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Guppygirl needs your help! :-)
By guppygirl from the From the department, Section Ask Guppylog Posted on Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 12:26:04 PM PST Tags: (all tags)

My husband asked me yesterday what I wanted for my birthday, and then told me that he couldn't get me like a 125 gal. tank, but would I like a smaller one? 50? 40? 20? Yes, yes, and yes!!!! OK, one of the problems with a new set up is space. There is none. Except, we have a "cut out" in the wall between the kitchen and dining room, that has a shelf.

Now, since this will probably be the last set up I will get for many, many moons, every decision is very important to me.

The location described above would look absolutely beautiful with a nice planted tank
set there. The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that this is THE spot.

The problem is that the shelf is only 11" wide, and most (larger than 10 gallon) rectangular tanks are 12".
And, settling for a 10 gallon while he's footing the bill for my birthday, is not an option.

So, I asked if we could put in a wider shelf, and he said, "Then, we'd have to pull the insert frame out, the moulding, stain the new wood, etc., etc., etc."

So I said that maybe I could find an aquarium that would fit the space.
I did a search and found a tank that I think would be perfect.
It's a 30 gallon Breeder tank that measures 36"x8"x12".

Since I'm going to start breeding swordtails, instead of guppies, I think this would be a great size for the growing fry.

I'm having trouble locating one though, and was wondering if anyone can help me out here.

See, if the tank is too expensive, and I have to wait to do the changes to the location, well,
can you all say "Kiss my birthday present good bye for another year, or ever?"

So this is my dilema, I'm sure I'll have questions as I go through more of the set up, just like anyone else does.

I'd really appreciate any help anyone can give me.

Thanks,
guppygirl
:-)

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Guppygirl needs your help! :-) | 22 comments (22 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

What did you end up getting?? (none / 0) (#20)
by GuppyAdict on Wed Sep 17, 2003 at 11:20:20 PM PST

Did you ever get your bigger tank for your birthday?

BTW, Happy belated Birthday!!

New Tank! (none / 0) (#21)
by guppygirl on Thu Sep 18, 2003 at 12:34:40 PM PST

Hey GA,

I'm having an "All-Glass" custom tank made to fit the space. It will be 36"x10"x16" and approximately 25 gallons.

It may wind up being a little on the expensive side, but when you figure this will be the last one I'll be getting in this life (or house) anyway, it will be worth it.

Hubby doesn't mind spending the extra money, since we won't have to do any alterations to the house (which always wind up as nightmares), and is looking forward to it.

Everyone I have told, loves the idea, and thinks it will look AWESOME!!!
I think that's helping too.

I'll be taking photos as I go through the set up, I think. Maybe Scott can put a few on the site.

Wish me luck!!!!

:-)

[ Parent ]

Sounds Wonderful!! (none / 0) (#22)
by GuppyAdict on Thu Sep 18, 2003 at 03:38:40 PM PST

GG,

From the sounds of it, you have everything under control. I'm excited for you and can't wait to see your setup.

[ Parent ]

New tank revisited (none / 0) (#19)
by cloe on Wed Sep 17, 2003 at 06:16:22 PM PST

Oh, I did not mean to say that the aquarium store is "mine" per se (though I have paid them so much money over the years I should have stock! (fish and paper) But I go there alot and they are really nice with tons of good, not dead, fish!
Cloe

New tank (none / 0) (#18)
by cloe on Wed Sep 17, 2003 at 06:14:42 PM PST

Hi there - I am not sure where you are located but my aquarium store is awesome - "House of Fins" in Greenwich, Conn. they have a web site and do proffesional tank installations etc, they may be able to build you something that fits the space - Good luck!
Cloe

Happy Birthday!!! (none / 0) (#14)
by PiscesMoon on Wed Sep 10, 2003 at 01:26:22 AM PST

Hi, GuppyGirl!

I can't believe that I forgot your birthday... me, the crazy astrology buff, Duh! Anyway, I hope that you will have a great birthday celebration. :)

I have one comment about your shelf area: if it is only 11" wide, then a 30 Breeder will not fit. According to a chart of standard Aquarium sizes that I found, a 30 Breeder is 36 3/16" x 18 1/4" x 12 15/16". The only standard tank that would fit there larger than a 10 gallon is a 15 gal High or a 15 gal Show, which would be 20 1/4" x 10 1/2" x 18 3/4" for the High and 24 1/4 " x 8 1/2" x 16 5/8" for the Show.

Here's what I think: if you can't find another place to set up a 55 gallon or larger :), then maybe you can modify this shelf space in order to accommodate a 30 Breeder or even a 40 Breeder which has the same dimensions only a few inches taller. (I have a 40 breeder for my swordtails.)

I am terrible at describing things, but I was wondering if you have enough space on the front and back of the shelf to make a false stand to put over the shelf opening, so that there would be four 2x4 legs supporting the weight with an attached plywood board over the shelf itself. You could paint or stain this to match, and perhaps you could make two small storage cabinets for food and supplies if you attach doors to the front and back where the legs are. We're talking about an overhang of about 4 inches on either side, so if you have the space, it wouldn't look too obtrusive. I can draw a picture if my description doesn't make any sense. :)

Anyway, I hope that you will find the perfect tank for your needs. I'd love to see your tanks, have you figured out how to get the pictures to come out?

