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View Full Version : New in wall tank, need HEIGHT suggestions!!!


kmu
07/22/2013, 11:35 PM
First of all, haven't decided yet the height of the tank and need some help.

72x36x24H acrylic 3/4" and 270g $2,500

or

72x36x36H acrylic 1" and 400g $4,500

The tank will have a black back and center external overflow box, bracing on top with 3 18"x24" openings.

The 24" tall tank will be almost half the price of the 36" tall tank, the 24" will be a lot easier to clean and maintain, Im 5,6" tall and have a hard time reaching the bottom of my current 24" reef tank. The 24" tall tank will be easier to light. The 24" tall tank will have 3/4" acrylic which is compatible with most wavemakers like mp40, wp40 and Tunze.

The 36" tall tank will give the in wall tank a huge wow factor but Im afraid the maintenance will make me suffer to clean it or do work inside.

Any suggestions?

THX in advance

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/IMG_20130626_180451_zps1d0c3f99.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/IMG_20130626_180451_zps1d0c3f99.jpg.html)

Here you can see where the tank will be and the small fish-room behind it.

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/IMG_20130626_180152_zps0a57ca0a.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/IMG_20130626_180152_zps0a57ca0a.jpg.html)

Got a central AC vent, a 4" exhaust fan to get rid of humidity, Mini split AC for tank and fish-room cooling, drain, water, etc.

Mark...
07/23/2013, 07:18 AM
Any thoughts on splitting the difference and go 30 inches in height? Not sure what thickness you would need...

dave.m
07/23/2013, 07:32 AM
Always go tall if it's to be viewed regularly by others. If you set your tank up correctly in advance your need to stick your hands in should be minimal. Short tanks are great for people who can't keep their hands out of the tank, but such tanks are seldom set up to look good to others. I always go for tall.

Dave.M

RJT
07/23/2013, 07:36 AM
Always go tall if it's to be viewed regularly by others. If you set your tank up correctly in advance your need to stick your hands in should be minimal. Short tanks are great for people who can't keep their hands out of the tank, but such tanks are seldom set up to look good to others. I always go for tall.

Dave.M

Excellent points

kmu
07/23/2013, 09:42 AM
Any thoughts on splitting the difference and go 30 inches in height? Not sure what thickness you would need...

Any height above 24" will require an extra sheet of acrylic to build the tank (around $600, I forgot how much is each sheet of acrylic), now if I go above 24" I would need to upgrade to 1" acrylic from 3/4" so thats an extra 15%.

Always go tall if it's to be viewed regularly by others. If you set your tank up correctly in advance your need to stick your hands in should be minimal. Short tanks are great for people who can't keep their hands out of the tank, but such tanks are seldom set up to look good to others. I always go for tall.

Dave.M

a 36" tall water column makes for an impressive view

Sonicboom
07/23/2013, 10:14 AM
also consider the bigger tank will need bigger or more of everything else. Bigger skimmer, more water movement, stronger lights, bigger return pump...

kmu
07/23/2013, 05:31 PM
also consider the bigger tank will need bigger or more of everything else. Bigger skimmer, more water movement, stronger lights, bigger return pump...

Yes, the 36" taller tank will need a bigger skimmer, bigger return pump, bigger sump, stronger lights (LEDs), bigger wavemaker (larger magnets), larger chiller, larger exhaust fan, larger cleaning magnet.

Im trying to make this build the best energy efficient possible, will add solar panels (enough to power the tank 100%) on the roof in the next year or so to help with the electricity bill,

This is what I have in mind

Lighting 300 watts (3 kessil pendants or 3 AI Hydras)
Flow Display 60 watts (2 jebaos wp40)
Return Pump 85 watts (Diablo DC 10500)
Skimmer 40 watts (Already have an Alphacone 250)

For cooling
Minisplit AC 8,000 BTUs (cools tank, cools room, removes humidity)
TECO 20 chiller (cools tank but add heats to the room)

Sonicboom
07/23/2013, 08:29 PM
Solar power will be fantastic both for power and as a backup, I love my ai hydras and I really like my waveline dc 10000 which I think is almost the same as the Diablo.

Socaltoaz
07/23/2013, 08:55 PM
36 would be the minimum I would go in height.

danfeig
07/23/2013, 09:59 PM
I love deep tanks! My main display is 48" deep and have had no problems whatsoever with lighting, maintenance, flow, etc.

kmu
07/23/2013, 10:50 PM
I love deep tanks! My main display is 48" deep and have had no problems whatsoever with lighting, maintenance, flow, etc.

