Planning Ahead

[JMcQueen]

Ok, I realise that Im still cycling my first tank but Im conscious that long term its not going to be big enough for what I want in it (its 30L). Therefore I only intend to use it for a few months as a nursery tank if you will, just until I have everything settled and enough cash to move to something bigger.

The problem I have is that the location of the tank is pretty much set and Im not possible to move it. And the location is on the kitchen worktop. There is approximately 46cm in height available from the worktop to the cupboards above it (depth and length arent an issue).

This lack of height is causing me problems. I was looking at a Fluval Roma 120L but I would only have 1cm space from the top of the tank to the units which could be a problem come cleaning and feeding etc.

Does anyone have any recommendations/ideas?

 

[JoshuaA]

I would say at least give yourself 10/20cm of spare room to play with. If you're going to try float fish in a bag to acclimatise them and you've only got 1cm of space.... I don't think it's going to work! Nor will water changes or in fact anything!

You could always go for a custom tank!

 

[JMcQueen]

Why is the first thought that came to mind the word "expensive". That 1cm is with the canopy of the Roma in place though Im not sure how much room would be gained when its removed, maybe 5-7cm?

 

[JMcQueen]

Looking around on the web and theres quite a few places that'll provide a custom size tank. Does anyone have any recommendations or experience with any of them? Dont want to spend the money and then have it fall apart!

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Are tanks that come with a self-assembly stand an option? This will give you back the kitchen work-surface and give you a massive increase in choice of tank size which who knows, could cost less than getting a custom tank made that is long/wide/~36cm high?

 

[JMcQueen]

Unfortunately not. I think the only long term solution is to get a bigger house!

I've found a few custom manufacturers who offer suitable sizes (about 24"x18"x15") off the shelf so to speak. And while they're not cheap, they're not too bad. Just depends if any of them are any good.

 

[LondonguyJ]

Hey Jmac

What size aquarium are you hoping to get 120L and above or?

 

[JMcQueen]

Having looked at the space (and spoke to the missus). I think the most I can hope for is somewhere around 100L. If I did 26" x 16" x 15" it would give me a volume of about 100L

 

[JMcQueen]

Having now determined what the size of my next tank will be, Im looking at substrate options. As posted elsewhere, the tank will be home to a couple of Black Moors and so Im wondering if someone could recommend a suitable make and size of gravel? There's so much out there it can get a little confusing to say the least.

Ideally, I'd prefer a white main gravel. Im then planning on adding a centre piece of black with small rocks around it to hold it in and then a centre piece of driftwood with plants sitting on the black.