Considering Building Own Tank - Quick Question!

[Ami]

Hi

I'm seriously considering building my own FW tank and stand with sump, so it will fit in an alcove in my living room. Although hubbie is not exactly enamoured by that idea

Measurements would be 5' x 1.5' x 3', which I think was 607l or 164g US.

Question is, if I ever manage to get the hang of planted tanks (!), would this be too deep for adequate light penetration? I would need 328-492w of light on the 2-3w per gallon rule, but am not sure if that would still be okay with the depth nor how I'd manage to get enough tubes in!

Had been considering using 8 Interpet T5s of the 55w range (4x Beauty & 4x Dalight) plus 2 x 55w Moonlight, but that would be 5 tubes each side and then the starter units, so given the recent probs would likely burn my house down!!!

Think I've gotten off question ) Anyways, just need an answer to the depth question.

Thanks,
Ami

 

[littleimp]

Hi

I'm seriously considering building my own FW tank and stand with sump, so it will fit in an alcove in my living room. Although hubbie is not exactly enamoured by that idea

Measurements would be 5' x 1.5' x 3', which I think was 607l or 164g US.

Question is, if I ever manage to get the hang of planted tanks (!), would this be too deep for adequate light penetration? I would need 328-492w of light on the 2-3w per gallon rule, but am not sure if that would still be okay with the depth nor how I'd manage to get enough tubes in!

Had been considering using 8 Interpet T5s of the 55w range (4x Beauty & 4x Dalight) plus 2 x 55w Moonlight, but that would be 5 tubes each side and then the starter units, so given the recent probs would likely burn my house down!!!

Think I've gotten off question ) Anyways, just need an answer to the depth question.

Thanks,
Ami

I am assuming the depth is the 1.5ft?? If so then the T5's would be OK. I use T5 lighting on my 6x2x2 & everything is growing nicely.

If the 3ft is the depth then a halide pendant set with 150w full spectrum bulbs would probably be more suitable. Theirs a company on ebay selling these now at good prices so are withing the reach of the average aquarist.

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Halide-Lamp-2x150W-2...1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[fish_keeper2]

if its 3ft deep a couple of these would work......pricey though: http/www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod...2&N=2004+113352

 

[Ami]

I am assuming the depth is the 1.5ft?? If so then the T5's would be OK. I use T5 lighting on my 6x2x2 & everything is growing nicely.

If the 3ft is the depth then a halide pendant set with 150w full spectrum bulbs would probably be more suitable. Theirs a company on ebay selling these now at good prices so are withing the reach of the average aquarist.

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Halide-Lamp-2x150W-2...1QQcmdZViewItem

Quite worried about the over heating issue on the T5s, which is a pity cos they were my first choice.

They say £950 on that link!? Did they mean Euros? That's still way too much for me either way I'm afraid.

if its 3ft deep a couple of these would work......pricey though: http/www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod...2&N=2004+113352

$250, that's about £175 right now and better, but I'd still rather get away with less.


Oh - had a rethink about the depth anyways. It was going to be 3', but I figured that the stand would need to be 3', to raise the tank to a good eye level and also to fit a sump under.

However, I'm only 5'3" - anyone spot a slight maintainence problem there!? Decided to adjust the tank height to 2' so I'm less at risk of toppling off a stepladder and drowning in my own tank!
)

Ami

 

[Ptarmigan]

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