I Built a River Table for Real Fish

I Built a River Table for Real Fish
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#Aquarium #TestingFish #Epoxy

[@John_Malecki]

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[@morgantruman6309]

If you guys use a external water pump the run the water through a filter then back to the tank it takes a bit more space but it would be basically invisible in your application

[@Kellib420]

Do you have a store online where someone could buy one of the tables you show? Or any of your creations? I would love to own just 1 piece.

[@bubee1984]

Code doesn't work 😢

[@braydenjost5868]

If you were to do another one 😅 this one is great but I think you should put rocks on the whole bottom and have low and high spots then poor the blue epoxy on top and do the waves so it looks more like a river bed love your content !

[@kchaboudy]

Great build but why are the fish swimming above the water line? The whole thing seems like it's upside down. You took the time to create those awesome beaches and do that cool wave technique but the fish are swimming in the water above the beaches! Maybe you could pour it clear and put the water and fish below an epoxy layer next time!

[@vettefan73]

From a craftsmanship perspective, its gorgeous. From an aquarium keeper perspective... I have some thoughts. That water is going to be toxic for the fish in no time at all. Some things to consider for next time: 1. Oxygen enters the water due to surface agitation. Add flow in the tank to provide oxygen to the fish. You can also add a bubbler to the water to agitate the surface as well. 2. The filter is in the worst possible location. The outlet of the filter is towards the inside while the inlet is tucked in a shallow corner. That filter is just going to be cycling the same few oz of water. Bore a hole through that piece of wood and pull water from the other side of the tank and center the filter so the outlet can actually provide flow through the middle. 3. Add a place for the fish to hide. Alcoves, tunnels, foliage, etc. Being out in the open stresses fish out. 4. When using acrylic, polish the edges. Get the mating surfaces as smooth as possible, clamp them in place (no real force, just enough to stabilize it) then run thin cyanoacrylate (superglue) along the seam and allow it to wick into the join and let it cure. That will be more than sufficient to waterproof the tank. Never use silicone/caulk on acrylic. It wont stick. If you did this with glass, you will need to use 100% pure silicone. No additives or anything, It needs to be pure silicone. Any additives will leach into the water and poison the fish. What I would do, personally, is use a sump under the table and allow the water to drain into it, go through your filter media, then pump it back into the other side of the table. Naturally it would create flow across the whole tank while allowing for adequate filtration. it will also provide a larger reservoir for water, increasing the total system volume which helps mitigate problems such as ammonia spikes. It also moves the heater and all the other filtration out of the display so you have a clean as possible look where it matters.

[@VirginiaBronson]

Additionally, using an overflow to the sump is a good idea so that in a power outage, you don’t have all the water drain out.

[@vettefan73]

@@VirginiaBronson The display tank will have an overflow to drain the water, so long as you account for the amount of water that will get siphoned out during an outage, and leave that much space in the sump, you dont need an overflow reservoir in the sump. Divide the total gallons of the display tank by the height of the tank in inches and you have how many gallons per inch. Then measure how much water is above the overflow and you know how much water will drain into the sump during an outage. I only say this because most overflow reservoirs in a sump don't have a way to get that water added back into circulation. its just an empty reservoir to catch extra water. I'm not a fan of this, specially for those new to sump filtration.

[@VirginiaBronson]

@@vettefan73 what you describe is what I meant. In his first video, he just had a hole on the bottom of the table. In a power outage, all the water will drain. Instead, drill a hole at water height with a hose attached to said hole, leading down to the sump. That configuration allows the water height to remain the same during a power outage while functioning correctly in daily use.

[@stookinthemiddle]

Came here to say this but glad it's already been said. Respect for the people who love their fishes here. But also, yes, it is beautiful as a table. As a functioning healthy tank? No.

[@donovanrossi8859]

^^^^^^^^^ THIS!!!! or add the stones/strips at the very least.

[@NickClarkDrums]

I think the reason we want to see it done better is to see one fish could actually live in. You Should build a much deeper section on side of the table. It can lead down to some kind of canister filter or sump and all be hidden off to one side. Kind of like a desk with shelves on one side. the water return can be sent off to the other side so you actually have water flowing from one side of the tank to the other and even potentially build a waterfall. I am very good with fish, worked in a small zoo and am available for consulting ;)

[@tonybrown5425]

Oh great another fish consulter. Let me draw up a contract. 🤦‍♂️

[@calebpettigrew6835]

@@tonybrown5425so you want the fish to die from idk claustrophobia

[@hjewkes]

A lot of the feedback on the last video was on how to make it viable for the fish. It would have been cool to see some of that in this build

[@Stuie444]

I'm 99% sure he isn't doing this for a client/actual install - much more for chasing the view count on something unusual.

[@GuadalupeVillasenor-e8f]

I think this is the cruelest thing I have ever seen, what about the fish??????😢

[@hyperchord]

@@Stuie444 Is the time/materials worth it without a paying client?

[@richarddraqon7531]

@@GuadalupeVillasenor-e8fshould use medaka fish instead. Better fitted for this minimal shallow water

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

I think a deeper section would be nice accessed by a cave. Fish need to swim up and down too.

