So I have come up with a simple but unique design for an tropical planted tank. It will be constructed out of acrylic sheets. Its a first for me to make my own tank but I feel confidant. I just want to run the design by others in the hobby and ask a few more questions. First off here is a very crude example of the design:
Its basically like two aquariums connected by a narrow link. It will be interesting to see which fish (or invertebrates) prefer which side if I provide different conditions. Also the narrow link or bridge, if you will, forces them to swim horizontally displaying their sides; which i think would look nice with a back drop of taller slender plants. So here are some questions:
The dimensions of this design are completely undecided as of this moment. However I am leaning towards smaller rather than larger even though this will be pretty long. Here are some dimensions I was thinking of:
Let me know what you all think, don't forget to answer the questions I asked earlier.
Thanks !
- Is there a acrylic thickness to gallons chart to help me select the optimal thickness of acrylic ?
- Will I need any edging on the top and bottom for structural strength ?
- What types of fish should I stock it with that would be interesting in this design ? (I even thought of stocking two male bettas because they would have their own territory. I probably will not but its an idea. Maybe a schooling type?)
- I am thinking of doing a carpet on the bridge part with taller slender plants along the back. Any recommendations for plants like that?
The dimensions of this design are completely undecided as of this moment. However I am leaning towards smaller rather than larger even though this will be pretty long. Here are some dimensions I was thinking of:
Side Compartment (x2)
L= 15 inches
W= 12
H= 16
V= 5760 in ^3 = 24 Gallons
Middle
L= 16
W= 4 (maybe 5)
H= 16
V= 1024 in^3 = 4 Gallons
Overall
V= 6784 in ^3 = 29 Gallons
Feel free to make a suggestion to change some of the dimensions, but I don't want to go over 30 gallons. I am totally leaning more towards the rectangle one. I also want to make the two corners on the inside of the "C" (the corners by the bridge seamless), I think that will be cool. I don't want to go crazy and try the whole front seamless unless it will be relatively easy to do but I don't think it will be. Below is an other crude example: L= 15 inches
W= 12
H= 16
V= 5760 in ^3 = 24 Gallons
Middle
L= 16
W= 4 (maybe 5)
H= 16
V= 1024 in^3 = 4 Gallons
Overall
V= 6784 in ^3 = 29 Gallons
Let me know what you all think, don't forget to answer the questions I asked earlier.
Thanks !
