here we go... 500g build start

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Is the only lighting you are using on the tank the two LED floods shown early in this thread? How high above the tank are they mounted?

I am doing a 520g build - 96" x 42" x 30", just picked up the tank a couple days ago. I am still undecided on my lighting at this point.

Anymore updates on how you are planning on doing the new sump with the settling chamber / vortex?
 
there is a 48" t8 strip light i picked up for like 15 bucks at home depot and the 2 10W leds, and it lights it well, not super bright, but well and keep in mind the footprint of this sucker is 32square feet!
 
well jon, for size, im 6'2" and 230lbs i know its really tall, but its perfect height for me :)
 
The filter socks will work great as mech once the tank settles. Are the filter socks overflowing out the top? How many did you get? mcmasters.com sells filter socks for cheap if you buy 10 or more. I think i got 10 for $40 shipped. I only wash mine once a week and change out one a day cause my fish poop a lot.
 
i have 4 of them right now, and i think they were like 15 bucks each plus shipping, ill have to check that out. i might only run them on one side of my sump since 2 are tough to change and the other 2 are easy
 
brich999;5075005; said:
there is a 48" t8 strip light i picked up for like 15 bucks at home depot and the 2 10W leds, and it lights it well, not super bright, but well and keep in mind the footprint of this sucker is 32square feet!

Good to know. I am still unsure what i am going to do, I have various LEDs here to paly around with once the tank gets set in place. I am also considering doing some underwater LED type lighting but once again have to play with this one the tank is in place.

I will be lighting a very similar sized tank, less footprint, more height so that is why I was curious what you were using currently. I am pretty much set on doing LEDs for the energy efficiency and the good quality LEDs penetrate the water very well - using some on my 520g saltwater reef tank.
 
cant beat LED except for cost, and when you go with floodlights, they are cheap, i think 35 shipped. i went with 6000k because i liked the color, but the yellower ones have a really natural look also, and you cant beat the shimmer of them!
 
brich999;5075008; said:
well jon, for size, im 6'2" and 230lbs i know its really tall, but its perfect height for me :)

That's a good height. My 125g is a bit tall too. It's a 2' tall tank and I have it 42"stand I built making the top of the tank sit at 68." It's perfect eye view for standing up. I have to get on a chair to work on the buttom but it's all good.
 
lol ya if i decide to do any real scaping, i will need to get in the tank. im using the stand for my old 100g as a stool for now
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com