[gzeiger]

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?

 

[bradac56]

You probably want to look at something like the plant hangers at http://ripariumsupply.com/store.html.

If you scroll down the page you'll find small and large 'Hanging Planters' that will let you hang plants at any level along the back glass you want.

I'm planning on ordering some myself soon'ish to use in my regular planted tanks.

- Brad

 

[Solid]

Maybe try some of hanging pots from http://www.ripariumsupply.com you can probably just suction cup them to the back of your tank where ever you want them. If i had a really tall tank i would go ahead and make a riparium out of it, that would add plenty of shade for your fish =)

Edit:Brad beat me to it.

 

[bradac56]

I went ahead and bought a small three pack to see how well they look I'll post back when I get them in.

- Brad

 

[gzeiger]

Thanks for the link. I might try some of those, but they seem hellaciously expensive for a plastic flowerpot and a suction cup. I'd still like to have just a flat piece across the whole tank so I can have plants in the middle too. The side of a milk crate would be the ideal material, but I need a piece about 16x36 inches.