Anything DIY related Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:10:10 +0000 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:10:10 +0000 Tropical Aquariums SA https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/forums/anything-diy-related.20/ Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:15:16 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/new-build-1-45-x-600-x-450.32635/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/new-build-1-45-x-600-x-450.32635/ invalid@example.com (BradK) BradK
I'm building a new tank and decided to make new build thread, cos even though i have so much to learn, Im not very new anymore

So last year, October or so, the wife bought a two foot tank for the son and the rest is history. The tank brought back all my childhood memories of my best friend and I keeping fish in small tanks. I had 3 x 10 gallon tanks by my bed side. We even dug a whole in his parents garden and cemented it, lol. Its still there if you move the soil, good times ....

New build - 1.45 x 600 x 450]]> 134 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 19:53:30 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/5ft-tank-cracked-bottom-panel-newer-bigger-diy-help-needed.39511/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/5ft-tank-cracked-bottom-panel-newer-bigger-diy-help-needed.39511/ invalid@example.com (fviljoen) fviljoen
A friend I knew years ago had a 1mx1m x1.5mhigh cube tank, was a hassle to clean but the liters made it possible to have some seriously large discus as a group

Who can chime in on shapes and design to maybe get a 500L to 600L tank built?

What do I need to consider? What is the strongest shape? Max height that would still work easily? Preinstalled filter...

5ft tank cracked bottom panel... Newer bigger DIY help needed]]> 5 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:59:54 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/homemade-brine-shrimp-hatchery-and-first-fry-grow-out-miniature-tank.39257/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/homemade-brine-shrimp-hatchery-and-first-fry-grow-out-miniature-tank.39257/ invalid@example.com (Jaco de Jongh) Jaco de Jongh @LilMissMurder hinted that I write an article about it. Its not much, but made my life easier. Cost per hatchery was just short of R180.

I took 3 x rainmeters and 3 sprinkler shut off valves. Drilled holes in the bottom of the rain mater and stuck the 25mm long male part of the valve into the rain meter. Then i used Seachem Flourish Epoxy to secure the valve into the rain meter. This resulted in my loosing the bottom...

Homemade Brine Shrimp Hatchery and first Fry Grow-out miniature tank.]]> 9 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:52:40 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/first-time-aquarium-build-1200x450x450-advice.39240/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/first-time-aquarium-build-1200x450x450-advice.39240/ invalid@example.com (LouisBotha) LouisBotha
I need your expert assistance on the tank build.

I'm moving from a small 30L to 243L so I need to make sure its strong and will last.

I'm planning to build the 1200x450x450 tank but I don't know what material would be the best to use glass or Acrylic.

I have a small budget so would need a reliable cheap supplier to buy from. I'm based in Middelburg and the glass suppliers here is absurd with prices.

I will be using the Euro Brace to brace the tank should I do it for the...

First Time Aquarium Build 1200x450x450 Advice]]> 5 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:14:49 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/where-can-i-find-tank-safe-expanding-foam.37346/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/where-can-i-find-tank-safe-expanding-foam.37346/ invalid@example.com (Craigils) Craigils
Does anyone know where I can find a water safe expanding foam in South Africa? Or perhaps just suggest alternatives for a product that I can use to fill gaps between hardscape and adhere rocks

]]> 1 Mon, 02 Dec 2024 21:35:46 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/half-barrel-tank-idea.39137/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/half-barrel-tank-idea.39137/ invalid@example.com (ReuhlLombard) ReuhlLombard
I'm new to the forum so not sure under which category this should be posted, but taking a stab in the dark here.

Im considering a tank build and need some advice on materials, suppliers and just any other useful considerations.

The idea:
Semi circle tank. I have a large circular hole in a wall going straight through. 75cm wall thickness and also 75cm radius hole. Want to cap the front and back with acrylic or something maybe to a height of 40cm or so. So bottom of tank...

Half barrel tank idea]]> 9 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:12:11 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/tried-a-diy-tank-build-and-failed.38941/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/tried-a-diy-tank-build-and-failed.38941/ invalid@example.com (DesertReef) DesertReef
Looking for a tank builder in KZN to help me finish off the tank.

800x500x500 @6mm

Tia]]> 2 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:08:10 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/impeller-repair.38948/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/impeller-repair.38948/ invalid@example.com (paulbloggs) paulbloggs The impeller has 2 plastic ends attached to the magnet that have detached and it is now really noisy.

What glue can I use to reattach them that will not harm the fish in the tank?
Silicon? Superglue? Hot glue? Pratley?

I don't think I can get spares anymore as the filter is really old.

Thanks
Paul]]> 9 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 11:29:04 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/block-of-filter-foam-for-sump.38735/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/block-of-filter-foam-for-sump.38735/ invalid@example.com (Washief Volkwyn) Washief Volkwyn
I am in Cape Town Northern suburbs. I am still busy with tank setup. Can not seem to find my sponge from first chamber in sump anywhere. So need to replace. First chamber is 330mm by 150mm. So would have to be slightly bigger for tight fit. Any recommendations for place to buy would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance for feedback.]]> 6 Sat, 28 Oct 2023 08:41:44 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/help-with-fixing-1-2m-tank.38606/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/help-with-fixing-1-2m-tank.38606/ invalid@example.com (Shrimp_Hoops) Shrimp_Hoops

• which is the best fish friendly paint to paint the back of the tank and braces? (cheap too!)
• How thick should the plywood/wooden board be supporting the tank on the stand (the one...

