Oxy's 120 gal shallow reef upgrade. BK 180 is here:)
 

Hello all,
I am planning on upgrading over the next couple of months and am going to start a build thread to track my progress.

I am currently running a 4 ft tank in a space that allows me 79" of room.
So obviously the only logical thing to do is upgrade to a six foot:)

My current 90 gal is my first aquarium ever and has had it's ups and downs over the last couple years.
After tossing tons of money away on the first build and not winding up with the results I was looking for, I am intending on taking a more educated approach and hopefully achieving some great results.

Here's the spacing I'm working with.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj392/t2kewl/005.jpg
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj392/t2kewl/004.jpg
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj392/t2kewl/006.jpg

The tank...

Currently being built by concept aquariums.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/j.../72x22x183.jpg
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/j...l/72x22x18.jpg
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/j.../72x22x181.jpg

So we have a 72" x 22" x 18" 120ish gal eurobraced tank with starfire front and side opposite the overflow.
Additionally a 30 gal sump and ato reservoir tank will complete the tank portion of the setup.

The stand shown in drawing is not included and is merely a concept to show how 60" lighting could be suspended.

Greg, aka The Grizz, will be welding up the stand when the time comes:)

I would love to have gone with a 500 gal setup but this will be an upstairs tank.

Currently my 90 gal with 30 gal sump is filling the spot and an interesting fact is that it is running perpendicular to the floor joists downstairs. So realistically the weight is being taken up my two joists.

I do have a new 2 year old house and the joists are the new engineered style. There has been no sagging or any issues whatsoever so far:)

I realize that they're are mixed feelings about the logic behind this but hey, as long as I don't notice any sagging and the tank doesn't tear through the floor I'm okay with the risk.

Additionally I feel that having a much shallower tank with a larger base footprint will help to disperse the weight more evenly.

So for any of you scared about running 2nd floor tanks. Here's an example of 120 gal sitting on two joists:)

:popcorn:

Well nothing like putting the presure on for us to make this build a thing of beauty. :lol:

So I scrapped the 60" lighting when I came across this beast.
Purchased from a fellow canreefer.

72" Aquactinics Constellation T5 High Output Fixture




Features:

• Unique aluminum fixture design allows the fixture to be placed directly on top of tank without dramatically heating the water or fixture.
• Can hold up to 7 54W(48" unit) or 14 39W(72" unit) T5 HO lamps
• 48" or 72" long, 14" wide, and 3" high.
• All fixtures come with 98% reflectivity Miro IV full-length individual reflectors for maximum light propagation.
• Quiet dual ball bearing fans on top of fixture help displace heat away from the tank.
• All aluminum construction for a light weight and ridged design.
• All fixtures are powder coated for extended fixture life.
• Three switches on fixture for dusk / dawn lighting or for reduced lighting applications. One switch for 3 rows, another for 2 rows, and the last switch for 2 rows. Also, separate power cords for each of the switches.
• Splash shield keeps the bulbs safe while also helping to keep the heat away from the tank.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/j...l/IMG_0076.jpg
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/j...l/IMG_0077.jpg
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/j...l/IMG_0078.jpg
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/j...l/IMG_0079.jpg
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/j...l/IMG_0080.jpg


Any recommendations for bulb selection would be GREATLY appreciated.
This badboy should pump out enough light to keep whatever corals I want.

Looking good so far:biggrin:......

any of the big four will do(KZ, ATI, Giessemann, Aquascience).....especially with that many bulbs......my favorite have been aquascience and KZ...I havnt had the opportunity to try ATI yet....the configuration and bulb combo will depend on what you like the best as far as color goes

Nice Score on the light!!:wink:

Thanks and yeah you bet I guess it will all come down to personal preference.
I really liked the fiji purples back in the day with my old t5 fixture, But I can't seem to remember what I paired them up with..

Thanks Carmen:)
We need to have a chat about bulk ordering bulbs once I figure out which route to go:) 14 bulbs! yikes

New Toys,
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/j...l/IMG_0089.jpg
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/j...l/IMG_0090.jpg

Packaged very nicely and delivered unbelievably fast. Thanks Carmen and Red Coral