Plotting a new tank, need advice

Spiffyguy

New member
I am slowly plotting out a new tank. I am still probably 6-9 months off from fully getting started but I want to start planning now so I can get all the kinks out before I start buying.

The plan, at this time :), is a 4 foot tank; something like a 120 or 140 since they stay at the 4 foot mark. The reason I am looking at the 4 foot mark is to use some Tek Light T5s. I have not seen any 6 foot Tek Light fixtures. I think there is some retros but I am not too much of a electrician.

So the big question is: acrylic or Glass. I am still debating this. I am not too worried about getting scratches from sand in the magnet but from my kid banging on the tank. She is only 5 months now but when she gets bigger that has me worried. But on the other hand glass can break. Tough choice there.

For a sump I have a 55 gallon tank I got for free, free is good. I figure I can cut some acrylic or get glass cut cheap. Jsut need to get a good design.

I may try to make a skimmer. I like to tinker a bit and with the timeline I have plenty of time to fail before I buy a commercial unit.

For the rock I plan on doing a TBS package. Their rock looks really nice and I love the threads with all the pics of life on the rocks. This will be a large expense but I think it will be worth it. I am not sure the location of the tank yet, most likely a basement. My wife and I are thinking of getting a new house with a bigger yard first, so I might get a fish room in the basement. That is the plan anyway.

So give me some input. I like depth in a tank and the Oceanic and AGA 120s and 140 are like 24" deep. I am not opposed to going 6 foot if I can find the lights to go with it. I am not a fan of halides and would prefer to use T5 for my tank.

Thanks for any info.
 
I could do 2 3 foot tek lights. I know they say not to mount them in a hood but I am sure if you have good circulation you can do it. I guess the same goes for an 8 foot tank too lol, just get 2 4 footers.
 
lights / plans

lights / plans

I am planning a 125g aga 72X18X22 and am thiking about 60" t5 ho by 6 tubes. and maybe stagger them.
 
Stevebla where are you getting the 60" T5s? and do they have individual reflectors.

Panaboy95 I would love an 8 foot tank but I am not sure I can swing it. I am not opposed to it, but it would depend on location for the tank. Big thing is I want depth. I want at least 24 inches. Which I think will limit me to a 4 foot, maybe a 6. Still need to figure out whether to go glass or acrylic too. That will also play a part on what is available. Customer acrylic tanks are expensive.
 
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