New 280 Gallon Tank Build

[Sunken3]

Hi all - looking to upgrade my aging science experiment into a new 280 tank (72x30x30). I have always had acrylic but am heavily considering glass for my new tank (I hate the scratches...).

My first step is tank manufacturer to use... I have been looking online and the price for this size seems to range from around $1500 - $4500. It is hard to tell what brand is best (I think I'm leaning towards a CADLight or DeepSea at this point)... feel free to chime in if you've had a bad experience here (or a good one with another brand).

Also, I need to update my lighting - my current main system is using 3 AI Vega's (color)... I was thinking of adding 2 AI 52's to the new tank, however, now I am more likely only going to add one 52 and 2 MH (as the growth just seems worth the heat). ... question is should I get 2 250W or 2 400W?

[Sunken3]

First day on the tank stand ...

[Sunken3]

Coming along nicely.

[Sunken3]

Almost done with the main stand.

[Sunken3]

My new skimmer arrived, as well as a nice coral to add when the tank is ready!

[R1ant04]

Very nice work on that stand, looks great!

[Sunken3]

thanks it had been a fun build... should have it complete thanksgiving weekend.

[Sunken3]

anyone know how I can post bigger pictures?

[dave.m]

Post your images on an image hosting service like Photobucket, Flickr, imgur, etc. Then use the yellow mountain icon in the Editor window to post the direct URL of the image to here on RC.



Careful of what resolution you use, as too fine a resolution will create monster images on some people's viewing device of choice.

Dave.M

[Sunken3]

I will give that a shot this weekend (photo upload).

Well, I didn't get any responses regarding the lighting - I did however get 3 hydra 52 upgrade kits for my Vegas and bought 2 400w metal halide setups this weekend - I will take some photos of the end product after they arrive.

[Sunken3]

Here is the stand.. awaiting doors...

[dave.m]

Nice start to the stand. You will want to paint the interior white to reflect as much light as possible. This will become important as you try to see stuff later inside a crowded stand. You will also want to put in some sort of tray or membrane in the bottom to catch spills.

Dave.M

[Sunken3]

yes I agree. I purchased white appliance paint (waterproof and easy to clean). I will paint the entire inside in that. I am waiting on a tank quote from DSA. Hopefully that comes out good...

I have purchased most of the equipment... just waiting to find the right tank.

[FishM8]

Very nice finish on the stand. Comes out great!

Bjorn

[Sunken3]

Here's the inside after two coats of the white paint...

[Sunken3]

And, clearly time to change the RODI filters..

[Sunken3]

[Sunken3]

Thanks Dave! - just tried out Photobucket.... the pic is huge...

[Sunken3]

The new sump

[Sunken3]

[Sunken3]

Realized last week my RO/DI was shot.. (TDS was 200+ out of the DI).... ouch

Ordered all new filters from Aqua FX and added 2 new canisters .. now have an 8 stage RO/DI .. pre-filter - 20 micron (rinseable). prefilter - 1 micron, 2x carbon chlorimanr blasters, 2 membranes (in series) and 2 DI filters .... can water have negative TDS

[Sunken3]

finally ordered the tank... having a custom DSA (Deep Sea Aquatics) made.. ended up going slightly smaller with a 72x28x28 (~255 gallon).. will get some pics up when it arrives..

[dmodz]

Great stain job.

[scubadan206]

Smaller? That's the wrong direction. ...

Daniel.

[Sunken3]

I agree... but price, fit, etc.. just worked out best... I'll try and do better (bigger) next tank!