Jpl3k Posted July 20, 2005 Share Posted July 20, 2005 Hey, all. I just bought a 30gal breeder (36x18.25x10) and I have a 5.5gal AGA tank laying around. I was thinking about building a small shelf above (preferably above) my 30gal for the 5.5 to sit (for display as well.. why not?). I would use a 2x18watt (36watt) Coralife over the fuge, but I need some ideas for pumping and plumbing. Could I pull water from the top of the 30 and pump it up to the 5.5, then drain it back down into the 30? I thought I could recreate a larger version of a HOB AC500 in a sence. I could lightly sand/etch a thin line around a small portion of the 5.5 (so I could attach acrylic to glass), install an acrylic baffle, and put the pump in the small baffled area. The larger portion, naturally, would hold the LS and LR. *I would also like to avoid any drilling to the tanks, if possible! Could this work? Is there a better way to do this? I just need a basic idea, maybe even just a quick sketch/diagram to start with? I have been reading and searching the forums, and my answers have come up mostly dry. **For the record, I will be keeping polyps, zoos (beginner stuff), a couple gobies, and a few different inverts (crabs). I plan to use a 36" 2x96watt PC light fixture with moonlights, and probably 2 Maxi-Jet 1200 PH's for current. I have not yet decided on a filter, though. I've been trying to keep the cost on this endeavor down as low as possible, and done well so far. I'm ALWAYS looking foward to recommendations/comments/questions! It has taken me a long time to plan this far ahead, and it should be known that as bad as I wanted to, I have not just 'jumped' right into this new-found addiction! I've been very open to suggestions, and will try to continue to be. -Jpl3k Link to comment
Daemonfly Posted July 20, 2005 Share Posted July 20, 2005 The 5.5g would be qutie a bit on the small side. Before you get too much into the planning, for a 30g breeder, a 20g long would be a great alternative, if you have the room. 15g long would be another option. A lot more room to have macros & plants to help keep tank specs stable. No need to etch glass to attach acrylic. Just clean both pieces and silicone it up. It won't be a critical joint, so it will hold just fine. Link to comment
Jpl3k Posted July 20, 2005 Author Share Posted July 20, 2005 Daemonfly: I hear ya. I might buy the $60 metal stand made for the 30 breeder instead of making a wooden one, and I'm pretty sure it has some type of support shelf along the bottom that I could place a larger (15-20gal) fuge on. If it doesn't have a support shelf, I could always put a wooden stand under the larger one to rest it on. I'm thinking the 5.5 gal would be a nice touch, though. I could always install a larger fuge later and still keep the smaller one on a shelf above it. It'd be a nice little display with a cleaner or peppermint shrimp or something like that in it. I'm sure I could give it a clean appearance. So with this in mind, what would be the best way to plumb this little guy? Thanks, -J Link to comment
coralcrazy Posted July 20, 2005 Share Posted July 20, 2005 john i am jealious of you....i am completly broke . I want to see pics pics pics. Good luck with the tank. I will def. follow this thread! Link to comment
coralcrazy Posted July 20, 2005 Share Posted July 20, 2005 yea, i agree with Daemonfly, try to get a long tank. You can do some great stuff with that tank, another thing, watch the metal stand, the saltwater will damage the stand. Link to comment
coralcrazy Posted July 20, 2005 Share Posted July 20, 2005 BTW, you still intrested in the tanks? Link to comment
coralcrazy Posted July 20, 2005 Share Posted July 20, 2005 I lowered the prices 50 for the bow front!! Link to comment
Daemonfly Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 Well, if you still really want the 5.5g, I'd go with drilling it. less problematic than your only other option - some type of siphon overflow. Most simple method, drill a hole in one of the bottom rear corners, pop in a bulkhead, and have a piece of pvc rising up to the water level and acting as a simple overflow(may get noise). Link to comment
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