LONG AND SHALLOW!!!!

[dustint21]

I have been working on my new tank for about a month now. Its going to be a slow build, but it is all DIY for the most part. I got the tank as a 125 gallon used off of ARC. After measuring it the dims. come out to be around 145 gallons. I hated the dims of the tank so we worked it out. It was 72''x 18'' x 25''. After ripping the tank down into glass panels layin on the floor I have flipped the tank on its side and will be picking up some new glass next week. The new tank will be 72''x24''x 18''!!!! Shallow and long, this was what I was really wanting from the start. I will be using a 75 gallon tank for the sump. The lights will be two 400w MH and one 250w MH with DIY Lumenarcs. I am almost finished with the stand. I picked up Mike Delgado's DAS EX3 to pull out the fish POO!!! LOL! I have takin a few pics along the way. Let me know what you think, or if you have any suggestions!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01468.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01466.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01776.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01774.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01773.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01736.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01735.jpg

Thanks for looking!
Dustin

[hobogato]

looks great! gotta love the diy :)

[dustint21]

Thanks Ace! My next DIY project is the wavebox!

[hobogato]

the problem with a diy on that is the electronics. the box itself is pretty simple and it is just run with a tunze stream. it is the controller that is hard to diy. if you can do it, you will love it. on a 6' tank, the wave cycle will be right at 1 second. you are gonna love that 24" width - it will be great for scaping. not sure you will like the 400 watt halides tho, that is a ton of light for that shallow tank.

[dustint21]

I think the controller looks pretty simple, but we will see. LOL! As for the 400w MH's I got a good deal on a couple ballast so I figured I would try it out(Thanks MR COB). If it is to much I will switch out to 250's. I plan To keep mostly SPS and run a 4-5 hour photo period. I have an Icecap 660, but cant make up my mind on VHO's or T5's for actinic supliment.

[ErikH]

SWEET build so far man. Very nice dimensions!

[robalv]

is that galvanized sheet metal you used for the reflectors?

[hobogato]

looks like a solar tube extension that he flattened out - it is highly reflective aluminum.


is that galvanized sheet metal you used for the reflectors?

[dustint21]

Nope, Its solar tube from HD. Its aluminum.

[hobogato]

:D

[dustint21]

DRAW! LOL!

[dustint21]

LMFAO!

[robalv]

your good ace lol... are you a sheet metal man by trade or just a good eye.. reason I ask is I used to work in a sheet metal shop back in the 80's and currently I am an A/C Tech.
and have been thinking about doing that.. didnt dawn on me to use a solar tube... Do they sell just the solar tube alone?... if so what was the cost?..
Thanks

[dustint21]

2' x 4' sheet by itself is like $37 plus tax at Home Depot. If I was to do it over I would buy hammertone from sunlight supply. Par is higher and metal is thicker.

[clamgal]

That is going to be awesome! Great dimensions :)

[ErikH]

Find a chiller BTW! Start hunting around and try and find a good one cheap. :)

[dustint21]

Here is quick update. I got the sump done and it is being water tested. The skimmer takes up alot of room! I also started playing with the dry rock I had to see what my aquascaping will look like. I ran out of rock, so the right side isnt finished but this gives you an idea of what Im going for! I should pick up the glass tomorrow and have the tank built tomorrow night. Im putting the second coat of paint on the doors this afternoon. Here are a few pics
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01827.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01830.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01845.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01838.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01837.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01839.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01842.jpg
Thanks for looking!
Dustin

[ballardjr2000]

gonna be nice when its done can't wait to see

[dustint21]

Thanks! I cant wait myself! LOL!

[mikedelgado]

lookin great!! . I love those reflectors. you did such a good job they look store bought

[camaroracer214]

you stole my idea!!! just kidding, but i'm so glad you're doing it first. i wanted to do a 72x36x18 (or 72x36x20) but have had worries as to how the setup would look. definitely keep us posted.

[dustint21]

Thanks guys! I got busy and wont have the tank put together until this weekend.

Thanks for looking! If anyone has any comments or ideas LMK! I like to here what everyone has to say!


Dustin

[Mr Cob]

Looking nice Dustin! Can't wait to see more.

[dustint21]

Alright the tank is home and full of water... I still need to finish the canopy (this weekend) and a few other things. Havent got my flow figured out yet either. Here are a few pics til the canopy is done. LMK what you think or ideas you have to make it better!!!!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01961.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01962.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01963.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01965.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01967.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01968.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01969.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01970.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01974.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01975.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dustint21/DSC01977.jpg
Thanks for looking!
Dustin

[Mr Cob]

Dustin... it looks "sick" man! Great job!

[ballardjr2000]

looking good can't wait to see stuff in it. but looking great

[dustint21]

Thanks guys! I am tryin to make something nice, Im really sick of having a halfa** setup. Thanks to all who have tagged along so far! Everyone feel free to chime in and help push me in the right directions!

Dustin

[dustint21]

Could mu thread be moved to the large tanks forum please?

Thanks
Dustin

[MRSBIGBIRD123]

Could mu thread be moved to the large tanks forum please?

Thanks
Dustin


It's moved, the thread is great, like the sleek look!

[dustint21]

Thank you ma'am!

[roscozman]

Looks Great. I like the side access in the stand.

[dustint21]

Thanks Roscozman! Its the only way I could get that 75 gallon under there.

[texmex]

Looking great!

[jay-roc]

Dustin your ability to jump in and "do it yourself " is very cool and I'm impressed. Can't wait till we're DONE! Thank you for all the help and work you put in on my tank and when I get the rest of the pics I'll start my 40 gal breeder thread. Can't wait till you finish my luminarcs.

[dustint21]

LMAO! Thanks for the help and the use of your home for all of my projects! Oh my cameras memory card got erased somehow.........

[jay-roc]

LMAO! Thanks for the help and the use of your home for all of my projects! Oh my cameras memory card got erased somehow.........


YOURE WELCOME FOOL. and its a good thing I posted my new pics already or I would be freaking out that all the pictures were gone. I hope ya'll have a safe trip I dont know how good it will be but get back safe dawg. Good luck with all that, I'll keep an eye on your tank. Im going to see how those reflectors fit on my tank dont worry tho Ill leave the sockets and ballasts. I don't think the new ballast would fit in my truck I'd have to bottow a gooseneck trailer . ROFLMAO:rofl: :lmao2:

[blindside]

Nice
build thread! Diydustin21 should be your name thing

[jay-roc]

LOL I like that DiyDustint21.... you nailed it G. Thats what my whole tank build is made of dustins diy ideas lol

[dustint21]

LOL! I like the name! J tahnks for all your help! All is well so far, but we will know more later in the week.

Blindside thanks for the comment man!

[Beverly]

Nice...u did a great job.

[dustint21]

Thanks! Ive been lazy! The tank has cycled, just need to finish the build.

[roscozman]

Again, Looks great. One small suggestion...

We have the same fuge light and read a comment Ping made about the cover. He suggested to remove the aluminum cover since it does not proved any advantage for the light but only adds heat.

[dustint21]

Thanks for the tip! I change out my fuge light for a Viper 70w MH..... LOL! Im using my fuge for a frag tank also.

[jay-roc]

Again, Looks great. One small suggestion...

We have the same fuge light and read a comment Ping made about the cover. He suggested to remove the aluminum cover since it does not proved any advantage for the light but only adds heat.



That is a good suggestion I think I'll try this and see if it makes a difference. My fuge light stays on 24/7