Using trash to build a top notch reef tank

[gwrulz]

Well, maybe not exactly trash but stuff that you normally wouldn't think of using in a reef tank.

We all know that "egg crate" which is a lighting cover works in an aquarium as shelving. But I've made overflows using pvc electrical boxes (works great!) and split acrylic tanks in half to make contained nanos using an office wall file (acrylic/plastic that you drop reports into).

Next time you are sitting at your job, look around and say to your self, "Hey, I wonder if that is toxic?" LOL, save yourself a bit of cash this way, and pass on your adventures to us!

 

[gwrulz]

Milk Crates

Milk crates (sold at wal-mart for $1 or "found" behind grocery stores) make great bases for live rock. Flip them up side down and pile rock up and over them. It makes it look like you used 3 times the amount of rock in your aquarium, plus makes a safe area for critters and smaller fish. This works really well when using reef rubble rock!

 

[Physh1]

I've used egg crate dozens of times to help build bridges. Often I'll use black zip ties to secure live rock rubbles or smaller chunks to cover the crate. Works excellent and it's removable too!

Cameron

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

zip ties are wonderful for attaching hoses to PH's when one drops the original clamp behind the LR where it becomes inaccesible. Argh!

 

[Trogdor]

You have to watch which zip ties you use. Many of the larger ones have a very small piece of metal that catches the grooves and it will more than likely start to rust under saltwater conditions. This could theoretically cause some issues. Just my engineering side talking...carry on

 

[Physh1]

You have to watch which zip ties you use. Many of the larger ones have a very small piece of metal that catches the grooves and it will more than likely start to rust under saltwater conditions. This could theoretically cause some issues. Just my engineering side talking...carry on

I've seen that before but not many have that now. It's a great thing to make sure of. Zip ties have millions of uses in tanks...it's amazing

Cameron

 

[dancefish]

your right on some of those zip ties having metal but for the most part those are for comercial or contractor useage nor readally avail to public such as speed cuffs by police or commercial shippers most of the ones you buy say @ your local hardware store are going to be all plastic