Tex Gal's New Rimless Tank - Journals

Tex Gal · 03-10-2010, 09:00 AM

I've been debating about my 125g. I've decided to replace it with a rimless 48"x22"x20". I'll get the tank custom made by Deep Sea Aquatics here in Dallas. I have to go through Franks Aquarium in Fort Worth as DSA is a wholesaler. Trying to decide on starphire glass as it's 100% more expensive. Not sure it's worth the extra money. Will need a new light and stand. What I gain is I can get it drilled through the bottom so I have nothing hanging on the back! YEAH! ...also a smaller foot print for the room, not to mention that it will be rimless and have no center brace. I end up giving up planting real estate, but Tex Guy is happier with less "tank" in the room. It's a good compromise.

SO a new tank is on the horizon. I have to decide on a light fixture. I want it to have T5's Geiseman middays. They rock! The good news is that the lights come in 48" so I'll have complete coverage.

Cliff Mayes · 03-10-2010, 09:52 AM

Good for you guys! The 100G plus tanks are just too big for most homes. It is like having a piano around. Six feet of space is a lot to give up in even a large house. The four foot 75G is almost too big, now that I do not have the fish room. Smaller tanks seem to be better for most of the inhabitants I now keep and the plants are OK with less room. I gave all of the big tanks away and do not miss them but if I kept big fish it would be almost a requirement

Jdinh04 · 03-10-2010, 10:23 AM

I can already tell that this will be a better replacement for the 125g. Not only is it a smaller foot print, but the depth from the new tank will give you a lot more options of how you want to scape the tank. Plus the 48" length will give you a variety lighting options for optimum growth and widespread of lighting the entirety of the aquarium. The TEK 48" T5HO fixture will probably work best for this size tank, there is a 4 bulb and 6 bulb version of this fixture so you'll have a lighting choices to choose from.

Looking forward to see what you do Drinda!

TAB · 03-10-2010, 10:57 AM

how thick is the glass?

if its >1/2" its worth the extra money for low iron glass. also ask about just getting the front panel low iron.

Tex Gal · 03-10-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAB

how thick is the glass?

if its >1/2" its worth the extra money for low iron glass. also ask about just getting the front panel low iron.

You are one smart cookie! I'll ask how thick. I might just bite the bullet.

@John - Yea, you are right. Those are the issues that led me to go ahead. Just ordered new aquasoil. Mine is 2yrs old. Hopefully can find a buyer for my existing Oceanic tank and MARVELOUS NIKO Light!!! I do hate parting with my light. It's better than you can buy - at any price.

TAB · 03-10-2010, 11:52 AM

I think sunlight supply makes a 8 x54 watt light that is 48"s

personally I'd light that tank with 2 reef opitcs 3+ and a pair of 40 watt NO bulbs

If you are going to have them drill the tank, make sure you install a stand pipe. that way if there ever is a plumbing issuse( say a valve that won't move) you won't have to completly drain down the tank fix it.

Tex Gal · 03-10-2010, 01:00 PM

What is a stand pipe? How often are there issues? You're scaring me! I don't want 100 gals of water on the floor!

TAB · 03-10-2010, 01:17 PM

a stand pipe is just a piece of pvc that is cut to the hight of the water level then installed in the bulk head.

I've personally never had any issuses with plumbing, but murphy is a SOB.

billb1 · 03-10-2010, 03:22 PM

Tex Gal, that is exciting news! I have a 90 gallon that is 18 inches wide and I wish I had gone with a 120 gallon to get the 24 inch width. It really allows you to develop a feeling of depth in your scape. I will follow your build thread eagerly!

A stand pipe is an option if you plan to use a sump. This is an "open" system where water flow from the tank is balanced by the return flow from your pump. If the return pump is turned off, you will have water continuing to flow into the sump until the water level hits the top of the drain pipe intake and stops. Kind of a safety device so your sump doesn't over flow.

The alternative is to use a closed loop system. No over flow risk. Both systems will get all the stuff out of your aquarium. There are plenty of good build threads discussing designs.

Good luck!

Tex Gal · 03-10-2010, 04:08 PM

Well. Ordered my tank. Went with the starflfire glass after all. Have to get a stand built. Tank is 48Lx22Dx20H. Also ordered new ADA Amazonia. Pretty exciting. I will miss the planting length but not the extra height or middle brace.

Thinking about fish now...