120" x 48" x 36"

[clarityaquariums]

Hello I was wondering on how and what the stand should be built for an aquarium this size? Also what kind of lighting for saltwater would you suggest? It is going in a first class resturant. Any suggestions would be awesome!!


Thanks,

Justin

 

[paulW]

Is the tank glass or acrylic? Also, can the floor support the weight?

 

[Kobeclone]

10 foot by 4 foot by 3 foot.....

For a stand, just uses some 2x6's to make a frame for the stand, some 2x6's spaced every foot or so as risers and a 2x6 frame for the top of the stand. You should also cross brace the stand by 45ing some 2x6's and tieing them in between risers. You can frame this in with some nice cherry or walnut plywood and stain it a nice color and put some doors on the front and maybe on the back too if it will be in the middle of a room.

Lighting greatly depends on what type of saltwater tank it will be... Reef FOWLR or FO? Let us know that first and everyone will be able to help you.

 

[clarityaquariums]

It is going to be fish only, most likey I am going to get a company to get some fake coral molds. The tank is acrylic. What kind of filter would you guys run? I was thinking of running 1 open system with a trickle filter, with a protein skimmer hooked to that, ran with a pump that has a GPH at about 3800 at 6 feet. Also a closed system with a sand (or canister) filter, into a uv, and temp control. Let me know what you guys thinks!

Thanks so much,
Justin

 

[Kobeclone]

It is going to be fish only, most likey I am going to get a company to get some fake coral molds. The tank is acrylic. What kind of filter would you guys run? I was thinking of running 1 open system with a trickle filter, with a protein skimmer hooked to that, ran with a pump that has a GPH at about 3800 at 6 feet. Also a closed system with a sand (or canister) filter, into a uv, and temp control. Let me know what you guys thinks!

Thanks so much,
Justin

If the tank is fish only, you can run anytype of lighting that you want, from some expensive metal hallides to some cheapo t12's. For this tank, considering it is going into a fancy resturant, use some t5's around 10,000K. This will give you some nice reallly bright, white light at an affordable cost. Your filtration plan sounds fool proof...

 

[clarityaquariums]

Thanks, any suggestions on the sand filter? brand size ect.? I have never used a sand filter before. I was thinking about 3 HQI MH 250w light fixtures, is this over kill or would it look nice?

 

[clarityaquariums]

Also I am having trouble finding a protein skimmer for this size of aquarium... any suggestions?

Thanks,
Justin

 

[Kobeclone]

Thanks, any suggestions on the sand filter? brand size ect.? I have never used a sand filter before. I was thinking about 3 HQI MH 250w light fixtures, is this over kill or would it look nice?

Also I am having trouble finding a protein skimmer for this size of aquarium... any suggestions?

Thanks,
Justin

Ask these two questions in the saltwater forum, you will get far more replies. I myself an not a saltwater guy, so have no suggestions on the skimmer or if 3 fixtures is overkill...

 

[paulW]

It is going to be fish only, most likey I am going to get a company to get some fake coral molds. The tank is acrylic. What kind of filter would you guys run? I was thinking of running 1 open system with a trickle filter, with a protein skimmer hooked to that, ran with a pump that has a GPH at about 3800 at 6 feet. Also a closed system with a sand (or canister) filter, into a uv, and temp control. Let me know what you guys thinks!

Thanks so much,
Justin

If it is acrylic, you need to plan to support the entire bottom of the tank. So, you need a piece of 3/4 plywood on the top of the stand and support for it, so the bottom doesn't sag. Also, I recommend a sheet of styrofoam (1/2 inch) to put between the tank and plywood top to help even out any unlevelness.

You want the top to the stand level front to back, side to side. Make sure whoever is building the stand realizes that this needs to be under tight tolerances.. much tighter than normal building with 2 x 4 .. if you go that way.

Also, the normal warning of doing research to make sure the floor can hold all that wieght..

 

[paulW]

Thanks, any suggestions on the sand filter? brand size ect.? I have never used a sand filter before. I was thinking about 3 HQI MH 250w light fixtures, is this over kill or would it look nice?

Make sure the fixtures aren't too close to the tank.. they get hot and can melt/deform acrylic.. I apologize if you already knew that, but I wanted to make sure. I love metal halide light. It's awesome. If you have the budget, go for it.