Setup for 5' x 2' x 2.5' ok?

[cbong]

I am setting up a 5 x 2 x 2.5 (ht) feet planted tank. Intend to use the following:

Recycle my current gravel from my 4 ft tank.

2 x 150W MH lights

1 x Eheim 2026. Is this enough?

1 x 5 ltr CO2 with external diffuser

1 x Chiller but not sure what capacity. Any recommendation and can it be inside the cabinet.

Can work??? Pls advice

[ranmasatome]

The 2026 is SURELY insufficient... the maximum a 2026 can support is a 4x1.5x1.5 and that is already pushing the limits.
You should at least use a 2028....at least...

[Simon]

yes, the 2026 might not be sufficient. maybe you can add a powerhead for circulation, or a smaller filter. Chiller is best place outside the tank but it needs to be well ventilated. (size, you have to check the capacity)

[ranmasatome]

simon...you place chiller inside you tank???? lol..

[Simon]

simon...you place chiller inside you tank???? lol..

oops.. me bad, typo.. but in general, not everyone has a cabinet.. so placing out of the tank still holds some meaning.. Don't be so picky lar

[ranmasatome]

lol..joking lar...know what you mean...heehee..

[cbong]

Two questions:

When we say attach a pump to the chiller (delinked from cannister filter), how do we do it? Wouldn't it mean 4 hoses in/out from tank?

When we say that 2026 is too small, are we worried about circulation or filtration? A power head can help circulate.

[BFG]

If you have extra cash, why not use 2 2026 or 2 2028? 1 of the canister output would be connected to the chiller input. You've get more filtration and less equipment in the tank. The canister need not be cleaned both at the same time but rather a month apart so that the other canister could cope while the other cleaned canister would have time for it's beneficial bacteria to grow and multiple in the filtration media.

Hope this helps!

[cbong]

With the two filters, there will be a lot of pipings.
Anyone has a tank design to avoid all the pipings?

[|squee|]

It'll be custom made then, meaning the tank has holes at the bottom drilled for all the piping.

[cbong]

I am looking for something like that. Anyone has a picture to show the design so that I can custom make. thanks

It'll be custom made then, meaning the tank has holes at the bottom drilled for all the piping.

[cbong]

Btw, I noticed most chillers are set to 26C. Is this the preferred temp?

Must I keep the chiller on all the time?

[cbong]

Wats the meaning of euro bracing for the tank? Can someone show a picture how it looks like? thanks in advance

[|squee|]

I am looking for something like that. Anyone has a picture to show the design so that I can custom make. thanks

Uh, nope perhaps enquiring with local tank makers might help.

[Simon]

Wats the meaning of euro bracing for the tank? Can someone show a picture how it looks like? thanks in advance

euro bracing is bracing done at the top portion. if you have gone to Teo's, his 9footer is using euro brace. IMO, it looks neater and easily conceit if necessary

cbong, anything around 26degrees should be fine for most plants. I think going lower will result in condensation, especially with our climate.

for piping, best to ask the tank maker to suggest, in any cases, they should have enough experience to recommend it

[gchoo]

Dun mind me asking why you need the tank to be 2.5 feet?

[cbong]

Was thinking of allowing taller plants to grow, but has changed my mind due to maintenance and stem-plants height. Will be going for a 5 x 2 x 2.

[BFG]

Cbong, you could pair up the pipes to look like there are only 2 pipes being placed in your tank. 2 pipes on each end of the tank. Beside, for a 5ft tank, noone would noticed the pipes. If it was a 4ft or lesser, then it is a different story. You could use tall plants to hide the pipes too!

[cbong]

Cbong, you could pair up the pipes to look like there are only 2 pipes being placed in your tank. 2 pipes on each end of the tank. Beside, for a 5ft tank, noone would noticed the pipes. If it was a 4ft or lesser, then it is a different story. You could use tall plants to hide the pipes too!

Btw, is it a good idea to use plastics pipes instead of soft tubes. Only where there are joints will I then use tubes to connect them.

[BFG]

The installation set from Eheim should be ideal and easy to dismantle for maintenance. Take a look if you have the time.