I've got a Standard 2.5 Gallon that's just sitting and gathering dust. I'd like to set it up as a planted paradise for a betta. To really make this a center piece, I'd like to build a canopy and stand for it.
I've seen some really get setups that others have built for this size tank, but never any plans. What I have in mind would be a tabletop stand to balance out the canopy. The canopy would need to accomodate lighting, and I'd like it to be open in the back for ventilation and have a hinged front for maintenance and feeding.
I'm fairly certain that I will pick up either the Red Sea Nano Filter or the Azoo Palm filter and a 25 watt heater by visitherm for when it gets cooler. I haven't quite decided on the lighting yet.
I'm seriously considering the Coralife Mini-Freshwater Aqualight, which would give me 18 watts. If I got this fixture I would need to figure out how to mount it in the canopy and what to do about the fact that it is supposed to be used over glass. I'm afraid that the glass would trap to much heat if place directly on the tank. Perhaps I could find a way to mount the glass in the canopy and put the light directly on that, leaving the water open.
Another option is called a bookworm light. I found a thread where alot of people where using a pair of these lights over a 2.5 gallon tank a few years ago. They are encased in a tube that is waterproof (or very close to it) and mounting looked to be extremely simple. Two of these lights would give a total of 26 watts. Part of the decision will depend on whether or not this light is still available.
Anybody out there have plans for this size tank or know where to find them? I haven't completely decided whether I am going to build this my self or try to talk someone into building it for me. I've got some tools, but may not have everything that would be necessary to get a truly nice looking end result.
Thanks in Advance!
I've seen some really get setups that others have built for this size tank, but never any plans. What I have in mind would be a tabletop stand to balance out the canopy. The canopy would need to accomodate lighting, and I'd like it to be open in the back for ventilation and have a hinged front for maintenance and feeding.
I'm fairly certain that I will pick up either the Red Sea Nano Filter or the Azoo Palm filter and a 25 watt heater by visitherm for when it gets cooler. I haven't quite decided on the lighting yet.
I'm seriously considering the Coralife Mini-Freshwater Aqualight, which would give me 18 watts. If I got this fixture I would need to figure out how to mount it in the canopy and what to do about the fact that it is supposed to be used over glass. I'm afraid that the glass would trap to much heat if place directly on the tank. Perhaps I could find a way to mount the glass in the canopy and put the light directly on that, leaving the water open.
Another option is called a bookworm light. I found a thread where alot of people where using a pair of these lights over a 2.5 gallon tank a few years ago. They are encased in a tube that is waterproof (or very close to it) and mounting looked to be extremely simple. Two of these lights would give a total of 26 watts. Part of the decision will depend on whether or not this light is still available.
Anybody out there have plans for this size tank or know where to find them? I haven't completely decided whether I am going to build this my self or try to talk someone into building it for me. I've got some tools, but may not have everything that would be necessary to get a truly nice looking end result.
Thanks in Advance!