Open Bottom Aquarium

[don.ald]

I would like to see pics of what you have now!

[burge1234]

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[Ram3500]

You gotta post some pictures . It sounds so cool dangerous cool .

[burge1234]

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[sphelps]

So why wouldn't you expand on the idea behind the fluval edge tank? This just looks like a really inconvenient way of doing the same thing.

[burge1234]

with the fluval edge you have to keep up on water evaporation. if you dont you will always have a water level line showing. Along with the pump and heaters in view. This concept gives you a 360 view plus top view of your tank with no pumps, heaters or cords blocking your view. With what i have set up now i would have to have about 20 gallons of water to evaporate before the water level in the upper tank would change. And with a sump it will never change unless you really neglect your tank. The only piece of equipment that will be seen in the tank will be the light which i will be hanging from the ceiling. Its wont be for everybody I know that for sure but the whole concept is very neat and attractive to look at from all angles. It has also proven to be quite a conversation piece for everyone that comes over. Dont get me wrong i will never not have a traditional tank for one reason only. I cant see the bottom of this tank without the lids open which in a reef tank is the most exciting part for me. As for the fluval edge..... without an automatic top off i just see it being a pain

[paddyob]

I don't see the appeal. Seems like a Maintenance nightmare. What about oxygen exchange and beneficial evap in hotter months?

I personally don't even think it looks good. It looks messy where it meets the cabinet. Just my opinion of course. I prefer traditional set up where all my cords are hidden by the cabinet or behind the tank out of view.

Good luck. Dibs out.

[sphelps]

I'm not saying buy an fluval edge but expand on the idea. Make it bigger and add an overflow (many have done this). You could also center the overflow instead of having it at the back to allow for 360 viewing, run an extra dummy pipe in the overflow for cords. You're likely going to light the tank so it has a partial lid anyway and you can cover the overflow with rock. Another option is a zero edge tank. Either way you'll have access from the top with the same effect.