Creating a "second level" in a 35 gal hex tank

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ecsu1030

AC Members
Mar 16, 2008
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Hi all,

I have a 35 gallon hex tank that I am currently trying to turn into a dwarf cichlid tank. I am trying to figure out a way to add dimension and more territory space since the footprint of the tank is obviously not that big... so... my ultimate goal is to somehow create a second level in the tank that would LOOK AWESOME but at the same time not take up a lot of space... and still let a relatively decent amount of light through also.

The only idea I have involves somehow stringing two little cables from one side to the other- attaching the ends to suction cups that would stick to the glass, and balancing/positioning a terracotta pot on its side on the cables- I've got TONS of Java Fern that I thought would look really cool if I attached it to the cables. This is all I can think of and I'm really hoping that someone has a better idea than that!! :-)

Because of my VERY limited knowledge of what materials can and cannot be used in a tank- ANY AND ALL SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREAT!!!
 
I don't want to cut that tank in half- just add a new dimension... like i said before, I'm really not even sure if something like that is possible or not
 
do you have any other ideas or suggestions on what else I could do?

What would a safe material be for wiring?

What other materials could I use safely in general?
 
Well not sure if the dwarf cichlids will hang out at a higher level, I got rams and they always tend to be at the bottom of the tank.
But if you are thinking of some extra level you can try a piece of slate and plexi glass.
Or you can get some ideas from my temporary suspended eggcrate which helps me add some more light to some plans.
1000391ln4.jpg


Used eggcrate and fishing line, attached it to my canopy
 
Although that would theoretically create more "flat ground" in the tank, the bottom dwellers may not find homes in it, and it may just chew up valuable swimming space in the mid levels of the tank. I am not certain about this, but I'm willing to bet that bottom dwellers can feel the pressure difference from being at different depths of water, so they might know you're trying to trick them. If this were for the sake of adding something like kribs, it still may not fool them. There is always the off chance that one or perhaps a couple fish might take refuge in a cave placed on this new "floor space" in the middle of the tank, but I'm not sure how they would adapt to it. I have what may be a silly question... is there something preventing you from getting say... a 20g long tank? Keep the 35 hex and maybe stock it with some male endlers, cardinal tetras, cherry shrimp, and lots of live plants. Go for something with a much larger floor plan for kribs if that's what you aim to get. My gf might be getting a pair of kribs for her 29g tank, now that we've finally gotten it set up, and are preparing to cycle. (she wouldn't be getting them until its cycled, just wanted to be clear :p:)
 
right now, a slight shortage on money is the only thing holding me back from setting up a larger tank- thanks for all of the advice - much appreciated!!! :-)
 
you could make a few little shelves with eggcrate..
Not sure how I would attach them to the walls of the tank..do not trust suction cups...

maybe a javamoss floor on the eggcrate. small plant... hmmm
 
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