Need Help/Advice! creating tank for Developmentally Disabled. Important!

[Bushkill]

I was leaning in the same direction as ezziecat to be honest, but I don't want to be a wet blanket either. Rather than Craigslist, try locating a local club dedicated to the hobby. I've seen some clubs that have set up tanks at schools, etc. and even maintain them. Some other possibilities might be a local boy scout troop or 4H club that you could approach and ask if they would take this on as a project. Just some thoughts that may make the project a little less formidable for you.

I have to ask this one though: Are there any "Therapy Pet" organizations in your area? I've had pets over the years that were just born for the job, and if it weren't for the fact that I'm lucky enough to have a job of my own, Id be signed up by now. I know my 90 pound marshmallow would brighten some people's day.

 

[Aegla Wish]

I'm looking at the filstar canister filter xp1 with bio-chem Zorbs.... I've heard a lot of good things about rena filstar
I still need a heater, gravel, thermometer, and of course a 20 long tank, Decor (driftwood, plants rocks etc.) and stock. They didn't have all the shrimp I wanted so I just added similar shrimp in as stock to see.

What do you think? The filter will cost me a but load unless someone has one lying around..... but maybe if I can get help getting the rest of the things I might be able to pull it off.
http://www.aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php?AquTankName=Aegla+Wish&AquListBoxTank=Choose&AquTankLength=30&AquTankDepth=12&AquTankHeight=12&AquListBoxFilter=Rena+Filstar+XP1&AquTextFilterRate=45+&AquListBoxFilter2=Choose&AquTextFilterRate2=N%2FA+&FormSubmit=Display+only+suitable+species+for+your+tank&AquFilterString=&AquTextBoxQuantity=&AquTextBoxRemoveQuantity=&AlreadySelected=200909300196%3A12%3A%3A%2C200910181719%3A2%3A%3A%2C200909300114%3A5%3A%3A%2C200909300245%3A10%3A%3A%2C201003241262%3A10%3A%3A&FilterMode=Display+all+species&AqTempUnit=F&AqVolUnit=gUS&AqLengthUnit=inch&AqSortType=cname&FilterQuantity=2&AqJuvMode=&AqSpeciesWindowSize=short&AqSearchMode=simple

 

[Aegla Wish]

Lighting wise you don't need anything super powerful it's a shallow tank so the light will hit the bottom really fast. This fixture in 30" would be my choice. I can donate some java fern and a red lotus plant if you would like them when your ready. Send me a PM when the time comes.

To save on money with the power just pick up a power strip from any hardware store, it doesn't need to be a lot of juice as you won't be drawing a lot, then get a regular old timer, it will probably be cheaper then getting a full on aquarium with timer unit.

Thanks! I really appreciate your help. I think I'll look at lowes.


I'm looking at the filstar canister filter xp1 with bio-chem Zorbs.... I've heard a lot of good things about rena filstar
I still need lighting, heater, gravel, thermometer, and of course a 20 long tank, Decor (driftwood, plants rocks etc.) and stock. They didn't have all the shrimp I wanted so I just added similar shrimp in as stock to see.

What do you guys think? The filter will cost me a butt load unless someone has one lying around..... but maybe if I can get help getting the rest of the things I might be able to pull it off. People have given me some really good ideas, Unfortunately I Just don't have a lot of money.
http://www.aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php?AquTankName=Aegla+Wish&AquListBoxTank=Choose&AquTankLength=30&AquTankDepth=12&AquTankHeight=12&AquListBoxFilter=Rena+Filstar+XP1&AquTextFilterRate=45+&AquListBoxFilter2=Choose&AquTextFilterRate2=N%2FA+&FormSubmit=Display+only+suitable+species+for+your+tank&AquFilterString=&AquTextBoxQuantity=&AquTextBoxRemoveQuantity=&AlreadySelected=200909300196%3A12%3A%3A%2C200910181719%3A2%3A%3A%2C200909300114%3A5%3A%3A%2C200909300245%3A10%3A%3A%2C201003241262%3A10%3A%3A&FilterMode=Display+all+species&AqTempUnit=F&AqVolUnit=gUS&AqLengthUnit=inch&AqSortType=cname&FilterQuantity=2&AqJuvMode=&AqSpeciesWindowSize=short&AqSearchMode=simple

 

[Aegla Wish]

I was leaning in the same direction as ezziecat to be honest, but I don't want to be a wet blanket either. Rather than Craigslist, try locating a local club dedicated to the hobby. I've seen some clubs that have set up tanks at schools, etc. and even maintain them. Some other possibilities might be a local boy scout troop or 4H club that you could approach and ask if they would take this on as a project. Just some thoughts that may make the project a little less formidable for you.

