i was talking at a pet store one day and noticed these biocubes from oceanic on display. its this cube looking tanks that comes in 8, 14 and 29 gallons. its all in one meaning theres filter built in with lights. the filter is hidden behind a false wall that contains 3 chambers. one is to mechanical filtration, second chamber is biological, then 3rd is the return where the water is pumped back into the main display area of the tank. lights are usually 2 compact fluorescent combo bulbs that emits white and blue colors.

i also started drift to salt water reef tanks. so i found this one forum, www.nano-reef.com. i learned alot in there and saw some custom made tanks. as most of you know, im a DIYer and i made a DIY wet/dry filter that is stickied here, i decided to make my own tank.

after hunting down some glass and got all my supplies, this is what i came up with

the design


the process





final resting place and lights



all finished

Nice! you certainly are handy to do that yourself.! the only thing that worries me about your design is the lack of a frame to help keep it all together (you know, like the one that goes around the top and bottom of a storebought fish tank.) are you planning to use one??

I bet you saved yourself a bundle, those biocubes are not cheap!

None of my fish tanks have frames, I think their for display more then anything.

That looks great, I had a similar one made for my Bettas, though I didn't make it LOL, I payed a guy to.

the glass i used is thick enough so that the brace isnt needed. i repaired my 55 gal tank recently and completely re-siliconed all the glass pieces. the glass i used for this 14 gal tank is thicker than the one on my 55 gal tank!

the only reason some tanks of braces is because of cost. they use thinner glass to make their tanks. but the thin glass isnt thick enough at the edges to hold back the pressure from the water so a brace is used to support it.

very nice disaster. what are you going to put in that tank?

impressive!!! Is it for salt water tank?

yup, this is gonna be a salt water reef tank.

i want to put some corals and a fish or 2.

updates...

got the rocks and sand, waiting for it to clear


finally cleared

That makes me feel safe. Not!

You are quite handy to have around. Are you taking orders yet?

So a cover isn't needed then? You need a fish that wants to stay put, right?

wow i wish I was that clever congratulations

sorry ive been pretty busy lately....

there is a cover for the tank. a sheet of clear plastic that keeps the dust and bugs out. also prevents fish from jumping. ill seriously consider making a few for you guys if theres enough interests

heres some update pictures

Oh how cute, it's "Nemo"! Saltwater tanks are alot of work. Nice job on the tank. Good luck with it.

I admire you handy work! How many gallons does that little thing hold? I wish I was confident enough to make one. You did a good job with the silicone, it looks very professional.

its definately a lot more work than fresh water. just water changes alone, you need to get either distilled water or reverse osmosis water. its got to be as clean as possible. then mix the salt to the right ratio. then corals are light intensive so need new lighting...

but the end result is worth slaving over




thanks =) i used painters tape and taped off the area i dont want silicone on. rippped the tape off as soon as i laid and smoothed out the silicone

oooooh! Good to know! I'm doing a repair job right now, and was wondering that myself. Thanks!!!

You'de have to come up with a price - I'd definately consider it. I'm not confident enough to go saltwater with anything bigger than that, and yours seems a perfect size for newbies.

just to let you know, it wasnt cheap to make this tank. the tank itself cost me $90 to make