My New Bridged Tanks

[Lord Zogat]

These pictures have been posted in another section showing the progress of building the bridge. But here are the pics of my tanks again for this section.

I tried to have lots of hiding places with the slate rock I have slate rock that is paper thin. I personally like the color combinations of the different plastic plants. I think it turned out well. There is a good movement of plants from the currents in both tanks. Both tanks have a plastic cave ornaments stuck to the glass wall with suction cups, offering hiding space higher up in the tank. I also positioned these caves so I can look into their inside from one side. The large tanks has a mini reef shelf with hiding space underneith and a small cave and plant on the top side. It also allowed me to provide plant structure right to the entrance of the bridge thus promoting security for the fish.

The bubble stones both come out from under rocks. In the 20 gallon tank it creates a small 4 inch wall. I like watching the bubbles run on the under sides of the rocks to fight their way to the top ogf the tank.

The 20 Gallon Tank.

The 10 Gallon Tank.

The Tanks Bridged.

Suggestions and questions welcome.

 

[tank212]

Wow that's really cool. Forgive my stupidity but do the fish go from one to the other? I'd really like to know how you did that. I'd be interested in doing that myself.

 

[Austin_09]

wow!! thats so awesome! yes, please share on how you did that!

 

[Lord Zogat]

Wow that's really cool. Forgive my stupidity but do the fish go from one to the other? I'd really like to know how you did that. I'd be interested in doing that myself.

I hope so! Still in the fishless cycle so I don't have fish yet. But with the forced flow and a 3 inch diameter tube, I think my chances are very good.

wow!! thats so awesome! yes, please share on how you did that!

You betcha!

Here is the link to the Thread I started with progress photo's in the DIY section - Bridged Tanks

If you need a detailed step by step instructions, then I could write it out a bit better if it would benefit enough people. Its easy for me to just build these things as that comes naturally, but I understand for others its hard to get started or know what to do.

Before you decide to start answer these 6 questions honestly:

1) Do you have an additional tank or can you get one?
2) Can you place the second tank near the other tank, within in 3 feet?
3) Are the tanks the same size or can they be leveled easily so the tank tops are the same height?
4) Do you have an extra filter/heater?
5) Do you have access to a hardware store with plexiglass and a saw to cut it? You will have to cut circles or have someone do it.
6) Are you willing to dish out $20 - $40 for the acrylic tubing and elbows needed?

If you answered yes to all of the following questions, I would say you should try the bridge. If you answered no to a few, it may not be feasible, until you can answer yes to all. If its no to question #2,3 or 5, then you may have to find or hire someone to do that for you. No to question #6 may require a friend with an ebay account to buy the tubing for you if nothing local is available.

(There are alternative plastic tubing sources, but I cannot guarantee their strength and ability to hold that kind of water - ie. plastic mailing tubes, come in 24 inch lengths of various diameters). Its hard to say what tubing with a wall thickness of less than 1/8 of an inch or 3mm will do.

Also, so far I have just jammed the clear acrylic tubing into the 90 degree elbows, as I made sure the OD (outside diameter) of the acrylic tubing fit the ID (inside diameter) of the elbows, making a tight fit. Since the bridge is not too high above the tanks, and there is not alot of water, the less pressure there is on the seams of the bridge. Simply jamming the acrylic tubing appears to be enough to stop air from seeping in. IF you increase the diamater of the tube, and/or the height of the bridge above the top of the tank, the higher the pressure becomes and the greater the possibility of air leaking into the bridge or sealant being needed on the seams.

The elbows will probably have to be local from a hardware store as clear acrylic elbows will probably be a custom item and cost the same ampount as a small child. My 90 degree elbows are a standard drain size and ran about $4CND each at Canadian Tire. Your bridge diameter may be determined by what size 90 degree elbows your local hardware store carries. I suggest that the diameter be no smaller than 2.5 - 3 inches and may have to match the height of your largest fish + 1 inch. The larger the diameter of the elbow means the more support required, the larger the diameter of the acrylic tube required, and the more weight the bridge will be. The longer the bridge, also increases the weight of the bridge and required support and cost of the tubing. (1/4 inch Plexi glass may not be enough for a larger bridge in diameter or length).

Please let me know if your interested in step by step instructions, by stating so in this thread. Based on the response will determine if I set aside the time to detail the steps needed.

 

[Lord Zogat]

Your fish will use it, without a doubt. My betta was inside the tower thinggy within 2 minutes of installation

What's your stocking plan?

Probably platy fish to start with a few algae eaters....still looking I guess. Nothing too aggressive to start. Plus color is my main interested and they come in a wack of colors. LFS will order what colors I want in any quantity of fish.

 

[millym]

very nice id love to see some pics later when the fish are using the bridge

 

[Qays]

multi-coloured plastic plants? Looks a bit scary too me!

the bridge looks really cool. would have been even more cooler if the bent tubes were transparent

 

[SamUK]

woah yea the plants are a bit but everyone to there own!!


the tunnel is awesome tho! good job!

is that the tube you got from ebay?

 

[Chri$]

kool bridge

 

[Lord Zogat]

woah yea the plants are a bit but everyone to there own!!

Yes there are quite a few plants, however both tanks have large open spaces at the front or top center. I like how they move int he currents.