195gallon Freshwater setup

[Mikiblu30]

Ok, so I walked into my LFS and there it was, a 195 gallon custom tank and stand for an unbelievable price. I had to have it. After talking to the owner he agreed to let me pay on the tank and stand. I paid it off two weeks ago, I had the stand built out a little, it was too short IMO. The owner also drilled my intake and drain holes and painted the back of the tank black.

I pick up my tank in a couple of days and I cant wait to show it to all you MFK'ers. In the meantime I wanted to put some of my ideas out there and with all of you decide on how I will set up my new tank.

Disclaimer: This project will most likely take the better of one to two months; I am excited about this project however the end of the year is always crazy for me (most of my immediate family have birthdays in December, my parents, sister and my kids...not to mention Christmas). So Please be patient with me, I will make updates as often as I can and will most likely be asking for a lot of MFK input and feedback.


Thanks in advance, let the journey begin!!!!






Here are the tank measurements and a few Inspiration Source photos:


The height is 27" (got cut off); the stand is 32" tall so the total height will be around 59". I'd like it taller but the stand would not fit through my front door if it were any taller since it is already 48x36.

Since my tank is essentially a "cube" I thought that going for a "Flooded Underwater Cave" look would be ideal. I plan on using lighting to give me the "shadowy" type look seen in some of these pics.

 

[MHcblues119]

Thats an awesome ray tank!

 

[Mikiblu30]

Thats an awesome ray tank!

I know, I wanted to get a couple but not legal in CA.

 

[Mikiblu30]

I have narrowed down my BG choices to the following three:

• The first one is Pangea Rocky IV in Sandstone
• The Second is Aqua Terra Malawi Rock
• The third is Pangea Rocky IV in Charcoal

I'm leaning toward the Pangea Rocky IV in Sandstone with black sand. I really want this tank to be dark, with "theatrical" (for lack of a better word) lighting.

Also, if I use the Pangea BG I will install it upside down for the "cliff" effect, and also to help with the shadows I want to create. I will most likely by the longer Pangea BG and cut it to the size I need and use what's left for the sides of the tank..(i'm still debating this). What do you all think? Should I just by the 48" BG or go all out and put the BG on a portion of the sides also?

 

[soulpatch]

I think the first one would be the best personally. You would get an awesome contrast with the sand and the lighting would really pop off the walls in the locations you chose to light. Some sparse driftwood and some rocks on the bottom woudl look incredible.

 

[Mikiblu30]

I think the first one would be the best personally. You would get an awesome contrast with the sand and the lighting would really pop off the walls in the locations you chose to light. Some sparse driftwood and some rocks on the bottom woudl look incredible.

That's exactly what I was thinking...If I get the lighting just right it's going to be awesome. I know I'm going to use Moonlights, but I'm also thinking of using "spotlights" to add to the shadow effect. Any ideas?

 

[soulpatch]

I would go with the marineland LED lights as they add a shimmer effect to the water. Then along the top, I would add some of the background perhaps to block the light in areas to look as if you are inside the cave. Or just let the LEDs shimmer into the water and make it look as a pool inside a cave.

 

[joecoulson]

When I want a dramatic effect in mine like you are talking about, I move the strip to the back of the tank (let me know if you want me to post a pic) and normal lighting i just center it, works for me.

 

[Mikiblu30]

When I want a dramatic effect in mine like you are talking about, I move the strip to the back of the tank (let me know if you want me to post a pic) and normal lighting i just center it, works for me.

I would love to see pics; the more ideas the better...thanks

 

[Mikiblu30]

I would go with the marineland LED lights as they add a shimmer effect to the water. Then along the top, I would add some of the background perhaps to block the light in areas to look as if you are inside the cave. Or just let the LEDs shimmer into the water and make it look as a pool inside a cave.

I like LED's and I'm likely going to go with them, I love the shimmer effect...I really want to have shadow along with shimmer (in some places) if that makes sense. I think the BG will definitely contribute to the shadow. The Pangea BG sits out 10"-12" in some spots.