Aquatic Plant Central - DIY Aquarium Projects

Aquatic Plant Central - DIY Aquarium Projects http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc For those that are handy or looking to save some money, discuss your DIY aquarium projects here. en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:09:53 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/images/apc/misc/rss.jpg Aquatic Plant Central - DIY Aquarium Projects http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc substrate devider help please http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66779-substrate-devider-help-please.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:59:45 GMT I am wanting to use some vals for the back of a tank but hate the runners does any one have any ideas what i can put in the sub to keep it all at the back and the runners where i want them I am wanting to use some vals for the back of a tank but hate the runners does any one have any ideas what i can put in the sub to keep it all at the back and the runners where i want them ]]> DIY Aquarium Projects wicca27 http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66779-substrate-devider-help-please.html nano light http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66775-nano-light.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:03:28 GMT His has anyone try to put a MITSUBISHI/OSRAM 27W TWIN FLUORESCENT LAMP (FOR SOLAR MINI) to a 27watts home depot light fixture i need to replace the lamp soon but i want to have a 8000k light but i dont want to spend 200+ in a solar mini i know that it has the same watts and same square pins but i dont know if it will work His has anyone try to put a MITSUBISHI/OSRAM 27W TWIN FLUORESCENT LAMP (FOR SOLAR MINI) to a 27watts home depot light fixture i need to replace the lamp soon but i want to have a 8000k light but i dont want to spend 200+ in a solar mini i know that it has the same watts and same square pins but i dont know if it will work ]]> DIY Aquarium Projects R33 GTR http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66775-nano-light.html Using DIY Co2 during the winter?? http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66765-using-diy-co2-during-winter.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:25:30 GMT I didn't want to hijack anybody's Co2 question thread so I thought i'd start my own.....This is my second go round with DIY Co2 in the course of two years so i'm still new at this....During my first attempt everything seemed to work well except the frequent bottle changes were a pain.....but as winter approached and the temps started cooling down I noticed my mixtures didn't seem to be lasting near as long....in fact just a couple of days and it seemed that Co2 production had stopped....always less then a week....I think that was about the time I lost interest in the whole process and just stopped messing with it.

A year later I've watched as my plants have gone to the dogs and algae has taken over so I decided to buckle down and stick with it again....Already i've had issues with the cooler indoor temps seem to keep the production of Co2 to a minimum or non-existent.....in looking for ways to fix the problem I took a 5 gal bucket and filled it about 1/4 way with warm water and sat my Co2 bottle inside that....almost instantly the Co2 production jumped up to a bubble or two per second from one bubble every 15-20 seconds or so.....I kind of expected that and figured it was nothing more then a quick fix, and i'd have to keep the water warm somehow, so thoughts of adding an aquarium heater to the bucket went thru my mind......funny thing is its been over a week now and the water in the bucket has cooled off to room temp but the Co2 production is still going strong which has left me scratching my head wondering why? I thought the heat had something to do with it, but now I don't know.....any thoughts? ]]> DIY Aquarium Projects F1_Cobra http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66765-using-diy-co2-during-winter.html How to make a bookshelf/aquarium stand? http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66717-how-make-bookshelf-aquarium-stand.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:12:42 GMT Hello,

I have a computer desk that I don't really use and was wondering of replacing it for a bookshelf that can hold a 20/30 gallon long/tall. Instead of spending big bucks for one I was wondering if anyone has a blueprint on how to make one? I'm not really a handy man but I will do my best.

Thanks!

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]]> DIY Aquarium Projects eiginh http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66717-how-make-bookshelf-aquarium-stand.html DIY co2, few questions http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66716-diy-co2-few-questions.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:03:11 GMT Ok. I think i've decided to start doing diy CO2 on my 75 gallon. I know some people might think its ridiculous to do it on a 75 but im gonna try. I have plenty of sites on setups and plans, so i just have a few questions regarding the kh, ph, etc.

My main concern is that when i first add the co2 to the tank, im going to have a major ph drop/varying ph and it will kill my fish. How can i avoid this/ will it happen.

Are there any other dangers of adding diy co2 to an aquarium, mainly dangers to the fish.

Thanks.

