44G Hex Tank: Build Log with Pics.

[Pufferfan]

Cool set up! Maybe try an epoxy???

[beefcakemighty]

superglue????

[Green Ghost]

If glueing is the way you want to go, then like Pufferfan mentioned, epoxy would probably be your best bet.

I was thinking you could make a sliding glass top. If you look at the top down into the tank, then the smaller side could slide over to the larger side, but open sideways not front to back. (I was imagining it as a square and then thinking it could open side to side....) If you see what I mean here. I know it's a bit hard to understand the way I explained it.

[rdean]

I would go with epoxy. Maybe something like that stuff they advertise on tv.

[Waterkeeper]

Originally Posted by Green Ghost

I was thinking you could make a sliding glass top. If you look at the top down into the tank, then the smaller side could slide over to the larger side, but open sideways not front to back. (I was imagining it as a square and then thinking it could open side to side....) If you see what I mean here. I know it's a bit hard to understand the way I explained it.

I understand you perfectly.. I was going to have it flip toward the bigger piece, but I'm highly intriegued by your idea of a slide... especially since I am goiong to build a canopy.
only problem is that the eggcrate is going to have to slide with it. it's attached to the smaller piece, and it sits centered vertically with the 2 pieces of glass..... hmmmm

[Green Ghost]

My suggestion:

Go to your glass shop and ask for a 3 rail plasic rail and make it 3 stage instead of 2. (for the sliding top idea)

Silicone the rail to the plastic rim of the Viv to hold it in place. - That's what I do with mine.

If you think you will need to completely remove the glass top at some point then only silicone one side. It makes it much easier to remove without the glass falling in.

Don't use eggcrate. Use mosquito netting bound to a thin aluminum frame. Go to your hardware store and look for round aluminum rods. Bend it to the correct shape. You can use silicone to make a thin bead on top of the shaped rod which is now your frame. Take the mosquito netting and lay on top. Make sure it's taut. After it's dry cut away the excess. You want the aluminum frame sliding in the rails and not the mosquito netting. Don't wrap it around the aluminum rod.

***EDIT: oops I forgot to mention.... that frame should be the size of the piece you originally wanted to have flip back***

Use the framed mosquito netting section on the center rail.

This way you can close it off entirely (with the top glass closed over the netting) or have it partially vented depending on how much you open the top glass.

This also allows you to slide the alum. frame and the glass top back to go into the viv. from the top.

Let us know what you decide....

[Waterkeeper]

The entire thing needs to be removable because of the back corner. that's where all my access to the filter, heater and fogger is.
it's already going to be a tough reach once this thing is in the corner of the room.
I'm glad tho that you said "mosquito netting" because the nylon screen stops too much airflow from the fans..

Thanks!

[janelc]

Hey-love the set up! I am so looking forward to your next step. I am confused, where are you going to put your plants? Thanks! What type of plants are you going to use?

[Waterkeeper]

janelc:
Thanks for tagging along the build.. The plants are going to be over the eggcrate, on either side of the water stream.

the plants are going to be a mix of Red Krinkle (Hemigraphis exotica), White sandy (Dracaena sanderiana), some sort of terrarium palm, and a bromeliad or 2 if I can find some decently small ones.

[Waterkeeper]

oh yes.. momentum has slowed on this project.
the last 10% is the hardest to deal with.
Remaining checklist in order::

1. Finish the glass top
2. Install fans
3. Install substrate
4. Secure (escape proof) the false back.
5. Build Canopy and install lights.
6. Fill with water and plug it in!
7. Sit back with a bottle of Mosel River Riesling and enjoy my accomplishment.

So close, yet so far. I'm off to Hobby Lobby after work for some inspiration.