The slow process of a new tank.

[Jarob]

I’m finally about ready to get a new tank and I would like some opinions! I'm still undeceive about what tank I want but it will be 38g or less, rimless, and long! I will be making this a very nice clean setup. Lighting will be t5's as I LOVE the color you can get from them, but I will be adding some diy LED spotlights to showcase specific corals and to add the shimmer!!

Tank options so far:

1 x Glasscages 38g rimless - 36" x 12" x 16"
or
1 x Glasscages 33g rimless - 48" x 12" x 12"
or
2 x Mr. Aqua 12g Long rimless - 35.4" x 8.3" x 9.4"
http://www.marinedepot.com/Mr._Aqua_Rectangle_Frameless_Glass_Aquarium_Tank_R ectangular-Azoo-AZ1119-FIAQRA-vi.html (http://www.marinedepot.com/Mr._Aqua_Rectangle_Frameless_Glass_Aquarium_Tank_R ectangular-Azoo-AZ1119-FIAQRA-vi.html)

The 12g longs would be mounted on the walls in the corner of a room, one on each wall of the corner and draining to a shared sump. BUT is 8.3" width TOO small to do anything with?

The other two tanks im not sure how they would be set up, too heavy to be mounted on the wall, yes? Maybe mounted but with two legs in the front for additional support.

These are the three tanks I'm interested in, which ever it is it will be drilled so I can add a sump. Could you please comment on the choices, which you would pick and why? and if you can think of other rimless tanks, under $150 shipped let me know!

This thread will be my build thread throughout the entire process and I am in no hurry! Ill post some sketchpad drawings soon. Please comment and thank you for any input!!!

-Jarob

[Gseclipse02]

48" x 12" x 12"


would be my choice ...a nice 4 bulb set up would be plenty of light .... its almost the same size as my tank but i have an 8 footer ... at times i think its to shallow tho

[Jarob]

Yea I was wondering about how shallow but I think Ill like it. I LOVE your tank too!

[Europhyllia]

48" x 12" x 12"


at times i think its to shallow tho
That's because you like to keep baby whales in yours ;)

[NateDogg]

i vote for 48x12x12. It would give you the most useable space for aquascaping, imo. I like small, I have a 3g pico, but 8.3x 9.4 is tight. Too tight takes the fun out of things.

[aquasport24]

How about 36x16x12 ?

[Jarob]

thanks for the input so far, i think im leaning towards the 48 x 12 x 12 too.. Probably will be ordering it within the week so i can pick it up in houston june 6th!

edit:

hmmm there is a 36x18x12 also.. for only 10bucks more

[StevenSeas]

i would go 36x18x12. I have a 36x12x18 right now and the 12 inch width is horrible for aquascaping and you get no sandbed for lps or front area for swimming room imo. I would love to have the 18 inch width and the 12 inch high, just my opinion from my personal tank

[Jarob]

Yea thats what I was thinking because this is going to be mainly LPS too.. but then the problem of placement arises. I was really hoping to avoid the idea of using a flow blown stand, I was really hoping to mount it on a wall with some supports and put a remote sump.

[StevenSeas]

you could still do that mounted on the wall. It would be roughly the same weight as the other tanks, just stick out a little further and have a lil more torque. Just would have to have a little more bracing but would be do able. or just get a stand w.o a skin.

[StevenSeas]

ooo and that would still be 300 ish pounds of weight.

[Jarob]

whew with rock and sand its at a bare minimum 400 pounds... but I was thinking about using two jackposts for support, and at 18,000lb capacity each i think they would hold it, along with two wall mounted supports. These are what I had in mind set at 5' for easiy viewing height. http://www.thegreathardwarestore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=556936&click=2744

Im planning on moving into an "urban" building where the floors are polished concrete, which I think suits this theme well. Does anyone see any problems with this idea? I could probably get away with one jackpost and 2 wall mounts too if I use a thick wood for the base under the tank.

hmm.... so much to think about. Im shooting for this to be finished around Aug. before school starts back up.

[StevenSeas]

Ooo ok well that's one way to do it lol. I was thinking more of a free floating design... No supports underneath. But those will definitely work. Might leave a little imprint on the floor tho w/ the small footprint but idk w/ 400 ish pounds probably won't do much

[Jarob]

A free floating design would be preferred, but I dont think possible with the 400+ lbs and 18in of depth.

[chunkymonkey]

Maybe I missed it, but why not attempt the in wall? Also, don't see any issues with imprinting on the concrete floor. You aren't by chance moving into a new apartment are you? One I just moved out of is a newer developement that had stained concrete floors and is building a second phase. As for viewing height, I personally would go for something 4' - 4' 6"

[StevenSeas]

It's definitely possible to do free floating design imo...atleast theoretical. Would have to anchor studs in the wall and do a wood framing to it to spread out the pressure points. But you could get it done w/ a few calculations.

[Jarob]

As for viewing height, I personally would go for something 4' - 4' 6"

Yea maybe 5' is a little much, I plan on completly "reenacting" the setup to make sure I know what im doing before I order! and yea its a new apartment, here in downtown corpus though, no actual construction can be done.

[Jarob]

Ahh help me decide on my tank demsions, Im having trouble coming to a decision.. Im thinking 12" height is not enough now lol so maybe 16? which means just a 40breeder would work pretty well but I dont know they are kinda of unattractive