Cheap lookdown tank alternative?

[acdraindrps]

I would like to hear some more responses from other people. I am looking for a look down tank with the dimensions of approximately 6'x3'x7" but anything close to that will do. I can get a hydroponic tray similar to what some have used at previous frag swaps, but I would like a vessel with smooth inside walls so cleaning algae is easier. The ones I am used to seeing have small raised squares on the bottom, for what I assume to be for structural rigidity. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[teamdulski]

Go around and find a petsmart that is remodeling then pull their flow down fw plant tank out of the garbage.

 

[GMaquarium]

Do you really think they would toss those tanks out in the garbage? I would be happy to buy one

 

[Kent D.]

You might want to reconsider the height your looking for. IMO, you want at least 12 inches high unless you are strictly going to have very small frags in the tank.

There is a hyrdoponics type tank you can find out there for pretty cheap that some reefers have used and new they run around $160 and roughly the dimensions you are looking for. I will try to find a link and send it for you.

 

[teamdulski]

Do you really think they would toss those tanks out in the garbage? I would be happy to buy one

Well yes, since I have one.

 

[acdraindrps]

Kent I have seen them, and need something with smooth surfaces inside for ease of algae cleaning. Every hydro tray that I have seen have some sort of ridges inside.

 

[5380]

I see beautiful lagoon/frag tanks for sale but never in this area. I wonder if you could make one out of plywood for a reasonable price.

 

[Kent D.]

Well I did not read the first post so sorry about my post. I have seen people have them without algae issues. There is a local place in the Albany area that sells them, just google hyrdoponic and troy, NY. They might be able to steer you the right way with non-square bottoms. For growth they work well but a bit shallow for my liking. Cheap and durable so they have their pros and cons. PErsonally, when I get the space I am spending an extra penny and ordering a look down made from miracles . I want a six foot by four foot with at least 12 or 13 inch high tank. ABC Reefs in Syracuse has that dimension and it works well.

 

[acdraindrps]

I agree that a good look down tank should be twelve or more inches. It is very tough to please every coral in the tank when considering flow if there is not enough depth in a tank. Too much laminar flow in some areas with pumps or powerheads. If a tank has depth, coral racks can be placed above pumps, keeping corals out of the way of a searing jet from a power head.

However flow will not be an issue in the system I am setting up, neither will height. Although I think 7 inches would be the low end of what I would consider.

Algae will be an issue though, I already know it.

 

[toddmh]

why not just make one with a 40 breeder? That seems the cheapest way to go..

 

[Jacwil]

why not just make one with a 40 breeder? That seems the cheapest way to go..

I'm guessing cuz the dims on a 40B aren't really close at all to what he's trying to achieve. :beer:

 

[toddmh]

I am looking for a look down tank with the dimensions of approximately 6'x3'x7"

Ohh damn lol :wavehand: