Need your opinion on an idea of mine

[Lady Hobbs]

I have this area in my living room that is a totally dead area. I had plans to put a shelf in this space but today I thought, hummm, how about a fish tank instead?

The space is 12"w x 35"L and 34"h. This let's out a whole lot of tanks that are 36 inches in length but I could work with a 37 gallon (30x12x23) for this area, I think. That would leave me space for my power cord along side and a spot to stick some fish food.

I will have no place for a canister or power filter so I was thinking of a Fluval internal filter.....the U4 that filters 34-65 gallons. Anyone use these filters? They do have a very good customer review and I think Coco_pleco recommended them to me once. If I use a power filter, it needs space behind the tank and I want the tank to fit right inside this space flush.

I'm thinking of building a wooden box that will fit in that whole area probably about 5 inches high to put the tank on rather than having it just sitting on the floor.

Open to ideas here.

[little hawaii]

I have this area in my living room that is a totally dead area. I had plans to put a shelf in this space but today I thought, hummm, how about a fish tank instead?

The space is 12"w x 35"L and 34"h. This let's out a whole lot of tanks that are 36 inches in length but I could work with a 37 gallon (30x12x23) for this area, I think. That would leave me space for my power cord along side and a spot to stick some fish food.

I will have no place for a canister or power filter so I was thinking of a Fluval internal filter.....the U4 that filters 34-65 gallons. Anyone use these filters? They do have a very good customer review and I think Coco_pleco recommended them to me once. If I use a power filter, it needs space behind the tank and I want to tank to fit right inside this space flush.

I'm thinking of building a wooden box that will fit in that whole area probably about 5 inches high to put the tank on rather than having it just sitting on the floor.

Open to ideas here.


Why not more fish? I live in a very very small apartment and have 440g. going. Always room for one more eh. Have you thought of switching to simple powerheads and either undergravel or sponge. I like the way you want to lift it up but why not eye level.thumbs2: :22:

[Lady Hobbs]

Because the space is not eye level? Can't have UGF's here, either. The tank will be planted.

[korith]

It does seem a bit low of a spot to put a tank in.

Hmm if you get your son to build you a nice stand. You could put the tank on the countertop. The stand would reinforce the bottom of the counter shelf.

[Sharkman]

I've always wanted a tank on the floor. It would make for easier maintenance and get those hard to reach places.

[Rue]

I'd suggest a little custom-made platform as well. I'd hate to have a tank sitting directly on a carpet (not that that's what you were going to do, but in general)...

Wouldn't be hard to do for a smaller tank...might even be able to buy something and saw off the legs...

[Northernguy]

That was a great suggestion Rue!
Thrift stores offer all kinds of ready to be custom made furnishings!:19:

I also like the idea of re-enforcing that shelf and having a 35gal up there.
Be a p.i.t.a. to clean though.lol

[Lady Hobbs]

Can't have it on the kitchen counter as I am already shy on counter space. Guess maybe I need to think about this a wee bit more. My thoughts of putting a tank in that dead space is because it takes up 0 space. But perhaps this was not such a keen idea. :) It would be kinda handy to soak my feet in tho.

[Wild Turkey]

Low-rise tanks have a look all their own imo.

The big concern is it being right on the floor, it can easily get kicked or bumped, or items kicked into it. Building a short box to get it up a few inches is a great idea I think.

The other concern that comes to mind is spillage, do you eat at that counter often? I cringe at the thought of spilling milk or soda or something into the tank, or onto the powerstrip.

[aquariums+me=happy]

You could do an open top tank?? viewing it from the surface.

[chrisfraser05]

I think its a great idea. My tank is only about 70cm off the ground, perfect height for looking at when sat on the sofa though :)

As for the filter, I am running the U2 at the moment and have no complaints. Plenty options for how you want the output to flow and easy to get into and remove the media.

Also easy enough to hide behind some drift wood ;)

[Lady Hobbs]

I may just give it a try. If I don't like it, I'll just buy a stand for it and put it elsewhere. I have a 55 gallon stand sitting on my balcony holding plants but don't want another 55. Too bad I can't trade it on something.

[Scrup]

Could always have it planted, set it so its level with the counter and have the plants growing out and above the top of the tank.