First non-nano build (opinions)

[callmesaul8889]

Hey guys, I'm getting started on my first large tank build after having 3 nano all-in-one tanks.

Right now I'm trying to decide on a tank. I'm considering Deep Blue 80g Rimless, Deep Blue 60g Rimless, or the Deep Blue Edge 57.

I plan on getting a 4 or 6 bulb dimmable ATI T5 fixture and supplementing with a few Kessils.

Bulb expenses have me worried at the moment, with a 6 bulb 48" fixture it might get a little rough on the wallet more often than I would like. I was considering the Edge 57 since it's only 36" long, but I really do like the look of the long shallow tanks.

I primarily want to house SPS (I've yet to have any real success with SPS) so most of this build will be new to me. Would 4 48" T5s be enough for the 60g since it's only 12" tall?

This post is more aimed at starting a discussion to get me thinking about the system as a whole before I start buying parts, so any questions, comments, concerns would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CrazyEyes]

I think you'll be happy with the deep blue tank, I've had 4 or 5 of them and they've all been really nice. I think id go with the 57g, I just think cubes are awesome. If I was building a 36" long tank I think id go with a 24" long fixture, I'm confident that a 4x24w or 6x24w would be plenty of light for that tank.

 

[callmesaul8889]

I think you'll be happy with the deep blue tank, I've had 4 or 5 of them and they've all been really nice. I think id go with the 57g, I just think cubes are awesome. If I was building a 36" long tank I think id go with a 24" long fixture, I'm confident that a 4x24w or 6x24w would be plenty of light for that tank.

I've had 3 cubes and I really would like to get back to a traditional, wide, shallow tank. I don't really have the room for a cube, and since this will be my first tank with a sump, I'd really like to have as much room as possible under the stand.

I was actually reconsidering the 80g Deep Blue because it doesn't have low iron glass. I considered the 75g edge but I'm not sure I like the taller dimensions. Maybe a custom built tank that's like the 80g rimless except with better glass?

The size I'm looking for would be 48". Would that imply a 36" light over a 48" tank? I plan on running two Kessils at the front corners of the T5s almost exactly like this:

I would really like this to be my end-game build, so I don't want to skimp on anything.

 

[CrazyEyes]

When I had my 75g I was planning using a 6x39w fixture. You could always build a led/t5 hybrid light. Unless you want to be able to keep acros in every possible inch of this tank a 36" long fixture should be plenty of light.

 

[callmesaul8889]

When I had my 75g I was planning using a 6x39w fixture. You could always build a led/t5 hybrid light. Unless you want to be able to keep acros in every possible inch of this tank a 36" long fixture should be plenty of light.

I will consider going a little shorter on the light. The price differences for a new ATI dimmable fixture in 36" and 48" aren't that different, so it's more about what will work the best. To be honest, if I could have acros in every area of the tank, that would be ideal. :dance:

Did you ever notice a difference in glass quality from your Deep Blue tanks and other starphire tanks? I've had starphire glass on my last two tanks so I don't know if I'm willing to downgrade without seeing it first.

 

[CrazyEyes]

I honestly haven't seen too many LIG tanks in person, I just know the deep blue I had was crazy clear for being a non LIG tank.

 

[Nwest]

I have had a 80 rimless twice now and absolutely love it! I have the edge series which is there version of a starphire glass. I currently have 2 radion gen 3's over it but going to be adding 4 48" t5 to it shorty.

 

[Nwest]

I will consider going a little shorter on the light. The price differences for a new ATI dimmable fixture in 36" and 48" aren't that different, so it's more about what will work the best. To be honest, if I could have acros in every area of the tank, that would be ideal. :dance:

Did you ever notice a difference in glass quality from your Deep Blue tanks and other starphire tanks? I've had starphire glass on my last two tanks so I don't know if I'm willing to downgrade without seeing it first.

You are welcome to come check mine out its the deep blue edge series.

 

[listen2bob]

Deep blue 80 edge here as well, love the foot print of the tank and it's large enough that I don't think about upgrading all the time

 

[callmesaul8889]

I have had a 80 rimless twice now and absolutely love it! I have the edge series which is there version of a starphire glass. I currently have 2 radion gen 3's over it but going to be adding 4 48" t5 to it shorty.

Deep blue 80 edge here as well, love the foot print of the tank and it's large enough that I don't think about upgrading all the time

I just double checked the website and I do see the 80g Edge tank now. I had to go to the Edge category instead of the Rimless category. Anyone know of a good place to shop for this tank? I've been quoted anywhere from $350 to $480 for the 80g Rimless, but I don't know if those quotes are for the Edge version or not.

You are welcome to come check mine out its the deep blue edge series.

I might take you up on that. I'm already starting to purchase equipment, but I haven't committed on a tank or stand yet.

 

[Chicago Kopka]

I have a 60 cube Edge. The only complaint for me is the 24inch depth is just a bit to deep for me to reach the bottom without standing on something. Not a huge deal but sometimes its frustrating. Other than that its great.

-and get it from FAOIS. I got a great deal on the tank plus stand.

 

[callmesaul8889]

I have a 60 cube Edge. The only complaint for me is the 24inch depth is just a bit to deep for me to reach the bottom without standing on something. Not a huge deal but sometimes its frustrating. Other than that its great.

-and get it from FAOIS. I got a great deal on the tank plus stand.

Cool, the 80g is 20" deep so that shouldn't be a problem. I might have the stand built a little taller than usual, though. The shallow dimensions mean it'd be a good top-down tank, but I kinda want as much room as possible in the sump area. I'm trying to keep this build as clean and maintained as possible.

I'll call get and quote, thanks!

 

[callmesaul8889]

As far as custom built stands, I was planning on having a metal stand built and attach nice wooden panels with magnet mounts so I can access the sump area from every direction if necessary. I've always had wooden stands... anyone have experience with metal stands? I think I'd go for aluminum as a material and use rare earth magnets to mount the wooden panels.

Something like this: