So through a series of strange events I ended up with 3 identical 40g tanks. One of which was in good enough shape to use for a display, one was decent but probably fish room/extra and the third was a write off.
I've been interested in drop off tanks for a while but could never see the value in forking out the extra money for what it is so through these happenings I decided to make my own.
I thought of the concept on my own and figured someone must have tried it so I did the old Google approach to see and I only found two guys who did the same but had not much follow up on if it was successful or not.
This is an experimental process and if you have any feedback please feel free to share.
Here is my progress so far;
This was the tank originally
Here are the most recent two
My plan is to add three 2inch strips of glass on the top as a sort of Euro bracing, one on each end and one in the middle for a little extra support as it's only 1/4 inch glass and I don't want any accidents.
Where the glass panels are layed out I'm either going to use paint or a peel and stick vinyl, either option would be black.
The left side at the top I plan to drill and use an eshopps overflow box which will drain down into a 20g sump which I'll be making as well. Still debating on whether or not to drill a 3/4 inch hole for the return or just go over the top(I like this option less due to the bracing, but also the more I drill the more chance to mess up)
I will be making a pretty straight forward stand as well, I might clad in with 1/4 ply or MDF and just extend the one half to cover where the empty part of the tank is instead/as well as using the paint/vinyl option. Not sure about that phase just yet but it's in the works.
I will be updating as much as possible and as soon as there's any livestock in the tank I will be moving the thread over to the members tank thread.
Again, if there's any feed back or things I haven't thought of I'd be glad to hear! Happy reefing all!
I've been interested in drop off tanks for a while but could never see the value in forking out the extra money for what it is so through these happenings I decided to make my own.
I thought of the concept on my own and figured someone must have tried it so I did the old Google approach to see and I only found two guys who did the same but had not much follow up on if it was successful or not.
This is an experimental process and if you have any feedback please feel free to share.
Here is my progress so far;
This was the tank originally
Here are the most recent two
My plan is to add three 2inch strips of glass on the top as a sort of Euro bracing, one on each end and one in the middle for a little extra support as it's only 1/4 inch glass and I don't want any accidents.
Where the glass panels are layed out I'm either going to use paint or a peel and stick vinyl, either option would be black.
The left side at the top I plan to drill and use an eshopps overflow box which will drain down into a 20g sump which I'll be making as well. Still debating on whether or not to drill a 3/4 inch hole for the return or just go over the top(I like this option less due to the bracing, but also the more I drill the more chance to mess up)
I will be making a pretty straight forward stand as well, I might clad in with 1/4 ply or MDF and just extend the one half to cover where the empty part of the tank is instead/as well as using the paint/vinyl option. Not sure about that phase just yet but it's in the works.
I will be updating as much as possible and as soon as there's any livestock in the tank I will be moving the thread over to the members tank thread.
Again, if there's any feed back or things I haven't thought of I'd be glad to hear! Happy reefing all!