I have to ask this one though: Are there any "Therapy Pet" organizations in your area? I've had pets over the years that were just born for the job, and if it weren't for the fact that I'm lucky enough to have a job of my own, Id be signed up by now. I know my 90 pound marshmallow would brighten some people's day.

Those are some good suggestions That I will have to look into. I know there are rules for volunteers but I could look into it. I was training a therapy animal, but she was old and died. We are some therapy animal list, but there is a long waiting list.

 

[Aegla Wish]

I'm looking at the filstar canister filter xp1 with bio-chem Zorbs.... I've heard a lot of good things about rena filstar
I still need lighting, heater, gravel, thermometer, and of course a 20 long tank, Decor (driftwood, plants rocks etc.) and stock. They didn't have all the shrimp I wanted so I just added similar shrimp in as stock to see.

What do you guys think? The filter will cost me a butt load unless someone has one lying around..... but maybe if I can get help getting the rest of the things I might be able to pull it off. People have given me some really good ideas, Unfortunately I Just don't have a lot of money.
http://www.aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php?AquTankName=Aegla+Wish&AquListBoxTank=Choose&AquTankLength=30&AquTankDepth=12&AquTankHeight=12&AquListBoxFilter=Rena+Filstar+XP1&AquTextFilterRate=45+&AquListBoxFilter2=Choose&AquTextFilterRate2=N%2FA+&FormSubmit=Display+only+suitable+species+for+your+tank&AquFilterString=&AquTextBoxQuantity=&AquTextBoxRemoveQuantity=&AlreadySelected=200909300196%3A12%3A%3A%2C200910181719%3A2%3A%3A%2C200909300114%3A5%3A%3A%2C200909300245%3A10%3A%3A%2C201003241262%3A10%3A%3A&FilterMode=Display+all+species&AqTempUnit=F&AqVolUnit=gUS&AqLengthUnit=inch&AqSortType=cname&FilterQuantity=2&AqJuvMode=&AqSpeciesWindowSize=short&AqSearchMode=simple

so what do you guys think? I don't want to overlook something.

 

[Taari]

I read through most of the first two pages of this thread and I don't think you ever said specifically what type of structure you plan to put this tank on? I saw shelves mentioned, a top and bottom shelf, but what kind of structure is it? A freestanding bookshelf? A built-in bookshelf? An open storage unit? It makes a difference. Your average 20 gallon long weighs 225 pounds when full, so you absolutely have to make sure that your shelf is strong enough to hold about 300lbs just to be on the safe side, that it has plenty of support for the middle of the tank so there is no bowing, and that it is stable and won't rock or fall over. It's also very important that the shelf is level.

I just keep picturing a normal particle board laminated bookshelf with those tiny little pegs to hold up the shelves and cringing.

 

[Aegla Wish]

It is a built in book shelf.

It is kinda hard to see, but I would be putting it on the shelf that has all the books on it, above the basket. If you look close, it is reinforced from that shelf down, with extra support to the floor. The shelf is real wood, not that fiber junk, and My maintenance friend who works there says he can get a thicker shelf to put it on that comes out a little more. I was going to put a small cabinet door to take up part of the shelf below to put the canister filter and a few extras. I could ask about additional support for the middle of the shelf and think something up, like putting the small cabinet in the middle shelf and putting triangular supports on either side.......

The shelves above the one that I am using can be adjusted in height. I was going to make the shelf above the same size, and then put a little hinged canopy that lifts up and locks, like the ones they have at petco. Maybe I'll try and make a sketch and upload it.