P.S. and i have roughly 2 wpg, and lotsss of plants ]]> DIY Aquarium Projects flashbang009 http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66716-diy-co2-few-questions.html Reverse Osmosis, Water Filters, Replacement Cartridges, UV...! http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66701-reverse-osmosis-water-filters-replacement-cartridges.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:15:08 GMT Hmmm...spam much? Hmmm...spam much? ]]> DIY Aquarium Projects ghengis http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66701-reverse-osmosis-water-filters-replacement-cartridges.html I have created..... a beast http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66651-i-have-created-beast.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:28:29 GMT so i will post pictures soon but i was so excited about my new light canopy/hood it is 288w Break down: 6 x 22in T5 (3 x 6500k 14w and 3 x 5000k 14w) all connected 2 x 27w 6500k spiral bulbs 1 x 150w 8000k mh this is all over a 60P ADA tank thats about 18gallons thats a whopping 16 watts per gallon BUAHAHAHAHAAAAA :rofl: WOWZERS i have no algae or anything normal ferts ill post pics soon everything was hand made and it was designed to sit ontop of the tank and if i wanted to i can suspend it also it was made from dense fiber board, plumbers straps(metal), lots of screws, black paint, paino hinge,chrome knob, screw in hooks, and two DIY electrical wires. believe it or not i used very few tools: el cheapo drill (already had it) $20 small assortment of drill bits $3 small assortment of paddle bits $5 cheap hand saw $8 cheap hack saw $8 and a cheap interchange able screwdriver $4 equals $28 only stuff i paid for materials: wood glue $2 foil $2 roll of plumbing tape $3 screws (coarse dry wall screws) $3 for 100ct hooks $2 DIY electrical wires x 2 $8per two 3x5 heavy duty fiber boards i forgot but i think about $10-15 small chrome cabinet knob $3 chrome 30in peice of paino hinge $5 i think 2 x 27w bulbs $4 2 x bulb sockets $2 per 3 x T5 strips $22 per extra 14 guage wire $2 6 x 14 w 18inch flouro tubes $5 per tube 1 x aqua medic 150w mh fixture (had it laying around) about $300 equals $151 materials only stuff i had to pay for all stuff bought at home depot (except MH and 14w tubes) all prices are rounded for a total of about $182 if you were to buy a light with this much power from a store or online you would be paying about $400-$500 and up enjoy so i will post pictures soon but i was so excited about my new light canopy/hood

it is 288w

Break down:
6 x 22in T5 (3 x 6500k 14w and 3 x 5000k 14w) all connected

2 x 27w 6500k spiral bulbs

1 x 150w 8000k mh

this is all over a 60P ADA tank
thats about 18gallons
thats a whopping 16 watts per gallon BUAHAHAHAHAAAAA :rofl:
WOWZERS

i have no algae or anything normal ferts
ill post pics soon

everything was hand made and it was designed to sit ontop of the tank and if i wanted to i can suspend it also

it was made from dense fiber board, plumbers straps(metal), lots of screws, black paint, paino hinge,chrome knob, screw in hooks, and two DIY electrical wires.

believe it or not i used very few tools:

el cheapo drill (already had it) $20
small assortment of drill bits $3
small assortment of paddle bits $5
cheap hand saw $8
cheap hack saw $8
and a cheap interchange able screwdriver $4

equals $28 only stuff i paid for
materials:

wood glue $2
foil $2
roll of plumbing tape $3
screws (coarse dry wall screws) $3 for 100ct
hooks $2
DIY electrical wires x 2 $8per
two 3x5 heavy duty fiber boards i forgot but i think about $10-15
small chrome cabinet knob $3
chrome 30in peice of paino hinge $5 i think
2 x 27w bulbs $4
2 x bulb sockets $2 per
3 x T5 strips $22 per
extra 14 guage wire $2
6 x 14 w 18inch flouro tubes $5 per tube
1 x aqua medic 150w mh fixture (had it laying around) about $300

equals $151 materials only stuff i had to pay for

all stuff bought at home depot (except MH and 14w tubes)

all prices are rounded

for a total of about $182

if you were to buy a light with this much power from a store or online you would be paying about $400-$500 and up

enjoy ]]> DIY Aquarium Projects doubleott05 http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66651-i-have-created-beast.html Coralife flip legs using JBJ legs http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66610-coralife-flip-legs-using-jbj-legs.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:04:47 GMT Direct copy from my post on The Planted Tank.

