New 125 and 90 DIY Stands and Canopies

Hello All

In a previous thread I hinted at my first foray into bigger tanks. I first wanted to build them into a wall in the basement with a wet/dry for both tanks, but I have since decided otherwise. This is because I am currently living at my parents house and when i realized that I would eventually have to move the tanks I decided that moving the tanks and replumbing the whole system would be a bit too much work and it would be very difficult to house the fish during that time. I am now just going to build a stand for both tanks and make separate canopies for them(bc of the height diff). I am going to go with canisters for the filtration, again because of the mobility factor. I am just in the first stages now. the wall behind the tanks and the floor surrounding them has to be painted and then the stand construction can begin. Also we are adding in a dedicated circut for the tanks, so the electric will also be run soon, because it will just be easier to not have to work around the tanks. The stand will be wood, hopefully i can get some plans up soon.

I have pretty much got the stocking for the 125 in stone, but the 90 is up in the air still, here is what i have in mind so far...

125 gal
Tiger Shovelnose Cat(Not sure of species, was not given when i got it) - Currently about 2"
Senagul Birchir - Currently 5"
Ornate Birchir - Currently about 3"
Possible a Delhzi, but not for sure

90 gal
Most likely some type of chiclids, maybe Tangynika or possibly Firemouths, but it is still very open.

Lighting is probibly going to be Actinic with moon lights on the 125 and normal daylight on the 90

All comments. suggestions, or concerns are welcome

-Joe

We do have an unused sistern that I could turn into a true monster tank. One wall of it is also the basment wall. Ill I need is some glass!

Well you can scratch the TSN from my stock list. I lost him today. He seemed to be eating well and active but when I got home today he was upside down on the bottom. I was looking foward to seeing him grow. What can you do, stuff happens. Well now there will most definatly be a delhzi in the tank.

On to a somewhat positive note. I started looking at filtration options. Right now I'm looking at a FX5 or an Eheim Pro III. The Eheim has a max flow rate of 450 gph, that puts me at a max turnover of 3.6 times per hour, not acounting for head loss and fittings. The FX5 flow 900 gph, so that puts the max turnover at 7.2 times per hour. To be honest, both are a bit out of my ideal price range, but I would rather be safe than sorry, and end up having to buy a good filter to replace a crap one that I setled for because of cash.

So, Im I in the correct flow range? Are these quality? If not suggestions would be much appriciated.

BTW, This is just for the 125 and it will now be a birchir only tank.

Thanks Much,

Joe

I would love to have a wet/dry and I have some plans made up, its just that didnt want to do it without using hard lines. I honestly just think it looks 1000xs better and is much more organized. I'll have to think about it using clear flexible tubing(i.e. the same type used on python vacs) This was my original idea, mostly because I wanted to construct one, and also because the tank is drill at each bottom corner already. Ill try to scan the plans tonight or tomorrow.

BTW, the constuction aspect is not an issue, Im a 4th year mechanical engineering student and I have a good amount of general fabrication exsperience.

I also have to think about if I can make it work the way I had in mind. I wanted to use a second pump to circulate new water into the system for water changes. Im sure that it can be done with flexible tubing also, but I would like to know for sure so I can plan around it.

Thanks for the help

Joe

*edit*
BTW, I realized after I bought the TSN of its potential size. It was mislabeled at my lfs. I knew I could only house it for a year or 18 months max.

Well strictly speaking Im not a ME, the progam Im in is Mechanical Engineering Technology. Im the person that fills the gap between the engineer and the shop floor, but I know what you mean. Im not an overly big fan of most engineers, most have little or no hands on exsperience.