Finally getting my new tank! Thanks E-Bay!!

[Natalie]

Natalie - I am always suspect on factory stands. I have used them, but with some major overhaul. My 220 stand is the factory All Glass brand one. It had 1x6 supports! This thing will weigh > 1 ton on 1x6's?? I added about $25 worth of 2 x 6 to strengthen it. Maybe it wasn't necessary, but its all about peace of mind! Most of my complete DIY stands would hold a truck.

Make sure it is real wood and not just pressed particle board. When that gets wet, it will be bad news! How many stands never get wet? Anything with camshaft fastners is no-go. Real wood is key.

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I totally agree about the quality of most factory stands. The one I'm talking about (Petsmart) is an All-Glass pine stand, all solid wood. I think these are some of the most solid stands available today. I freak out when I see particleboard stands in flat boxes that the owner has to assemble with just a few screws. I would never trust a big tank on one of them!

 

[Chefken]

Chef - I would use the overflo box and set-up a sump. You can DIY one for not too much money. The pump will be the biggest expense. Check out the DIY section. You can load them with biological filteration. I tend to prefer canisters for mechanical, but aproperly designed sump is hands down the best for bio filteration.

I will probably start out with the xp3 and the Bio350 I have running now.....They will help avoid a serious cycle issue with my fish....As they grow however i will definately look into the sump system.....Having the tank already drilled gives me options down the road.....I am deciding whether to run my xp3 thru the drilled holes or over the back and plug the holes with pvc for the time being......what do you think??

 

[Brian_Indiana]

I will probably start out with the xp3 and the Bio350 I have running now.....They will help avoid a serious cycle issue with my fish....As they grow however i will definately look into the sump system.....Having the tank already drilled gives me options down the road.....I am deciding whether to run my xp3 thru the drilled holes or over the back and plug the holes with pvc for the time being......what do you think??

I wouldn't use the drilled holes for the XP3 - go over the back.

You can plug the drilled holes with Bulk Heads and female caps

http://www.wetdryfilter.com/starti1.jpg

http://www.envirosupply.net/images/uploads/PVC_Threaded_Cap.jpg

You will need the bulkheads for the sump and will already have them in place.