Enough babbling from me. Good luck!

PiscesMoon

Thanks Pisces Moon!! (none / 0) (#15)
by guppygirl on Wed Sep 10, 2003 at 08:41:15 AM PST

From: "guppygirl's D'OH department", I realized after I had called around that the demensions of the tank I saw on a standard size chart was a typo.

So your information is correct and I do understand what you were describing to me.

It's just that if I try to extend it out that far (even four inches/per side) it winds up jutting into the main traffic pattern of my home on one side, and into my "all ready too narrow" galley style kitchen on the other. Boo-Hoo :-(

So, I'm going to look into a custom job, and try to keep the measurements to about a standard size panel, to hopefully keep the cost down.

What I've come up with is an approx. 25 gal tank,
with dimentions of 36"x10"x16". This will weigh about 200lbs when full, so that works out too.

This might cost a little more, but I think that my hubby will agree that there's no use in spending money on something we won't be happy with in the long run.
(So, do you think there is any truth that Virgo's are analytical and clever?) ;-)

I've found that he does appreciate an aquarium's
decorational value, and is beginning to get excited about this project too.

I'm still working on the photography aspect. I think I'll take some photos as I go through this set up. That way other people can see that "Yes, guppygirl can get cloudy water syndrome, etc. as well". (Hope not though, and knock wood) :-)

It's been over a year since I've done a set up from square one, so it should be interesting.

Thanks again, talk to you soon.

[ Parent ]

Thanks everyone. (none / 0) (#13)
by guppygirl on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 11:53:50 PM PST

Thanks for all the web sites to check out, and the advice.
All the stores around here sell All-Glass brand aquariums, and some can take custom orders, with a downpayment.
So I'm going to go check out how much they can help me.

US, thanks for the sites, I can do a little comparison shopping, and see if with S&H charges what way might be best to go.

GA, thanks for the sites too, I'll check them out to see what they've got as well.

Parttimer, you know, you're idea came the closest to "guppygirl real life and dreams" of all.
See, no one really uses our dining room, we all seem to have to eat in front of the tube!! ;-)

Anyway, loved all the jokes, LOL!!! And thanks again!!!

guppygirl
:-)

New or Used? (none / 0) (#2)
by GuppyAdict on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 03:02:31 AM PST

Hi Guppygirl,

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Are you looking for a new aquarium or used? I actually am thinking about buying a 20 or 46 gallon tank and I found some great ads at www.Recycler.com. I am actually going to take a look at a 20 gallon w/stand (brand new for $50)this weekend.

A lot of the aquariums for sale have never been used. The only problem is that I think the recycler is for Southern California residents only. I could be wrong though. Check your local paper too.

Good Luck,
GuppyAdict

Thanks for the info.! (none / 0) (#3)
by guppygirl on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 06:55:54 AM PST

I'll check out the site too!

[ Parent ]

Close your eyes... (none / 0) (#1)
by Reza on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 01:17:21 AM PST

** Envision the space you want to fill with a tank full of (name your pick)

** See the details of what you want, how you want it, where you want it, the effect you want it to have, etc...

** Open your eyes and sketch a picture (or draw up a list)

** Hand said list/drawing to hubby or just ask for his Visa

** Go birthday shopping.

** ENJOY!

:-)

Problem is where to find/shop? (none / 0) (#4)
by guppygirl on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 07:02:50 AM PST

Already did steps 1-3, and, have Visa in hand!

Just am having trouble locating the tank to insert into the above mentioned vision.

Or, do I go for the "hire hunky carpenter to adjust space" senario?

:-)

[ Parent ]

Don't worry about a hunky carpenter, just (none / 0) (#5)
by unclescott on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 09:42:21 AM PST

don't hire one that is hanging out of the back of his/her jeans. ;)

It's a good idea huddling with someone who can help place the tank securely. Location and anchoring of that tank is so important. I remember reading (a bunch of years ago) of a little kid who actually died when the tank he was climbing tipped over on him.

Several people on this list have mentioned kids, often young ones. One can't completely kid proof a home, but we need to do what we can.

So make sure that tank's 350 pounds are well supported. If you don't have GFI outlets in your kitchen, get them installed near that tank - which has wonderful possibilities for beautifying your home.

You might also make sure you can reach a python water changer to and from that tank. Your back will thank you.

Also will your lighting be adequately vented? Can outlets be placed out of way?

Short of rewiring our entire place, we couldn't get GFIs. Likewise there were a lot of smaller tanks (a garage sale here, a pet shop remodeling there...). We did have a room we could put them all in. The kids learned that they were always welcome in the fishroom - and we had some nice times doing things there - but an adult had to be in attendance. And they took it seriously enough that we discovered their friends abiding by that house rule without having to tell them.

