Does This Tank Exist?

[Freedom]

Keep in mind that once you have a 'odd' size tank, getting equipment to fit may become difficult.  Things like the glass canopy will also have to be custom.  If you use a HOB filter, will it fit or will it reach down so low that the intake won't allow it to rest on the back of the tank?  None of this is insurmountable, but it IS something to consider.  If instead you use a submersible filter, that too may be too high to fit, if you want the proper size for the tank volume. 
 
If you can work around the maneuvering for access to clean etc., (with the cupboard above), would something like submersible LED lighting help with clearance?  Don't know if you have it there, but the Marineland Hidden LED light strip I have on one of my tanks is completely submersible. I think with what you are contemplating, you need to have ALL the parts in mind before you start with a custom build.  Just my opinion, with some ideas tossed in.

 

[rms]

lush_lola are a seller on ebay and make custom tanks. I have no experience using them, but their tanks look good and are reasonably priced.

 

[Seeker]

Just a thought, but if your cupboard is 45cm above the work top and you want a tank that's 30cm tall that doesn't leave you a lot of room for access. There might be ways round it but it's definitely something to consider

 
I think it should be OK, the cupboard is only small and only runs half the length of the counter, so we can get in from the side.
 

Keep in mind that once you have a 'odd' size tank, getting equipment to fit may become difficult.  Things like the glass canopy will also have to be custom.  If you use a HOB filter, will it fit or will it reach down so low that the intake won't allow it to rest on the back of the tank?  None of this is insurmountable, but it IS something to consider.  If instead you use a submersible filter, that too may be too high to fit, if you want the proper size for the tank volume. 
 
If you can work around the maneuvering for access to clean etc., (with the cupboard above), would something like submersible LED lighting help with clearance?  Don't know if you have it there, but the Marineland Hidden LED light strip I have on one of my tanks is completely submersible. I think with what you are contemplating, you need to have ALL the parts in mind before you start with a custom build.  Just my opinion, with some ideas tossed in.

 
Thank you for raising those points!  Definitely things to think about...

I wish we had a suitable space in the living room but it's all nooks and crannies and funny corners; the only blank stretches of wall are respectively occupied by the TV, the sofa and a radiator.  I'd get a corner tank, but the corners are all wonky and odd so wouldn't fit one!  Anyone would think whoever built this place didn't consider fishkeepers at all... 

 

[Seeker]

A thought - I could put a tank in the conservatory (as in, there's space) but I'd be concerned about temperature fluctuations

 

[rms]

You'll be fighting a constant battle with algae with a tank in direct sunlight.

 

[Seeker]

You'll be fighting a constant battle with algae with a tank in direct sunlight.

 
Hmm, not what we want!
 
OH just did some furniture removal, and we've actually figured that if we move a chair upstairs to the spare room, there is space for a corner tank in the living room

 there's only two of us, we don't need a sofa AND two chairs, right?  I mean, fish are much more important

 

So thank you all very much for the custom tank suggestions, but looks like we're going to start looking at corner units instead now - and the good news is we can probably get one with about twice the litreage (is that a word...?!) that we were previously looking at for the one in the kitchen.  Excitement!

 

[Freedom]

Good job! Don't forget to let us see what you get!~

 

[Seeker]

Good job! Don't forget to let us see what you get!~

 
Will do!
 
Is it wrong that I'm now considering putting a tank on that spare stretch of counter as well as the planned tanks in the living room and study...!?

 

[eaglesaquarium]

 

You'll be fighting a constant battle with algae with a tank in direct sunlight.

 
Hmm, not what we want!
 
OH just did some furniture removal, and we've actually figured that if we move a chair upstairs to the spare room, there is space for a corner tank in the living room

 there's only two of us, we don't need a sofa AND two chairs, right?  I mean, fish are much more important

 

So thank you all very much for the custom tank suggestions, but looks like we're going to start looking at corner units instead now - and the good news is we can probably get one with about twice the litreage (is that a word...?!) that we were previously looking at for the one in the kitchen.  Excitement!
 

 
Unless you plan to have guests over ever.  Always nice to have a seat for guests.

 

[blueboy1]

Could get a small one with glass sliding lids instead of hood to leave more room?

 

[Seeker]

@eaglesaquarium - There's still going to be one chair; if more than one person is over the other chair can come back down temporarily

 

[Gruntle]

Make your guests sit on the floor and watch the fish, I'm sure they'll be so captivated by the tank that they won't notice they're on the floor.
 
And in my experience, bigger is better, a larger volume tank means that any emergencies don't snap straight to critical as quickly with more water to deal with.

 

[Seeker]

Make your guests sit on the floor and watch the fish, I'm sure they'll be so captivated by the tank that they won't notice they're on the floor.
 
And in my experience, bigger is better, a larger volume tank means that any emergencies don't snap straight to critical as quickly with more water to deal with.

 

don't think they'd want to sit on our floor, it's wooden!

Yeah, we're definitely going to go as big as possible - partly to maximise stocking options, but as you say, easier to maintain water quality too.  And in the spirit of doing things properly the first time round, looks like we have no choice but to aim for maximum volume!

 

[Freedom]

I just thought of this -- have you considered the coffee table tank?  Just an option.

 

[Seeker]

I just thought of this -- have you considered the coffee table tank?  Just an option.

 
No, we hadn't - but I raised it with OH and he wasn't keen, sadly.  (I think they're awesome.)  Looks like we can get a decent sized tank in the space we've cleared though - probably a Trigon 190, which I'm excited about!