Building Big Bertha: 800G

[Untamed12]

Perfect, I'm sure that I can find them now that I have something specific to look for. Thanks a ton!

In my case, the ballasts will be mounted on the rail right next to the lights. I decided I would rather extend the 120V cords from the ballasts to the wall than extend the high-voltage cables from the ballasts to the lights, and this approach also means I don't have to find the ballasts another place to sit. The disadvantage is that they put a lot of weight on the light tray and they are potentially exposed to more salt/spray.

Exactly...I was also thinking that there was a small possibility that the moving lights could pull the ballasts off their shelves, or separate the high voltage cable from the ballast. Either event would be bad. I think I'll mount mine with the lights as well.

Brad.

 

[djian]

That's looking great. I hope maybe you'll host again when its done. Cant wait to see it after its done.

 

[2swift]

Well you have yet another subscriber keep up the great work.

 

[saltwater4life1]

AWESOME TANK whats your fish list look like?

 

[Kyle12781]

Can I be the first person to Dive in your tank...
Good work

 

[ericandrew]

real good pics. I can't wait to see more

 

[STEELERFAN747]

:eek2: :eek1: :eek2: :eek1:

Man. That tank is simply awesome. I am sssoooooooooooo jealous.

Hey man I hope you enjoy it in good health, I cant wait to see it stocked.

God bless.

 

[jnarowe]

yeah, isn't that corner treatment sweet???

 

[bbrantley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8545107#post8545107 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Untamed12
Perfect, I'm sure that I can find them now that I have something specific to look for. Thanks a ton!




Exactly...I was also thinking that there was a small possibility that the moving lights could pull the ballasts off their shelves, or separate the high voltage cable from the ballast. Either event would be bad. I think I'll mount mine with the lights as well.

Brad.

Yes, good points as well. I reserve the right to change my mind midstream if it doesn't work out, but I think it's going to be pretty workable the way it's planned. I'd actually like to have some shorter high voltage cables (the ones that came with the lights are super long), but I guess they can't really hurt much.

Ben

 

[bbrantley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8545886#post8545886 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by djian
That's looking great. I hope maybe you'll host again when its done. Cant wait to see it after its done.

Hey Ian, I'd be happy to! Thanks! I need to use the meeting as an excuse to recruit a backup/emergency caretaker anyway...

B

 

[bbrantley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8551951#post8551951 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saltwater4life1
AWESOME TANK whats your fish list look like?

Almost *no* idea! Good question. I definitely want a big glob of chromis, and probably another glob of anthias. I'm more interested in fish "group effect" than having larger, individual beauties. I figure I have such a lengthy QT process to be patient through, though, that I can afford to research each selection while I'm waiting for the previous handful to make it through QT.

B

 

[bbrantley]

Thank you, all the rest of you, for your kind words. Now, if I could just find a couple of spare weeks with nothing to do but sit around and work on this thing! <sigh>

Ben

 

[alien9168]

I cant wait to see you fire up the 400w ballasts ...if its "bright" now...imagine what itll be then.

This project is awsome...great planning!!!

 

[reckler]

That thing is a hoss!!!! I have been considering digging me a swimming pool putting a green house around it and converting it into a reef tank. All I need is to get me an 800 gal and it would be enough to swim in. I would love to see something that big in operation at someones home.

 

[alien9168]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8579951#post8579951 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reckler
That thing is a hoss!!!! I have been considering digging me a swimming pool putting a green house around it and converting it into a reef tank. All I need is to get me an 800 gal and it would be enough to swim in. I would love to see something that big in operation at someones home.

I thought this was in his home...Is it not?

--I'm not being condescending...I just was fairly certain this was in his house....--

 

[reckler]

it is in his house. I was making a joke. it is huge like a swimming pool!

 

[alien9168]

oh... ok...sorry about that...

you just had me goin' there...

i guess im mr. guilible...haha

 

[reckler]

oh thats ok! I guess I have a weird sence of humor anyway.

 

[ruby1sam]

Any Updates?

 

[bbrantley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8802366#post8802366 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ruby1sam
Any Updates?

Yes! Thank you for reminding me. I am just getting "dug out" from the winter storm and holiday on-goings, but I have a bunch of pictures to post that I will get to sometime in the next day or two, promise. The tank is done, filled, all the exterior trim work is completed, and the lights and rail system are all in place. Pics to come soon!

Ben