Custom Or Brand Tank

[freded]

I've recently got the fish-keeping bug and am looking at getting a much larger tank for my study. I could fit a 6 foot tank into the study although my wife will probably only allow me to get a 4 or 5 foot tank. Anyway, I'm currently trying to weigh up which is the best route to go.

My LFS sells AquaOne and Rena aquariums and they have some really nice Rena tanks (with all the fittings etc) for between £550-£795 depending upon exact size.

Alternatively, I could get a custom built tank/cabinet from N&D Aquatics for less £££ but I'd need to buy the lighting/filter etc. I would go for a Windsor tank but Keith doesn't supply cabintes and I want to get a tank/cabinet together.

The question I've got is how easy is to install your own light fittings into a custom tank. I'm not the best at DIY and if its very difficult, I think I may be best at getting the Rena tank which comes complete with everything I need.

Also, if I go the custom route, what exactly would I need to get to properly lit the tank?

Thanks

James

 

[rsands]

Hi,

It depends on the light fitting as far as i know...you can get ones that hang over a hank by cables to the roof...clamp ones that clamp onto the side.

What you putting in the tank?

 

[freded]

Hi,

It depends on the light fitting as far as i know...you can get ones that hang over a hank by cables to the roof...clamp ones that clamp onto the side.

What you putting in the tank?

I was looking to make it a cichlid community tank. I'd rather get lights that fit in hood as opposed to hanging to the roof.

 

[rsands]

There are many ways to attach different lights. Clamps on the side or stands on each corner of the tank holding it up. as you say you dont like DIY or anything it may be better sticking to a tank with a lid...thats what i did. my handywork is not the best hence why i bought a setup all ready to go.

 

[helterskelter]

well you could try http/www.aquaticdesign.co.uk and say Alan sent you, then I'll get my commision

 

[geo7x]

it really depends on the look you want to go for, personally im more interested in whats in the tank than the tank itself, so now if i get another tank i get one of the custom ones that my lfs sells, which are basically just glass boxes, then i have a clean slate that i can put my own filtration, lighting, hood etc on.

with the lighting issue you could do what i am doing and if you dont want a hood, just a condensation tray, then get a couple of white cold cathodes and put them ontop of the tray. Could be unsightly if the look of the actual tank is a priority