Input on a 125 long.

[derek_s]

Well, Sal the B@$tard got me all interested in a 125 long RR today. I live in an apt, so space has always been the issue, but given it's skinnier nature ( 72"L x 18"D x 20"H) it would fit perfectly.

I just wanted any opinions anyone has on this tank. I dont see them very often, presumably because everyone opts for the deeper tanks. Just curious if anyone has any input (especially in the category of the depth as related to aquascaping). I really like the ridiculous length. In my apt, it would take up almost a whole wall, which is sweet.

Also, input on lighting? I thought about 3 150W luminarcs and just doing a pendant style setup.

 

[derek_s]

Also input on skimmer is appreciated. Probably do a 29 gal or 40 gal breeder sump.

 

[triga22]

I have seen many 125's that look awsome! They had 3 250 mh's with vho's for actincs. Skimmer is a .. Well just look here I found a link

 

[chull13]

I think I would rather have the extra length and give up the depth. 20" tanks make great reefs IMO plus a 6' tank is awesome!!! Plus you could easily run MH or T5s. I think T5s would be an awesome fit for this tank. I say go for it man!!!

 

[jetchris]

If you plan on setting that up, i hope you stay in your apt for at least 2 years, anything less would be a waste IMO. 18" deep tank is pretty standard -- 90's , 75's, 110's and 125's are all 18" deep. You got a chiller so that wouldnt be a prob.

 

[chull13]

corvettecris;176185 wrote: Also input on skimmer is appreciated. Probably do a 29 gal or 40 gal breeder sump.

I like MRC skimmers! MR-2 or MR-3 would be great. Also, maybe consider something like a 40 gal long for a sump. They are 48" long so you would have plenty of room for 3 chambers. I always prefer longer tanks that aren't as tall for sumps. That's my 2 cents

 

[jetchris]

agreed, try t5's instead of mh

 

[derek_s]

Now, I'm not real familiar with T5ology, but would you just build a canopy that houses reflectors and the bulbs, then run some external ballast system?

BTW, I will probably be stayin in my apt for a least 4 more years, assuming nothing crazy or unforeseen happens. I was really wanting to buy a house, but the banks are being so tight on lending right now, I just can afford one in my area for what they will lend me. So now I can spend my down payment on a tank

 

[haninja]

<span style="color: black;">You are welcome to come over see my 125 to get an idea. Also look at my build thread in my signature.</span>

 

[derek_s]

Also, I just looked at some T5 retros. Obviously there are no 72" T5's, so would I have to do either dual 36" fixtures/staggered36"/48" reflectors?

How many bulbs/watts would I need for SPSability?

 

[derek_s]

Just looking at Aquabuys..

I'm thinking a custom canopy would be ideal. So, I think you could stuff at most 14 36" lights into a decent canopy, and maybe on the minimum side 7 48" lights that are staggered and overlap about 24". But still not sure on how many are necessary. And this is assuming the ballasts are external, and a great amount of cooling fans are not necessary to keep the canopy temp down. Not sure how hot T5's run either.

 

[chull13]

When you have several hours to spare read this

 

[chull13]

Here is some good info to.

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10007">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10007</a>

You want cooling fans as T5s seem to push more PAR when they are run cool. External ballasts are the way to go. You can overdrive them with Icecap 660s. These ballasts will push 60 watts out of a 36 watt bulb.

 

[derek_s]

Yeah, I like halides because I am familiar with them, and I think initial cost might be lower. Plus I love the shimmer effect.

 

[derek_s]

chull13;176328 wrote: Here is some good info to.

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10007">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10007</a>

You want cooling fans as T5s seem to push more PAR when they are run cool. External ballasts are the way to go. You can overdrive them with Icecap 660s. These ballasts will push 60 watts out of a 36 watt bulb.[/QUOTE]

I see that Cam went with [IMG]http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/SLR_Retrofit_Kits/60_inch__6x80W_SLR_T5_Very_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w%21_Bulbs_by_IceCap">this</a> kit, but it only includes 2 reflectors. Can you run several bulbs on one 660 ballast? I.E. could I get 4 more reflectors w/ endcaps and add them to the one ballast, having 6 60" bulbs?

 

[geno]

Hope this works

-geno

 

[geno]

Okay, let's see if changing the browser will work

 

[chull13]

You can run up to 4 bulbs on one ballast as long as they dont exceed 440 watts. See below

http://www.icecapinc.com/fluorescent%20ballasts.htm">http://www.icecapinc.com/fluorescent%20ballasts.htm</a>

Any way around it you are going to beed 2 ballasts to run 6 bulbs. Maybe you can run 4 bulbs with a 660 and run 2 bulbs with a Icecap 430. You can get a gently used 660 on RC for around $100 and a used 430 for around $80. People are seeling them all the time.

Also you want an individual reflector for each bulb. I would go with either Icecap or Tek II reflectors. They are the top of the line.

 

[derek_s]

Chull, thanks for sharing your light knowledge.

Tell you what guys, I am so tempted. Love the Solana, but with 34 gallons of space, you gotta be real selective and creative. Still not sure if I want 125+ gallons of water sitting in my 2nd story apartment....

 

[liverock27]

I say go for it. That way I can just come over and see yours and stay with my 2 small tanks.