Aquarium Coffee Table

Step 7 Fill and add top glass

Cut the foam board into appropriately sized strips to wedge them vertically under the bottom shelf in order to conceal the components and the extra light.

You're done! Now you can cycle the aquarium to establish the needed bacteria colony and add fish suitable to your quantity of water.

Due to the arrangement of such an aquarium, a Champagne Island is an ideal addition. I found instructions at this URL:
http://www.petfish.net/articles/Do-It-Yourself/diy-champagne-island.php

I've had mine running for months now, and I must say, it's very enjoyable, and fits perfectly as a unique centerpiece to accompany my atypical end tables and other decor. The only complication I've encountered is that when vacuuming the gravel, the standard siphon effect is pretty weak, given that the bottom of my bucket, resting on the floor, is only about 4" lower than the bottom of the tank. It's still good enough to do the job, but I've considered buying a battery powered tank vac.

Last but not least, I'd like to thank those who posted the Pinball and Stainless coffee table instructables for the inspiration to share my little hack with the world.

Comments

[strmrnnr]

I don't know how well the end caps on your post will act in respect to the next comment,

Keep in mind that the tank should be well insulated from the frame as, if it is not, every time you place an object on the table, it will sound like a sonic boom to the fish. Similar to tapping the side of the tank with a finger nail.

[luizbong]

great job!

[mofadda]

I like it... Good job...

[evanbee]

Having worked with aquariums for many years I have found that many if not all fish orient themselves by the light in their environment. In simple terms, light means up dark means down. You may have to experiment for a while with your fish until you find a fish that responds nicely to underlighting. Otherwise you may find your fish swimming a little or a lot crooked. You could also make sure that the light coming from the room is bright when the aquarium light is on or try an overhead hanging lamp over the table. Good luck and keep in mind that fish are living creatures and the aquarium is more than an accessory to them, it is an environment that could make or break them.

[x86Daddy]

I found that Black neons, in addition to not showing their colors as well (that stripe shows when lit from above), seemed to behave exactly as you described. Glofish/Zebra Danios seem happy as can be.

[creativrefuse]

This is a cool project indeed. However, for those of you who are lazy regarding taking care of real fish etc. they could compose a look-alike structure of the above, using fake fish. Then to create an aquarium scenery they could stencil or etch a seascape scenery on both the tank as well as the coffee table itself, adding plastic sea-like plants which are able to float, just as if it were the real deal. A clever substitute would be to take pictures of yourself at a waterfall scenery, print it out as a life-size poster then make them was water proof safe. Next, create a look-alike waterfall to fit in your fluorescent lighted tank. Insert water proofed pictures in the fore-ground. This would make a great conversation piece for those who visit your home.

[inquisitive]

Great presentation! It would even be cool minus real fish and some crazy lights for a party--like black lights, etc and other crazy floaters! Thanks.

[valerijus]

Hi, We a woul like by buy the aquarium glass table, and let me know details. Regards Valerijus