[@spacekb17]

I was thinking the same. If the bottom was a tank and use larger wood pieces to make the walls. Pour the “windows” of the base

[@christopherhicks1413]

Part 3

[@kristaprice1954]

That is a BRILLIANT idea. I would say an even deeper pore/wood that has built in caves for the fish. He uses the deep pores epoxy all the time. Plus, I see either wood turners or wood/epoxy carvers use MUCH deeper pores all the time. He just needs a freezer! (Iykyk! Lol)

[@quakxy_dukx]

So fish table x cave table

[@mookinbabysealfurmittens]

Maybe talk to an actual person who does aquariums (&ponds) for a living, like SerpaDesign or Fish For Thought. An awesome collab _and_ some forethought for the fish so they're not cursed to croak in a week like they watched _The Ring_ - that would be awesome.

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Respectfully John, if you choose to make another table with fish in it again, I recommend at least watching an old “king of DIY” video where he makes acrylic (or plywood) fish tanks. Aquarists care first for their fish, second for the enclosure, and third for themselves (generally). There are great ways of making enclosed systems that are virtually maintenance free, but they always have to be accessible for cleaning, water changes, feeding, etc. having pots of soil with live plants in an aquarium underneath the table would make a great place for fish to live. If you use a canister filter and out the discharge at the top of the river to provide current flow, and leave the intake in the bottom, it would allow for the filter and hoses to be hidden. Some species of fish adore high current flow and will play in the stream, others prefer calmer water.

[@XTJ7]

I agree, it looks stunning (although could be improved with a hidden pump), but I have so many concerns for the fish. It is a superb table, but a terrible aquarium.

[@rekzors]

He hundred percent should collab with King Of DIY or SerpaDesign. This whole thing could be really cool with a hidden sump.

[@ricardocedillo1606]

Better idea, do it yourself and post a video.

[@Mavczers]

​@@rekzors yep, this kind of projects are the perfect way to Collab and learn something new so it won't be a 10000$ animal abuse.

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

@@ricardocedillo1606 fish don’t belong in tables ; if you want river fish, build a river, not a table. Hillstream loaches would be excellent for a super high flow “table” enclosure. If I had the money do spend on the acrylic, I would do it in a heartbeat. I have the adhesive already, but I don’t have the disposable income to play around like that. If you want to sponsor the video, I am willing to make it.

[@corbettobaggio]

Got potential to be something really cool. You can have a hidden sump, inlet outlet hidden in the legs. Make the table deeper. Get a substrate and some plants in it and it’ll be self sufficient. Make sure you put nano fish in it. Feeder gold fish will out grow the tank instantly. Rice fish and some shrimp would look class.

[@SeanTyphon]

As a fish keeper, I have a few ways to improve this. We can get a small internal pomp that could easily be hidden inside the table. We could incorporate moss and small aquatic plants, and then there's the livestock. small fresh water shrimp and nano fish, like chili rasbora to keep the scale of the whole thing. I'd be happy to be a consultant

[@tonybrown5425]

LMAO you wrote this and thought “yep, not embarrassed. I don’t sound pretentious at all.” Oh what would we ever do without Sean, the all knowing, ever wise, “fish keeper”.

[@starfirebird3099]

@@tonybrown5425 Considering that goldfish need at least 20 gallons per fish, most resins and glues are toxic to fish, and tanks need cycling before fish are added, OP's comment is exceptionally diplomatic.

[@justaperson4065]

Nano shrimp would be great for this application!

[@shino8854]

The best consulting advice you could give...is don't do it. There's a reason why fish are kept in tanks, and not tables.

[@alissabenzmiller3769]

I love the concept. As a fish keeper, this type of setup isn't sustainable for healthy and happy fish. It is a beautiful build with great craftsmanship, and I'm happy that the fish will be going to a good home!

[@dontknowdocare]

Looks great but you'd probably have to consult a specialist to make a fish tank able that could permanently host live animals and provide an adequate environment for the fish.

[@kristaprice1954]

I hear COLLAB! I just wonder who would be the best to collab with...

[@breannen9996]

​@@kristaprice1954Definitely serpa designs!

[@BrodysBettas]

I'm down, lol! How about Medaka Ricefish? They're small mini pond top swimming fish.

[@jekyllthebeast783]

Honestly I would do this but instead of fish use shrimp or small vampire crabs (but with crabs they would need a little bit different setup), IF it’s a 5 gallon MAYBE a betta and that’s a big maybe, but outside of that the only fish really that might do good would be guppies and even that you could only really fit about 3-4

[@Snapplemonkey]

One thing you could have done, was to put in the filter from below. Put it under one of the woodpieces and maybe carve out a "cave" in it so the filter could poke through. It would be less visible and you could use the frame itself to hide it. There are also filter types you place inside the aquarium itself that just have a small clear tube that needs air. I figure the best way to improve an aquarium table like those would mostly be hiding the filter and where you feed the fish from.

[@Rome2284]

Should collab with SerpaDesign and do this for real. He's in Pittsburgh, you don't even have to go very far

[@N1ckelD1me]

Serpa the goat of aquascapes

[@broman6662]

Serpa design would NEVER be part of building something for fish that is cruel to the fish. There is no way to build a table so it is suitable for fish. Yes Serpa did a similar table. BUT HE DID NOT PUT FISH IN IT!