Your tank is one of the reasons I want to go 36" deep!!! stopped by tonight to see your 96"x48" tall acrylic tank that will look amazing on my new sushi restaurant!!!

drej424
07/24/2013, 10:15 AM
I'm 5'2" and 2 of my tanks are 30" deep. I can't reach the bottom of the tanks and I find it beyond annoying. Tongs don't always work. I'm not putting my hands in the tanks all the time but once in a while, you have to.
I agree that the tall tanks look amazing. A lot of nano tanks look amazing, too. For me, I want to enjoy my tanks as much as possible on a daily basis. Shallower tanks work better for me.

jjk_reef00
07/24/2013, 07:48 PM
36" for sure, just make sure you can access the tank from both sides.

kmu
07/31/2013, 12:04 AM
How would a 72"Lx24"Dx36"T look instead of 72"Tx36"Dx24"T?

Im going minimalistic on the live rock, would probably do 2 to 3 rock pillars with marco rocks Key Largo dry rocks and put some shelf rock to do several levels on the pillars.

How would the aquascaping turn out on a 24" front to back and 36" tall inwall tank?

Some update pics on how the house/fishroom is turning out


http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/IMG_20130726_111959_zpsb353b8ca.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/IMG_20130726_111959_zpsb353b8ca.jpg.html)


http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/PANO_20130726_112356_zps97d83ee2.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/PANO_20130726_112356_zps97d83ee2.jpg.html)


http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/PANO_20130726_112106_zpsee26d9b7.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/PANO_20130726_112106_zpsee26d9b7.jpg.html)


THX again

benjc
07/31/2013, 09:24 AM
If the tank is going to be completely in-wall, I say 36; with the length it would look more like a sliver if you went with 24" and enclosed the top. If the top wasn't closed in, I'd say to go with a 24" tank on a tall stand.

kmu
07/31/2013, 10:38 AM
If the tank is going to be completely in-wall, I say 36; with the length it would look more like a sliver if you went with 24" and enclosed the top. If the top wasn't closed in, I'd say to go with a 24" tank on a tall stand.

The tank will be completely inwall, will have access from the front and from the back (fish room).

jjk_reef00
07/31/2013, 12:45 PM
How would a 72"Lx24"Dx36"T look instead of 72"Tx36"Dx24"T?

If you go 36" tall go at least 30" wide. If that is not an option then go 72"Tx36"Dx24"T because depth is better than height.

mrx66699
07/31/2013, 01:43 PM
Go with the larger you won't regret it....here is my 540 in wall and I wouldn't change it for anything 96x36x36......

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/mrx66699/media/New%20files/1_zpsb01e107e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/mrx66699/New%20files/1_zpsb01e107e.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1_zpsb01e107e.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/mrx66699/media/New%20files/2_zpscabb1809.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/mrx66699/New%20files/2_zpscabb1809.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2_zpscabb1809.jpg"/></a>



Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

Pete
08/05/2013, 06:22 PM
36" no less....Mine is 72x30x36...next tank will be 36-42" in height, looks fantastic...yes, I need a ladder and 32" tongs...and other than the initial setup, my hands haven't been "in" the tank since.

sandyland
08/05/2013, 09:50 PM
I an currently working on an in wall build myself.
I went with the 36" tall tank, i think it will be a bit more of a hassle with the maintenance but worth every bit of the extra effort.
To me it its the difference between having a fish tank in the wall and having a wall that's a fish tank.

Are you going to add a door to enter the back side of the room.

kmu
08/05/2013, 10:59 PM
Ive decided to go with the 72x36x36 tank!!!

Need to start saving!!!

jjk_reef00
08/06/2013, 12:03 PM
36x36 will be amazing, any reason on going 6' instead of 8' or 10'?

kmu
08/07/2013, 10:16 AM
36x36 will be amazing, any reason on going 6' instead of 8' or 10'?

The room inside the tank is 85" wide and if I go with anything over 72" Im gonna start having trouble running powerheads (MP40 or MP60). Also the less space I have on the sides the harder it will be to clean the side panels with the magnet.

I like having my reef tank walls clean of calcium algae...

theReefKing
08/07/2013, 10:57 AM
Looks to me like you have the PERFECT opportunity to go 96" inches, make 36X36 viewing panels on each side wall and have the tank viewable from three sides and multiple rooms! THREE BUILT IN TANKS IN ONE!

And you would have easy access to the tank from ALL SIDES and all GLASS!

