I have a custom size 60 gallon tank (not custom for me; I bought it used) that I would like to add some plants to. The problem is that it's absurdly deep, so much so that it's impractical to light all the way to the bottom. I also want to keep a coarse gravel substrate for some of the fish, and I would like the bottom to pretty much stay shaded because I have some nervous fish that would appreciate the extra cover.
What I really want to do with this tank is add a layer of potted plants near the top. These may be aquatic plants or emergent terrestrials. What I need is a material from which to construct a frame with a rack to hold the pots up high in the tank where they can grow close to a relatively weak single T8 bulb. Something similar to eggcrate would be good for the rack, but I would like slightly larger holes so it doesn't create a barrier to fish and food movement up and down.
Also, for the frame that will support this, I need to know where to find wood that isn't chemically treated, or else another suitable material that won't leach anything into the water.
Any ideas?
What I really want to do with this tank is add a layer of potted plants near the top. These may be aquatic plants or emergent terrestrials. What I need is a material from which to construct a frame with a rack to hold the pots up high in the tank where they can grow close to a relatively weak single T8 bulb. Something similar to eggcrate would be good for the rack, but I would like slightly larger holes so it doesn't create a barrier to fish and food movement up and down.
Also, for the frame that will support this, I need to know where to find wood that isn't chemically treated, or else another suitable material that won't leach anything into the water.
Any ideas?