Drop Off Reef Tank

[Myka]

Woah! That's freakin awesome! As much as I hunt around all over the place looking for info, I actually haven't come across one of these designs before. VERY cool.

Originally Posted by Gripenfelter

Also thinking about possibly just building a regular rectangular aquarium and then making a shelf inside to duplicate the above. Then just cover the side of the aquarium with part of the stand so it still produces the L-shape.

Good idea. You might have inspired me! Damn you!

[fishytime]

check this thread out...... he revised the design of the tank to include a drop on page two......its gonna be 5' deep! http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=76927

[Gripenfelter]

I've been trying to figure out a way of just doing a rectangular tank and building a shelf in the middle. Unfortunately there is no viable way to support the shelf without dumping in 200 lbs of sand and sealing it.

Looks like I will be trying the L-shaped glass.

[MarkoD]

Originally Posted by Gripenfelter

I've been trying to figure out a way of just doing a rectangular tank and building a shelf in the middle. Unfortunately there is no viable way to support the shelf without dumping in 200 lbs of sand and sealing it.

Looks like I will be trying the L-shaped glass.

why not build a wood structure to support the shelf and seal it in?

wood supports many whole tanks. im sure it'll be able to support a section within a tank

[Gripenfelter]

Originally Posted by MarkoD

why not build a wood structure to support the shelf and seal it in?

wood supports many whole tanks. im sure it'll be able to support a section within a tank

Hmm.

[Myka]

Anything filled with air is going to want to float and will be trying to leak from both the wet side and the dry side. I was thinking you could build an L shape out of glass to make the edge, and then where it would meet the tank at the top on the short end you could leave a 1" gap (or better yet leave 6" so you could get your hand in there if needed to seal up a leak or something). Does that make sense? I don't know how to use any drawing programs so that doesn't help.

[Gripenfelter]

Originally Posted by Myka

I was thinking you could build an L shape out of glass to make the edge, and then where it would meet the tank at the top on the short end you could leave a 1" gap (or better yet leave 6" so you could get your hand in there if needed to seal up a leak or something). Does that make sense? I don't know how to use any drawing programs so that doesn't help.

Not quite sure what you mean sorry.

[Myka]

Dangit. Ok...let me try again. Take your stock rectangular tank. Say you're looking at the tank from the front. The ledge will be on the right, and the drop will be on the left. Add the vertical piece for the drop. Add the horizontal piece for the ledge, install it on top of the vertical piece running towards the right. Cut it 6" short so that there is a 6" gap between the ledge and the right pane of glass on the aquarium. Now make another vertical piece that sits on top of the right end of the ledge and goes to the surface of the water or top of the glass aquarium. If you wanted (just for example) you could pour sand in the open part on the right side that would go down under the ledge.

It's like building a set of stairs...if you know the lingo for that. You would be installing TWO rises, and ONE run within the stock aquarium. The second run (the top one) would be left open, and would be at the tank's surface.

That help at all??

[Myka]

Ok, I actually managed to draw it in Google Sketch Up, but I can't get it into a file type that Photobucket will allow me to upload.

EDIT: Ok, I figured that out too. Jeez, my lucky day!!



You would need some bracing under the open edge of the drop (the left side) between the bottom of the tank and the left end of the horizontal piece.

[Gripenfelter]

Originally Posted by Myka

Ok, I actually managed to draw it in Google Sketch Up, but I can't get it into a file type that Photobucket will allow me to upload.

EDIT: Ok, I figured that out too. Jeez, my lucky day!!



You would need some bracing under the open edge of the drop (the left side) between the bottom of the tank and the left end of the horizontal piece.

Now I'm picking up what you're laying down.

Yeah that's a good idea if I plan on storing something in there.

Still arguing...err..."DISCUSSING" with local shops how to build the shelf and support it.