My next tank.

[ErikH]

Okkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk..... so.....

We finally found a house of Heubner and Eckhert. She doesn't care if I have a tank as long as I carry insurance. and I do.

Well, it took a few hours but now I am getting the tank jitters, so I am just gonna start a thread from right when it came apparent. I am on glasscages right now looking at tanks. Here's what I am looking at so far.... Will be cool later to see where and what I skimp on.

270 Wide 96 x 36 x 17 Tall $1250
240 - 4 Square 48 x 48 x 25 Tall $875
190 - 4 Wide 48 x 36 x 25 Tall $725
175 Square 48 x 48 x 17 Tall $650

I have four halides to go over the eventual tank and 4 48" T5s.
I have a large CA reactor that was on a 180
I have the big Geo kalk reactor
I have a 29g that I use for a sump/fuge
I have a reef octopus rated for a 135?
Mag9 for a return, but might be able to get a mag 24.

That would strip me of my 75g lighting and my 45g (which I will sell to help get the tank)

So there's the basic rundown. Or at least what I came up with while I was typing this. :)

[Europhyllia]

Wow. If you can have anything you want then the 270 sounds great to me!!
Don't bother with the itty bitty 29g sump though...

[Kristy]

Dude! You are going to be right around the corner from us!

[ErikH]

I KNOW I KNOW! :) I'm gonna be a Westsider!

OH sorry Karin! (srry had to edit cuz I mistook your avatar for Eves somehow!). I am going to use the 75.

[justahobby]

Wow Erik, go big or go home eh?

The 240 sounds really nice and $400 cheaper for -30 gallons. Would you have a place to put a big ole square?

[ErikH]

eww maybe I wont use the 75. It's too tall.

Anyone know anyone that makes sumps? HAHA (jj Ace)
I think I might be able to get a tank from someone I know.

[ErikH]

yes, the living room. :) The house is the same floorplan as my moms so I am pretty familiar with the size.

[ErikH]

I will have a kegerator too. I got the ok for that too. :) Oh, I need 2 fridges if someone is upgrading and wants to help us out! :)

[Bill S]

I've got a 215 Brick that you NEED.

Congrats on the house.

[justahobby]

Call me when you are ready to pick up, move it in, whatever dude. Haha I want to be a part of the magnificence. (you had me at kegerator)

[ErikH]

I really want a three sides viewable cube. 48x48x17 is just a bit bigger than Giaus, so I'll be cooler even if I go smaller than I am wanting.
Bill, your tank is too tall for me! :) I really want something funky. TY for the grats, soon enough we will be moving again into our first fixer upper so we can make some cash.
Justin, my shoulder still hurts too much to carry a keg up and down the stairs but if you would do it for me you can drink till you drop!

[Big_Pun]

you said kegerator, so how many red bulls went into this post, ide do a big cube

[Gseclipse02]

if i had the choice to go long or cube i would go long

[Gseclipse02]

we need to do a happy hour some time

[Europhyllia]

if i had the choice to go long or cube i would go long

Me too. Longer is better IMO. You're never going to see what's in the middle of that 48x48. 96" would be a lot to look at.
Although maybe more traditional I guess?

[justahobby]

Anytime dude. It's not like its an inconvenience driving down a few street lights. I was wondering why you picked shorter tanks. What size are the MH's?

[Mr Cob]

You know I'm all for the cube! I'm HUGE on depth...but I also like Height...which you no likey!

Whatever you get, it will be sick!

Also, MAG 9 ...in my opinion is not enough return flow for any of those tanks. I'm running a Mag 18 on my tank right now split on the returns and I wish I had like a mag 24!

[ErikH]

you said kegerator, so how many red bulls went into this post, ide do a big cube None. Not even a beer. :)



if i had the choice to go long or cube i would go long

I realllllllly like the cube tanks


we need to do a happy hour some time

oh we will. we will.


Me too. Longer is better IMO. You're never going to see what's in the middle of that 48x48. 96" would be a lot to look at.
Although maybe more traditional I guess?

Three sides viewable though!!!! It would only be 2' to the middle. :)



Anytime dude. It's not like its an inconvenience driving down a few street lights. I was wondering why you picked shorter tanks. What size are the MH's?

Shorter is easier. :D
The MHs are 250s. 2 of them are mogul based and are in Lumenarc minis. The other two are DE and are in PFO mini Pendants, not alot of "throw" across the tank with the DE, but INTENSEEEEEEEEEEEEEE light.

