Beginner asking for advice on tank dimensions + hood mounted on shoe cabinet

[Clausura]

Hi guys,

I have been asking the bros here regarding the set up of my tank and many have kindly given their advice. Many thanks to those who responded =)

Now, I would like to take the plunge and buy the tank for my custom-built shoe cabinet that my contractor was instructed to build to hold a 4-feet tank. It would be so easy just to buy a 4 feet tank and put on top, but the renovation contractor did not include any holes in the cabinet so that hoses and power cables can access the tank and powerpoints.

I will include some pictures here of the cabinet so that you are able to see clearer what my dilemma is.











Also the dimensions of the cabinet top is included here:



From the pictures, if I would like an external filtration system, I would have to remove some of the shelving from my shoe cabinet to make way for the filter and drill a hole at the back of the cabinet to allow the hoses and power cables to reach the tank and plug respectively.

Some bros have suggested an overflow system that will allow me to keep my shoe rack intact and not make any holes in it. However, I have zero knowledge of what the system is, much less setting it up.

I plan for a low-tech set-up to keep neon tetras and rummy noses and plants would be java ferns and java moss.

Therefore, I would ask the bros here:

1) What is the optimum size of tank that I should get, allowing for the hood to go on top?

2) Do any bros have a contact for anyone that does customised tanks that come with hood that allows for lighting and hoses for the external filtration.

3) Any bros have a diagram for me so that I may understand the overflow system and know anybody that can do it for me?

Sorry for the long post, but I would love to start an aquarium but I would like it done right as making a tank is quite ex from the quotes that I have received and I do have a tight budget, if the price is within reasonable limits, I don't mind getting or doing it.

So please give me your input bros and thanks in advance! =)

[v_nod]

Hi,
1) The space you've given in the measurement can allow a 4ft x 1.5ft tank at its max. But I have no idea what you mean by 'hood'. Light hood?
2) Can't help you here, bro.
3) I think what you're talking about is the Overhead Filter (OHF). It's basically a black box on the top of your tank (acts as a paertial cover too) with an inlet and outlet. Water is drawn from the tank through the inlet and pump, and pumps water across mediums (ceramic rings, filter floss, charcoal, etc,) and releases it back through the outlet.

[Blankies]

Bro... I would like to follow your project in my new house...

Please keep writing! Cheers!

For me, I would suggest a open top tank, with LED lights which have a acute angle shining down...so that it will not be a distraction to others in living room.

try not to have a hood, as the hood will increase the water temperature

but if you want a OHF, then a hood is necessary to cover the ugly sight

[David Moses Heng]

Hi there.

Please allow me to suggest
1) check with your contractor that the cabinet can indeed support a 4 feet tank. I am very sure that you wouldn't want to wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of a tank full of water smashing to the floor...
2) For the overflow system, I believe that the guys are suggesting that you opt for an internal overflow system. How this system looks like is that it actually have a compartment on one end of the tank with interconnected chambers which will allow you to put the filter medias and return pump in. The only problem with this system, I find, is that it can be quite unsightly. But then again, I have seen people who have done eye catching scape with this kind of set ups
3) For planted, try to go for open top tank unless you have a chiller to cool your tank water down. If not, try to do without the hood.
4) for lights, if budget is of concern for you right now, stay with the common T5HO first. LEDs can come later.
5) Setup assistance. If you really need any help, you can PM me and if my schedule allows it, I don't see why not.
6) Tanks: for a 4 feet by 1.5 by 1.5 normal glass, I believe you can get it anywhere between $180 to $300.

Just my 2 cents worth.