My Aquarium Evolution

[packergene]

Hello all,
Wanted to show what I am starting out with. I believe this is a 33 gallon tank that measures from the outside 48"L X 12"W X 12"H.
As you can see, I am testing for leaks. No leaks after 4 days, so far so good.
First order of business, I am building a custom stand and hood that will basically be a 48" wide book case, with a matching hood. (Woodworking is another hobby of mine) I will post my progress as things move along.
I have had some success with aquariums in the past, but as I have read many times on this and other web sights, there's always something new to learn. I have chosen this sight for my number one source of information, and looks like I will not be disappointed.
Thanks in advance , Gene

Edit- This thread was titled post #2-- the tank --post update #6. They have since been merged together and retitled.

[Lady Hobbs]

You have indeed a 33 gallon long. You can clean the hard water spots easily with straight vinegar. Just let it sit or about 5 minutes and nearly all will come off easily.

[rich311k]

Nice tank, a little inegar and elbow grease and you should be good to go.

[gadget228]

Noticing the number of pipe clamps that you have hanging on the wall behind the tank says that you are into woodworking, looking forward to seeing your stand and canopy when you get it done.

[SunSchein89]

Should look nice . Always excited to see another person's project start from the ground up and watch it grow. Something else to try if you have it around the house for the hard water stains is lemon juice. Haven't tried it myself yet, but have heard good things.

[packergene]

hello all, I had to change direction from my last post as I stated I was going to build my own stand and hood for my 33 g. long. Well, my wife did not like the idea of another chunk of oak in the living room, so we compromised on this black metal stand. However, I will still be making the canopy with lighting. I will also make a lower storage cabinet that will house all the supplies, tools, foods,ect. This will rest on the lower part of the stand. All this will be black to match the stand. Now for my question... Since I will be building my own top, I need to first figure out my lighting system. I would love to say "money was no object" but the truth is I need to come up with something I can buy at HOME DEPOT as I have gift cards I need to use. So for all you DIY'ers out there, can I put together a half way decent lighting system by using stuff from H.D.?
My goal is a well planted tank, but keeping in mind the tank is only 12 inches deep, so I don't want to over-do-it and grow more alge than plants. Does the 1 1/2 watts per gallon rule stand even for a shallower tank? Bottom line is, Does anyone have any good ideas for building a decent lighting system with using stuff from the big box store? Any advice/help would be appreciated! Once I figure this out I can design the top and build it.
Thanks and have a great weekend, Gene

[AmyLynn]

A lot of people use standard shop lights over their tanks and do great with them. For most plants you'll want to be in the 1.5 to 2 wpg range and make sure it's in the 6500-6700k light range. That gives you the best spectrum to grow plants. Most companies have a fluorescent plant bulb. With a standard t12 or t8 bulb I don't think you'll have problems with the tank only being 12 inches deep.

With your tank style you might think of making a hanging light type system. I've seen people use pipe that runs up the back of the tank and then bends over. Looks very industrial/modern. If you're into that anyways. LOL

Make sure, with that style stand, that you get cups or pads to put under those feet. My 29g has a stand like that and even with the cups it tends to put a lot of pressure on the floor.

[Northernguy]

Make a canopy with an adjustable shop light!
Its not difficult with threaded rod and nuts to raise and lower it.
Aeonflame made a nice one.

[Aeonflame]

Heres mine. Its not finished yet, I plan to make it into a full canopy with dual lids tomorrow. Just a matter of covering it with 1/4 inch ply and trim.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...828#post739828

[octoxpuss]

With the metal stand i would put some wood underneath them becuase with all the weight of thge aquarium on it they legs might eventually rip through the carpet or slice through it. IME