[@LarryMayvid]

​@@broman6662With his expertise, why couldn't he come up with a way to make it work? The "tank" part of the table could be as deep as necessary to make it a legitimately good living space for the fish. It might end up being something more like a *table built around a tank* than a *tank built into a table*, but together, they could make that awesome and way more special and unique than it sounded when I typed that, lol.

[@broman6662]

@@LarryMayvid Its not just the dept, fish need filtration and cirkulation. If you have to integrate everything so it can inhabit fish. Then its not a table anymore. The reason no fish keeper on youtube hasnt done a table for fish is because the idea is so stupid. Otherwise someone would have done it already

[@paulamadden]

😅​@@LarryMayvid

[@MzJava0126]

For version 3 I highly recomend a base that is a big tank which would support fish long term. Instead of building tank into a table frame, build a table into a tank frame. A 50 -100 gallon tank is also typically large enough that it would be the perfect height for a living room coffee table depending on the brand you go with. Marineland and Top Fin both have shin to knee high tanks in the 50, 75, 100 gallon range. Top Fin Brand usually has starter kits with a filter, heater, and lighting for anything between 10 and 36 gallons, some stores might still have starter kits for the 55 gallons but those have been getting phased out. You could add a base and a bit of frame work to the outside of the tank for a more modern look and to support a built insert that could be lowered into the top 2/3 rds or 3/4 s to create the riverbed look up above and have "cave" entrances at either end of the tank to allow the fish to access the river bed from the depths of the tank. The bottom of the insert could even be designed to resemble and underwater cave system to include more visual variety. Building an acrylic/ glass lid or raised table top that could sit on the frame but still allow an inch for airflow would also reduce evaporation of the water from an open top, protect the fish as they swim along the river bed, and make the table usable as a surface for glasses, books, games, etc. Lighting could also be built into the frame along the sides so underneath the fish will still be visible, there are some really cool LED lights by fluval that have different color options and day to night settings. Or a Phillips hue LED strip, they have some water resistant options for pond use. Bubblers could also be added to enhance the lighting but would have to be positioned in away where they wouldn't make air pockets under the river bed, or the riverbed would have to have holes to allow the air to escape upwards. And the variety of filters that are available for larger tanks other than the clip ons would give you so many opportunities. Canister filters would allow for complete filtration from one end of the set up to the other and can easily be fitted with an outflow that would give you a flowing river at the top. Your biggest challenge would be cleaning though, a canister filter will help a lot with preventing poop accumulation but the inserted river bed would probable have to be made to be removable to get in there and do any algae scrubbing unless the tank is very chemically controlled to reduce algae growth.

[@FrantzFirearmTactics]

The moment he needed his shop shades…. They were on his head 😂

[@dameiondorsner7256]

Got to let that sit for a bit and normalize the temp/pressure.

[@winfinit]

He was protecting his head, he just needs a second pair for his eyes, the ones with prescription.

[@bucklogos]

I have to give it to you guys. I just watched this video earlier today, and just saw my 5 year old daughter watching this video on her tablet. It really takes something special to capture the attention of a 30 year old men and 5 year old girls alike.

[@MyMrFroog]

Have you even considered that some of those wood products could leak toxic stuff in water. I would recommend adding these things for part 3: have real flow from one end to the other, then a bio filter under, you could use an aererator to add oxygen to water, use tubing to connect filter to hide stuff, make it like a long winding fish tank (make it deeper).

[@secksysequin2580]

Plan for the next one: collab with Serpa Designs. He builds most of his enclosures, including stands, from scratch so you could maybe learn from each other.

[@tonyyetman6896]

At 18:54, Sam takes a projectile to the face while his Shop Shades are perched on top of his head providing absolutely no protection. Classic.

[@jacobhoupt]

Just watched this and that was my takeaway. No one expects a bottle of glue to pop like that, but the safety glasses 6 inches from his eyes are smug AF. Would've been an awesome clip for all the marketing, though. Missed opportunity, Sam.

[@jt5029]

My two cents- you can’t just add fish to treated water and call it a day. The tank needs time to cycle to build up bacteria to eat the fish waste. This takes several weeks to a month. You need to add bacteria starter and let the tank “cycle” this allows time for the bacteria to grow and attach to the surfaces, which in turn eat the fish poop and stops the waste from making the fish die.

[@MythicalIdi0t]

a small external canister filter could have been hidden easily, leaving only two small pipe coming up to the table. which could have been channeled through the bottom. the guy in the shop was obviously just not very clued in. i love this project !!! great job

[@eskimoquinn4737]

Came here to say this. Even better with an overflow/weir at one end of the table and a return on the other run through even a basic canister. That way water flow would be through the river and you'd get more complete filtration. Big box stores will almost always sell you something but I'd go to any local fish store for advice. That filter choice ruins the whole aesthetic and is terrible from a functional standpoint.

[@CardsbyMaaike]

#3 make an actual aquarium and then put a table top on there? i love how the epoxy swirls turned out

[@balkamp8888]

Def one of the better ideas in this comment section

[@jnj7211]

Thought the same thing, only an aquarium stand.

