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Child proof tank... Not your average tank


lkoechle

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So, I'm thinking about a 10 to 20 gallon freshwater tank for my son (18 months) to be at eye level (for him) sometime next year after the second baby is born and we move.

 

There is this cichilid tank in the child section at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science that sits slightly above floor level and the tank is totally encased in this kids proof cabinet. The top opens up as well as a side access panel but are secured shut by a lock and key.

 

I think this is an awesome idea for a kid's room and my son goes nuts for it (as well as his eye level tanks at the LFS). Our idea, of course, would also have the whole thing also anchored to the wall so it can't be tipped or knocked since it won't be close to floor level and a much, much smaller tank (the museum looked to be a 120). I haven't found any set ups so far with a similar idea, do you guys know of any?

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Move you say, would it be your house or rented?

 

If your house, how about an in wall tank if house layout allows? That way all the access etc would be from another room/cupboard and completely child safe. You could go as big or as small as you like.

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Move you say, would it be your house or rented?

 

If your house, how about an in wall tank if house layout allows? That way all the access etc would be from another room/cupboard and completely child safe. You could go as big or as small as you like.

 

I would rather not cut holes in my walls and build tiny new rooms. lol I'm looking for a project that can stay in the garage until ready to be implemented so I don't have to evict my child :P

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Maybe instead of bringing the tank down to him, bring him up to the tank. I taller tank on a sturdier stand is safer than a tank he could possibly get into or knock over. Maybe give him a little chair for viewing, or allow supervision. I know I was fascinated by aquariums when I was a child, but would always want to be as close to the glass as possible. Just want everyone and everything to be safe.

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Maybe instead of bringing the tank down to him, bring him up to the tank. I taller tank on a sturdier stand is safer than a tank he could possibly get into or knock over. Maybe give him a little chair for viewing, or allow supervision. I know I was fascinated by aquariums when I was a child, but would always want to be as close to the glass as possible. Just want everyone and everything to be safe.

 

An evolution on this would be a stand with a seat/bench built into it which would give it a larger (more stable) foot print and allow said sprog to sit and view the tank at eye level.

 

I have yet to put the cladding around the stand on my system (really need to get on with it) but I have semi jokingly suggested building in a high chair type seat to the end cover as our daughter is fascinated by the tank. Don't need TV, just sit her in front of the tank and she's happy as you like.

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We did just come up with the idea of taking a night stand or tv stand (with bottom cabinet), cutting viewing window in and gluing plexiglass on it and then putting the whole tank inside said stand and locking it up. Sounds like it could work for a 10 gallon and there would be absolutely no outside access to the tank unless you have the key.

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Marc.The.Shark

If I was a kid, I'd want this..

post-12858-0-98425000-1440761048_thumb.jpg

 

But seriously, one of these picture frame tanks might be a good option, mount it to the wall so can't be knocked over & put it at whatever height you need. I think even Sam's Club sells them.

post-12858-0-16759400-1440761186_thumb.jpg

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Make that bad boy out of Acrylic thats 1/2" thick. lol. He could ram it with anything and not break the tank!

 

This, please don't use glass. My daughter shattered a (thick tempered) glass coffee table when she was about 18 months... :D

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We did just come up with the idea of taking a night stand or tv stand (with bottom cabinet), cutting viewing window in and gluing plexiglass on it and then putting the whole tank inside said stand and locking it up. Sounds like it could work for a 10 gallon and there would be absolutely no outside access to the tank unless you have the key.

Similar to this, could you build a stand that would encase the tank except for the front pane?

 

Like a box, you could then slide the tank down into it, and secure the stand to the wall. A locking but lift off top would give you access for maintenance.

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Make that bad boy out of Acrylic thats 1/2" thick. lol. He could ram it with anything and not break the tank!

 

Well, I plan on using a typical 10 gallon set up (the kit you buy at walmart), but the viewing pane in the stand/box will definitely be 1/2" thick acrylic so he can't get to it :P

 

If I was a kid, I'd want this..

attachicon.gifimage.jpg

 

But seriously, one of these picture frame tanks might be a good option, mount it to the wall so can't be knocked over & put it at whatever height you need. I think even Sam's Club sells them.

attachicon.gifimage.jpg

 

The frame's a good idea. I'll have to see if those have come down in price. I saw them before getting into the hobby and they were around 1k for a 10 gallon. WAY too expensive. lol

 

 

This, please don't use glass. My daughter shattered a (thick tempered) glass coffee table when she was about 18 months... :D

 

Similar to this, could you build a stand that would encase the tank except for the front pane?

 

Like a box, you could then slide the tank down into it, and secure the stand to the wall. A locking but lift off top would give you access for maintenance.

Yeah, he won't have access to the tank at all. We're planning on putting in an acrylic viewing pane between him and the tank.

 

As for maitanence, it looks like we're going to build the stand ourself since all nightstands seem to be 17" long and a 10 gallon is 20". I will probably have it accessible from the top and front. I think the front's more important than the top for getting in there. Especially because I know we'll hit the nemo phase and I'll probably convert it to a FOWLR with a clown (or preferably a smaller fish because I don't feel clownfish can live their entire lives happily in a ten gallon, but chances are there will be a bigger tank for "Nemo" to move into somewhere in the house :P ) and I'll need the space for more frequent water changes. And by FOWLR, I mean that's what I'll tell my husband but you know, some zoas or rics will find their way in somehow and then I'll need to upgrade the lighting and be like "Oh look, honey! An acro magically appeared. How did that get in there?"

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