Robby.F Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 This is my entry for the "3 and Under Pico Contest". The tank is a 5 gallon hexagon that I cut down to size. It now measures just under 6in tall and each side is 6.25in long. I wanted to make a shallow tank and have my rock in the center. The goal for this tank is simplicity, but its not going to be simple to build as I have already discovered. To create the simple look I want I will be drilling the tank and have a 2.5 gallon sump underneath to hide all my equipment and filtration. This involves building a small stand to support the tank and hide the sump from view. This is my first pico tank so wish me luck! Robby photo (1) by Robby-F, on Flickr photo (2) by Robby-F, on Flickr Link to comment
16bio Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 This is my entry for the "3 and Under Pico Contest". The tank is a 5 gallon hexagon that I cut down to size. It now measures just under 6in tall and each side is 6.25in long. I wanted to make a shallow tank and have my rock in the center. The goal for this tank is simplicity, but its not going to be simple to build as I have already discovered. To create the simple look I want I will be drilling the tank and have a 2.5 gallon sump underneath to hide all my equipment and filtration. This involves building a small stand to support the tank and hide the sump from view. This is my first pico tank so wish me luck! Robby What did you use to cut it down? I am looking at cutting my 5 gallon bowfront in half... Link to comment
Robby.F Posted March 9, 2012 Author Share Posted March 9, 2012 I started by using a hack saw but ended up using a circular saw (wasn't a clean cut, but better than expected). I then sanded the rim until it was level and smooth Link to comment
16bio Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 I started by using a hack saw but ended up using a circular saw (wasn't a clean cut, but better than expected). I then sanded the rim until it was level and smooth Lol a circular saw, wouldn't that just break it apart? I would have have thought that a zipsaw would have worked better...but kudos to you for making it work! Link to comment
MetaTank Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 As one of the first official Judges of this competition, I give you my seal of approval Link to comment
Robby.F Posted March 9, 2012 Author Share Posted March 9, 2012 Lol a circular saw, wouldn't that just break it apart? I would have have thought that a zipsaw would have worked better...but kudos to you for making it work! Haha yeah wasn't the best method but I made it work! I'm not even sure what the tank is made out of, its thin and a single mold. Link to comment
dallasprstn Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 where are the updates?! what has become of this tank lol. Link to comment
Robby.F Posted March 23, 2012 Author Share Posted March 23, 2012 Here is an update of the tank! I drilled the bottom of the tank and added 1/2in bulkheads. I have PVC for my overflow and loc-line as my return. I just finished painting the stand and put everything in place. The sump is a 2.5 "Petco" tank, I plan on using a curtain to cover the front and hide the sump. Let me know what you think! securedownload by Robby-F, on Flickr securedownload (1) by Robby-F, on Flickr Link to comment
dallasprstn Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Here is an update of the tank! I drilled the bottom of the tank and added 1/2in bulkheads. I have PVC for my overflow and loc-line as my return. I just finished painting the stand and put everything in place. The sump is a 2.5 "Petco" tank, I plan on using a curtain to cover the front and hide the sump. Let me know what you think! epic. i can already see the monti's plating from the center. lol. Link to comment
asting Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 You're gonna have a helluva time working with that plumbing in the center, but I'm interested to see what you can do. Link to comment
MetaTank Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Marvelous...looking good, nice update! Link to comment
Robby.F Posted March 30, 2012 Author Share Posted March 30, 2012 Finally have water in the tank! Getting sand today, and going to start my search for rock to cover my plumbing. Hope to have updated pictures later today! Link to comment
Robby.F Posted April 3, 2012 Author Share Posted April 3, 2012 I added sand on April 1st (deadline) so my FTS was a bit cloudy. photo (6) by Robby-F, on Flickr After my water cleared I was able to add some rock. I drilled two holes in a shelf rock as my base, and on top I created a tower of base rock going up the PVC overflow. Still waiting for water to clear up to take a picture of the base rock in place, and I plan on adding more live rock tomorrow. photo (5) by Robby-F, on Flickr Link to comment
MetaTank Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 Nice...cool usage of a hexagon! Link to comment
Robby.F Posted April 4, 2012 Author Share Posted April 4, 2012 Here is a better picture of the rock and how I will be covering my plumbing. The light is only temporary, I have a BoostLED PAR30 on its way! photo (9) by Robby-F, on Flickr photo (10) by Robby-F, on Flickr Link to comment
dallasprstn Posted April 4, 2012 Share Posted April 4, 2012 this thing looks so awesome with the rock in it...is that par30 coming in tomorrow or Wednesday? I can tell its gonna look sweet with that thing. Link to comment
Robby.F Posted April 4, 2012 Author Share Posted April 4, 2012 According to USPS its coming in Thursday! Link to comment
Robby.F Posted April 9, 2012 Author Share Posted April 9, 2012 Finally got my light mounted! photo (11) by Robby-F, on Flickr photo (12) by Robby-F, on Flickr Link to comment
MetaTank Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 Wow, looks fantastic! Great job, can't wait to see it come to life!!!! Really, clean looking setup, light looks awesome. Link to comment
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