I need More Space

[michael_cb_125]

Ok, Here is my idea. I like my current 100 gallon tank,BUT I want more depth. Originally I was going to use it for a fragging tank. Those plans got trashed and it became a reef tank. Well now I want to Start a new reef tank, and use my current tank for carpet anemones or a fragging tank.
Im lookin at some of the 125 gallon tanks out there and the decision is hard. I either want a corner tank or a room divider.(I think).
Well Im no where near starting this but I need allot of ideas and help. Ive setup all of my previous tanks with no help, now I want to try something different.

[BigAl07]

I'd sit down and over several weeks make out a game plan for parts and components to your new tank. Come up with a realistic budget and double it.

Be sure to include a tank controller in there. Something like a Neptune AquaController.

Good luck and by all means once yo uget started, start a "Tank Chronicle" over in http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/reef-chronicles/

[BEELZEBOB]

custom built!!!!!

wwhhhooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

[hma]

A tank as room divider is marvelous for the fish, it can on both sides swim, enough deep (min. 1m / 39") is very important. A further advantage, you have three sides to decorate with LR and naturally also corals. There is a disadvantage in addition, you have to clean three windowpanes.

[michael_cb_125]

Ok Ive talked to my dad. I think that we agreed an combining my sps and LPS tanks togather. We have looked at a 265 gallon and a 200 gallon. We are going to go big. Im gonna need all the help I can get.

[GeeWizzItsMe]

Cool deal michael! How old are you? I am 14 and I wish my dad was more supportive of the hobby (30 gallon old freshwater mow turned reef)... I can't wait till he sees how cool it can be! I hope you can get like a 265 gallon room divider! That would make me happy!

[lcstorc]

I was going to say that if 100 is not big enough 125 won't either. Something in the 200 range sounds greaat.
I will say that I have a peninsula tank and a regular against the wall tank and the peninsula is a lot better for the reef. It looks great with viewing from 3 sides and the 4th side has the overflow and all the workings of the tank. Other than a power head the rest of the tank is free and open to aquascape possibilities and swimming room. It also is very convenient when a fish goes missing. You have a lot better chance of finding it.
Congrats on the upgrade.
Enjoy!

[kathywithbirds]

oooooo, I just saw somebody's room divider recently it was AWESOME!!!

Think it was a 180, you could just circle the thing for hours and still not see everything.

[jg2269jg]

the room dividers are incredible i want one, good luck make a chronicle

[Techno-Vicki]

Very fun to plan the new tank. I am glad you listened to others and are going larger than a 125. It would not take you long to outgrow it. Lets see some pics of the corals now and then later as you plan unfolds.

[michael_cb_125]

I have talked with my dad more on this huge upgrade. I think that we are goin to pu the tank in our business showroom. My LPS tank is already down there. and people love it, so we think that a mixed reef will be awesome. We are both thinking of setting up a tank over 200 gallons. Ive looked at a 240 and a 265. Im researching all the equipment now. I would love any suggestions.

GeeWizItsMe--I am 18, Since I was 3 three yrs old Ive wanted a SW tank. So has my DAD, so since I have been able to maintain one with no help, he has jumped on board 100%.

[DrHank]

The best advice that I can give you for a reef is that 24" water depth is wonderful. If you are looking at a 8'x2'x2' 240 gallon, it's an excellent choice. I'd use four 250w MH and four actinics (either T5 or VHO).

You're looking at an expensive upgrade but you may be able to save money if a good used set up becomes available.

[michael_cb_125]

I was looking at four 400 watt HQIs. two 20000K and two 10000K. And then adding some t5 HOs. My SPS are under around 10 watts per gallon now. They are in 14 inches of water under 250 watt MHs. I dont want to shock them.

[michael_cb_125]

Ive been looking at tanks online. I found a site Glasscages.com
They have what Im looking for and dont seem to be too expensive.
What other manufacturers are good, and reasonably priced.
Also what type of lighting should I go with. Should I build a lighting system or use the pendant style lighting. Gah, I have sooo many questions.

[michael_cb_125]

Here is a list of the equipment Ive looked at so far:

Glass Cages: 240 Gallon 72X24X31 Starphire Glass Tank
Oak Stand and Oak Canopy

Lighting System?:
PFO 400 watt HQI Pendants X4
or
Aquamedic Ocean Light 72" 250watt X 4 Fixture combined with my existing fixture which has two 250 watt MH and two Actinic t5s

Protien Skimmer:
Life Reef VS3-24 Skimmer (rated to 250 gallons)

Return Pump:
Sequence Reeflo Snapper (2500gph)

Sump:
65 Gallon Custom made by Glasscages.com

Heaters:
Jager Ebo TS 250 watt X2

Coolong Fans:
6--4 inch cooling fans in canopy
2--4 inch coolong fans in the stand

Plumbing:
This is where I really need some help, I want everything to be hard plumbed.
I dont have any Idea what I need.

Well these are the things that I have looked at so far. Please offer suggestions, and TELL ME WHAT I NEED.

Thanks Michael