I bought a used aquarium today

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I've really admired some of the amazing terraria shown here, especially those by DavBis, NeofinetiaCanada2014, Tindomul and Trollsvans. I had it in the back of my mind to do one some day. Every time I visit our excellent local aquarium shop

The Ocean Floor,

I look at the used aquaria for sale. This week I found one that caught my eye. Sitting on the floor was a taller-than-standard aquarium marked "$15 REPTILES ONLY". There are probably people who have considered me a reptile in the past, so I figured I should investigate. The salesman said that normally means the cross-brace at the top is damaged, or it leaks. Since the brace is intact, he inferred it leaks. I certainly know how to fix leaky aquaria.

It is very close to 3 feet left to right, 2 feet top to bottom, and 1 foot front to back, which gives 10,368 cubic inches, and everybody knows there are 231 cubic inches in a US gallon, so with a little rounding up it would be considered a 45 gallon aquarium (or 170 liters.) Despite the inverse square law of light intensity, I wanted something deeper than a standard aquarium so I could have a few taller plants as well as a lot of little ones. I pay attention to yard sales as I drive around, but most people have standard low and long aquaria for sale.

I'm not going to build first and ask questions later; I'll do a lot of reading before I begin. But here's a start.

It also occurred to me that setting up a terrarium might be an interesting Orchid Board member project for 2016.

[WhiteRabbit]

Very cool - I look forward to seeing it come along!

[Leafmite]

Good luck with letting your creativity go wild!

As for a project, I think a small fish bowl would be more my size. :|

[gngrhill]

I was given an aquarium about the size of yours early summer and have it in my orchid space, but have not had the courage to begin.

[Paul]

Other sources to check for used tanks are thrift stores (though very hit and miss there) or Craigslist. In the past, I have scored some very good deals on the front opening Exoterra tanks and "Marty Made" tanks thanks to Craigslist.

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Originally Posted by gngrhill

I was given an aquarium about the size of yours early summer and have it in my orchid space, but have not had the courage to begin.

I tend to do a lot of research first, but once I've been reading about it for a while and decide on what would be realistic for me, I am almost always in the mood to Start. Right. Now.

[Subrosa]

If anyone is interested in a nice sized terrarium I have a 60" x 24" x 30" tank with a cracked back panel. Front panel is Starphire glass. Weighs approximately 600lb. Free, shipping is on you!