Drop Off Reef Tank

Gripenfelter · #1 08-02-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

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 · #2 08-02-2011, 02:15 PM

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 · #3 08-02-2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

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 · #4 08-02-2011, 03:27 PM

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 · #5 08-02-2011, 03:42 PM

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 · #6 08-03-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

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.

lastlight · #7 08-03-2011, 07:21 PM

What I do like about that idea is there is water on both sides. I think if that void down there is empty it's going to be riskier. I wouldn't even bother having that compartment circulate with the main tank. I suspect that would lead to all sorts of other issues with nutrient buildup etc. I'd fill it with ro/di (in case it ever did slowly seep) and just seal it up. Balancing the forces on both sides would be my main goal.