[corruption]

You know I'm all for the cube! I'm HUGE on depth...but I also like Height...which you no likey!

Whatever you get, it will be sick!

Also, MAG 9 ...in my opinion is not enough return flow for any of those tanks. I'm running a Mag 18 on my tank right now split on the returns and I wish I had like a mag 24!

I like shorter tanks -- makes it possible for gimpys like me to actually get in and work ;)

I have to disagree on the return flow -- I'm a big proponent of a slow return speed through the sump -- more contact time in the filtration... Closed loops, Koralias, and Vortechs take care of extra flow very well :)

-Corruption

[ErikH]

I want a super thin overflow box. no two of them.

[Pennies2Cents]

Hey Erik,

Congrats on the house! :):bighug:

Congrats on the new tank adventure.. I hope you find what you like. :) As you know Ross & I are in for the 240 by Deep Sea Aquatics. Im so excited! :bigsmile: You are now right around the corner from us as well.

And definitely Happy Hour at your place... :angel::angel::angel:. If you need help when you get your tank feel free to call or pm us. :)

[hobogato]

great news on the house erik, and the tank (whatever you choose) will be fun to watch progress for all of us :)

i would go for the 240 cube if i had to choose (notice i said "had to" like i am not jealous :D)

[txav8r]

I'm all over this! Congrats Erik!! Let me know when the moving date is. I'll be there bro.

[ErikH]

Thanks Y'all. :) Super excited about the house, baby, and hopefully a new tank squeezed in before the baby gets here.

[Bill S]

Thanks Y'all. :) Super excited

Excited enough to show us all your dance video again???:bigsmile:

[Mr Cob]

Dude...you're on your way to the American Dream... white picket fence, house, yard, garage, dog, car, wife, baby, 240g reef tank!

Congrats!

[ErikH]

Excited enough to show us all your dance video again???:bigsmile:

IPVVTYV3wqM

Watch as I look for the "star" on the ground that I am supposed to stand on. Classic!


Dude...you're on your way to the American Dream... white picket fence, house, yard, garage, dog, car, wife, baby, 240g reef tank!

Congrats!

Now all I need is a ranch. :D

[Mr Cob]

Now all I need is a ranch. :D

Exactly. Jack and I were just talking about this the other day.

Dude....that video is awesome! So classic. You got some nice head bobbing moves man. Is that what sealed the deal with Tab?

[justahobby]

Why isn't this video stickied to our lounge?

[txav8r]

I laugh every time I see it!! Thanks for the smile Erik!

Err. Justin, I think a moderator has to do that. lol! j/k

[justahobby]

I have to hear the story Erik. Was this your only appearance, did you do any other shows, did you keep the hairdo j/k !

[Bill S]

I laugh every time I see it!! Thanks for the smile Erik!

Err. Justin, I think a moderator has to do that. lol! j/k

Me too - that's why I goaded him into posting it again... Wait until his kids see this...

[aquasport24]

I am so excited for you guys, come by sometimes to check out my tank before you order. So far i love it:bigsmile:

[ErikH]

240g 240g 240g 240g

[Teeb]

Whoops, meant to start a new post.

[twychopen]

[QUOTE=
I am on glasscages right now looking at tanks. [/QUOTE]

Ok, sorry to interrupt the jubilee :angel: but I noticed the thing about glasscages. I was going to buy a huge tank from them, then I read reviews and talked to some people that had experience with them. Easily over half the people were unsatisfied with them. One person's tank was shipped and some of the glue was still wet! I never will buy from there just from all the poor feedback from their customers. Just my 2 cents worth, check it out if you'd like, but good luck with such a huge tank! I would love to have a larger tank right now! One I could swim in! :bigsmile:

[ErikH]

I figured if worse comes to worse, I could ask around ::hint hint, points finger at... :) :: and get some help on a reseal, no big deal there. I am stuck on those dimensions, they are just awesome. If money permits, which it will, I plan on going all starphire. I am going to ask them about just purchasing the glass to see if it will save money. I would rather buy or borrow the tools to do it right from the get-go than screw it all up. I will have to ask them, March 19th is their SA drop off date and it will cost me 200+ to pick up a built aquarium.

[twychopen]

Sounds good. Do you like resealing tanks? lol I have done a 150 tall and a 125 and hated it both times! :)

[aquasport24]

So far am happy w/ mine, but don't count on their delivery date and destination to S.A. They not always deliver it to S.A as posted on their website. Mine was diverted to Houston a month early or i have to pick it up from El paso in later time.

