I see that at my request, a DIY forum was created. I guess it will be my job to get it going. I build almost everything myself. I recently bought a 120 gallon aquarium (tank only). I built myself a rather nice stand for it, but I prefer it doesnt look store bought. I am more concerned with functionality than appearance, but I dont want it to look too tacky either.
Im still in the process of completing my canopy hood. It is made of 1/2" plywood, stained and polyurethaned. I have a basking turtle in my tank, so I needed it to be tall, yet would like to see him bask, so it will have a slant front top with an acrylic window. Ill be buying a mitre saw this weekend, so I can finish the lid. I will also need to have a basking lamp for heat, and flourescent lighting for UVB. I dont want too much condensation in the hood, because of the electrical components, so it will be well ventilated. This will lead to more evaporation, so i will be working on an automatic top off eventually.
I am currently designing a wet/dry filter. Its going to be a big one, yet rather simple design. I will be using a siphon to get water to the external overflow, and I may add an internal overflow eventually to keep the surface cleaner. My current plan is to have a box 48" tall next to my tank which will contain a series of rubbermaid containers which will hold a variety of media and a large container at the bottom which will hold the pump.
Below is one of my early drawings of this idea which has evolved some since.
