New tank advice

[indivicous]

Hey so I'm about to get this 55 gal tank and I was wondering if there's any specific kind of stuff I can put on there to make it more minimalist/aesthetic. I haven't really bought anything for the tank yet so if there's some type of filter/heater I can get that just looks nice, it would be really appreciated if someone could let me know.

If it helps anyone, I'm going to be putting a flowerhorn in here. I've also seen a lot of people say bare bottom tanks are good for flowerhorns (so they don't digest the substrate) which I think is a good idea but I still want all the good stuff that comes out of the substrate. I've seen a couple people have the substrate in a tray above their tanks with plants in it, so somehow it filters all of the good bacteria and organic stuff down into the tank. I literally have no idea how to do that, and I can't find anything on the internet (unless I'm wording it wrong) So if someone has done that, it would be really nice if you could explain to me how it works. (Also I know that a 55 gal is kind of controversial for a flowerhorn, but since I'm getting this tank for so cheap that means I will be able to upgrade if he needs it)

I basically just want it to look nice and simple. As for the hood, I was thinking of getting an acrylic sheet and cutting it down to size,then gluing it to the top of the tank, then drilling a couple holes in it for feeding and pouring my stuff into the tank. That seems like a good idea for me, so let me know if it isn't. As for the light, I'm thinking of getting some type of clip on so it looks nice. Let me know if any of these are really bad ideas because I'm getting this tank for super cheap since I'm trying to save all my money for the flowerhorn.

 

[vanalisa]

View attachment 115214
Hey so I'm about to get this 55 gal tank and I was wondering if there's any specific kind of stuff I can put on there to make it more minimalist/aesthetic. I haven't really bought anything for the tank yet so if there's some type of filter/heater I can get that just looks nice, it would be really appreciated if someone could let me know.

If it helps anyone, I'm going to be putting a flowerhorn in here. I've also seen a lot of people say bare bottom tanks are good for flowerhorns (so they don't digest the substrate) which I think is a good idea but I still want all the good stuff that comes out of the substrate. I've seen a couple people have the substrate in a tray above their tanks with plants in it, so somehow it filters all of the good bacteria and organic stuff down into the tank. I literally have no idea how to do that, and I can't find anything on the internet (unless I'm wording it wrong) So if someone has done that, it would be really nice if you could explain to me how it works. (Also I know that a 55 gal is kind of controversial for a flowerhorn, but since I'm getting this tank for so cheap that means I will be able to upgrade if he needs it)

I basically just want it to look nice and simple. As for the hood, I was thinking of getting an acrylic sheet and cutting it down to size,then gluing it to the top of the tank, then drilling a couple holes in it for feeding and pouring my stuff into the tank. That seems like a good idea for me, so let me know if it isn't. As for the light, I'm thinking of getting some type of clip on so it looks nice. Let me know if any of these are really bad ideas because I'm getting this tank for super cheap since I'm trying to save all my money for the flowerhorn.

Probably not the response you want, BUT if you're already concerned about the tank size and planning to do an upgrade "if he needs it", (and I bet he will, thus the controversy) AND you are able, do yourself a favor and just put the money up for the upgrade now! Ditch the "good deal" tank and go all out for the precious Flowerhorn. ♡
If you do decide to take that route I bet you won't regret ! Also, I bet a fish like that with an investment like that will need primo equipment to ensure it is healthy.

I sound all snooty but I'm not. My largest fish is a minnow. ; )
Hope I didn't offend. If you can't afford the bigger upgrade and quality equipment the fish AND you deserve, get that "sweet deal" tank and let the folks on here help you stock it and plant it. There will be more of your dream fish later. Unless you already have the fish, if so, disregard all of my blabbering.

Welcome!

 

[Metalhead88]

It looks like the tank is completely missing the trim and brace that is normally built into the top. That brace stops the glass from bulging out and putting too much stress on the seals. A lid would fit into that trim as well.

Some tanks are rimless, but this tank looks like a standard tank with that top ripped off. That might be why it's so cheap. If that's the case, I'd avoid this tank.

