New tank questions

[GPhiAce]

I would like to know a few things, so I thought I would post hear before I ask others.

1. At what depth would you consider a 400w MH?
2. What is the formula to calculate tank volume from deminsions?
3. How do you decide which return pump rating to use?
4. How do you decide the number of overflows?
5. Anyone prefer a custom tank builder?
6. When do you decide to use a euro brace?

Here are my thoughts.
Tank deminsions are about 50Lx22-26Hx24W. Dual overflows. 2x400w MH if 26H or 2x250w if<26H with T5 supplementaion. Or may just use LumenMax or is it Lumen Bright reflectors with 250w bulbs. (I forgot which ones we tested at Randy's. Ocea for the canopy and stand and maybe the tank. Sump and other stuff, not sure yet.

Or a smaller tank in 36Lx16Wx24H.

Thoughts, concerns, input are welcome. This is because my professor is thinking of buildeing a tank and I would like to build one as my next tank upgrade-- much later.

 

[macclellan]

2. Quick Calculator for Aquariums
4. You decide this by inches, not # of overflows.. 1 large = 2 half-sized, etc.
6. you can always not have a brace, depending on glass thickness. glass needs to be thicker for braceless tanks.

Maybe check this guy out for stand & canopy: Aquarium Stands And Hoods Builder Cheap

 

[GPhiAce]

Thanks J Mac. i will email that guy and ask for referrences or something. That picture looks clean, but a little too simple.

 

[macclellan]

Very modern... best style. Better than the cheesy tanks with all the fancy trim and gold... sooo 80s.

 

[ironman]

Just to throw this out there. I had a tank made for me that is close to those demintions. I Never got around to using it, and got a Oak stand 3/4 of the way built for it. I would consider selling it if you are interested. It was a custom Deap Sea tank, 5'LX30"WX25"H = 185 gallons. It is a euro braced tank with single center thinline overflow. and 3/4" glass. Pm me if interested.

 

[GPhiAce]

5' is a little too long for me, but thanks. Think I found a tank.

 

[ct_vol]

Here is RC's Tank Volume Calculator... Its the only one I know of... We tested the Lumenarc and Lumen Max Elite at my house...

Reef Central Online Community

 

[jettster]

Aquarium System Volume Calculator here's a link to a volume calculater

 

[TriMax]

L x W x H (in inches) divided by 231 = vol in gal

L x W x H (in feet) divided by 7.5 = vol in gal

this is rough but exact of course. You need to add sump, a little for piping, refugium and what other vol. you may have. You also need to subtract sand and rock and such.:bigsmile:

 

[macclellan]

Green Leaf Aquariums (medium/high end planted tank retailer) is getting in some nice rimless tanks in stock soon. Orlando says they'll be in late next week.

Supposedly at or near ADA quality, but much less money. German manufactured. About 9 sizes from 5-50g.

GLA is in Gainsville, so shipping shouldn't be too terrible. Something to consider...

Edges and silicone work look outstanding:

 

[GPhiAce]

looks nice, but I would like to go a little bigger than 50g, more like up to 150g tall.

 

[ct_vol]

The beveled edges on that rimless look freaking sweet... Super nice indeed...

 

[TriMax]

Paul

Don't go for tall unless you are going to have fish only. More than 24" deep is a real pain. Can you go 50"L x 30"W x 24"H? That would be 156g. 48"L x 30"W x 24"H is 150g.

 

[GPhiAce]

Paul

Don't go for tall unless you are going to have fish only. More than 24" deep is a real pain. Can you go 50"L x 30"W x 24"H? That would be 156g. 48"L x 30"W x 24"H is 150g.

By tall I was thinking of 24-30". There are some lower light corals that I would like to be able to keep that I am not able to right now. There are some great reflectors, bulb, ballast combinations that I can use to get good PAR throughout the tank. I have short arms, so I will need a little assistance getting to the bottom- maybe. We will see.

 

[macclellan]

GLA's rimless are out. Not quite as cheap as I'd hoped, but I'll probably still get one. Anyways, here they are: Glass Rimless Aquariums | Green Leaf Aquariums

 

[goreefer]

When you are thinking of how deep you would like to have a tank consider the length of your arm. If the tank is deeper than your arm you will need a snorkel and a mask to get to things that drop to the bottom.