That opportunity would be something I would NEVER be able to pass up!
Argg, now you have me wanting to reframe my whole house!

Osteoclast
08/07/2013, 06:31 PM
I have stated this before so excuse me if you have seen a previous response. My feeling is that the show room height should dictate the tank height predominately. If you are placing it in a great room with 23' ceilings then yes you need 48" in height. If in a basement with 10' ceilings go long and wide. Think proportions and esthetics. Finally if you build in wall think resale which is the most important factor in many minds.

kmu
08/18/2013, 11:03 AM
Looks to me like you have the PERFECT opportunity to go 96" inches, make 36X36 viewing panels on each side wall and have the tank viewable from three sides and multiple rooms! THREE BUILT IN TANKS IN ONE!

And you would have easy access to the tank from ALL SIDES and all GLASS!

That opportunity would be something I would NEVER be able to pass up!
Argg, now you have me wanting to reframe my whole house!


I can go 84"x36"x36" my only problem is that it would be a very tight fit, I would only have 1" of clearance on the side tank wall to concrete wall.

The downside of going 84" long is that I wont be able to clean the side walls with a magnet and there wont be any clearance for side pumps!!!

kmu
08/18/2013, 11:22 AM
I have stated this before so excuse me if you have seen a previous response. My feeling is that the show room height should dictate the tank height predominately. If you are placing it in a great room with 23' ceilings then yes you need 48" in height. If in a basement with 10' ceilings go long and wide. Think proportions and esthetics. Finally if you build in wall think resale which is the most important factor in many minds.

The ceiling height is around 20'+ here is a pic of the model home, but instead of the tiny aluminum lamp Im having a custom built 150 Mule Deer antler chandelier (72"x72") with sand blasted white antlers, all shed pick ups from this season.

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/IMG_20130329_153904_zps4fa12d65.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/IMG_20130329_153904_zps4fa12d65.jpg.html)

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/IMG-20130329-WA0022_zpsadd31799.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/IMG-20130329-WA0022_zpsadd31799.jpg.html)

dave.m
08/18/2013, 11:24 AM
I wonder who gets to dust that beasty... ;)

Dave.M

theReefKing
08/19/2013, 08:18 PM
What I was trying to say was cut out the side walls so that you have three viewing sides. And the tank would be flush with the front wall, and the side walls.

Then you would have both a larger tank (awesome) a larger viewing area (awesome) and better access to the tank from all sides (awesome)

That is a lot of awesome!!!!

biecacka
08/19/2013, 09:58 PM
Are you getting rid of the cube?!

Corey

kmu
08/19/2013, 10:15 PM
What I was trying to say was cut out the side walls so that you have three viewing sides. And the tank would be flush with the front wall, and the side walls.

Then you would have both a larger tank (awesome) a larger viewing area (awesome) and better access to the tank from all sides (awesome)

That is a lot of awesome!!!!

The only problem is that the walls are concrete walls and 8" thick, I want the tank flushed to the surface and if I wanted the tank to be viewable from the three sides I would need to move the tank inside the fishroom because the 2 corners next to the tank are load baring walls.


Are you getting rid of the cube?!

Corey

Im gonna remodel my office late this year or early next year, I might transfer my cube or maybe have an inwall set up that divides my office and the meeting room, maybe a 10'x24"x24"

kmu
08/20/2013, 08:03 PM
Here is what would look like if I go 72x36x36


http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/Screenshot2013-08-20at64112PM_zpsbb3b7739.png (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/Screenshot2013-08-20at64112PM_zpsbb3b7739.png.html)

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/Screenshot2013-08-20at64536PM_zps3523dbd1.png (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/Screenshot2013-08-20at64536PM_zps3523dbd1.png.html)

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/Screenshot2013-08-20at64519PM_zpsb986c5cc.png (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/Screenshot2013-08-20at64519PM_zpsb986c5cc.png.html)

kmu
08/20/2013, 08:07 PM
Now if I go 84x36x36 It could look like this. It would have a small 34" long x 36" tall window from the kitchen side and also on the dinning room side.

To be able to have the 3 side viewable I would need to redo all the wiring for all the electrical switches on both window sides...