[@johncox8882]

Love the table but gold fish get to large for the size. As an aquarist I have ideas. I have very few tools and a low budget as I am disabled. After seeing this one I want to build one and use Medaka rice fish. They where bred to be in small water features like large pots and viewed from above. I am going to share this video with my fellow fish nerds. I think a sump filter system is the way to go. The water depth needs to be 6 inches. My idea is to make a wide center section which will be part of the base. This can be used for added depth and sump system. The sump will allow the water to oxegenate. Down side of sumps is piping. I plan is to get an acrylic tank made to table size and 6 inches deep. Then use resin to stick slabs into the tank kind of like this version was done. You need a fish nerd to help you design a third version. I plan to use a chainsaw mill to cut some slabs. My problem is going to be getting the slabs dried properly. No cnc to flatten or even a planer over 12 inch. So this is going to take a long time.

[@just1luckyguy229]

@@johncox8882 Im looking forward to your build, its all good and nice reading the experts, but youre the first to put your money/work where your expertise lie, and do it right! Good luck on this project :D

[@tonybrown5425]

An aquarist😂 are you certified? Did you go to school for this? I own a few firearms but that doesn’t make me a gun smith. What’s with these fish people😂

[@wizplayzyt259]

@@tonybrown5425 What is with you? An aquarists is a VERY educated person on fish, they literally care for them? Do you not know what they are..? You own firearms and you know how to care for them I assume, and your most likely educated on how to use them no? All of what they said is true. This build is gorgeous but its not suitable for fish to live in, they will die over time.

[@E.Zleech]

@@tonybrown5425 an aquarist is someone who knows more about fishkeeping than you. You don't need to be certified to know facts. That's like saying someone can't teach about something if they don't have certified degree or anything.

[@jamesdean8260]

Canister filter, sump, there are options to make filters hidden. The problem is you went to petco for help. The filter probably doesn't have enough bio-capacity which is normally taken up in large part by gravel. A point of concern is if the resin is food-grade. If not you're going to be poisoning the fish.

[@iroccata]

Verion 3 should have an aquarium below, with tubes connecting it where fishes could go up to the tabble or be seen from the sides of the aquarium.

[@Tanya_Maria]

Your best table after the Game Of Thrones table! I love it! It's so beautiful like the shade of teal blue and black framing! ❤❤❤

[@G_Brown.]

I would try making the table completely non-toxic for the fish, deeper so they can stay there, and use smaller fish like guppies or tetras. (Neon tetras could look pretty cool if you add a black light underneath the table where the lights were in this one)

[@WooSai]

Love this! So much better than the first one! Improvement ideas: Make it even deeper! Use wood on top of wood to make it deeper. It'll give more areas to the fish to hang out and swim through with a natural look. Use a canister filter, and plumb an output (drainage) and return holes. Canister filters can use standard plumbing attachments, so you're future proofing, and minimizing the need for future modification to the table if/when that filter dies.Using the "even deeper" method above, you could hide both drain and return inside the wood, and now you have a real river table, with water running from one side to the other. The drainage could be hidden in a cave, or an open whirlpool style drain (with a grate preventing fish going into it). WATERFALL!!! Using a canister, and making it deeper gives the opportunity to hide the water return in a cool water feature, which will also help with aeration of the water, which will help your fishies breathe. Clear sides/windows in side of table.

[@EverXFun]

The water foam effect looks amazing

[@geforcertx9236]

Incredible work as always. Revision 3 ideas - Utilize the full depth of the unit with layered biscuits possibly reflecting the sea floor In terms of aquaria equipment there is so much more sophisticated options out there, that you would not see in a general pet store Instead of a coffee table for a big build, a large dining table would allow for an epic build with decent water volume Use mirrored panels for lower parts of the build to house equipment Drill into the system to give you an inlet and outlet to a lower equipment section If you could make this a marine build you will certainly get the viewers pouring in Equipment when looking into marine you have Apex Systems (Neptune aqua computer), if you are going to go balls out with these ideas Apex is the way to do it. Once built, top with glass for use as a functional table whilst also stopping fish from jumping. Raise the glass from the top if that makes sense so there is an air gap to have air entering the water. With marine lighting is important (This really applies if you have live coral not for FO or FOWLR systems) you could build a wooden rectangular frame that is suspended from the ceiling above housing something like 10 Ecotech Radion XR30 pros fixed with steel cables so it appears to be floating in mid air above the build. Happy to assist with the idea should you wish to take on the mammoth challenge in terms of equipment spec and config. The ideas would not be for the feint hearted but could be sold for a priceless amount due to the bespoke nature.

[@KAIDENSFISHING]

I have been watch your videos for a while and it got me thinking to start my own woodworking business. So thanks for the inspiration.

[@John_Malecki]

👊

[@dannjosecabredo6127]

At least acknowledge everyone mentioning the fish arent in proper conditions ​@@John_Malecki

[@TheDoItYourselfWorld]

There are better ways to set up a filter and hide it. The filter you have though should have been somewhere open so the water could flow better. Right now it is wedged in behind some wood, reducing its effectiveness. I have been long considering putting a real fish tank under a live edge table with acrylic so you can see the fish underneath.

[@RobEldridge]

It looks amazing i would suggest using dumbo guppies instead as they dont produce as much waste. Having an acrylic tube that drops down to the floor would add some much needed water space and can be used to support the table and hide a canister filter or even a sponge filter would do fine. Plus i mean you could then make the table a waterfall aquarium table

[@robertr4193]

Not sure how practical it is but I do have to say it looks really good. I do have one question. With the clear acrylic top cover how do you feed the fish? Does the top come up easy enough for feeding them?

