zoo tank updates
- Thread starter drbronx
- Start date
Progress: Last night, Adam and I painted the ceiling in the tank room and Adam mounted the backboard for the RO/DI in the sump room.
Tonight, Ryan and Dave cut and reframed the tank viewing area. Dave will buy materials for the front access door. Vince mounted the RO/DI.
Next time we'll be able to finish the framing, situate and level the tank and start to run the plumbing. This weekend doesn't look good for some folks so how would next Thursday work? One big push and we'll be ready for the fun stuff: adding water and setting up the tank.
Tonight, Ryan and Dave cut and reframed the tank viewing area. Dave will buy materials for the front access door. Vince mounted the RO/DI.
Next time we'll be able to finish the framing, situate and level the tank and start to run the plumbing. This weekend doesn't look good for some folks so how would next Thursday work? One big push and we'll be ready for the fun stuff: adding water and setting up the tank.
Ok, status on the hood.
The bulbs with the end caps measures 35". So i looking at the follow design.
Open Box/Frame
- 3"deep to protect the lamps
- Bulbs will be 5" on center
- Inside Box size will be approx 63"x18" (LxW)
Electrical
- The cables provided are 6 feet long.
- I'll have to extend with 18G solid wire
- bulbs front to back 1,2,3,4. One Ballast will light 1&3 the other 2&4, If we should do inside (2&3) ouside (1&4) let me know.
Mounting Ballast/Timer
- One on each side or both on the same side?
- Will be mounted on the wall
Any suggestions let me know. I cut the plywood into 3" width and ready for the fine cut/assemble
For paint was going to use some stuff I had around the house as it will not be seen.
Paul
The bulbs with the end caps measures 35". So i looking at the follow design.
Open Box/Frame
- 3"deep to protect the lamps
- Bulbs will be 5" on center
- Inside Box size will be approx 63"x18" (LxW)
Electrical
- The cables provided are 6 feet long.
- I'll have to extend with 18G solid wire
- bulbs front to back 1,2,3,4. One Ballast will light 1&3 the other 2&4, If we should do inside (2&3) ouside (1&4) let me know.
Mounting Ballast/Timer
- One on each side or both on the same side?
- Will be mounted on the wall
Any suggestions let me know. I cut the plywood into 3" width and ready for the fine cut/assemble
For paint was going to use some stuff I had around the house as it will not be seen.
Paul
Great design Paul. I was going to ask you about painting the wood so thats great. We probably should wall mount the ballast since we need to easily move the hood for tank maintyenance since the hood will be close to the water (a definite limitation of t-5's vs. halides). We need to think about either a pulley system or a sliding rack system for the lighting. DaveVG has an idea for a sliding mechanism which you could ask him about.
Ok, no one picked up my mistake. Inside box of 63x18". Thats ok for a 5' tank (30" bulbs) but not a 6' tank (36" bulbs). I noticed the error before I started cutting and made the corrections. I have the main frame in glue-up now. Its 73x19 inside dimensions. I wanted a little play room. I went to Radio Shack to pick up some 18AWG 600V solid wire. Their wire rating is now 300V. Any suggestions on where to pick up the wire from?
I received the skimmer and the other vor=techy today. The skimmer box is huge.
Regarding the seahorse tank. we were contemplating not framing it but keeping it free standing behind the glass.
Glad to see so many can make it. We can really start puytting this baby together and maybe even get a good start on the plumbing and start making some water.
Piazzon: what do we need to hook up that drain?
Regarding the seahorse tank. we were contemplating not framing it but keeping it free standing behind the glass.
Glad to see so many can make it. We can really start puytting this baby together and maybe even get a good start on the plumbing and start making some water.
Piazzon: what do we need to hook up that drain?
I may have finally struck out. I tries getting a clean up crew from Garf, Reeftopia, and one other place but i forgot which. So far no response. I may just buy a package from reeftopia since they appear to have the best deal. Then I'll contact Fosters-Smith for donated fish and some inverts. Anyone here know Jarik in Ithaca to ask him for some ocellaris and any other aquacultured fish? I have a friend that will donate a bubble tip anenome thougha carpet would be sweet.
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