Tank Upgrade

[JaminRat]

Hi folks,

Having recently got my nano off the ground an opportunity has fallen in my lap that I don't want to miss. The long and short of the story is a 55 usg tank has turned up pre-drilled for next to nothing but has nothing with it. I have a design for the stand which I think should be more than up to the job see below and construction will a combination of 4"x2" and 6"x2" with 4"x4" for the legs however any input on this, as always, is much appreciated but I'm having some trouble deciding on what to do as far as a hood goes. I would like to keep the tank opentop to try and prevent high temps with a luminaire for lighting but would also like to keep firefish which I know are jumpers. So my question is this could can I just construct a framework around the outside and if so how high would it need to be to stop the little buggers jumping over it?

A mock up for you.

 

[SkiFletch]

Well, thats a WAY overbuilt stand, but rest assured, it'll never collapse if you build it like that . As for the hood, are we talking T5, PC, Halides, or a combination thereof? I'm envisioning a hood 12" tall with the lighting mounted wherever is appropriate, and egg crate mounted an inch below the top inside the hood to keep jumpers out. That is of course if you're gonna go open-top. Then doors up front to allow feeding and servicing and you should be all set

 

[l337dave]

Well, thats a WAY overbuilt stand, but rest assured, it'll never collapse if you build it like that . As for the hood, are we talking T5, PC, Halides, or a combination thereof? I'm envisioning a hood 12" tall with the lighting mounted wherever is appropriate, and egg crate mounted an inch below the top inside the hood to keep jumpers out. That is of course if you're gonna go open-top. Then doors up front to allow feeding and servicing and you should be all set

yeah a +1 on the tank being solid - I've got a rio 180 which I think is ~US55G and the standard stand that comes with that is just 15ish mill mdf.

I have added extra bracing to it (2x2 softwood) as I removed the central support so I could add a sump to the cab.

Ski I like the idea of the 12" tall hood + eggcrate - I've been given permission to upgrade to a 4x2x2 (when we have a bit more money) I'm building everything myself this time so it's an idea I'll think about. Have you tried it - did you get any noticable shadows..?


dave.

 

[JaminRat]

Hmm, think you may be right with overkill on the stand I think I'll drop it to all 2"x 4" construction. Hope this would be strong enough. I like the idea of the hood but I'm not sure what lighting I'll be going at the mo. Will most likely be a combo of T5 actinic and MH. I'm not planning on SPS but it would be nice to have the option in the future.
I'll sort another mock up when I get home and post it up for your comments.

 

[Matthew5664]

I used 2x4 for my tank (same size) and belive me when I say it ain't going no-where! I build my lighing into my hood and have 2X 4" fans in there to cool the thing but if open top is your liking then as ski said build the facing up 12" to cover the lightspill then egg creat it. I had 2 firefish in my 3' witch was open-top. Put them in fires and they'll find a bolt-hole (near the sand usualy) and they sould be fine.

 

[SkiFletch]

Actually, just to be clear, I meant egg-crate the top of the hood, not the bottom. Like, setup the egg-crate an inch or so from the top of the hood to keep fish in, but not bother light or your ability to get in there and do maintenance.

 

[JaminRat]

Actually, just to be clear, I meant egg-crate the top of the hood, not the bottom. Like, setup the egg-crate an inch or so from the top of the hood to keep fish in, but not bother light or your ability to get in there and do maintenance.

Though that's what you meant.

Mat I may copy your hood design could you give a few more details or a link. Thanks

 

[SkiFletch]

Well, feel free to use my idea, but thats not the way I designed my hood at all . I went with a fully closed-top design as the benefits for the extra insulation in winter far out-weighed the heating drawbacks in the summer for me. Also, I wouldnt wish my personal hood's design on anybody. Was a nightmare to construct