Custom Tank or Not

[sailfin]

Yes this is an inwall. I really don't know how much room is above it. We were in a hurry tonight. My very first post has how much room is behind it...duh..anyway I can't wait to start designing this. First I need to decide on a tank though. I need help!!! It is very hard for me to make decisions like that.

[Ironman]

lets see some pics of the space. how much room will you have for lighting above the tank?

[RevReefer]

48" long by 24" high. I imagine I could probably go about three feet deep

....thats what i'm talking about there.....

I'll be glad to help as much as I can.

[RevReefer]

48x24x36 would be a 179.5g tank. Sounds like a winner to me!

[bkv1997]

From anthonies first post he only has a total depth of 4 feet. you make it 3 feet deep add a closed loop to the back of that thing you'll have to adopt an ethiopian to clean that thing.

If you go three feet, could you put a section of wall etc avove the tank that could be lifted up for maintenance from the front?

Some concerns? Trust me with a closet humidity is an issue and i'll i have in mine is the skimmer, so get them to drop a vent from your AC unit in the closet also it will greatly help with the humidity and the heat.

If you have a crawl space and could use a section of the garage the posibilities are unlimited. Is this an option?

Give us some more details/Pictures of this area and it will better help us help you.

[RevReefer]

Very valid points Brandon, and speaking from experience.

[sailfin]

OK...I took some more measurements today. I am thinking that 30" maximum is as deep as I could go. Since this is under the stairs I have at the least 7" above the tank for the lighting system. That would put the lights right on top of the tank. Thanks for the input Brandon. Since my last tank was an inwall I am familiar with the heat and humidity issues. I ran an air vent into my tank room last time and that proved invaluable. I'm def. doing that again. I have a crawl space below the tank and do not wish to run anything down there. Total space inside the closet is about 6'x4'. I got a few more ideas today. Right now I really need advise on a tank.

Btyan - You mentioned you could help with a tank. I am looking at a 48"x30"x24" tank. Any suggestions???

[Ironman]

if all glass or oceanic make it I can probly get a discount. but honestly I would probly go with a standard 120 - 48x24x24 it would be much cheaper and easier to find. I could check and see how much a allglass would be, and how much it would cost to drill a couple closed loop holes.

[sailfin]

That would be a great size Bryan. What I need the most help with is the closed loop system. Like where to drill the holes, what kind of pump, etc. If you could check about that size tank I'd really appreciate it. Let me know if there is anything else I can post to help you guys help me.

[Ironman]

well the closed loop is kinda up to you. dave probly has more experience in that department than me. but basically you need to decide how you want to do your returns. then decide how many holes need to be drilled and where. you could mount your closed loop return or returns kinda like brandons main returns on his tank, that would save from drilling those holes, then you would only need to drill the hole or holes for the suction side of the loop. the 120 already has dual megaflow overlows, so theres already good turnover rate and upper - mid - and lower water suction points. I would almost think you could drill one large bulkhead in the center of the back glass, then mount a pump (maybe a mag 750,950) then tee off of it with a squid, which would then feed two return on either side of the tank. that would give you a good back and forth motion. just and idea. anybody see a problem with that idea?