Coffee table aquarium

[cannarella]

I would be more worried about the constant banging of feet, cups, plates, kids on the table where it would stress the inhabitants.

I would build it where the top would have a box that protrudes into the water just enough to make it viewable. I would take some thought to create over flows and what not so the thing would not make a mess.

 

[BlakDuc]

You could make a pendant into a decrative ornament that sits in the middle on top of the tank to light it; or if you are not worried about seeing in from the sides, you could light it from 2 sides with T5's or VHO's. As for the top, most people want the edges to overhang. You could have someone cut a dado into the 1.5" acrylic about half way that would perfectly mate with the table section. then bring the water level up to this. I think it would be pretty hard to get the overflow working correctly and at a consistant level doing it this way. You are also going to need some serious surface agitation in the sump to make up for the lack of it inside the table. Good luck and I hope to see it built asap.

 

[hebygb]

Some good ideas have been made about surface and lighting. Just an observation. None of the tanks shown in the above links appear to be saltwater. Lighting, circulation, surface clarity, and most important is tank maintenance. Where is the sump, the top off, the skimmer, the calcium reactor? Sure you can put all of that in the basement, or build a trough in the floor to run plumbing to another location, but then you may as well have an installed tank.

I think a nice rimless tank with a viewing box next to it would be nice... the danger is if the kids think its a wishing well and start throwing pennies in... right DonW?

 

[ipodhommie]

what if you had a lip around the aquarium and drilled holes into it then had the top meet with the flange and then lower into the aquarium?

 

[Donw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11541453#post11541453 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hebygb
I think a nice rimless tank with a viewing box next to it would be nice... the danger is if the kids think its a wishing well and start throwing pennies in... right DonW?

:lol: That I have to agree with. Now if you could find a shock collar for them thats another story, then go for it.

Don

 

[jnarowe]

Just set up a Tesla perimeter and call it good. But I wouldn't be doing any late night snack runs! :lol:

 

[Jarob]

I am actually building one right now. Here is the one everyone keeps talking about in the clam forum, its where I got most of my ideas.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1020163


And here are a few pictures of the one I am building. I'm starting a build thread tomorrow and will post a link on here too.

The tank will be about 22" x 18" x 10". The "table" will measure 26"x26"x20" and will have a 20"x15" viewing window on top. Lighting will be one 150w DE HQI for now, but I plan on adding some T5's later down the road when I have the money. The lighting will be in the back of the "table" and will be angled to shine on the tank. Filter for now will only consist of a HOB style fuge full of chaeto and will recieve its light from the MH also. I will also run carbon and phos. in TLF reactors. My main way to keep the tank clean will be weekly water changes with a special pump and plumbing to make that easy, just plug in and the water will drain.

Notice the viewing window isnt centered, its to allow the light to be out of view. The viewing window will be acrylic and will be easily removable to access the frags without having to open up the table.