[aquasport24]

240g? what are the dimensions?

[RayAllen]

Ok, sorry to interrupt the jubilee :angel: but I noticed the thing about glasscages. I was going to buy a huge tank from them, then I read reviews and talked to some people that had experience with them. Easily over half the people were unsatisfied with them. One person's tank was shipped and some of the glue was still wet! I never will buy from there just from all the poor feedback from their customers. Just my 2 cents worth, check it out if you'd like, but good luck with such a huge tank! I would love to have a larger tank right now! One I could swim in! :bigsmile:


You can get the good and the bad depending on who you talk to. Several people on here have owned or do own glass cages aquariums and they are happy customers, sure they are not the highest quality but they are nice tanks at a great price. I could name off a list of people who own or have owned but will not.

Erik im looking forward to pics.

[ErikH]

Sounds good. Do you like resealing tanks? lol I have done a 150 tall and a 125 and hated it both times! :)

I have never done one, and am not looking forward to it. :) I will probably be able to get some help though.


So far am happy w/ mine, but don't count on their delivery date and destination to S.A. They not always deliver it to S.A as posted on their website. Mine was diverted to Houston a month early or i have to pick it up from El paso in later time.

The date is not listed on their website, I have been emailing them back and forth.


240g? what are the dimensions?

4'x4'x25" :D A Half Cube. :D

[ErikH]

You can get the good and the bad depending on who you talk to. Several people on here have owned or do own glass cages aquariums and they are happy customers, sure they are not the highest quality but they are nice tanks at a great price. I could name off a list of people who own or have owned but will not.

Erik im looking forward to pics.


Yeah pics will come along for sure. I just hope I get the "good".

[twychopen]

i need to get in touch with some of you guys from SA so when I am up in that area I can see all these amazingly huge tanks!

[aquasport24]

Been 25" tall ,you may need braces to add more strength to side panels..JMO.

[Jarob]

I really like the 190g myself although the 240 cube is saaawwweeeeet! I've got a few friends with large glasscage tanks and they love them!

[ErikH]

Even if it's starphire gl***** You don't think it will be thick enough?

Ty for the input Jarob, I like to hear positive things. I know JeffCo had to redo his 375s silicon when he got it, but that's the worst that I have heard. I gotta have a BRICK!!!

[Bill S]

Erik, with that size tank, ask for 3/4" glass... and, of course, make it a brick.

Now, if you weren't stuck on those dimensions... I'd have a DEAL for you!

[JeffCo]

I love my glasscages. Only had to clean up the silicone, didn't have to reapply any, just slice off some of the excessive silicone on it.

[ErikH]

Brick it is Bill! :) I AM ITCHIN LIKE A SW FIEND!

Jeff, that makes me feel even better, thanks for chiming in. How is your beastly tank doing anywho? I'd love to come out there with the wifey's camera and take some pics... for some frags :)

Ok, so both of my babys are gone, and yes, it was really hard to let them go. Surreal and bewildered would be about right. The good news is that I have enough money to buy the tank. Still need a few hundred more dollars for the starphire, but that will be no problem. :)

I need to figure out the total weight of this thing, just the glass, 3/4". After carrying that 45 with the 3/4", I cannot fathom the amount of weight of this next tank. I imagine the weight alone is going to destroy the carpet and padding.... The problem will be getting it off the truck and through the front door. Not sure of the MAAST Cart's dimensions, but it will come in handy. I may have to build a skinnier one.

[aquasport24]

mine was 1/2" four sides and 3/4" for the bottom , 450lbs, took four guys and some suction cups.

[Mr Cob]

Put it on tile or hardwood floor Erik. I wouldn't mess with carpet man. Not sure if that is an option for you or not. Congrats on selling your tanks. Can't wait to see the new one.

[hobogato]

x2 - it isnt very expensive to do tile, and not that difficult - just labor intensive.


Put it on tile or hardwood floor Erik. I wouldn't mess with carpet man. Not sure if that is an option for you or not. Congrats on selling your tanks. Can't wait to see the new one.

[allan]

Hey Erik, I have a glass cages tank (190) that you are welcome to take a look at. It has a starfire front. 4'x3'x26"

[twychopen]

allan-do you have pictures of it on here? I have heard a lot of negative things about them but would love to see one. How do you like it?

[Big_Pun]

the MAAst cart fits perfect thru a standard door frame, ive helped on a couple moves with it and when Carlinsa and Pennies2cents moved their big tanks the cart handled them no problem, so if your tank can fit thru a door way should be no prob.

