Converting

[rabt]

Hello All, I have been reading here for awhile. Lots of great info here.

I am going to convert my 80 gal FW tank into a nice reef setup, but i have a space problem. I would like to get some advice on what you would do to make a good setup in this space. I have made some drawings (not really proud of them) of the space i got to give you a better idea of what i am dealing with, i took a couple of pics also.

As you can see from the pics i built the tank into the wall when i built the house. It is Basicly in a closet with double doors that open to the back of the tank from my office.

I have no problem building a custom sump to fit somewhere in there as i built the tank myself.

I am open to all opinions and thanks for you advice

 

[rabt]

And A picture from the rear

 

[LA-Lawman]

Hi and :welcome:


I think you have plenty of room to do what you need. what is under your tank now? Have you thought of any equipment? if so post away. we can help you with that stuff. most of the veterans here have owned a majority of the stuff you will need. there is a link in the general forum of skimmer companies.... check that out.

is the tank acrylic or glass?

how do you have your lights hung?

this could be a real nice system. you just need to do some research and buy the right products the first time.

 

[trido]

I agree with Chris RD. If you take a look at the last page of my tank thread and do a search for "tank build" you will see some good pics of what your closet may look like if you go equipment crazy.

 

[rabt]

Im not dead set on equipment yet, my 1 4' strip light is hung off chain right now, but i have a 400 watt MH Ballast and mogul base im going to use, just have to build the reflector and buy a bulb. The tank is built out of 5/8" thick glass, with a 3/4" thick bottom. I also found a 25 GPD RO unit for 100 bucks at the local Lowes that is fairly small so i should be able to fit that in somewhere. I am going to try and build a sump out of 3/8" thick glass that would sit next to the tank and be the same hieght as the tank. The only problem is my tank is not drilled for pluming nor has overflows, so i don't know what to do there.

 

[trido]

I agree with Chris RD.

Sorry about that LA lawman. ChrisRD has been so quick to post lately I just assumed it was him waving the welcome banner. I guess we'll see if you give me any advice in the future.


AS for the reflector, I would recommend this http://www.reefexotics.com/lumenarc.htm . It is supposed to be one of the best and is only a couple dollars more than most other pendant reflectors out there. I wish I had a pair for my 250s. Depending on the length of your tank you will likely need two reflectors regardless of what brand you buy. If you didnt already buy the RO unit, you can get a decent 125GPD RO/DI unit for the same price. It likely doesnt really make a difference except for initial fill up. If you feel brave you can get a glass drill bit off of e-bay for fairly cheapand make you own overflows. Im not sure if you can use your sump beside the tank. I have heard of below and above but never beside. If you built the tank yourself Im sure you have something in mind for that. Keep us posted.

 

[Christeon]

Where are you located? If the glass is not tempered I'd drill it and install overflows, I don't think you will regret it. If your close to someone with the tools you might get some help with the holes.

Lau*** that sells the diamond hole saws on ebay is real cheap and I got mine within a week from HK. http://stores.ebay.com/THK-Diamond-Tools I bought several of the regular hole saws from him and some other diamond bits as well, all of them still cut fine.

The Buckeye people seem to really help people here and their RO/DI systems are priced well. I think you would get more from your money with them. http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/

Might also want to start looking at in tank circulation, reef tanks require alot of water movement. Closed loops, wave makers, Power heads etc.

Good Luck

 

[shavo]

you got room for a nice skimmer and a fuge! also i will ask Mr. X to post he found a place that all of you can benefit from, He has a place to buy bulbs cheap and they are brand new. not 65 dollars a bulb. He has the hook up maybe he will be so kind!

I agree with the www.buckeyefieldsupply.com comment. I was just contacted by an employee off this site and checked them out and they seem to be a great value!

I would be afraid to drill my display tank, but a couple of beers later and there ya go, a drilled tank. look online for some tips on how to do. or just use an overflow box

 

[rabt]

I am about 10 Mins north of Huntsville, Alabama Christeon, about 4 hours from you. I will look into drilling it myself, never even thought about that.

Thanks for the advice guys, I have found several places online that im looking at different pumps, skimmers, ect. ect.

 

[mr_X]

it's ebay. you all are nutz to pay 65 bucks for a bulb. i pay 10 bucks. same color. same wattage. 400 watt 14k SE bulbs.

 

[shavo]

elequently put