Help me with an assembly line build

[jtl]

Why the 20g high vs the 20g long? I recently sold a 20g long that I converted to an AIO. Had room for media, small heater and return pump. I liked the extra length.

 

[dantimdad]

Why the 20g high vs the 20g long? I recently sold a 20g long that I converted to an AIO. Had room for media, small heater and return pump. I liked the extra length.

I thought about this as well. Here are the reasons why:

1... Stand materials. It takes less stand materials for the same volume tank. If I were building one then it would be a 20 long. The savings building multiple are huge
2... lighting. The lights we are going to use will not cover 30" properly. Most single led fixtures won't.
3... cross brace. I guess this goes back to lighting. But, I really don't like them.

 

[Katrina71]

I love what you are doing. It sounds like you have a solid plan. Considering stand materials and lighting would almost double the cost. Have you figured out a total cost per tank yet?

 

[count krunk]

20L are def better but I agree with your points.

A 20H is a excellent introduction to the hobby

 

[dantimdad]

Yes, around $350 per setup not counting livestock, sand or rock. I am going to do a test setup soon just to make sure.

@crusso1993 pointed out that I missed an outlet strip of all things!

 

[Eagle_Steve]

@dantimdad Have you looked at turning a 20 high into an AIO? I have a few at the house and some spare acrylic, if wanted I can play around with it to see if it is cost effective and still leave a good amount of area for scaping or upgrades like a skimmer.

 

[dantimdad]

Sure @Eagle_Steve go ahead and play around with it. My concern is cost and labor in the long run.

 

[Katrina71]

350.00 isn't bad at all!

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Sure @Eagle_Steve go ahead and play around with it. My concern is cost and labor in the long run.

I agree with cost and labor, but if it is the same brand tank every time, and you have a jig made, labor drops way down. As for acrylic to build the AIO portion, that is cheap since the water volume is so small. Think of how thin the acrylic is in biocubes or even the jbj 45 rl. Built right and in a jig, thin acrylic can be strong.

In short, a little bit of time to make a jig (if it works) and then all chambers inserts are built either a few at a time, in mass, or one by one. It really depends on how many you expect to make. But being as it is for veterans and I am one myself, I would donate my labor to making the jigs and even building quite a few inserts to get everything started, if it went that route.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

350.00 isn't bad at all!

Agree!

 

[Katrina71]

I think I could raise that with a bake sale. Who doesn't like cookies for a cause?

 

[dantimdad]

I really appreciate everyone's input/assistance.

Steve, I will see you Sunday!

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I really appreciate everyone's input/assistance.

Steve, I will see you Sunday!

Tisbe and tigriopus pods right? Or just tisbes?

 

[Devaji]

I love this and hope you do well and the vets take advantage of this.

yes ATO ppl dont realize just how much water fish drink! I really like the micro version of the auto aqua it's small and does the job perfect.

I am sure you have thought about this but..
maybe an optional upgrade to a 40B for some folks? I really think the 40B are the best little tank to start off with. i know i know lighting can be a pain ( but DIY is an option ) but other than that I think there great. I feel with a 20H they will want/need to upgrade anyway where a 40b can be around for years.
just a thought!
you can host workshops to build stands/ DIY rock and make it a fun therapy playshop where vets can come and hang out.

 

[dantimdad]

@Eagle_Steve Both would be great! Wouldn't mind some macro for a reactor either.

 

[dantimdad]

I love this and hope you do well and the vets take advantage of this.

yes ATO ppl dont realize just how much water fish drink! I really like the micro version of the auto aqua it's small and does the job perfect.

I am sure you have thought about this but..
maybe an optional upgrade to a 40B for some folks? I really think the 40B are the best little tank to start off with. i know i know lighting can be a pain ( but DIY is an option ) but other than that I think there great. I feel with a 20H they will want/need to upgrade anyway where a 40b can be around for years.
just a thought!
you can host workshops to build stands/ DIY rock and make it a fun therapy playshop where vets can come and hang out.

We considered 40b to start with and it actually doubles the cost. Sometimes an upgrade doesnt work that way but, in this case it does. We just can't work with those costs yet.

Eventually, we might. But, for now, we will go with the 20H.

 

[Devaji]

We considered 40b to start with and it actually doubles the cost. Sometimes an upgrade doesnt work that way but, in this case it does. We just can't work with those costs yet.

Eventually, we might. But, for now, we will go with the 20H.

cool I really hope you and your store the best of luck! and the vets love this.

 

[dantimdad]

cool I really hope you and your store the best of luck! and the vets love this.

Thank you!

 

[crusso1993]

Yes, around $350 per setup not counting livestock, sand or rock. I am going to do a test setup soon just to make sure.

@crusso1993 pointed out that I missed an outlet strip of all things!

And don't forget to add in the battery-operated air pump for emergency power outages.

 

[Bigboned]

@dantimdad i just want to say I think this is a brilliant thing you are doing, although I assume you know that! I’m a UK vet, I’ve been out 20 years now but still struggle. The calming effect of fish can’t be underestimated and I’ve found recently is great way to help me bond with my young kids who shamefully I used to push away.
Well done sir and thankyou