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/Screenshot2013-08-20at64055PM_zps3aed315d.png (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/Screenshot2013-08-20at64055PM_zps3aed315d.png.html)

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/Screenshot2013-08-20at64442PM_zps0adcbc36.png (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/Screenshot2013-08-20at64442PM_zps0adcbc36.png.html)

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/Screenshot2013-08-20at64426PM_zps6760b0ac.png (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/Screenshot2013-08-20at64426PM_zps6760b0ac.png.html)

mhsmith
08/20/2013, 08:28 PM
Don't know if you purchased your tank, but I will give you my two cents. I had a 72x30x36 acrylic tank with a center overflow that was in the middle of the room as a room divider. It was such a pain to clean. Everything including the snails would leave scratches. If sand got caught in the cleaner there would be scratches. Because of the depth I had to stand on the ladder to clean the lower portion. The acrylic scrapers were not great. I was so happy to rid myself of that tank. My next/current tank is glass 72x30x30. I love the glass, and since it is easy to clean I wish that I would have stayed with the 36. I was just nervous because of my problems with cleaning and maintaining the acrylic. I now am going to upgrade because I want taller. My plan is glass 94x36x36 with 3 external scupper boxes for overflows or one trapezoid in the center. My advice go glass and go tall.

biecacka
08/20/2013, 08:32 PM
Will you be taking the cube down or keeping it up? I am using it somewhat as a basis for my build!
:D

Corey

viggen
08/20/2013, 09:55 PM
Like stated go as big as you can......

I went 120x30x30 and yes.... Its a pita to reach the bottom of the tank when I need to..... Its also a pita cleaning the 10ft long piece of acrylic but so worth it. Going to get a magnet vs a hand held scraper one of these days. The way I see it any tank looses 3-4 inches when you consider where the base trim covers up (I like it covering up the gravel/sand) as well as how far down the lid goes (I prefer covering up the waterline). So my 30in tall tank actually only has a 26-27in window. A 24in tall tank would only have a 20-21in window.....

I priced a 12ft tank which was 3 times the price of my 10ft tank. I wanted to go 120x36x36 or 120x36x30. If I could do it over I would probably go 120x36x36.... Or 120x36x30

For you tank I would not do a 24 in deep front to back tank. Really limits the room inside the tank especially with aqua scraping. The extra 6in does a lot for making room in there..... Fish willbe much much happier!

theReefKing
08/20/2013, 11:20 PM
Load baring!!! DRATS!

What are the chances of knocking the house down and starting over? ;)

danfeig
08/21/2013, 12:03 AM
Mario, Cynthia thinks that there is a problem. The woman in the picture isn't nearly as beautiful as Fabiola.

pjwperth
08/21/2013, 12:45 AM
It is more important to have length and width of the tank rather than height. The simple reason is you get a greater surface area to water volume ration which inturn gives you a better rate of oxygen transfer through the waters surface. Simple water chemistry the more oxygen the better. I would not think of house resale value as an important part of choosing a tanks size as you then have to factor in the limited market you would be selling to, remember not all people love tanks as much as us and not everyone wants the hassel of looking after a tank.

kmu
08/21/2013, 05:55 PM
Don't know if you purchased your tank, but I will give you my two cents. I had a 72x30x36 acrylic tank with a center overflow that was in the middle of the room as a room divider. It was such a pain to clean. Everything including the snails would leave scratches. If sand got caught in the cleaner there would be scratches. Because of the depth I had to stand on the ladder to clean the lower portion. The acrylic scrapers were not great. I was so happy to rid myself of that tank. My next/current tank is glass 72x30x30. I love the glass, and since it is easy to clean I wish that I would have stayed with the 36. I was just nervous because of my problems with cleaning and maintaining the acrylic. I now am going to upgrade because I want taller. My plan is glass 94x36x36 with 3 external scupper boxes for overflows or one trapezoid in the center. My advice go glass and go tall.

Ive had an acrylic cube for more than 3 years with 3/4" thick acrylic and its almost scratch free and the walls are perfectly clear of algae with minimal scratches.

Ever since I added an algae scrapper to my magnets mad cleaning the acrylic panels is very easy, only takes about 2 minutes 2 times a week.

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/IMG_20130820_132442_zps693e3109.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/IMG_20130820_132442_zps693e3109.jpg.html)

Will you be taking the cube down or keeping it up? I am using it somewhat as a basis for my build!
:D

Corey

Im keeping it unless I decide to upgrade it in my office.

Like stated go as big as you can......

I went 120x30x30 and yes.... Its a pita to reach the bottom of the tank when I need to..... Its also a pita cleaning the 10ft long piece of acrylic but so worth it. Going to get a magnet vs a hand held scraper one of these days. The way I see it any tank looses 3-4 inches when you consider where the base trim covers up (I like it covering up the gravel/sand) as well as how far down the lid goes (I prefer covering up the waterline). So my 30in tall tank actually only has a 26-27in window. A 24in tall tank would only have a 20-21in window.....

