48x48 Workhorse "The Rig"

[JK47]

Tore out the heat, UV and manifold. One of those “hold my beer” moments I guess.



Cleaned up the cables, the underside (auxiliary/utility) power supply/light is centered and cables mounted. The UV was moved to the underside of the stand as well.



The main power supplies are two isobar tripplite x6 units. Those are stored in covered boxes in the center of the stand. The UV will be mounted on the under side of the stand with a valve to split the flow to either tank but hidden.



This is absolutely the final configuration. More real estate = less back pain. Everything tests good, is easily accessible and is ready to cycle.

 

[Dloks]

Time to load it up! Stock that thang. Shoot with a set up like that I wouldn’t mind being a fish in that tank

 

[JK47]

Time to load it up! Stock that thang. Shoot with a set up like that I wouldn’t mind being a fish in that tank

For real huh... she gets here in 10 days so that’s just enough time to work out any flaws and get cycled.

There are still a few things left like lights, lids etc.. it will be bare bottom for a while but eventually this tank will get scaped for younger rays.

 

[JK47]

Could use some feedback if anyone has ideas on lids and lights? Last thing to sort out on this.

For lids I'm going to use the roofing for grow houses from Home Depot unless anyone has any better ideas? Needs are clear and cheap





I managed to drop both led fixtures in the tank and they’re toast... The light on it now is a beamworks led robbed from a pup tank that I’m not terribly excited about





Any thoughts on lights? Needs are nothing powerful for plants, no excessive algae, 48” and led.

 

[twentyleagues]

If you are looking for cheap and easy I got a t8 fixture for my "fishroom" from Menards for around $30 2 -48" t8 leds were 14.97 package said 6000k looks a bit bluer to me though. Just a wire in type of fixture but you could put a cable on it and suspend it over the tank on chains. Or just go with a couple of the beams works again.

 

[deeda]

I'm not sure which grow house roofing at your HD you are referring to but if it's twin wall polycarbonate panel, you should be golden. Of course you will have the same condensation 'leak' onto the tank top that you will have on the tower lids.

If you do decide to use twin wall PC AND recess it into the tank top for a clean look, you will need to somehow seal the channels to reduce water and grime from building up in the channels. A compatible silicone sealant may fit the bill but you need to check with the mfg. recommendations.

BTW, mounting the UV in the new location looks fantastic!!!

 

[JK47]

New LED's are ordered. That's one less thing out of the way.

I'm not sure which grow house roofing at your HD you are referring to but if it's twin wall polycarbonate panel, you should be golden. Of course you will have the same condensation 'leak' onto the tank top that you will have on the tower lids.

If you do decide to use twin wall PC AND recess it into the tank top for a clean look, you will need to somehow seal the channels to reduce water and grime from building up in the channels. A compatible silicone sealant may fit the bill but you need to check with the mfg. recommendations.

BTW, mounting the UV in the new location looks fantastic!!!

Thanks! Agreed the UV is x10 better under there. Easy access to the bulb as well.

These are the roofing things I am referring to.

Sheets >> https://www.homedepot.com/p/Suntuf-26-in-x-6-ft-Polycarbonate-Roof-Panel-in-Clear-155030/206166246
Gap filler >> https://www.homedepot.com/p/Suntuf-24-in-Horizontal-Plastic-Closure-Strips-6-Pack-92770/100067957

or this?? >> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013XIVX0...a3b2-4218d615fa3c&ie=UTF8&qid=1524674155&sr=1

 

[deeda]

I used the 6mm one from here >> http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/...polycarbonate/greenhouse-polycarbonate-sheets
due to it's smaller channels and lower height. Currently using on 10G tanks and it's almost flush with the top trim on the tank. I plan to convert other tanks using glass lids. I did have to order it online since it doesn't seem to be available to me locally.

 

[JK47]

I used the 6mm one from here >> http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/...polycarbonate/greenhouse-polycarbonate-sheets
due to it's smaller channels and lower height. Currently using on 10G tanks and it's almost flush with the top trim on the tank. I plan to convert other tanks using glass lids. I did have to order it online since it doesn't seem to be available to me locally.

Ha! I was just looking at those twin wall (link #3). Any sagging issues? If not I'll order two sheets now. Thanks Dee!

Do you think it would be rigid enough for a small, lightweight LED light? 1/2 lb or less.

 

[deeda]

Your 8mm twin wall (link #3) or my 6mm twin wall should be rigid enough to support that weight no problem as long as it's edge supported. It's pretty stiff material because of the channels. Heck it's used in greenhouse roofs on a 4 foot span between supports!

BTW, I used a new utility knife blade to cut the 6mm TW PC no problem. No need for a fine tooth circular saw or jig saw.