300 gallon upgrade questions (planning stages)

[Tigé21v]

I'm looking to upgrade to a 300 gallon system ( 72x36x27 deep) soon. two things I don't know about are :

Lighting- I'm planning on going with MH, but I don't know what watt, how many, what configuration, or how high to mount them. The height above the tank may play a role in the stand height.

The stand- I'm planning on building one, but not sure if I should use wood or weld one. I'd like to possibly add a wavemaker to the system, and I don't know if wood would be able to handle the stresses of the water movement.


Thanks

 

[albano]

having done a few large tanks over the last 20 years, I can safely say, that you're on the right road! Check, re-check...plan, re-plan...DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Look at TOTMs, check with local (successful) reefers...what are they using? For better answers on a forum, like this, give as much information as possible...sps? lps? 250W MH? etc, etc. One other question, on your dimensions, you state 27 deep, is that 27 top to bottom, or 27 front to back?...makes a big difference in the answers you'll get. check out my 450g build...wood stand... http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-threads/63397-hundreds-corals-fish-free.html

 

[prop-frags]

I'm guessing that's 27 high. Looks like a Marineland 300 DD.

As far as the stand goes, a well-constructed stand to support a tank that large in the first place should have no problem with the water motion. The choice of materials really comes down to availability, skill, price, etc.

I am curious about the lighting too. It seems like several people here with the 300 DD have gone with 250W MH. The choice to move up to 400W MH is costly; more from the run-rate than the initial investment. But it seems like 27" is getting pretty close to the limit where you'd want to run 250W if you are planning to raise SPS or have clams on or near the bottom.

You didn't mention if you wanted a canopy or not - have you decided? Are pendants something you're considering?

 

[Tigé21v]

...For better answers on a forum, like this, give as much information as possible...sps? lps? 250W MH? etc, etc. One other question, on your dimensions, you state 27 deep, is that 27 top to bottom, or 27 front to back?...makes a big difference in the answers you'll get. [/URL]

Sorry, I meant to post that it will be a mixed reef, but predominately sps. As far as the lighting goes, I would think that 250 would be enough, if it was close enough to the tank. But it seems like I would need a lot of fixtures to get proper coverage. I'm wondering if I should go with 400 watts and mount them higher, though I think I would like to also have supplemental actinic lighting, and I would think the actinics should be mounted closer to the tank, and if the 400's are higher than the actinics then the actinics would be blocking some of the MH light.
The tank will be 6 feet long, 3 feet front to back, 27" deep, visible from two sides. I'd kind of like to go deeper than that, but the ceiling height could become an issue. Not to mention I already have enough trouble trying to see/ figure out what I'm doing when I need to reach into my 90. lol

 

[Tigé21v]

I'm guessing that's 27 high. Looks like a Marineland 300 DD.

That's the one!!

You didn't mention if you wanted a canopy or not - have you decided? Are pendants something you're considering?

I'm planning to build it in-wall, with the front and one side showing. Thinking about installing a granite shelf running along both the visible sides, a few low bar stools......
So the lighting will not be in a canopy, but behind a wall. ( Mounted on something like garage door rails so I can move it out of the way when I need to get into the tank maybe?)

 

[albano]

Updates?...progress?...still planning?

 

[HarrsCars]

My 300 is 7'long 3'wide and 2' tall I run 3 400's on sealed reflectors about 14 inches above water level. I put my lights on rails so I can bump them back and forth a couple of inches every couple of days. And I welded my stand. For me it was easy couple of days of fabbin and welding. Cost me about 220.oo all total.


Keep doing your homework and it will cost less in mistakes in the future

Good luck
Mike

 

[Tigé21v]

Updates?...progress?...still planning?

lol. Definitely still thinking about it. But my wife wants the set of cabinets/built-in bookshelves I told her I would build for her completed before any other projects are started.
With the normal Springtime projects coming and then the start of boating season, I probably will not get started until late summer/early fall.
Besides, my 90 gallon is giving me enough headaches right now by itself.

 

[quincy2008]

I just bought the 300 marineland. Steel stand is being built. 3 400 watt metal halide pendants. Custom sump is being built (approximately 100 gallons). I have not picked out the skimmer. Probably Deltech or Bubble King.

 

[Tigé21v]

I just bought the 300 marineland. Steel stand is being built. 3 400 watt metal halide pendants. Custom sump is being built (approximately 100 gallons). I have not picked out the skimmer. Probably Deltech or Bubble King.

Have you seen this thread? Beautiful tank.


http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1749739

 

[quincy2008]

I am in the early stages of building a 300 deep deminsion. I have the tank and the steel stand is being built. I just purchsed 3 400 watt MH pendants. I am going with 20K Radiums. I will not be supplementing with any other lighting. The lfs has a similar set up on their sps coral display and it works great.