Those with deep tanks how do you reach the bottom?

[RichReef]

I use grabbing sticks but it's very rare I have to reach inside.

It is best to build your scape minimally and solid. Don't create areas where it's hard to reach. Bare bottom.

A really solid plan and a few tools and you won't have to reach in.

 

[TJ's Reef]

I use grabbing sticks but it's very rare I have to reach inside.

It is best to build your scape minimally and solid. Don't create areas where it's hard to reach.

A really solid plan and a few tools and you won't have to reach in.

Where's the fun in that... lol

 

[Claire Austin]

When I had my 220gal, I was able to attach most of my tools (scraper, glass cleaning sponge, nets, siphon hose, etc.) to wooden dowels with electrical tape. And a 36" step stool. And towels.....lots and lots of towels.

 

[Joehoya2]

+1 for fixing canopy with hinges. I’m 6’5” tall with arms to match. If I didn’t have the canopy front hinged, there’s no way I could reach the front bottom of my 30” tall, much less the back.

As it is, standing on a chat allows me to get up to my shoulder in water if need be and I can get most of it that way.

Also +1 on lining the floor in front with towels. Our dining room perpetually has a stack of towels for just that reason.

 

[Steve Fast]

has anyone tried one of these:

https://www.micromark.com/Topside-Creeper-Step-Ladder-Support-System

 

[User1]

I think it is a nice product but I'm not sure it would allow any easier of a time. In fact I'd wager it would hinder more than help. I find myself personally using the ladder for height and position. Then reaching over or bending over the top of the tank. Hard to explain but the creeper step ladder doesn't look like it would allow you to bend upper body up and over if that makes sense.

Also while I don't have a canopy yet the idea of hinges is golden btw. I've been designing a few different ways to manage lighting and was going traditional canopy with doors. One day I was thinking I could just mount it to the wall or from lumber behind the tank with hinges and left the whole thing vertical and have more room. So that is my plan.

 

[Vahanyos]

 

[Bthomas]

Yeah I wish I had made the canopy so that the whole front could lift up but it would be quite a bit of work now to rebuild that..
I think for now I will just gather an assortment of poking sticks and grabbers and do my best

 

[Dennis Cartier]

My new display is 30" deep (120x36x30) so I have put a bit of thought into this exact challenge. To help mitigate the access issues, I am adding a 24" wide walk platform on the back of the tank using fiberglass grating. That will get me up to being able to lean over the tank. Once there, I have suspended aluminum extrusions that run the length of the tank and will be able to (hopefully) support my weight. Two parallel beams run between the rails on carriages, and the plan is to suspend a mesh hamock between the beams like a mechanics creeper. This will allow me to lay on the platform with my arms free to reach straight down.

Dennis