20 Gallon Shallow Cube (56K)

[dubvstudent]

12/25/12:


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Setup:

Tank - 24" x 24" x 8"
Lighting - (1) 42w 6500k Spiral Compact Florescent
Filtration - 1 inch PVC Herbie Overflow, Sump
Substrate - Pool Filter Sand
Fauna - Sterbia Cory Cats

I have always wanted to build an aquarium from scratch and have finality gotten around to doing so. I didn't want to make a standard shape or anything too tall on my first attempt so I went with a shallow cube design. I made a scale model to get a feel for what I wanted it to look like. There is a journal of it here: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=197241

I have started construction on the stand and the tank itself is now complete. I hope to complete the stand this weekend and gather some more materials.
Here is the progress so far:

Tank Assembly:


I have been waiting to use this driftwood. As you can see, it will protrude from the top of the tank by around 18 inches:


Started Work on the stand. It will have a large door on front for easy access to the sump:


Looks like I measured correctly. The tank should fit snugly after I add trim to the stand:


Updates to come...

[marioman72]

very cool set up! cant wait to see this tank started

[acitydweller]

Looks great!

[albino_pleco]

Looks like a great project. I really like the shallow cube design, seems really fish friendly.

[GMYukonon24s]

Nice job on the build! I also like the shallow tank.

[Kayen]

Great build so far an interesting dimensions, can't wait to see the results !

[drewsuf82]

Looks awesome, great lookin wood !

[RobMc]

That is pure - awesomeness. I can't wait to see how you integrate the wood.

[dubvstudent]

The stand/cabinet is finished and the base of the hardscape is now complete.



Just trying to get a feel for the hardscape. I ended up moving to majority of the rock and wood slightly forward to its final position.


The stand turned out well.


Added a few more rocks and moved it into its final position.

[synaethetic]

Amazing! Very unique!

[Acro]

That is HOT!
Great tank, Great wood, can't wait to see it filled!

[marioman72]

this tank looks amazing, cant wait too see this thing planted. are you planing on adding plants above water also?

[dubvstudent]

Originally Posted by marioman72

this tank looks amazing, cant wait too see this thing planted. are you planing on adding plants above water also?

Yes, The majority of the plant mass in this tank will be above the water line. I will be using anubias, riccia, and mosses around the waterline, some vine-like plantings to overtake the wood, and even some tillandsia mounted in the upper branches.

Since the tank will have low light and no CO2, The underwater portion will consist mostly of an easier grass, narrow leaf micro sword, and some crypts.

[Overfloater]

Love it! The dimensions are very intriguing and you have a great hardscape started.

[Rastafarian]

Very nice hardscape!Great job