Thinking about a 300 build

[hagar101]

Hi. I'm in the planning of maybe of doing a 300 gallon reef build. My question is, how long should the light be for a 72" x 36" x 63-1/2"? I want to just do softies and lps. Thanks!

[betamed]

I'm not sure those dimensions are 300g. did you mean 23.5" depth? I would use a 6' fixture, but you could go with 5'.

[pmrossetti]

if mountng 72
if hanging 60"

[ludiNano]

Yes ^^^^^


And those numbers works out to 712 gallons. Ive never heard of a 5ft tall tank in a home... : )

[hagar101]

ok, If i did it, i was going to hang. So a 60. Thanks. What light would be best for softies and lps? IF its like a T5 actinic or halides or whatever how many lights would you recommend? im in a 300 to 350 dollar budget.

[hagar101]

Lol sorry. xD how could i do a 300 (about) thats 6 or 7 feet long max? how wide would it need to be then?

[pmrossetti]

save up for this

http://www.aquacave.com/tek-light-t-5-60-lightbr-fixture-8-x-80w-lamps-brby-sunlight-supply-2750.html

[hagar101]

Dang. Now THATS a light! haha. What are some dimensions for a 300 gallon? Ill take some measurements of the space i have in a minute and post it

[hagar101]

a few other questions ( sorry for the double post) How many gallons per hour would i need for my return pump for my sump? Also where could i buy a fish tank this big?

[Virtuoso]

I don't mean to be rude, but I think if you are asking those questions you might want to start a bit smaller and work your way up to a tank that size. I am new too, but I think starting that large may be a bit too much.

[hagar101]

Im probably going to do a 220 at max. you see the thing is, im 15. I have a 75 and really want a nice sized tank for my corals. I really want to buy it before i get out of the house. So.... yeah. its still just a thought. if it happens its only gonna be like in a year, year and a half. So thats why im trying to learn everything now.

[pmrossetti]

i would do a 180g. great size to do just about anything.

[hagar101]

180 you say... what sized lights would i need for that? JWing would it be ok to buy the biggest tank and equip i can afford?

[Reefing Newbie]

hagar, you are in the same boat as me lol. I have a 125 in the works but I am really wanting to get a 500 or 750 gallon tank lol. A better bet would be to get only the tank and the sump before you leave for college. As the equipment will be absolete by time you would have it running(unless you plan on setting it up before you leave home). Also keep in mind that you are going to easily spend $50 to $100 per gallon of tank. So you could be spending up to 30k on it, including livestock unless you get the 200-300 dollar fish lol. I personally think that for lighting it is a good investment to go LED's as they can give you the whole day cycle of light which is cool. T5's dont allow for that. That was just my .02

[hagar101]

50 to 100 dollars a gallon?. Im not going totally full out. Im going to slowly build it up. How much do you think i can find a 300 gallon tank for? Im gonna DIY the stand. The skimmer, sump, rock, lights and all are gonna be abut 1.8k. IM gonna get like 10 fish and 10 to 20 corals. and as i said slowly build it up. I think i can trust my dad with my tank xD. I will have to get him in the addiction too huh? :D

[lordofthereef]

Dumping a 200g tank on your parents in hopes that they take care of it is a poor idea IMO. My advice, save up your cash for a couple years before you move out, then you will have coin for a bang-up system when you finally do.

[hagar101]

But my dad said "that sounds like a fun project, good thing its your money not mine. If you really want it and are willing to do it. I will help you." Also my dad has kept fish tanks in the past. He's kept a FOWLR for a few years. So it shouldnt be too difficult for him. Ill have timers on the lights. And i can give him a feeding and cleaning schedule.

[Reefing Newbie]

Lucky you have parents like that!! My parents were like, you get the 125 and you are done! Can't blame them though lol! I have a 26 gal FW, 46 gallon planted, and a 5.5 FW breeding tank on top of my 125 gallon reef. If you have the money I would say go for it! Wish I could do the same thing as you, I need a job first though...

[hagar101]

Ikr? My dad is very proud of me for doing this hobby. I only have 2 tanks right now. and my dad is like. If you really want another one. Buy it yourself. So im gonna take that as a challenge :)

[lordofthereef]

Do what you are gonna do bud. Just telling you, a 200g is gonna cost you a couple bucks. Just filling the thing with water will be expensive on it's own. It sounds like you are already decided. You don't need pessimists like me bringing you down! ;)

[hagar101]

ive estimated with no fish. its gonna be about 2500- 2800. i can earn that in about a year and a half. ill slowly buy everything and then go for it (:

[lordofthereef]

Great. Good luck! :thumbsup:

[Reefing Newbie]

what do you do to earn that much in a year and a half? I guess I shouldn't be talking as I earned around $1500+ this summer alone... Maybe I should move in with you lol we can split the cost!

[hagar101]

Thanks :). Remember. Its just a thought. i gotta see how im doing financially then me and dad will make a decision.

[Reefing Newbie]

Sweet, if you go for it you should do a build thread!

[hagar101]

Oh i will if i do. Dont worry xD

[Reefing Newbie]

Good! I will follow it as soon as I see you start it!

[hagar101]

its gonna be around a year still xP. Warning - patience required :P

[nuccadoc]

Have you searched craigslist? Sometimes you can find complete setups for a great deal. There was someone in my area selling a 450 gal with the corals, fish, stand, sump, the whole lot for $2500. Something to think about. Good luck.

[hagar101]

im trying to find just the tank on craigslist. I honestly love setting it up. Its like half the fun of it!