open bottom aquarium

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vmprlrd

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May 8, 2008
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Hey guys is anyone familiar with the open bottom aquariums? they concept is really amazing and I know i can build it (depending on the costs) but i need to see what is under the "hood". if any one has one can you please post some pictures? any thoughts and comments on the mechanics are welcome. I think i might have an idea but I am just not sure.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s81goz-uxU&feature=related
 
There is the obvious that to keep the water all the way filled up, the top must be sealed so that water levels won't drop down. In that enclosed space, I would expect to find an air pump that is tolerant of low pressures. By running the pump with the airstone outside the tank, the water would be drawn up into the tank. Once it has filled, the air stone can be moved to release its bubbles into the water column and produce that mysterious "How do they do that without losing the fill?" impression. I am certain that the tank would take some unusual maintenance but it would run fine long enough for a party without any incidents. If the bottom container is big enough to hold all the water, it would really not be a problem if things started to deteriorate in the vertical part.
 
WANT
 
ok guys i think i figured it out. After some more thinking and using my high tech tools of paper and pencil along with some brain power(powered by energy drinks). i think the easiest way to fill the vertical tank is to drill a hole on the top, fit a one way valve that is fit to a tubing. Then while slowly poring the water to the bottom part of the tank, either suck or use a vacuum to create the vacuum on the top "sucking" the water in. then attach an ir pump to it and connect it to the bottom to bubble. so what ever air gets sucked out of the top gets replace on the bottom. this way if the power goes out you are still fine. what do you guys think? now to find some supplies to test this....any one wanna donate some money? :)
 
Ive seen the video before, but i think it might work much like dipping a cup in water, filling it up, keeping the surface underwater, but then lifting the opposite end up so the water stays suctioned in.

Didnt read the description in the video, but it tells you something of the matenance and how it was built i think
 
ya i was going with the same concept but generated a little differently. I will try to find some supplies in a craft store and build it a small scale prototype. if anyone wants to take a shot at it please do. I think its really cool if we can make a DIY on this.
 
There are a buncha these on youtube. It is done with a vacuum pump usulally from an old air conditioner unit. basicly they pump the air out of the top section which draws water up into it, and then they set a gauge to maintain a specific amount of vacuum which is equal to the weight of the water. and yes, the bottom should be able to hold all of the water in the event of a failure.
 
I have to say I'm not finding it all that interesting. For me the art is less about these conceptual tanks and showpieces and a lot more about creating an expressive natural beauty inside of the container. Something like this is just so unnatural and far too modern for me.

Not that I'm knocking it or anything. To each his own. I just find that it goes almost against what I like to do with aquariums.
 
echoofformless said:
I have to say I'm not finding it all that interesting. For me the art is less about these conceptual tanks and showpieces and a lot more about creating an expressive natural beauty inside of the container. Something like this is just so unnatural and far too modern for me.

Not that I'm knocking it or anything. To each his own. I just find that it goes almost against what I like to do with aquariums.
Click to expand...


:iagree:

I find a "snapshot" of an ecosystem in a box much more interesting.
 
"I have to say I'm not finding it all that interesting. For me the art is less about these conceptual tanks and showpieces and a lot more about creating an expressive natural beauty inside of the container. Something like this is just so unnatural and far too modern for me."

well i kinda have to agree and disagree with you at the same time. I like it because 1) I am an engineering student which means i love working on crazy stuffs. 2) i live in a dorm room so my horizontal space is limited but this way i can utilize vertical space. but i do agree with you about making aquarium natural. mostly i just like the challenge of DIY part and i am really a pretty strict DIY which means the only stuff i buy is from junk yards or nuts and botls from hardware store.
 
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