KrazyKuch's & Michika's 180Gal Tank Build

[untamed]

I like option 2 much better. You didn't even list any "cons" for option 2.

[JDigital]

I'd say option 2 @ the 15ft length... That would be an amazing tank.. That 12footer on Nano-Reef is truly amazing.. I could only imagine a longer, fatter, deeper version.. (did that sound dirrrrty?!?)

[Lance]

Option 2 sounds like the way to go. Option 1 leaves little room for anything other than tank watching. Option 2 allows you some freedom for decorating, furniture, etc.

[michika]

I can't really think of cons for option 2 since its a newer option....

Oh wait! Option No.2 cons:
- More demo required to get it set up properly into place, the wall will need to be completely replaced.
- More lighting required for longer tank, if we do over 13ft, thus higher costs.
- Will have a smaller work area (lower ceiling) behind a part of the tank due to the stairs, furnace, and hot water tank.
- The stupid telepost will still have to stay where it is. I have no love for this thing. It will still be skinned in whatever goes with the rest of the decor.

I will have to think on this for a couple of weeks. Go sit with the outline and decide if its really what I want, and make sure that its really what Kevin wants too. There are also new logistics that need to be worked out with this design; access to the fish room, maintenance access, costs for running the tank, set-up costs on the different dimensions, etc.

Things I definitely do know though regardless of which option we go with;
- tank will be over 500g
- will have a fish room, completely closed off from the rest of the house
- my lighting will try and be as power-bill friendly as possible, how yet, I don't know.
- I am going to eliminate the need to schlep buckets for anything, water changes, or adding top-off water to the top-off container.

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

I vote option 2 as well! Very cool dimensions. How big is that room? I think it looks really small and to make it smaller with the tank IN the room would be a shame. You need room with a big tank to look at it from a good distance and take it all in.

I usually feel jealous of the big tanks (around 300G) but not this one I just cringe at the cost of lighting and maintaining it! Actually even more when I think of the time it will take to maintain it...Your brave

Going to be amazing though to watch someone else take this on. I would never want a tank this big but I love seeing them

So your not building this one yourself though right?

[steve fedyk]

I'm liking the 10' long tank tank. If your go 36" front to back and 24"-27" deep you might be able to get a way with four 250 HQI and couple t-5. But you would have to run the lights about 12"- 16" off the water for a good spread (Helps with cooling).

Lots of good ideas there good planing.

[untamed]

It is my advice that you cannot sacrifice maintenance. If any aspect of keeping the tank is difficult to do, it won't get done.