[corruption]

Out of curiosity, where is everyone hearing horror stories about glass-cages? Everyone i've ever known who runs one adores it.. i've just never heard the negatives..

What are the common issues, seal delamination/separation?

-Justin

[hobogato]

the only problem i see is that the tank erik is getting is 4'x4' footprint. it will have to be turned on its side to go thru a door and the cart may be too tall to fit thru the door with the 4' tall tank sitting on top of it .


the MAAst cart fits perfect thru a standard door frame, ive helped on a couple moves with it and when Carlinsa and Pennies2cents moved their big tanks the cart handled them no problem, so if your tank can fit thru a door way should be no prob.

[hobogato]

btw, my 240 was glasscages and i was completely satisfied with it.

[corruption]

btw, my 240 was glasscages and i was completely satisfied with it.

That tank still makes me jealous when i think of it :)

-Justin

[twychopen]

I will check on my home computer later tonight. I am not sure if I saved the places or not. I was looking at getting one around last summer. I will try to dig up the info. I also have a friend who has looked into it as well. He may be able to help me find the info.

[allan]

I've got pictures in the large tank section under "190 build... er, built"

Ace is right... when we got that tank to the house we had to turn it on its side to get it through the door. At one point I was on the inside holding my side up, and two of my buddies were outside trying to figure out how to fit inside the door. In fact at one moment when they thought they were going to drop it (and after I instructed Gloria to throw herself under the tank to prevent it breaking (she gave me an evil look)) I rested my end on my legs... left a rather purple bruise.

Which brings me up to the next point. That tank is HEAVY! Turning on its side will be necessary, but I wonder how comfortable you will be with it resting on its side on the cart. And yours will be at least a hundred pounds heavier.

I will be happy to help, even if it's just to carry the donuts in.

I like the tank, extremely satisfied with it. Got it from Mike (texreefer) over the summer when he tore his system down. It's reinforced at both the bottom and the lip with two inch bars of glass. I've got absolutely no complaints referencing the tank and I can't fathom why anyone would.

A

[Bill S]

The MAAST cart held my tank just fine. The cart height may be a problem... Typical door is 7', that means the cart can't be more than 36" high...

Yes, it weighs a bunch. I was told my tank was 600 lbs, but I think it's about 1/2 that. MAYBE 400 lbs. 6 of us moved it with the MAAST cart, no problem - 3 of the 6 were female.

[joelb]

17" high is the way to go. so the first or the last option is my opinion.
i went to texas tropical and asked if they could make one and they handed me a pad and pin and asked for the dimensions then said they would call me with a price... they called me later that day and it would be $220 with tax. its rimless 36" X 24" X 17" high with 2 holes drilled. it was in their store in 3 days and i didn't pay shipping. chris was very surprised so im not sure if he'll do that again. :)

[allan]

The question with the cart is whether it has the available surface area to not support the weight but evenly distribute the load so the tank doesn't absorb the weight midway through the side of the tank.

Throwing a 3/4" plywood base over the top of the cart to help might be the answer but the weight may be a bit much and the wood may suffer the same effect that you are trying to avoid.

[Bill S]

The question with the cart is whether it has the available surface area to not support the weight but evenly distribute the load so the tank doesn't absorb the weight midway through the side of the tank.

Throwing a 3/4" plywood base over the top of the cart to help might be the answer but the weight may be a bit much and the wood may suffer the same effect that you are trying to avoid.

Yeah, Erik, you really need to think this through... You really need to re-think your footprint. 6x2x2.5 would REALLY make a better tank. :bigsmile:

[Bill S]

I just found a calculator. Erik, your glass (at 3/4") will weigh 503 lbs. Allegedly, mine weighs 539 lbs.

[allan]

Yeah, Erik, you really need to think this through... You really need to re-think your footprint. 6x2x2.5 would REALLY make a better tank. :bigsmile:


lol I woke up in the middle of the night screaming that there was a large tank available somewhere.

[JeffCo]

Erik, my tank is doing great and some of the coral are starting to grow out of the tank.

When I moved mine in, I had to take the door frame off. Had about 7 people help me, I just backed the trailer it was on up to the door, picked it up and had some 3" PVC pipes on the floor on the inside. Once we got it in the door we rolled it on a few pieces of the PVC.

[ErikH]

OK!

