crvz's hole in the wall

[crvz]

I've too much time to contemplate before making any decisions, and as a result I've been intrigued by the marineland 300 gallon deep dimension tank. I've been getting input around the interwebs, anyone have thoughts? Looks like a great solution, especially when considering the costs compared to custom tanks.

 

[Taqpol]

I know someone who has a Marineland 200 gallon, and the only thing that could make the tank cooler is if it were a 6' 300 gallon. I guess one downside is it has the standard (and very large) corner overflows as opposed to something like a Calfo or other external overflow, but that might not be a big deal to you.

 

[crvz]

I know someone who has a Marineland 200 gallon, and the only thing that could make the tank cooler is if it were a 6' 300 gallon. I guess one downside is it has the standard (and very large) corner overflows as opposed to something like a Calfo or other external overflow, but that might not be a big deal to you.

great quote. I was trying to make it even cooler by asking for a price on a 7 foot version (marineland does custom work), but it was 5 times what the regular 300 gallon was. The overflows are a bit of a sacrifice, but with the front to back depth and the fact that it's an inwall, I'm not overly concerned about. I'm still trying to get details about all those dimensions, though, just to be sure.

 

[crvz]

Metal halide options. I've got lumatek ballasts, but I need to get my hands on some bulbs and reflectors yet. I'm pretty well decided on the lumen bright mini wide reflectors. I'm also highly convinced the Radium 20kK 250W bulbs are to be used. Someone please give me confidence that these selections are going to do well. We're about 5 weeks away from closing, and I'll need to have something to fire up for the few inhabitants I currently have once we get moved.

 

[mixer911]

You got my vote on the Lumen Bright and Radium combination. :thumbsup: That's what I run and love it! Just be careful when acclimating the corals to the lumen bright. It is really powerful in the center. Once acclimated the corals will love it.

 

[Hop]

You will probably like the radiums based on your previous t5 color selections. SO a few more weeks and we'll have some great build progression shots? :lol:

 

[crvz]

Great! Thanks guys. And Hop, that could be correct. There will be a lot to do, but once I'm in the house I'm sure things will get rolling.

 

[seashark]

looks like it's gonna be awesome set up , tagging along

 

[sly fox]

if you want to come round and check the 400w aquaconnects you're more than welcome...although im waiting for the missing piece to connect my ballasts to my pendent

 

[crvz]

looks like it's gonna be awesome set up , tagging along

welcome!

if you want to come round and check the 400w aquaconnects you're more than welcome...although im waiting for the missing piece to connect my ballasts to my pendent

Don't you usually just connect ballasts to pendants with wires? I'd be hacking up the nearest power cord I had to get things fired up!

 

[sly fox]

honestly you just dont want to know haha :eek1:

 

[MeuserReef]

Sounds like things are coming along nicely with the new crib! Making the switch to halides are we? I ended up with the 250w 14k Phoenix lamps, mainly due to their PAR. Ive never tried the Radium 20k's but did try the XM's... didnt like em.

Marineland makes a nice tank. My 120 was made by them (under the Perfecto brand name)

I hope you and the family are doing well. Give me a shout when you get to the cooling phase... even if its the middle of winter

 

[crvz]

Josh! Hurray! Been thinking about you lately, hope all is well. I'll be harassing you in a few months if you're still interested. I've yet to hear a negative thing about the radium bulbs, so I think I'll start with those. I do like the 150W 14kK phoenix that I have, but I don't think I want to do double ended. Not sure I've heard enough good things about the single end phoenix bulbs yet, and they are pretty steep (though so are the Radiums).

 

[MeuserReef]

Ah, yes... totally forgot that the Phoenix lamps are DE (and didnt realize that they even made a SE version!).

Im doing well... sort of been distracted from the reefing hobby lately... and it shows in my tank ... but Im doing better now, I promise Hopefully after a few weeks of constant care, I will have it back "show worthy".

 

[gotfrogs]

I just found your thread! Keep the posts and pictures rolling.

 

[camaroracer214]

just found your thread as well. thought i would have seen the build on the aquanerd forums by now :hmm3: .

and i never would have thought that you'd switch to halides. i made the switch to them from t5ho's as well to give them a try and wish i had never switched, though i did love my dimmable ballasts.

i might try a diy led setup next time around, but t5ho are still preferred for me for now.

 

[crvz]

Hey guys, thanks for poking in! I owe a few pictures, so hopefully I'll remember my camera when we head over to the house tomorrow. We close in less than two weeks, and it can't come soon enough. Very much looking forward to it.

 

[mixer911]

Sweet! Can't wait to see some pics of it.

 

[camaroracer214]

chris, did you ever finalize a tank with anyone? i saw miracles in glass had some bad reviews here and there, and am still leaning toward AGE. i'm just waiting on my new dining table to come in before i decide on the size.

 

[crvz]

I think, based on cost, I'll end up with the starphire Marineland 300 Deep Dimension (72x36x27) if I buy something new right away. A little taller than I wanted, and not quite as long, but some of the quotes I've gotten make it very attractive. Less than half of any of the custom orders I've received. My real desire is more depth, and this meets that need, so it's not a huge sacrifice. Shoot me a note on the details you've gotten from AGE, though, I'm definitely not committed to anything.