[@Miyu91]

Neat stuff! Pleas make sure you keep in mind what type of fish you are getting for these projects. I know you have a tank that they go to after filming but knowing what kind of fish you have an what they need is a important. It looks like you might have some comet fish in there. They are a type of goldfish and they can grow a lot and very quickly. a good rule of thumb is 1 gal per 1inch of fish, per fish. Comets can get upwards of 9 to 14 inches and are usually feeder fish or enclosed pond fish. Do not flush fish dead of alive and never release them into the wild. Gold fish can be devastating to local ecosystems. Beautiful work on the table, it turned out amazing.

[@jabaro2]

An external filter placed below would be much more inconspicuous. You could drill holes in the bottom, so nothing would be visible from above. Also, that tiny filter in the corner is not going to circulate water the length of the table. With an external filter, you could place the intake and outlet at opposite ends of the table, so the water would flow from one end to the other like an actual river.

[@fuzzycraptastical]

Do a waterfall style table to give the fish more space to swim. It will make it more aquarium like. Basically instead of looking at it as a table top, look at it as more of a hybrid between an aquarium and a table, but without just turning an aquarium into a table…. Maybe use a portion of a tree trunk to make the base with the inside half of it becoming part of the water feature. (This makes sense in my head, but probably doesn’t in words! 🤣)

[@Anteatereatingants]

Anyone complaining about it not being a good home for fish they are only in there temporarily he said at 30:36

[@carnifaxx]

I doubt you would be happy with temporary suffocation...

[@harutogames9204]

​@@carnifaxxwhy do you exist? Actually better question, why did darwinism allow you to exist?

[@carnifaxx]

@@harutogames9204 to care about other living creatures. Why do you exist?

[@bubby-un34benny-un46]

The king👑 of youtube is back and made another good video and i love your channels

[@stevenroyer8731]

That cut from "I need to do" to "We need to do" at 1:51 is probably appreciated by all the guys for sure

[@ahhsean]

Was going to comment this lol

[@jdip8291]

on version 3, it still needs to be deeper. Maybe double stack the wood, but use about the same amount of wood. You can see it great from the top, why not from the sides as well!! Increase the space of the gaps between the wood nuggets but double them in the vertical, maybe hand carve the finished sides so they are seamless. But you need 1 more pour, cleaning the inside of the base on 2 is going to be a witch with a capital B!! But also the water filter mod you did on 2 means some filters water is going to be filtered again. Maybe mod it so it sucks water in from another area of the table (so the tube cuts through a piece of the wood. Then you will need to add an oxygenator (insert doofenshmirtz joke), so keep more than 1 fish per gallon of water alive. And make sure there is an easy way to access the fish for feeding and cleaning the table's tank! Or better yet, make 2 seperate tank inserts and connect them on the underside with a V acrylic tunnel!!

[@Buzzzerk]

Take a shot everytime John says I have no idea what I’m doing

[@mtmichaelson2000]

My guy, it's 7 am on a Sunday morning. I don't want to pass out yet.

[@traywayle]

in EVERY video too

[@bgpappy30]

This is so bad ass boys! Thank you John and team for everything you’ve accomplished and shared with us all! One love!

[@Temeraire519]

So lets talk fish care, the filter is quite small. I'd recommend a canister filter with filter media (the best media is seachem). Best reason for this is you could hide it under the table and even do a flow up from the bottom of the tank so no tube on the side. Stick with small nano fish like rice fish, celestial pearl danios, and maybe some neon tetras. 1 inch of fish per gallon is a nice starting point. I'd also recommend picking up an aquarium test kit to ensure the fish are in a healthy environment.

[@jarodcallan4756]

No disrespect at all as it's a beautiful table but it's a pretty terrible fish tank lol I would absolutely love if you and serpa design did a collab your woodworking and his pet care and aquascape knowledge would be a gorgeous project

[@LarryMayvid]

Lexel, from the company Sashco, is the clearest caulk in all the land. The first time I used it was going around some windows, and it was starting to get dark so that's part of it, but I was legitimately having a hard time doing it because the Lexel is so clear that I couldn't see the bead well at all. There are also many other properties that make it a phenomenal caulk in general. Very easy to tool, very good adhesion, superb flexibility and stretchability. I highly recommend it. Awesome table!

[@JonGuy008]

Love the built in tank projects. I'd suggest a few things where possible, first being an easy place to feed the fish from if this is ever meant to be a long term environment for the fish. You will also want a substrate like sand - though I can see how this would ruin part of the look. Also, It would be cool if you made the bottom an inverted pyramid so the center is far deeper (fish like vertical movement), without sacrificing the look of the sides.

[@johansson8960]

Cool project! Although i think a little more research for handling fish would be in order. Fish need a place to hide. A cave, plants, roots or anything they can hide under or in. Fish need to be able to swim up and down. For the best water quality you need plants. You need different types of fish. Like cleaning fish, like algae eaters and so on. Because that little filter will never be able to clean the whole tank. And most of all. Fish need to be aclimatized to their new environment. You can't just dump the fish from the bag in the tank. Other than that. Awesome project!

[@JTScottOfficial]

You don't need plants, it's better, but with a very good filter, I have an FX6 (and plants) but without them, the quality is perfect. I suspect I could forget the filter and it would be fine as well.

