Mirrored aquariums

owirg · 08-29-2006, 07:08 PM

Years ago, I had an aquarium with mirrored back and sides (it fit inside a capinet, so the mirrors hid the sides of the inside of the cabinet. One of my kids would like me to put a similar aquarius for a cabinet I am building for her. I talked to two (small, local) aquarium stores and they both say that you can't make aquariums from mirror. I know that is not true, but I can't figure out where to get a tank.

So, anyone know of a place that makes/sells mirrored tanks?

I guess I could build one, but I would prefer to get one that is factory sealed. I can probably use a standard size, but I can go custom if I have to.

ahill3780 · 08-29-2006, 07:36 PM

Welcome to FishTankForums!

I have heard a lot of speculation and back and forth on the issue of mirrored tanks, that they stress the fish. I have not jumped to either side of the fence myself since I tend to trust test results more than hearsay. IF they could prove the fish are more stressed in this type of tank then I might discourage you from doing it.

As it stands, I say go for it and let us know how everything turns out! As to where you might find something like this, I'm afraid I am not familiar with anywhere that offers these standard. Your best bet might be to just have one made. You would want the mirrored surface outside the tank walls of course, rather than have the walls made of the material itself.

Good luck!
Aaron

thewebpop · 08-29-2006, 08:38 PM

I remember as a kid the Family tanks always appeared to be mirror if they were in a cabinet. Now... my 20 gal. Is in a cabinet and the back and sides appear to be mirror once water was added. I can not help but wonder if this is the affect you may be talking about.

Other than that, the only idea I have would be to have several pieces of thin cheap mirror cut (local hardware store) and attach them to the side and back of a standard aquarium (exterior of the tank of course)

Just a thought, later, Pop's