I ran across a thread about Coralife legs breaking, getting in the way of glass tops and just all around PITA. This search was a result of one of the legs breaking and my frustration of the light getting in the way of the glass lids.
My JBJ ballast went out recently and got my sisters Coralife light. This was for a 48" fixture. My JBJ was the Formosa SS JD2.
I took the legs from my JBJ and took about 15 minutes to fit them on simply with two bolts.
Here are the pictures. They're pretty self-explanatory. Make sure you check the fitting on the light on the tank. My legs sat right on the edge of the light.
In case you didn't know, Aqualight (Coralife) I think has fixed this problem with these legs. I just had the legs available instead of paying $15+shipping.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Coralife_...MOFTLG-vi.html
Okay, pictures! If you have any questions I can post larger versions.
Heres the link for the set with more pictures. I just posted important pictures.
The Tank on Flickr

JBJ Formosa SS JD2 flip leg

The size would be 7/32 if you use the existing plastic thumb screw. I used a 3/16 drill bit.
8/32 x 1/2" Bolt
8/32 Hex nut

Inside Bolted

Flipped on the tank

Glass lid opens with no problems now for feeding.

]]> DIY Aquarium Projects rohape http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66610-coralife-flip-legs-using-jbj-legs.html Advice re t5 pendant fixture http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66551-advice-re-t5-pendant-fixture.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:27:51 GMT Hi I am considering getting a open top 75 gallon tank, and am looking for a pendant type light hood I could install a Catalina t5 retrofit lighting in it. I dont really want to use MH for this tank, and most t5 contained units look ugly. Has anybody contructed or retrofitted a nice looking hanging fixture that would contain a Catalina style light kit? thanks Kypros Hi I am considering getting a open top 75 gallon tank, and am looking for a pendant type light hood I could install a Catalina t5 retrofit lighting in it. I dont really want to use MH for this tank, and most t5 contained units look ugly. Has anybody contructed or retrofitted a nice looking hanging fixture that would contain a Catalina style light kit?
thanks
Kypros ]]> DIY Aquarium Projects Kypros http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66551-advice-re-t5-pendant-fixture.html Working with glass... cutting grinding etc. http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66505-working-glass-cutting-grinding-etc.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:46:57 GMT So far, everyone on here has been a tremendous help to me with my current project and I appreciate it.

I appreciate it, and want to give back. It just so happens that I work with glass, but not in the usual manner. My specialty is cutting grinding, modifying any and all types. This weekend I fixed a sixteenth century drinking glass. (think 1500's. I would have had a heart attack if the lady told me how old it was.)

I've read a few threads here and replied to them, but I figured I would post a few tips for anyone considering modifying their tanks.

Glass CAN be drilled but it is not the same as drilling wood. When you put a drill bit into a piece of wood, it "cuts" it's way through. When you "Drill" glass, you are actually grinding a hole in it. The SINGLE most important thing when doing this, is to keep the work COOL by dripping water on it, or actually doing the drilling/grinding submersed in water somehow. I HAVE drilled tempered glass, but I will tell you right here and now. I only got away with it because no one told me I couldn't. I guess I got lucky. ;) The imperative thing is to keep things from heating up. If they do.... "KABLEWEY!"

There are "bonding agents" out there that are unbelievable as far as the strength that they have, but are way beyond the average person's capabilities. What I use in my line of work is something similar to what a Dentist uses to bond caps and stuff on your teeth. I apply the bonding agent, position the pieces, and then stick it under and extremely high output UV light that cures the bonding agent. It is a regular thing for me to have the bonding agent be stronger than the glass itself. (I know because I've had pieces slip out of position when putting them under the UV light and tried to break them apart, only to have the glass break next to the bonded joint)

With the proper knowlege and access to the right equipment, you can work glass almost exactly like you work wood using the same basic principals. A lot of them ARE within you DIY'ers capabilities, but you just don't know it. I would love to volunteer to answer any questions you guys might have, and I KNOW you have questions I never have even thought about. :idea: Thanks again for all of YOUR help. Now it's my turn. ]]> DIY Aquarium Projects RestlessCrow http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66505-working-glass-cutting-grinding-etc.html Excel Algae Brush http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66483-excel-algae-brush.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:17:52 GMT Just a little something I dreamed up the other day. Don't even know as to its effectiveness, just yet... But anyhoo. A little background. We all know the effectiveness of spot treating algae with Flourish Excel. Well I had been using the technique for a while, with great success, until I noticed the riccia below the algae affected area was starting to burn...obviously the Excel was just floating down and OD'ing the riccia. So I gave that idea away. Recently I had noticed the GHA starting to get a little prominent...not excessive, just annoying. So, I took my algae magnet (the rough half) and began scrubbing the affected rock, to little avail. That's when it hit me...I needed something that would dispense some Excel, very accurately, and make the most use of it before it was dispelled or floated away.

