Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => DIY => Topic started by: GrizzlysDad on July 27, 2012, 09:07:59 AM

Title: Kicking an Idea Around....
Post by: GrizzlysDad on July 27, 2012, 09:07:59 AM
NO, NOT SETTING UP A FISH ROOM AGAIN  :P
I used to have a paludarium at my old house in Garden City that used a 55g.
I've always wanted to do a 6' tank along the same lines.
Since I am still only in "thought mode" I am actually thinking about building an "L" shaped set up using a 72"x18" and a 48"x18" with a 50BR as the "corner" piece of the puzzle.
I'll do a separate thread if and when I make my decision.
It's either this project or building the indoor pond again that I started before my car accident.
Title: Re: Kicking an Idea Around....
Post by: Super Turtleman on July 27, 2012, 09:42:24 AM
THAT...would be cool...especially with those dimensions. Hope you go for it.
Title: Re: Kicking an Idea Around....
Post by: Regalblue on July 27, 2012, 09:51:26 AM
The idea sounds cool. I'd like to see it drawn up before I gave my approval, though. :P
Title: Re: Kicking an Idea Around....
Post by: Helloitsme on July 27, 2012, 10:21:47 AM
Well, you've already done the indoor pond. I'd say do the paludarium.
Title: Re: Kicking an Idea Around....
Post by: Michael Zebrowski on July 27, 2012, 11:04:07 AM
You can build the entire unit out of marine plywood, glass or plexi, and have a single tank instead of 3.  I did this many years ago; it worked out well.  With this method you can determine the dimensions.

Take cxare,

Mike Z.
Title: Re: Kicking an Idea Around....
Post by: Ron on July 27, 2012, 12:20:04 PM
The paludarium sounds like a neat project. I had one years ago as a kid and kept salamanders.

I presume if you'd use glass tanks, you wouldn't be joining them together into a single container? I think that the plywood tank idea sounds like a better route. You'd have a lot more flexibility on dimensions.
Title: Re: Kicking an Idea Around....
Post by: Marty on July 27, 2012, 03:09:20 PM
If you're looking for a project to keep you busy, come on over! 

I have a bunch of unfinished projects, and some of them are even fish related  ;D
Title: Re: Kicking an Idea Around....
Post by: gmaschke on July 27, 2012, 04:17:50 PM
Didn't know the term so I googled it and came up with a nice looking set-up.  I am sure the options are endless  http://www.plantedtank.net/articles/Paludarium-Construction-Photo-Journal/28/
Title: Re: Kicking an Idea Around....
Post by: GrizzlysDad on July 27, 2012, 08:16:16 PM
You can build the entire unit out of marine plywood, glass or plexi, and have a single tank instead of 3.  I did this many years ago; it worked out well.  With this method you can determine the dimensions.

Take cxare,

Mike Z.

Thanks for the suggestion Mike...I am aware of this method, however I already have the tanks and even more important is the fact I want it glass on all sides for the light penetration to aid in the plant growth.
Title: Re: Kicking an Idea Around....
Post by: mightieskeeper on July 31, 2012, 11:34:59 PM
Cool idea Tony, you should do it!
Title: Re: Kicking an Idea Around....
Post by: GrizzlysDad on September 04, 2012, 06:43:21 PM
Alright, I have decided to nix this project and just do a standard 6' paludarium in a specific spot of the living room.
Besides, I am leaning more and more towards setting the indoor pond back up since I never achieved the finished product due to the car accident. I have better design structure planned for the pond and it's heating, etc.
I will do a step-by-step thread when I get started with the pond.
And yes, I will do a separate thread whenever I get around to the paladarium too.