I priced a 12ft tank which was 3 times the price of my 10ft tank. I wanted to go 120x36x36 or 120x36x30. If I could do it over I would probably go 120x36x36.... Or 120x36x30

For you tank I would not do a 24 in deep front to back tank. Really limits the room inside the tank especially with aqua scraping. The extra 6in does a lot for making room in there..... Fish willbe much much happier!

Im seriously considering going 40" to 42" front to back

Mario, Cynthia thinks that there is a problem. The woman in the picture isn't nearly as beautiful as Fabiola.

THX for the comment, will let her know!!! She is gonna look much better on the mermaid pic (of course she will not know its gonna be posted on RC)


It is more important to have length and width of the tank rather than height. The simple reason is you get a greater surface area to water volume ration which inturn gives you a better rate of oxygen transfer through the waters surface. Simple water chemistry the more oxygen the better. I would not think of house resale value as an important part of choosing a tanks size as you then have to factor in the limited market you would be selling to, remember not all people love tanks as much as us and not everyone wants the hassel of looking after a tank.


Yes oxygen transfer is important, on my 48" cube it really helps even with keeping the temps stable also.

The resale value of the house will not be limited because it will take me no more than $300 (parts and labor) to cover all the holes in the walls. It will be a kitchen pantry for the next owner...

mhsmith
08/21/2013, 07:36 PM
Kitchen Pantry is a great idea. You must be free of wandering hands that want to help clean things. Once it gets scratched it is a bear to buff it out especially if full of water. Good luck! Looks like it will be an exciting adventure.

jjk_reef00
08/21/2013, 08:51 PM
Ever since I added an algae scrapper to my magnets mad cleaning the acrylic panels is very easy, only takes about 2 minutes 2 times a week.



Great looking tank! Looking forward to seeing your new one progress.

What is the algae scrapper you are talking about?

kmu
08/22/2013, 10:02 AM
Great looking tank! Looking forward to seeing your new one progress.

What is the algae scrapper you are talking about?

I mistyped it, its an an algae scraper pad that goes on the magnet. Didn't realize I typed mad instead of pad.


This thing is the best and cheapest tool Ive gotten for my acrylic tank works even better than razors on glass!!!


http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/IMG_20130822_085316_zpsef069496.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/IMG_20130822_085316_zpsef069496.jpg.html)

jjk_reef00
08/22/2013, 05:46 PM
Do you have a link?
Is it the pad itself or that triangle object on the right hand portion of the picture?

kmu
08/22/2013, 10:11 PM
Do you have a link?
Is it the pad itself or that triangle object on the right hand portion of the picture?

The plastic triangle comes glued to the pad and its what does the scraping. Works perfect, haven't gotten my hands wet to clean every inch of the acrylic walls since I added the scraper to my magnet.

The best $5 spent on this hobby by far!!!

jjk_reef00
08/22/2013, 11:43 PM
I'm very interested in trying that out, where do you get that specific pad? Do you have any internet links to them for sale?

biecacka
08/25/2013, 12:09 AM
+1 on the pad!

Corey

Stomatopod1701
08/25/2013, 07:59 PM
Anything over 24" in height is difficult to work in, but as someone said above you should not be in the tank very much anyway. For that area the tallest tank possible would look amazing, 36 or even 48 would look really beautiful.

kreef82
08/28/2013, 10:53 AM
where can I get one!? :)

kmu
09/01/2013, 12:22 PM
I already asked my LFS where I bought it, they are gonna get all the info on who makes it and where to buy it online for you guys...

I really think its a must for every acrylic tank, might even work for glass tanks.

No more sore and wet arms from algae scrapping with a credit card or razor...

kmu
09/01/2013, 12:28 PM
1" thick 72"L x 42"D x 36"T
Black back
24x6x12 overflow box with two 2" drains
Four 2" holes on the brace for returns with seaswirls
Three 16"x30" windows on top with 6" bracing in between them and also side walls

Any tips, suggestions?

