480 Gal Project

[Jaws]

Wow, that tank has so much potential. Can't wait to see it going. Just a note on the Vortechs: I had four vortechs in a 180G tank once and your flow would be amazing if you could evenly distribute them across the back wall. However, if you're considering a sand bottom then you'll find it won't be able to withstand the wicked flow the vortechs put out across thirty inches back to front. You may want to consider either a crushed coral/gravel bottom or bare bottom. I like the crushed coral bottom because it still looks natural and won't blow around like sand bottoms. One thing I loved about the vortechs isn't just the output but how much flow you noticed being sucked into the vortechs. If you had them mounted on the back wall pointing at the front wall you should get a really strong, constant, circular cycle. Your corals would love you. Good luck.

[chris c]

So i have some thoughts on lights but need some help. I was thinking of going with 5 lumen max 3 reflectors with 250w galaxy ballasts or 2 four foot 8 bulb tek lights 8x54watts. What do you guys think?

Chris

[Delphinus]

What are the dimensions of the lumenmax3 reflectors?

If it was me, I'd be doing a mixture of both halide and T5's. Go with 4 of 5 halides flanked with T5's on the side. I think the 80w T5's are 60" so you should be able to go with 2 80W per length, and at least one row on each side of the reflectors (depending on the dimensions of the reflector and how much space you have left over, maybe 2 rows of T5's on each side {so 4 rows in total}). Or with the 30" depth you could run 24" T5's, perpendicular, between the reflectors. And you could more or less run as many as you wanted that way..

[chris c]

The reflectors are 11''x11'' with 250w bulb. I was trying not to have to make a custom fixture for the lights. thats why i would like to use one or the other. Maybe i could find a good combo light for it that is what i have on my 280g.

Chris

[Delphinus]

Oh ... hmmm, OK then. Guess that changes the advice then!

Hard to say then. The T5s-only option will give you unparalled options for mixing and matching bulbs to your taste. I don't see why an 8 lamps fixture wouldn't be more than enough for 30" of tank height..

But halides do a bang up job too. 5 lumenmax reflectors over that tank would be incredibly sharp.

Flip a coin I guess. Sorry I'm not much help, I'd be agonizing over the choice as well.

[chris c]

Well I finally have some new pics to show you guys. My new sump was just delivered and I can’t wait to get started plumbing now. The dimensions are 96''long 30''wide and 18''tall this should add a lot of volume to my system. I would like to have it up and running before the New Year.

[Boomboy]

i cant tell from the pictures but is your tank rimless? cant wait too what else your going to do with this monster. keep us updated with lots of PICS.