SO..... Yeah, I have a wife. I ended up "settling" (lol) on a 110 Custom Pentagon that Dipan used to own, then to Andrew, now to me.

I really hope to make this tank a stunner.

Once I get the tank, I will post more!

......STAY TUNED.....

[Europhyllia]

Smart move. I love my tank/fish but a little one on the way certainly becomes a priority.

[ErikH]

The tank is almost the same dimensions, instead of 48x48 its 40x40. I am excited for that! Also, we can fit it in our kitchen, which is linoleum. The stand and canopy are going to be tricky. :D Thank God for friends.

I am excited to get my tangs into a larger surface area. I think they will love it.

[Europhyllia]

Oh yes flooring is important! Mine is in the dining room on tile floor and I flooded it numerous times.

[RayAllen]

Awesome Erik, ive been looking at that tank ;) glad someone finally bought it.

[ErikH]

Yeah, after the wife gave me the "what the hell are you thinking" look, I started to troll through the F/S/T section and stumbled upon it.

Too bad I can't afford that light! :D

I am having issues figuring out how I am going to do the plumbing, and of course the sump and fuge. I have a sump, and a spare 29 that I may incorporate together if they will fit.

It'll be close to the laundry room, so it should help when I want to change water. I figure I can dump the old water down the drain for the washer. I may put the rubbermaid outside on the patio and make a freshy tank out of it.

[RayAllen]

I would do a center tank over flow. That way you could have a island of rock surrounding it and the fish could swim around in circles. Would make for a neat display.

If I ever get the 4'x4' tank I want thats my plan.

[ErikH]

That seems like it would be a good idea. The tank is euro braced but there is a spot in the back corner for stuff to go over the edge. I will definitely keep that in mind, thanks for the suggestion.

[dipan]

Glad the tank is finally going to see some use!

[Big_Pun]

i say go open top i hate cnaopies, get some pendants i was toying with the idea of adding some fiji purple t5 on my pendent with this kit http://sunlightsupply.com/aqua/products.aspx?request=AQUA_T5_STRIP_LT_MAGN_BRACK&title=Reflectors&type=product

[Mr Cob]

^and i say go canopy! I hate open top! LOL!

Sorry...open top isn't an option for me with a 3 year old and 1 year old...oh, and another on the way. I already have a hard enough time keeping them out of the stand...they are soooo eager to color with the fish...LOL!

Erik, if I know you...whatever you do will be a SMASH HIT! I absolutely love that footprint too!

Congrats dude...CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MORE.

[Big_Pun]

^^^ boobooo!!! lol j/k, i think canopys are like bikini tops you wanna see whats under so why not just go topless

[Gseclipse02]

im all for being topless its nice to look down on the coral

[aquasport24]

:applause::applause::applause::applause::applause:

[ErikH]

It is here!

[Europhyllia]

I can sort of picture Erik bouncing off the walls now all excited about the new tank. :)
Another vote for open top :)

[ErikH]

Open top = expensive light fixture.

So, nope. :) Unless hanging 2 silver reflectors above the tank would look nice (NOT!)

I was thinking about a wide trim board, say 12" x 1/4" thick to make a fascia board to hide the pendants behind. I could essentially make an open topped, suspended, canopy.

[jlh81]

Hurry up and get the tank i can't wait to see it set up

[Neptune@gabesfish]

Man I love that tank .. I remember selling that tank like it was only yesterday.. Ahhh how the days fly by

[dipan]

OK, you've had enough time. Let's see some pics ... :wave: :photo:

Whaddya figure out for the light?

[ErikH]

I have it all planned out, but it's hush hush right now. I don't want to give it away!!!

[dipan]

I had another idea for your light ...

What if you made a black acrylic "box" ... maybe rectangular shaped. Open on top and bottom, sized to fit around a frame that could hold a couple of your existing fixtures, like your Lumenarc mini's. I bet that would look slick. How about even tapering it to a smaller opening up top. That would hide all the "rawness" of the reflectors and still allow convective cooling. You could even hide a fan or more in there!

As a step further, leave a bit of a gap between reflectors and mount some gooseneck flexible arms in the gap and you can have a couple flexible/aim-able spotlights to showcase clams, a certain SPS, whatever. You could use one of the cool spotlights from nanotuners:

http://glassbox-design.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Nano-Customs-PAR-38-LED.jpg

I think that setup might look pretty cool hanging over the tank by 8-12 inches ...

[txg8gxp]

The par38 bulbs are nice.

[ErikH]

Dipan you are getting very warm, lol.