First post - new custom build

gerryd

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 20, 2010
225
2
18
fl
Hi all,

First time poster here but have lurked for some time.....soaking up the beautiful setups I see here...

Not sure where to post this but....

Hi all,
Hope all is well with everyone....
I am fortunate to be in a position to get a custom built tank and stand per my specs...
Dimensions in inches: 72 (length) x 20 (height) x 36 (width/front to back) for approx 220 gallons.
Rimless Starphire glass on all 4 sides...NO bulkheads of any type.....I will most likely go with black silicone rather than the clear...
Stand will be powder coated steel and will also have a custom fabricated light bar that will attach to the stand..The bar will also be powder coated to match....
Lead time is about 6 weeks so hope to get in June...
Here are links to the builders and the hardware choices for lights, filter, substrate, etc.
Links to hardware and such:
1. Tank manufacturer/builder:
http://www.coasttocoastaquariums.com/
2. Overflow(CS202) for intake flow:
http://www.cpraquatic.com/products/overflows.html
3. Sump and wet/dry (Model 4):
http://www.southbroadwaytropicals.com/ItemPages/WetDry.htm
4. Sump pump (1800gph) OR separate c02 pump (500-600gph). I may use a larger model as the sump and co2 pump or a smaller model just for c02.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Danner_M...anner_Mfg.-DN1159-FIWPSBUFPO-DN1161-1-vi.html
5. Lights (T5HOx12x39w):
http://www.aquaticlife.com/t5ho_six_lamp/index.html
6. Bulbs(Giesemann 39w Midday and 39w AquaFlora T5 HO Lamps):
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/giesemann-midday-t5-ho-lamps x 6
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/giesemann-aquaflora-t5-ho-lamps x 6
7. Additional filtration:
http://www.eheim.de/eheim/inhalte/index.jsp?key=liniendetail_27575_ehen
8. Additional flow (MP40):
http://ecotechmarine.com/vortech-mp40w-es-propeller-pump/
9. Substrate (amazonia I):
http://www.adgshop.com/Substrate_System_s/1.htm
I will not use powersand or anything else..
That should do it...The eheim has an internal heater should I need one, or the sump is large enough to toss in a heater if need be...
The stand will be 'open' until I get the skirt designed and built with detachable panels all around.
I intend to place the new aquarium so that there is sufficient space to walk completely around it. It will of course be the focal point of the apt lol
Appreciate any comments or experiences with any of the hardware. Much of it I have used but not the sump or the eheim canister...
I will be injecting c02 and using the EI dosing method...
I have a detailed thread over at the barr report if you want to follow that...start at post #60....
http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/8435-New-Tank-Build-Thread/page6
 

aclockworkorange

Polypterus
MFK Member
Jun 24, 2010
9,584
42
90
37
Rose City
Sounds great bro, but I don't think you're gonna get a ton of advice here on high tech planted setups. Can only think of a couple members off the top of my head. Most people here are amazed if they get ANY plant to grow. :D
 

gerryd

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 20, 2010
225
2
18
fl
aclockworkorange;5056304; said:
Sounds great bro, but I don't think you're gonna get a ton of advice here on high tech planted setups. Can only think of a couple members off the top of my head. Most people here are amazed if they get ANY plant to grow. :D
Hi and thanks....

I can grow the plants w/o issue so good to go there.. Perhaps I can assist you folks a bit? Happy to answer any plant questions if I could..

More just wanted to share the tank specs and hardware looking for flaws...I do NOT keep monsterfish (why I lurk) but wanted to share the tank build/specs in case someone does something similar, planted or not. A large tank has requirements regardless of what it houses...

I do not plan on using all 12 bulbs for sure. Only using 8 now and that is more than enough via my PAR meter :) The light bar will allow for easy adjustment of light intensity...

I will post some pics as it progresses again just for informational purposes..

Also some pics upon reciept and as it is setup and running...

Thanks again!

Gerry.
 

gerryd

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 20, 2010
225
2
18
fl
Hi all,

The build has started and it should ship out on 7/5/2011. The final dimensions are 72x20x36 lxhxd for approx 220 gals. I did go with clear silicone and will be rimless (no eurobracing), 3/4 starphire glass on all 4 sides.

Here are a few pics of the tank under construction

Later,


DSC02806.JPGDSC02807.JPGDSC02815.JPGDSC02814.JPG


DSC02814.JPG

DSC02815.JPG

DSC02807.JPG

DSC02806.JPG
 

gerryd

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 20, 2010
225
2
18
fl
Hi folks,

The build is finished and it all shipped from CTC today so I expect delivery one day next week!

I also got my ADA substrate today via UPS and I have two big boxes of new Manzanita wood from Tom Barr as well :)

I am pretty well set other than the main sump pump and whatever plumbing I will need. I will wait until I have it here so I can position the sump, overflow, and such in various spots to see what is the least obtrusive and out of the way. Then I can custom fit the plumbing lines and such.

Here is a picture of the tank on the completed stand with the light bar attached. I think they did a great job and I can't wait to take delivery.

Still trying to decide on the fish species. I will have congo tetras or that size as my schoolers, but want 4-6 mid-sized cichlids as well. I am reviewing the african species as they will match the congos. I want to have a sort of African bio-tope at least in terms of fish and some plants.

Here is a picture of the tank on the stand taken @ CTC. I expect it will look better @ MY house :)

Thanks.

Thanks!
DSC02861.JPGDSC02865.JPG

DSC02865.JPG

DSC02861.JPG
 

Motoxer777

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jan 6, 2011
641
0
16
32
Santa Paula
i need help. my plants all get algae on thier leafs then the leafs seem to rot away. advice? im running a co2 injection wavepoint t5 four bulb light flourite substrate and add flourish
Hi and thanks....

I can grow the plants w/o issue so good to go there.. Perhaps I can assist you folks a bit? Happy to answer any plant questions if I could..

More just wanted to share the tank specs and hardware looking for flaws...I do NOT keep monsterfish (why I lurk) but wanted to share the tank build/specs in case someone does something similar, planted or not. A large tank has requirements regardless of what it houses...

I do not plan on using all 12 bulbs for sure. Only using 8 now and that is more than enough via my PAR meter :) The light bar will allow for easy adjustment of light intensity...

I will post some pics as it progresses again just for informational purposes..

Also some pics upon reciept and as it is setup and running...

Thanks again!

Gerry.
 

gerryd

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 20, 2010
225
2
18
fl
Hi,

if you can provide the following information my advice will be better...

Lighting - type of fixture and bulb. T5 NO or HO? Duration of photoperiod.

Tanks size in dimensions and volume.

Planting level. What types and amount of plants do you have? Many species or a few?

Filtration, powerheads, etc.

Maintenance routine. Do you do water changes? How much and how often? How often are the filters cleansed? Etc.

Fish load. What types and # of fish.

Goals. What do you WANT? Lots of plants, low or high maintenance, etc.

How do you diffuse and measure the c02 into the water? Do you use a drop checker at all? How do you guage the amount going in and it's affect on the tank's inhabitants?

I would GUESS that your light levels are too much for the nutrients and co2 provided.

Sorry, but guessing is all I can do based on the info provided. I can help but need more info :)

Seachem ferts are a lot of water (mostly) so you need more than you may think and the plants are not getting enough of it.
 

gerryd

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 20, 2010
225
2
18
fl
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