[@johansson8960]

@@JTScottOfficial Yeah, you have a good filter. Then you dont *need* plants. Though they do help. But the filter used in the video is just not proportionate to the tank size. Especially if you dont have any sand, cleaning fish or plants. The filter needs to do it all

[@mediapc4747]

Plants aren't just used for practical purposes like a filter, they are used to create an environment that might be more pleasant for those confined to it.

[@JTScottOfficial]

@@johansson8960 True, but for what it is, it would likely be suitable for having 5 Minnows or the like.

[@void-stare]

I'm glad the fish aren't staying in that table; goldfish need a LOT of space (there's a reason they're kept in ponds!) They're also filthy fish. Something like this would be best suited for tetras and shrimp, or a single betta fish (but I can see why you wouldn't want to do that, one fish is underwhelming for a video.) I also worry about the materials used in the long run. Fish are sensitive to chemicals and there are aquarium-specific resins and silicones for this type of application. Might be worth keeping in mind for next time I also want to suggest a flow system. The filter being tucked in the corner won't be strong enough to push the water throughout the table. Basically, only the area immediately around it will be filtered, the other end of the table won't get clean. Next time, why not try a hidden filter? One end of the table will have the waterfall (or just the outflow in general, it could be under water, that part is up to you,) while the complete other end of the table has the inflow, where the water will flow out of the table and into the filter system which could be hidden under the table. The tubes for it can be hidden in or behind the legs, and the filter and pump can be in a hidden compartment at the bottom of the table. I'd be happy to email you a rough diagram of what that could look like (you're free to do what you want with it) and a list of some supplies and materials if you'd like.

[@michaelgplayzz]

0:07 he scared me for a sec

[@ThatPuertoRicanFr]

Lmao 😂

[@ELBRICORINCON]

An amazing project! Great job! As for the pump, as an idea, you could hide the pump in the structure and simply raise the tubes so they're hidden (you'd have to extend the tubes), and that way it wouldn't be seen or break the aesthetics. Cheers, guys!!!

[@abcArtByCarrie]

Nice to see the push for shop shades in all videos and then has them on his head when the flying cap happens. Just sayin 😂

[@inboots1300]

Best sneeze ever

[@carthius]

Would of been a good bit of recording to see those Shopshade in action if you wernt wearing them on your head...

[@SinclairBikeTrials]

Was literally only scrolling the comments to see what was said about the shop shades on head situation 🤣 10 points to you @carthius

[@HasanZayed]

i do have a couple of ideas that will help you make this even better: - use a canister filter, a small one will be hidden and you all you need is tubing ( so the water goes out the table to be filtered and get back again. easy to clean the filter or do a water change (which is a must for almost all fish tanks) - The wood cracks you have made are amazing, if i were you i'd make them into a river or even a real waterfall (canister filter will help with that). or you can use the same methos you used to create the waves. anyhow i love your work and it looks amazing as is

[@sphinx7137]

The table looks great don't get me wrong, but if you are planning on doing a version 3 please just don't. As someone who keeps fish as a hobby a version 3 is just going to promote to other people that it's OK to abuse the fish by keeping them in an environment that's way to small. Those fish will grow alot and quickly outgrow that table. My question is do the people have the space for a much larger aquarium? They may have been cheap feeder fish but they will get huge requiring a large tank of 20 gallons per fish or an outdoor pond. The average person just doing this for the looks will just let the fish die.

[@just1luckyguy229]

I dont know why they keep going with goldfish (probably because the place the fish will go after the video, if i had to guess) when theres mutch smaller and hardier fish, specialised for small water (puddles) like guppies or tetras

[@G_Brown.]

@Just1luckyguy229 That’s exactly what I was thinking

[@TheLoneRider_]

@@just1luckyguy229 probably because goldfish are the cheapest fish at the pet store, sad he wouldn’t get some smaller nano fish even they they may be a few dollars more per fish…

[@just1luckyguy229]

@@TheLoneRider_ to be fair i have no ideas how mutch guppies cost. We always got them from free, when we were keeping friends tanks, and kept some of the offspring. I dont think they would be pricier than goldfish 😅

[@johncox8882]

Please read my comment. It is clear these guys are not fish keepers. I can tell you I am going to make a table after seeing this version. The first version had so many problems from a fish keeper stand point. I have bred many types of fresh water fish. I have made a plywood tank(290 gallon). This one is deeper but needs to be deeper yet. A sump system will remove issue of HOB filter sticking up through table top. I even said goodies get to big for that set up. So I agree and disagree with you about a 3rd version.

[@patricialyons383]

Incredible I love the risk factor and your courage to constantly accept the challenges to me that is the definition of genius 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@octoaquatics]

ouch. that is eventually going to leak. -that is not how to use weldon (16 or 4). -silicone, caulk etc will not bind to acrylic due to its oily nature (petroleum). -that’s not the proper way to cut acrylic for welding. -that filter is severely undersized. by the way, it can take several weeks for acrylic to expand due to the water, so there’s no telling when your seams will blow. removed the water and fill it with epoxy.

[@Anteatereatingants]

they are only in there for the video

[@EXTREMOZAU]

A epic project with no drama way to go love it

[@christophers.4007]

Filter undersized, no aerator and I'm sure none of that material; epoxy, caulk, resin is nontoxic for the fish. I know he said he will remove the fish, but why even try to make the table that can not sustain fish life when that was the whole point?

