280 pool tank, help needed

[franklypre]

Due to a good friend of mine moving I am going to purchase a brand new ******* custom acylic pool tank(5'X5'X1.5') the overflow is in the middle of the tank. It's a beautiful setup but before I get started I just wanted to ask some questions. I have several years experience with smaller tanks the current is a 58 show with SPS,LPS,NPS, and softies. I am going to set this up at my new house(we will be moving in shortly). I'm thinking I want to have a lot of sandbed for clams and brains or whatever else I can find. What is the best sand to use, considering there will be alot of flow for the SPS? Where is the best place to get sand, I'm guessing I will need ALOT? Are there any other suggestions or precautions I should take? I plan on using a 55/75/or maybe 100 as a sump, definately want plenty of room. All input is appreciated.:idea:

 

[d3hree]

I have always used aragonite sand without issues, but I think your question is more to do with grain size to avoid a sand storm. I which case it will depend on the placement of flow and type of flow, cls or powerheads. You can get some large grain sand and place it in areas that get kicked up once you have set up.
As regards where to get the sand I will leave that for someone a little closer to you.

With a 5'x5' footprint you should have plenty of room for a sump, maybe a couple of 100's tied together, the more filtration the better.

Thats also a large footprint to light, what are you going to use. The 18" depth will help, t5's?...leds?

Sounds like it will be a nice tank

 

[franklypre]

Definately going with atleast 1 400w for the "front", probably another 250w or two and 8-12 VHO run on icecap ballasts. I will upgrade/downgrade the VHO to T5 eventually. I will also run some LEDs once the coral grows out. I really like the combination of different lighting, and would like to incorporate several different types. Flow will be Koralia to start off and will be upgraded as it is affordable, I have a new house, a new baby will be here in July, and now my dream tank.

 

[on the spot]

Definately going with atleast 1 400w for the "front", probably another 250w or two and 8-12 VHO run on icecap ballasts. I will upgrade/downgrade the VHO to T5 eventually

I can't imagine needing a 400w MH on such a shallow tank. I'd bet you could pull off 4 150's and have better overall lighting than a 400/250 combo. Perhaps the mini lumenbrights or other mini type reflectors would leave you the most room for supplemental T5's.

Sounds like a nice tank though. Looking forward to seeing your build pictures.

 

[franklypre]

I already have the 400w, it will be hung higher above than usual. I plan on having several clams in this area as well most of the SPS will be on the 400w side. Thanks for the ideas and the build thread will start ASAP.

 

[deathy17]

whats a pool tank?"

 

[Johanv]

Updates/pics?