Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 9:59 am
The frame was made from simple window/door trim that was glued and clamped together. (No nails). Then it was sanded and stained, then a couple of coats of polyurethane. The screen is simple 1/2" hardware cloth, coated with vinyl. It was attached using #6x3/8" screws with flat washers. Everything, including the Elmer's glue, was purchased at Home Depot. I'll post some detailed pics tonight....
The pipe fitting I use is 4". Most "big box" hardware stores (Lowes, Home Depot) carry fittings as big as 6". I know they make them as large as 8", maybe larger. If you have a plumbing supply house near you, it's a good place to start.
A cheaper alternative, if you are handy with tools, is to get a large clay flower pot and using a Roto-Zip or a Dremel with the appropriate bit, cut it in half lengthwise, or just partially bury it in some rocks to hold it in place.
I clip the veggies, and sometimes a large piece of cuttle bone to the tank only to keep them from dragging it down to the bottom where it can get stuck in the intakes. And with three turts, I believe it also prevents one from hogging it, thus avoiding a fight. Also I noticed that when things are floating around, they always seem to settle just out of reach....
The light on the left side is a cheap (less than 10 bucks) plastic 18" fluorescent, like the "under counter" types, with mounting holes both on the top and rear. All I did was remove the plastic cover over the bulb and mount it to the rear bracket (there is a pic of that in my first post) then I made a top piece out of another piece of wood that doubles as a small shelf. I left the sides open so I could slide the fixture out to change the bulb. I also put some foil tape on the inside for more reflection. Again, all was obtained at Home Depot.....
Last edited by
grey goose on Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.