[@S1rAdam]

Go argue with Shaq

[@chrishipson7371]

Because he’s going outside his comfort zone

[@DaRealPhadedxBlizZz]

@@S1rAdamfacts

[@techno_viking2609]

Anime cruelty 101

[@kolbytricell3002]

Its just flr the video. All his shit is gimmicky

[@jerveysdelara7790]

This is sick John... You've outdone your selves... Looking forward for V3

[@ThisZombieBitesEverything]

Neither this or the other table are good for fish. Yes the tables look good, but they are not good for fish… fish need more room.

[@cameronmcmahan4290]

Hey John, next time you can use a canister filter to make the plumbing more hidden. You can drill through the bottom of the acrylic in corners for bulkheads with strainers to keep fish out. Then you could use plumbing fittings and clear vinyl (or other) tubing to make the connections. a Fluval 207 would probably be more than enough for a table with that volume of water.

[@cameronmcmahan4290]

Probably better to use a Fluval 107 instead actually

[@dellycoderry]

Yay another animal abuse video

[@nzphilly]

Him hurting your feelings is abuse?

[@Anteatereatingants]

they are only in there for the video he said at the end

[@carnifaxx]

@@Anteatereatingants this way he could have placed e.g. a cat inside and see if "it's going to a different home" would work with animal protection laws

[@babidavi6910]

​@@nzphilly 👎🏽

[@babidavi6910]

​@@Anteatereatingants He poured fish into resin water, lol. Those feesh lost half their life expectancy just floating there a couple minutes.

[@KcWouldntYouLikeToKnow]

Acrylic bottom made the table look so much better! Recommend for future epoxy tables!!

[@Reimus1991]

Love youre Channel but this sucks for the animals. Dont do it again, thats horrible, even if its just fish.

[@jasonhansen6706]

As a aquarium addict, I would have put support cleats on the corner of the acrylic. With the water pressure eventually you will have a blowout leak in those locations.

[@christiansethi938]

The acrylic idea was awesome! Next time make the acrylic box first then epoxy the wood straight into that, that way you can be sure that the corners are all water tight! Also you should watch the King of DIY, he shows you how to make your own filters, he did several PVC ones in the past, maybe you could encapsulate one of those in the leg of the table with a removable panel on the leg to service the filter? Or maybe you could have some overflows on each of the 4 legs, have the water run through the legs of the table through the filter media and have it pumped back up through a centre piece (that option would also increase your water volume which is good for the dilution of the fish waste)? Good work fellas 🤙

[@mariokinnear1813]

Congratulations to you and your team John 👏🏼 your builds are getting better and better aswel as your tools reviews 👌🏼 keep up the good work guys, great watching your videos 💪🏼👊🏼

[@interactive1984]

Version 3: - use logs to create more depth - make the sides from epoxy. - darker blue color on the bottom and gradient up the sides to transparent to create that ocean depth.

[@ronni.cats67]

♥️♥️♥️ Awesome looking table! For version three you should consult the guys from the TV show Tanked. I bet they could help you figure out some way to have the plumbing for the water not showing in anyway that was too obvious.

[@DirtBoyTrucker]

My first thought as you were doing this was possibly having an access port from a tank underneath letting the fish explore the top but then having more room below. Or like just coming up to feed. Not an idea or criticism in any way. I love watching how far you'll go with any unusual ideas. I just drove by your shop last week (well I drove by on the freeway) and thought of what you guys might be up to. I'd love to bring the Fleet of Heroes rig by if I ever had the opportunity. Anyway, well done guys 🐠

[@tetonchunk3307]

Shop Shades sunglasses for us fellows building outside!

[@rumpelstilzchen2796]

The parts with waves should be part of the top, fish swimming over them breaks the illusion. Another thought is make it look more like a Koi pond, with lily pads in the top allowing the fish to swim under. Dark bottom highlights the color of the fish. Great video!

[@mattnorthernmn2803]

Think making a deep end table with a piece of like drift wood as the focal point would be awesome. The fish could actually live in it and be a functional table as well

[@AarronDingle]

The effect in the table looks great! I would recommend making one of the legs hollow to create a sump. Then you can hide filters, heaters etc. Or create a waterfall table (like an infinity pool!) with a real waterfall and fish! epic!

[@garytroiano4333]

Just amazing work. Your work shop is just unbelievable.

[@shadowshifter5348]

Goldfish were not a good choice for this in my opinion, for anyone who gets it. I would recommend guppies or some other kinds of small fish that go in 4gal tanks, maybe shrimp. I have goldfish and those suckers grow to even in small tanks, they will not stop growing. If they have a small tank it may make them grow slower, but they will still outgrow it. I do love this table more than the previous one though

[@Dan_B_Rides]

One of your best tables yet.great job John and the team. It looks amazing. Even when the fish are in their new home, the table still looks amazing. Carnt wait for the next project 👍🏻

[@EmilyGOODEN0UGH]

You should have made a small box under each end and put a sump filtration in one of them. A hose hung under the top can return the water to the far end for actual flow. The other end can be storage. Having the larger volume of water in the sump will allow more fish to survive on top. ONE one inch fish per gallon of well filtered and aerated water, and remember goldfish can grow to 12 inches long. Danios are lively fish that stay small and don't need heat. Any fish tank over one gallon should be in its final home before you add water. I think next time you should seal each piece of wood and the box first, then start assembling. And the gravel should be either loose or completely sealed.