This is what I came up with.

Take one new, firm, toothbrush; a small syringe; some airline; and an airline elbow (note the elbow in the pic has had the end barb already sawn off)

In the back of the head of the t'brush, I drilled a pilot hole, followed by a hole just large enough to accomodate the elbow

Insert elbow...

...and attach syringe (with zip tie, for security)

Take measured dose of Excel. I usually dose 10ml daily, but the syringe will only take 5ml. The remaining 5ml was tipped straight into the tank.

...it is at this point that I became re-aquainted with gravity

...oooops!! So, I hastily removed the syringe, filled it separately and re-attached it.

Time for a test out! ...and for a very inquisitive Paradise Fish to see if the new thing is edible...

The idea is that I dispense just enough Excel as I work, scrubbing away on the affected rock. As I say, I don't even know if it will work, time will tell as to the effectiveness, but I like the idea and thought maybe someone here could use it too :D

Thanks for looking! ]]> DIY Aquarium Projects ghengis http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66483-excel-algae-brush.html Kindly Guide me Regarding this DIY Filter http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66471-kindly-guide-me-regarding-diy-filter.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:46:31 GMT Hi Friends,

One of my Acrylic Tank cammein with a Top Filter like this - http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums...d.php?t=199421

I want to DIY something like this for my new large frontosa tank and I plan to use it for Mechanical Filtration alone ( Fine Filter Wool )

I cant buy a Ready Made Top Filter for my new tank,as I cant afford to buy one now. So I thought that it would be great if I can make something like that by myself - it will be great and good fun and I'll be very grateful to you all if you can kindly guide me and give me a few ideas regarding this...

The basic plan is to have a pump move water from the tank to a container like thing that is situated on the hood of the tank, and containing filter wool, thru which the water passes and falls back in to the tank via gravity...

Kindly guide me and give me a few ideas, Friends...
Thanks a lot !
Regards and Care
Kush ]]> DIY Aquarium Projects nagukush http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66471-kindly-guide-me-regarding-diy-filter.html Aeration at night through lilly pipe http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66451-aeration-night-through-lilly-pipe.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:54:25 GMT Hear is a simple plan of the DIY-Aeration at night through lilly pipe. Parts list: • 8 in ¾ PVC pipe • ¾ to ½ adaptors 2 pc. • ½ PVC pipe • Air line • Air stone • Check valve • Air flow valve • Air pump • Timer Drill hole in the ¾ PVC pipe slightly smaller then airline, feed line thru the hole, attach air stone, pull back and seal it with silicone. Glue the rest of it together, let it dry, test for leaks. Hook it up, set timer, adjust airflow. Done. Hear is a simple plan of the DIY-Aeration at night through lilly pipe.
Parts list:
• 8 in ¾ PVC pipe
• ¾ to ½ adaptors 2 pc.
• ½ PVC pipe
• Air line
• Air stone
• Check valve
• Air flow valve
• Air pump
• Timer

Drill hole in the ¾ PVC pipe slightly smaller then airline, feed line thru the hole, attach air stone, pull back and seal it with silicone. Glue the rest of it together, let it dry, test for leaks. Hook it up, set timer, adjust airflow. Done.

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]]> DIY Aquarium Projects Daniil http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66451-aeration-night-through-lilly-pipe.html ada wannabe http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66376-ada-wannabe.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:14:31 GMT there is currently no ada distributor in south africa, so i have decided to make a copy of their stand for a 90x45x45cm tank. i am using jason baliban's howto for inspiration...

i am using 18mm ply that i will laminate with storm gray formica.

everything has been glued, screwed and biscuited so it should last forever :P

i have the laminate sheeting, i just need a laminate router bit. i am going to start filling and sanding soon. i am going to paint the inside gray to match, i have a light that will come on when the doors open, so it shouldnt be too dark..

i still need to measure and cut the doors too... i have the hinges and the hinge pot cutter.

what do you think so far? ]]> DIY Aquarium Projects wearsbunnyslippers http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66376-ada-wannabe.html Aquarium stand http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66171-aquarium-stand.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:41:03 GMT I just wanted to show my little aquarium stand. It is actually a bathroom vanity. The cupboard works well for hiding the CO2 bottles and supplies. I just wanted to show my little aquarium stand. It is actually a bathroom vanity. The cupboard works well for hiding the CO2 bottles and supplies.

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]]> DIY Aquarium Projects Jeanine http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/66171-aquarium-stand.html