Everyone can kid-proof their homes to a certain extent. Then we have to set some rules and diligently watch what we couldn't kid proof.

It isn't really all that hard, with a little foresight.

And that does make for a happy birthday. :)

[ Parent ]

Custom tank maker (none / 0) (#7)
by unclescott on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 02:00:04 PM PST

http://65.197.157.223/newto/pages/main.asp
is an outfit called Glass Cages, also www.glasscages.com

I have had no dealings with them, but a couple of acquintances have recommended them.

They make acrylic (about which I have misgivings) and glass tanks. I'm sure it would cost you more (though not as much as a 125 gallon tank.) You might send them your specifications and explain your project, being up front about how you just want to see what such a tank would cost.

All the best,
U.S.

[ Parent ]

glasscages.com (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by guppygirl on Fri Sep 12, 2003 at 12:11:14 PM PST

Hey Scott, and everyone,

Just some info on these guys, they do make acrylic and glass custom tanks.
They will ship all acrylic tanks.
They will not ship any glass tanks however, you have to pick them up.

Maybe not bad if you live near a location, but won't work for me.

Thanks for the idea though, worth a try.
guppygirl :-)

[ Parent ]

I try not to hire Anyone... (none / 0) (#6)
by guppygirl on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 12:19:26 PM PST

who hangs out of their jeans.

I mean, why would I want to look at that? ;-)

You brought up some very good points that I had thought of, which is why this is getting tougher.

See, I want the tank to be adequately centered on the shelf, to prevent tipping. Also, the taller the tank, the more prone they are to going over.

After thinking about the shelf itself some more, I came to another conclusion. If I increase the width of the shelf to accomodate a wider tank, than I'm sacrificing some stabilization, and I don't really want to go there.

That's why a 36"x8"x12" would be the safest thing.

That would give me an extra 1 1/2" space on both sides, tank would weigh 225lbs. when full, and a height of only 12", so that sucker should stay put.(earthquakes aside)

The height of the "cut out" is about 3 feet, so there will be plenty of room for ventilation of the lights.

The plug for this location is way out of the way of little hands, which is another reason why I like it.

However, as far as GFI plugs go, my husband and I have agreed that we should either install them at all the tank's locations, or use protective strips, or both.

That's not a problem, I can install those myself, and prefer to anyway. We had an "electrician" put one in a new bathroom we added, and he installed it upside down. Oh, no, we won't notice that.

The tank will get morning and afternoon indirect sunlight, and so I'm hoping I can try out some plants that I haven't been sucessful with before.

I won't need a water changer because it will only be a few feet away from the sink, and I have a portable dishwasher that I can use as a sort of station on wheels.

I've heard about children dieing when a large aquarium has tipped over on top of them too.
I couldn't begin to imagine the devastation of the parents.

I have a beautiful, full of life, 2 1/2 year old, who is already too smart for his own good (See my comment to GuppyAdict when he fed them the other day) :-0

So, doing ANYTHING that may sacrifice his safety is just not an option.
That's why I made up the poll, because when you look at all the issues, this is a little
tougher than it looks.

:-)

[ Parent ]

Bad memories! (5.00 / 1) (#17)
by OnMyWayHome07 on Fri Sep 12, 2003 at 03:47:40 PM PST

that brings back some pictures in my head I dont want to see again! Happy Birthday Guppiegirl! Sorry i cant help you but I was reading to see if I could learn anything, lol. Well talk to ya'll later BYE

Savannah

[ Parent ]

I try not to hire Anyone (none / 0) (#9)
by unclescott on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 03:39:36 PM PST

who hangs out of their jeans.

That is of course, part of the "Stamp out Crack" program. ;)

That's not a problem, I can install those (GFIs) myself, and prefer to anyway.

Gee, do you do house calls? I still find replacing light bulbs a challenge. :(

[ Parent ]

Sorry don't do house calls... (5.00 / 1) (#12)
by guppygirl on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 11:32:13 PM PST

My husband does though, that's why I've learned how to do so much.
Because he's always fixing things for our neighbors!!!! ;-)

I'm the one here holding a book, a screwdriver, (or hammer) with a two year old clinging to one leg, thinking, "I did turn that breaker off, right?" :-)

Actually, I began learning how to fix things when I was pretty young. If I saw my father going anywhere with a hammer or a sharp object, swearing, it was either follow and help, or be ready to dial 911. :-)

[ Parent ]

Try This (none / 0) (#8)
by GuppyAdict on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 03:35:46 PM PST

Hi Guppygirl,

I don't know if this will help, but try this site out.

www.thatfishplace.com

[ Parent ]

WHO NEEDS A DINING ROOM (none / 0) (#10)
by parttimer on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 04:37:48 PM PST

go for the gusto, 250gallon!!!!!! did you talk to your local pet store, they should be able to order what you need.

[ Parent ]

sorry (none / 0) (#11)
by parttimer on Tue Sep 09, 2003 at 06:15:36 PM PST

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

[ Parent ]

Guppygirl needs your help! :-) | 22 comments (22 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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