[@livinMicro]

Hey John, You can get an external canister filter and use bulkhead connectors from one side of the tank to the other side to create a current and force full tank filtration. If you mount them on the underside of the tank they would be essentially invisible.

[@torridice]

I’ve been asking for prescriptions!!! Let’s goooooo shop shades

[@mattsully5332]

looks very nice! The main thing I would do different is find a way to route water from the point furthest from your pump back around into the pump to ensure all the water stays aerated, and keeps the fish happy.

[@FullmetalAngyl]

If plants can be added, another fish to consider is the hillstream loach. Hillstream loach is flat like a stingray and would be perfect to view from above. I also want to suggest African Butterfly Fish, because they look like butterflies from above, but I'm not sure of their requirements and unlike the hillstream loach I think the butterflies would need a heater which could mess with your table. Some fish almost look like koi from above and I think a pond theme could look better for a table. Look up those fish and you'll see what I mean. They're perfect for viewing from above.

[@EmpressOfExile206]

Now that I'm seeing your "deeper" water depth... this tayble would be feasible for a small school of chilli rasboras, celstial pearl danios, etc. I wouldn't stock anything bigger in this 💯 Tbh though if there's one fish hardy enough to _actually thrive_ in this table and that lives in shallow water in it's *natural habitat,* it would be a pair or sorority of beta fish‼️ That being said, I'd *really* like to know what you did with those baby comet goldfish that are gonna grow to be like 16" fish⁉️🤔

[@armoredtitan54]

I love how this might be the most impractical table I've seen you build while still being one of the coolest.

[@isaacfritz4410]

Not telling you what to do brotha but little tip. Pour a separate clear epoxy pour for the cracks of your lumber prior to cutting it up and sealing your edges with epoxy. Unless the crack is big enough and you wanna utilize it, if you want👍 Love the content man

[@TimeLessTraveled]

By far the best looking lace effect you have done! I would consult some people with experience, in hiding equipment for aquariums, my biggest concern would be as an aquarium, there is no actual circulation of the water from one end to the other. I can picture a lot of various options to achieve the balance you are looking for, hard to explain in a KZbin comment. Reference Tanked, and local aquarium shops, not big box store employees, they are doing their best with the options they have. We have a place in North Tonawanda, NY called The Fish Place, and they have many more options for ponds, and custom tanks than pet stores. My kids often prefer a quick visit to The Fish Place over the local aquarium.

[@kensmith5694]

I think I would have wanted to soak some water proofing into the wood for about a zillion years before I started on the actual project. There are plasticy materials you can use for this but the idea is that all the little cracks etc would be sealed up and the material will have 100% dried and finished all outgassing before the build even starts. Basically the smell should be gone. Also: They do make filter systems that are completely external to the tank.

[@AZdroptop]

John, awesome to hear shop shades come in prescription now! I ordered some up.

[@VikingPEZ]

I love it, but for the sake of the fish, it should be double the depth minimum, then it's perfection

[@MeanMazi]

I’m so excited! 🎉 I look forward to these uploads.

[@stegles]

V3: make the base a tank so its actually got some depth. the table itself is pretty useless, a raised section (say 1 inch) above the fish tank section in laminated glass. You could incorporate the wood used for the "land" as the stands for the glass top An overflow section to catch water which spills if the table is bumped, can pump this back in or even make it a standing waterfall. This can also help with filtration.

[@dhebert111]

Wow ! 😮 That "whitewash" effect 8:49 , of the waves hitting the shore is Amazing! Never've seen that before...ever. Excellent idea, and crazy-creative guys.

[@michaelflower5872]

Version 3 - hide the pump and filter (plus extra water volume) in the base (yes enclosed base ☹), put the water supply at one end of the table and the return at the other - make it actually flow like a river - you'll get fresh water around whole table not just one corner. Also means, when you equipment dies, its easy to replace (size is adjustable), if pump on present table dies guaranteed you will not find the exact same pump to fit in 5 years time.

[@PyjamallamaAU]

Looks great and for a version 3 idea/s - small submersible pump hidden under one of the wood islands made to look like a sea cave that way you might be able to hide the pump and wires. Also make some sort of glow in the dark additive so when the lights are out there is a low glow in the table - not the whole water area but maybe as an outline along the wood areas...

[@TheIvyPoison16]

Can you make a mushroom coffee table?(please) Theme: Cottagecore Idea: small coffee table with a mushroom in case in Resin! I would also love to see your ideas with this theme.

[@DaveOsborn-g5l]

Absolutely amazing!!I love it when you guy's experiment and it works!!Keep doing what you're doing,love the channel!!🤘🤘

[@anuragverma4102]

Amazing work!! Love your builds!! 😁😁😁 You can try to add a flowing pipeline underneath the base so it can be hidden for the filter, cause in this table the filter is focused on one side, also if you have small nooks use them for points to pull water out, and put a glass on the top cover, so it’s a proper fish table 😆

[@wonkey3733]

Once again what an awesome build, just love the idea.

[@andrewmiller3767]

Version 3 should use a small sump system 😉 Will solve the issue of hiding filtration and will provide a higher, more stable water volume for the fish. Get some cycled media from a local fish store and you’re good !