Help with fixing 1.2m tank]]> 2 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 14:24:05 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/white-sand-where.37665/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/white-sand-where.37665/ invalid@example.com (braailegend) braailegend
I used to use black sand and pool filter sand. But looking to have a whiter bottom. Where could I source this or what brand of pool filter sand is whiter (Which shops)?

I have marine sand for my marine tanks, but not spending that much for the 800L tank I will be using it for.]]> 3 Fri, 03 Jun 2022 18:38:41 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/tank-build-advice-needed.37621/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/tank-build-advice-needed.37621/ invalid@example.com (fviljoen) fviljoen
And I wanna build a big tank

Sooo if Im shooting for a 1000L,
1.7m x 80cm wide by 80cm (75cm of water) gives me that
At the moment I have a standard 4ft with java fern, grass and anubias which I love, and I'd obviously love to continue with DIY LED lights but Im worried that the light wont penetrate that deep? And obviously building the tank

10mm glass for the sides and 12mm for the bottom with 5cm bracing strips all round? I can get...

Tank build-- advice needed]]> Thu, 05 May 2022 14:32:02 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/diy-root-tabs.37499/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/diy-root-tabs.37499/ invalid@example.com (Jolandi) Jolandi
Diy root tabs]]> 11 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 08:51:08 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/betta-bed-diy.37224/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/betta-bed-diy.37224/ invalid@example.com (BLA AQUATICS) BLA AQUATICS Making my own Betta
What you think?
1st photo is a hand on.
2nd photo a suction cup.

Materials used.
Plastic from an old tank Canopy or Plastic handle from a small bucket.
Suction cup
Liquard leave
Aquarium super glue



]]> 5 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 08:41:52 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/banana-micro-worm-cultivating-without-starter-cultures.37171/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/banana-micro-worm-cultivating-without-starter-cultures.37171/ invalid@example.com (BLA AQUATICS) BLA AQUATICS After watching a few YouTube videos.
I am going to attempt cultivating my own Banana and Micro Worms without the assistance of starter cultures.
I am not sure if anyone else has attempted this or has other methods that I can try.

Banana worms.

Place Banana peals in a tub with room temperature water.
According to the video, one can start harvesting after about 6 days.
Then place worms into a Oats mix. Oats mixed with warm water and allow to...

BANANA & MICRO WORM CULTIVATING (without starter cultures)]]> 13 Thu, 20 Jan 2022 06:05:22 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/tank-restoration.37130/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/tank-restoration.37130/ invalid@example.com (Antonie Van Aardt) Antonie Van Aardt I might have gotten sort of permission from the wife to get a big tank for out entertainment area. I currently have a 350ltr in the tv room that has to go. Thus the sort of permission for a +- 2m tank.
I want to get an older tank with a stand and sump. I would like to do all of my own plumbing and filtration and fully automate the system. if there is anyone out there with some old equipment please let me know.
Ps this might be in the wrong forum. If so, please...

Tank restoration]]> 6 Fri, 31 Dec 2021 12:36:20 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/any-giant-tank-builders-out-there.36210/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/any-giant-tank-builders-out-there.36210/ invalid@example.com (MadHatter) MadHatter
Im looking for someone that will be able to assist with a giant tank build,

Either cylindrical or quarter rounded.

The tank itself needs to be 2 meters high +-,

Cylindrical tank needs to be about 1.5 meters in diameter, quarter round tank needs to be 1 meter to 1.5 meters back to front.

Does anyone know who will be able to assist with this?

The place where it is going to go is still under construction, but is almost complete, and would like to get quotes on the tank...

Any giant tank builders out there?]]> 27 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 14:27:29 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/glass-thickness-sides-and-bottom.36496/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/glass-thickness-sides-and-bottom.36496/ invalid@example.com (GreyBird) GreyBird
I want to build 2 custom tanks for an area I built. They will be for my Tanganyikan Shell dwellers.

Size: 1200l x 500b x 350h

Already checked with glass calculator. Safety Index of 10 (I know it’s a crazy number and I need around 4).
Glass thickness given is 7mm, will be using 8mm (within my budget).

I will be using euro bracing top and bottom.

Any input will be appreciated. I understand with the height of 350mm, the tension on the glass is less than say 450mm or 500mm on a...

Glass Thickness - Sides and bottom]]> 19 Mon, 06 Sep 2021 19:32:23 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/brine-shrimp-hatchery.36243/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/brine-shrimp-hatchery.36243/ invalid@example.com (Scrappy Coco) Scrappy Coco
any idea on where i can get a cap (DIY CO2 System kit bottle cap) like the picture attached?

]]> 22 Sat, 22 May 2021 15:41:23 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/bluechem-filter-sand-from-builders-is-it-safe-and-how-to-clean-it.36092/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/bluechem-filter-sand-from-builders-is-it-safe-and-how-to-clean-it.36092/ invalid@example.com (Wasim Pillay) Wasim Pillay 21