands its about 25 gallon. (edit 28 gallon max fill)

I will need some help figuring best method to filter it though
Maybe keep the under-gravel that is in it and add a power-head??
or maybe some sponge filters??
Or maybe even a housing of some sort on one end to cover an external canister and some side lighting?
I want minimal noise and cords going to it for sure.

 

[Cazgar]

Nice looking tank but where would you put it as with filter heater etc it needs to be near a power source.
I looked at coffee table tanks in the past but they couldn't be in the centre of a room with all the wires

 

[tmiller]

Nice looking tank but where would you put it as with filter heater etc it needs to be near a power source.
I looked at coffee table tanks in the past but they couldn't be in the centre of a room with all the wires

My living room has a few outlets in the floor. One sits just under the area rug in front of couch, this will not be a problem.
I will however need to make sure it is hooked to a GFI in case of a unexpected leak.

I think this is the same TANK, seems it was originally sold with a power head filter.

 

[Dazzler666]

How jealous am I?!!!! . Soooooo not fair!!!!!
That, in my opinion is a cracking bargain as I just love the fish tank tables .......
Wish I had a second hand shop like yours .... Boooo .
What about maybe two internal filters, one at each end? Or cut a bit more under-gravel filter and run two pumps, one at each end? Or build some firm of surround and incorporate an external .... Still jealous mind!!!
Great find bud .... Well impressed!!!

 

[KISSfn]

Cool find!

 

[tmiller]

How jealous am I?!!!! ��. Soooooo not fair!!!!! ��
That, in my opinion is a cracking bargain as I just love the fish tank tables .......
Wish I had a second hand shop like yours .... Boooo ��.
What about maybe two internal filters, one at each end? Or cut a bit more under-gravel filter and run two pumps, one at each end? Or build some firm of surround and incorporate an external .... Still jealous mind!!!
Great find bud .... Well impressed!!! ��

Omg I'm not sure how I got so lucky,I intend not to waste it though...
I'm dubious of the under gravel. would rater use a filter more readily accessed for maintenance. now how to set this up right..? the dual in tank is sounding good but a external is optimal Imo if i can make it presentable.

Im thinking lighting should be from under.. maybe a inverted tub in the center with ... urgg !!! im lost. help!!
Any and all Ideas are welcome,, please let em fly

 

[Wills]

Pretty interesting I have seen people do like box filters in these a bit like the Juwel tanks you could silicon in a piece of plastic with a hole for the filter outlet and then keep the equipment in there and paint the outside of that area black which you could probably do at one end of that tank. All your wires would come from this part then.

As for lighting you could get some of those LED strips and attach them to the sides like a ring just above the water line.


What are you thinking for stocking? Its quite a tough one as you will want something quite big that you can see from all angles but not so big as it would be cramped. Maybe a breeding pair of Central American Cichlids? Like a pair of Sajicas and a group of Swordtails?

Wills

 

[tmiller]

Well I have decided on a Fluval U4 Mostly due to the great deal I was able to get on it ($47 memorial day sale) , the fact that most if not all externals are either too tall or require a gravity assist to run properly , and the lack of input on specific choices ..

I am currently running everything from my cycled 30 gallon 1/2 moon including fish and filter (have had perfect readings for the time being but glass top is sitting funny to fit the hob on for now) I have returned the the 1/2 moon since even though i loved the style i have determined it is a pretty useless configuration as far as keeping real fish goes, and can use the money towards extra equipment.
I will keep the hob attached at least until Friday at which point I may stuff all the media into the U4 and prepare for a possible mini cycle..I'm not sure if the grated plastic holster on the hob is holding any important bacteria..

Lighting is temporary ( a led on top) and needs addressed.
I did polish the tank a bit to remove some scuffs ( yes OLDMAN i will post my refinish thread soon enough wouldn't expect a potential finished product to be flawed would we? )
also running water low since I had a fish jump out through slots on side.. not sure if it was due to me playing with current or what .. i may want to screen off the cutouts maybe..
Otherwise this is a sexy setup. This is the most perfectly wife approved tank in the house at the moment as she has always loved the fish table idea maybe i can another in LOL

Some additional thoughts : a tank like this will require a powered vac system to clean..
"reserved for additional drawback thoughts"

pic of my up and coming cichlid tank soon to come.. its a stunner in my opinion

 

[Salam]

Wow! That looks great

 

[tmiller]

Wow! That looks great

Thank you. I plan on making it better but I am in love with it already.
Glad you like it

 

[Salam]

It's really the perfect centerpiece for your living room. I am jealous of your big American houses with power sockets under a rug

 

[tmiller]

It's really the perfect centerpiece for your living room. I am jealous of your big American houses with power sockets under a rug

my best friend from high school was a exchange student from Sweden and she still pokes fun at our excess. and then concedes jealousy/ 2nd home sickness..
A fault protected outlet can be put anywhere.. but as i have been informed Europe ( or at least Sweden) is somewhat devoid of home improvement stores like we are privy to here in the US so DIY is a bit harder.
The floors in the picture ( and inherent included outlets) are my own doing.
I am addicted to making my wife's house beautiful.
The bones of it that is ..
She is the decorator. And darn good at it too in my opinion..

 

[ZoddyZod]

for the stocking you need to avoid any fish that are known to be skittish or jumpers, given that each time you put a cup/glass down on the table you will effectively be doing a big tap on the glass.

 

[tmiller]

for the stocking you need to avoid any fish that are known to be skittish or jumpers, given that each time you put a cup/glass down on the table you will effectively be doing a big tap on the glass.

Agreed, this will take some doing as the wife has already named off fish that will either get too big for the tank, or would be differing ph, etc , I am trying to educate both her and myself..

there are some juvenile Cichlids and others in there now, most doing fine
but the only one I see so far that is totally unaffected is my featherfin ..
he seems to follow me to whatever side of the tank im on.. looking for a hand out .

Sadly he going to be too big for the table and is destined for the tank pictured bellow and I will have to find some suitable residents to replace his accepting ways
on the plus side we aren't prone to entertaining many guests and will be the two of us most of the time..
do you think a bit of rubber drawer liner as coaster material would stifle the resonance in the tank?

Cichlid tank in the making minus the plants and add some more rocks

 

[tomtomtom1230]

What're the tall, thin leaved plants on the left called? I see them everywhere but never bought any simply because I've never really researched them. Still new to this planted tank thing

And yeah, anything dense enough (but not solid) will do the trick where impact with the table is concerned, ie: rubber, wicker, felt or a thick cloth etc