 

[indivicous]

Probably not the response you want, BUT if you're already concerned about the tank size and planning to do an upgrade "if he needs it", (and I bet he will, thus the controversy) AND you are able, do yourself a favor and just put the money up for the upgrade now! Ditch the "good deal" tank and go all out for the precious Flowerhorn. ♡
If you do decide to take that route I bet you won't regret ! Also, I bet a fish like that with an investment like that will need primo equipment to ensure it is healthy.

I sound all snooty but I'm not. My largest fish is a minnow. ; )
Hope I didn't offend. If you can't afford the bigger upgrade and quality equipment the fish AND you deserve, get that "sweet deal" tank and let the folks on here help you stock it and plant it. There will be more of your dream fish later. Unless you already have the fish, if so, disregard all of my blabbering.

Welcome!

If a good deal for something bigger than a 55 pops up, I’ll get it but currently I’ve been looking for a couple weeks now and I just want to get a tank as soon as possible so I can start cycling. I still have a little bit more time before I get paid so if a deal gets posted I’ll snatch it up as quick as possible. Thanks for the help

It looks like the tank is completely missing the trim and brace that is normally built into the top. That brace stops the glass from bulging out and putting too much stress on the seals. A lid would fit into that trim as well.

Some tanks are rimless, but this tank looks like a standard tank with that top ripped off. That might be why it's so cheap. If that's the case, I'd avoid this tank.

Oh wait I missed a part of the description, yeah he did take it off himself. Never mind I’m not gonna get that tank.
just in general though, what’s a good way to make a tank simplistic and aesthetic?

 

[vanalisa]

You could look online for inspiration.
Some of the aquascaped tanks are out of this world.
You can also find very minimalist examples if that is what you find aesthetically pleasing.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

I guess you may need the bracing unless the glass is thick and strong enough.

What is the glass thickness?
I guess you will need at least 10-12mm thick glass.

I know some manufacturers use very thick glass to maintain the tank strength.
If the glass is not thick enough, it may give way as the water pressure is strong especailly for big and tall tank.

Here are some info.

Braceless Fish Tanks, Rimless Aquarium Cabinet and Stands - N30 Tank

Braceless fish tank gives you unobstructed views from all sides of the tank, so fish and corals look clear and stunning. The aquarium can be glass or acrylic.

www.n30.com.sg

You can see how thick the braceless tank here:
For example, the 100 cm(1m) tank has 12mm thick glass.
This is just to get an idea of how thick the glass should be.

Second Hand Fish Tank for Sale - Aquarium Cabinets Singapore - N30 Tank

Second-hand fish tank in mint condition for sale. Pre-owned aquarium cabinets inspected and refurbished by N30 Singapore. Good value for money. Buy with confidence.

www.n30.com.sg

Are you sure you are going to keep Flowerhorn ?
I had tried keeping many species of fish from South America, Central America, Africa, Asian, Australian plus inverterbrates.
You will get bored if you keep only one fish in a big tank.

I suggest that you keep a community tank and add some aquascaping to make it more interesting and natural.

7 Aquascaping Styles for Aquariums - The Aquarium Guide

If you are into aquascaping, you’ll probably create a more appealing result if you’re following a particular style. Check out these aquascaping styles!

www.theaquariumguide.com

Get some sand, driftwoods and rocks. But make sure that the rocks don't leech mineral which will increase your water hardness (GH).


The filter that you mentioned is the Top/overheard filter but you don't really need plants inside.

I would suggest either 2 Internal filters or a Canister filter for your tank as the Hang on filters and Top/Overheard filter may put extra weight and stress on your rimless and braceless tank.

Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

I found more info about glass thickness here...

Know These Calculations When Building a Glass Aquarium

When building your own glass aquarium, you need to calculate the correct thickness of glass required to handle the water weight and pressure.

www.thesprucepets.com

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Know These Calculations When Building a Glass Aquarium

When building your own glass aquarium, you need to calculate the correct thickness of glass required to handle the water weight and pressure.

www.thesprucepets.com

Aquarium Glass Thickness Calculator

Given below is the online aquarium glass thickness calculator which helps you to calculate a volume of an aquarium, glass area, glass thickness, weight of glass and weight of water in a glass based on the length, width, height, and safety factor.

www.easycalculation.com

 

[kwi]

There is no good stuff in substrate, what it does is give a greater surface area for the bacterial biofilm to form. This biofilm forms on every surface, including the glass, not just in the filter media. So with a single fish you should be fine.