THX in advance

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/Screenshot2013-08-30at11716PM_zps71ff3c5e.png (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/Screenshot2013-08-30at11716PM_zps71ff3c5e.png.html)

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/Screenshot2013-08-30at11740PM_zps4e684da0.png (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/Screenshot2013-08-30at11740PM_zps4e684da0.png.html)

jjk_reef00
09/02/2013, 12:56 AM
Go with 3 drains so you can use the bean animal silent overflow.
Also it is nice if your sump can hold enough water for a water change without draining from you DT. If not you may want to go with a small closed loop and the t-off the closed loop return to pump water out when you are doing water changes.

jjk_reef00
09/06/2013, 10:41 AM
Any more info on the algae pad?

kmu
09/06/2013, 11:59 AM
Great looking tank! Looking forward to seeing your new one progress.

What is the algae scrapper you are talking about?

Do you have a link?
Is it the pad itself or that triangle object on the right hand portion of the picture?

I'm very interested in trying that out, where do you get that specific pad? Do you have any internet links to them for sale?

+1 on the pad!

Corey

where can I get one!? :)

Any more info on the algae pad?



Found it!!!

its the Algae Dozer Scraper Pad from Mighty Magnets

You can find it on mightymagnets.com/pads

Mine was only $7.00

kmu
09/06/2013, 05:12 PM
Been working on this 2 designs, which one would you rather go with and why?

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/Screenshot2013-09-06at95600AM_zps9747646e.png (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/Screenshot2013-09-06at95600AM_zps9747646e.png.html)


http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/Screenshot2013-09-06at100417AM_zps6cea289f.png (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/Screenshot2013-09-06at100417AM_zps6cea289f.png.html)

hugh ngo
09/06/2013, 08:51 PM
I would go 36" tall, used to have 8x2x2. It just didn't look right, so i sold it. Now I'm working on my 8x2x3' by A.G.E. glass and acrylic bottom. Here's a pic. Inwall!

jjk_reef00
09/07/2013, 01:29 AM
Really depends on what lighting you are going to use. 3 openings lets you really stack the lighting up and blast the tank if you are growing SPS. 2 openings will be more economical if you want fewer light fixtures. What king of lighting are you planning on? GHL mitras would be sweet on that tank!

Make sure you go with 3 drains on the overflow :)

kmu
09/07/2013, 01:06 PM
Really depends on what lighting you are going to use. 3 openings lets you really stack the lighting up and blast the tank if you are growing SPS. 2 openings will be more economical if you want fewer light fixtures. What king of lighting are you planning on? GHL mitras would be sweet on that tank!

Make sure you go with 3 drains on the overflow :)

Would 2 openings on TOP give the tank more structural integrity?

I will use LED lighting, probably 6 Hydras or maybe several Kessil pendants with a couple of LED strips to supplement

Why 3 drains on the overflow? Im going with a low flow sump should I still do 3?

jjk_reef00
09/07/2013, 02:04 PM
Would 2 openings on TOP give the tank more structural integrity?

I will use LED lighting, probably 6 Hydras or maybe several Kessil pendants with a couple of LED strips to supplement

Why 3 drains on the overflow? Im going with a low flow sump should I still do 3?

I have no idea about integrity of the two designs, maybe post that question in the DIY forum or ask the tank builder. Mitras is suppose to cover 36" x 36" so you may be able to put 2 of them on your tank. and go with 2 openings if you hang them high. Check out the frag tank:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2329931

If you go with Hydras or Kessil you will probably want 3 openings because the lights don't have as much spread.

3 drains is for the bean animal silent and safe overflow (search because there is a huge thread on rc about it). One drain acts as a siphon, the second takes the small amount of water that doesn't go down the siphon, and the third drain is raised a little higher so water goes down there only if one of the other drains gets clogged. Since you are building a tank it is worth putting 3 drains because it is dead silent and your overflow is fully protected in the event a fish jumps into the overflow and gets stuck. These things rarely happen but with that much water it is better to be safe than sorry.

Sonicboom
09/07/2013, 03:05 PM
Or 3 hydra 52's when they come out

jjk_reef00
09/07/2013, 05:08 PM
Or 3 hydra 52's when they come out

I think he would need at least 6 with those tank dimensions.

kmu
10/07/2013, 11:54 PM
A couple of update picks, decided to go with a 72x36x36tank with an internal overflow box in the middle.

I will start a build thread once I get more stuff going on


http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/Screenshot2013-10-02at95220AM_zpsfb802808.png (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/Screenshot2013-10-02at95220AM_zpsfb802808.png.html)

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/20131007_173801_zps901dc277.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/20131007_173801_zps901dc277.jpg.html)

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/k-mus/20131005_134949_zps8a82b813.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/k-mus/media/20131005_134949_zps8a82b813.jpg.html)