Pics of my 240g stand in progress....

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I know that had to cost a fortune. Matching the stand to your cabinets can't be cheap.
 
Hey man, How many tanks do you have? Is this your only one? You have inspired me to call a cabinet company to see about making some nice doublestands that are furniture quality.
 
Have you found a local source for 3M quartz? I searched around and couldn't find anyone who carried it near us.

The stand and canopy are very nice. You don't have to have a lot of wattage with MH to get the shimmer. I'd go with 3 of the lowest wattage bulbs instead of 2 of the higher ones. You'll get better coverage, less algae, and more shimmer.
 
Deepsouth;2888203; said:
I know that had to cost a fortune. Matching the stand to your cabinets can't be cheap.

I cringe at the price because in my head I think I could have built it for less. The cost was 2800 for the stand and canopy as you see it. I got 2 quotes and they were within 50 bucks of each other. Now...its built like a tank (I can stand on that ledge all 240lbs of me)...perfect in every way...and the finish is a 2 part paint and then a stain on top that is rubbed off (called glazing). They also made a special effot to waterproof the inside of the stand so it would hold water in the bottom basin if something leaked...doors on the side of stand and canopy....but dang...2800 is a lot. But as I posted in the beginning...I didnt have to foot the bill this time sooooo :headbang2
 
Deepsouth;2888212; said:
Hey man, How many tanks do you have? Is this your only one? You have inspired me to call a cabinet company to see about making some nice doublestands that are furniture quality.

At this point in my life this is the only tank I have. I have a 300gal above ground pond I built outside for my koi and turtles

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139754

and a snapping turtle in a 20gal for now lol

I have been keeping fish my whole life and worked in petshops through high school and collage.
 
nolapete;2888234; said:
Have you found a local source for 3M quartz? I searched around and couldn't find anyone who carried it near us.

The stand and canopy are very nice. You don't have to have a lot of wattage with MH to get the shimmer. I'd go with 3 of the lowest wattage bulbs instead of 2 of the higher ones. You'll get better coverage, less algae, and more shimmer.


The only place near by was a place in Hammond that is going out of business. I did find this and I will be ordering it from them. That price is the price shipped!

http://vbpstore.com/50-lb-bag-of-3m-color-quartz.html

I know I didnt need the high wattage...the only reason they are 400 watters is because I have 3 reflector rigs like this I was going to use on my 280 I was going to setup as a reef. Since Katrina that tank was sold since it was 3' front to back and wouldnt fit in my new house but I kept the lights. If I have too much trouble the next steap is sell the 400w ballast and try 250's...and I can get a 3rd one if I need. If that dont work i'll just go to T5's probably....maaaaybe 175w MH but I just hope these will do the trick.

Those reflectors are 20"x20" and are made to spread the light...with those two it covers the whole 8' tank! I LOVE those reflectors for SE MH bulbs!
 
Dude that is so impressive. I love the pic that has the bar in it. Great perspective. That tank size fits perfectly. I am jealous.
 
nolapete;2888509; said:
Check ahsupply.com. They have great retrofit CFL kits cheap.

I know...I had a 55watt x2 kit with one of there light boxes on a 20gal bowfront planted tank with co2 injection :naughty:

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And while I was looking for those pics I found these. I dont have pics of the 110 before katrina but when I was able to get back to my office this is what my 110 looked like :(

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At home I was in the process of setting this tank up to move my 110 into...custom 280 (6x3x2) with 3 sides of starphire and externial overflows. I wond up selling this tank before it ever saw water since I moved after the storm and it wouldnt fit in my new house.

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