Need advise on 120x60x50 crystal tank

[Realcaster]

Hi

Need some advise urgently, I am planning for a 120x60x50H Crystal tank. It is meant for planted rock scape with at least 100kg of rocks and substrates in it and water will be filled to the brim. What glass thickness should I go for? It is going to be braceless.

Thank you

[Urban Aquaria]

For 4ft braceless tanks of standard ADA dimensions 120cm x 45cm x 45cm, usually 12mm glass.

But since it'll be custom made (based on your unique tank dimensions)... go for what the tank maker recommends, they might suggest even thicker glass, as they'll be the ones who will warranty the tank, so will be alot more kiasu about it.

[Realcaster]

They tank maker recommended 10mm for a 45cm height tank, which I am kinda worried. They gave excellent warranty, but the idea of redoing the scape is a nightmare.

The price jump from 10mm to 12mm glass is huge. ... i may be going for 12mm....... am I too risk-adverse or should I listern to the professional

[Urban Aquaria]

Redoing the scape is a minor issue... i guess 360 liters of water flooding the place is more of a bigger concern.

But if the custom tank maker recommend 10mm crystal glass and can stand by their workmanship quality with a comprehensive warranty, then i guess its worth a try.

[BFG]

Better to follow your instinct than rather blaming others if you knew something is risky. Its in your home and the risk to your family well being is important. Money can be earned back later.

[Realcaster]

Thanks guys, finally paid the deposit at CR and should get the tank + cabinet in 2 weeks time.
below is the details. Cabinet is ADA style, after all the cut and modification, it is now Realcaster Style.

Took into consideration in placement of chiller in the cabinet, ample opening in the back with slits on the doors. Intend to place a destop fan inside.... Just kidding
iimage.jpg

now I am in a dilemma of choosing the correct lights. I am leaning towards single Odyssey MHX 4ft and have it suspended. However, I am not sure if the coverage is sufficient after all it is a 60cm wide tank? Or should I get 2 X 4ft odyssey which I cant suspend it.

Guys please share your experience

[Urban Aquaria]

For that wider base dimension, you'll probably have to suspend the single light unit much higher so that the light beams can cover a wider area... but then the overall light intensity getting to the plants in the tank will also be greatly reduced too, which might mean having to get even more powerful lights to compensate.

In such cases, a good alternative is to opt for 2 lightsets to handle the wider coverage. You could still suspend them above the tank, just use 2 hanging light kits.

[Realcaster]

Thank you UA, decide to get 2 units 4Ft EVO 3W producing a total of 192W.

Now I need to figure how to get a hanging rack. most standard off the shelf type over hanging porting is too short to hang 2 lights evenly over 60cm wide tank...... most probably have to custom made....any recommendation?

[jackychun]

Oh. So the huge project has been started. Will camp here for more updates.


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[Urban Aquaria]

You could look at using 2 of these type of stainless steel light stands: http://www.eastoceansg.com/ans-hydro...cm-p-1327.html

Though if you are able to, installing permanent bolt hook mounts into the ceiling directly above the tank and then using steel cables to suspend the lightsets would be better... looks alot neater and more professional.

[Realcaster]

Yes, you are right UA, that is a good suggestion.

i went to East Ocean a few hours ago, they are extremely helpful. They have no stocks the 4ft cabinet back mount version now but will try to see if they can bring in for me.

Impressive customer service. Will wait for their good news tomorrow.

If unsuccessful, I will have to bring it in myself.

[Realcaster]

Now comes the canister headaches, I am currently running my 2 ft tank with a 2217. It runs through a chiller and co2 reactor. The flow is not exactly fast at the tank outlet.

my bro-in-law, passed me a new ehiem 2250 canister without the pump. A replacement new pump could only fit a 1250, unless I buy a new elbow adaptor at $30+ dollars and slamp in a 1260 or 1262

So should I buy a 1250 and run the 2250+2217 or should I forget the whole idea and buy a 2078/2075.

[Urban Aquaria]

Both configurations can work... i guess you'll just have to work out the overall costs of repairing that Eheim 2250, versus just buying another new canister filter model. See which is more worth it.

[Realcaster]

I have being doing so read up and search the Internet, it seems my canister have the size of a 2250, but an elbow of a 2260 .

i need to sneak into a LFS and try it on a actual ehiem 1260, but they are always sealed in a box ...

[Realcaster]

While collecting a used 1260 from a bro at C328, I stumble across this piece of 80cm drift wood, it made my landscaping material for my 4ft tank complete
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[Realcaster]

Just an update, I have managed to source a customize stainless steel stand to fit my tank with and its on its way to Singapore.

My 2250 fit nicely to the ehiem 1260 and tested working fine. Seems like everything is in place now except I need to upgrade my 2+month old HS-28a chiller to a HS-66a. Manage to source a used HS-66a and will be collecting soon. Once tested working good, I will put my 2+month old HS-28a in market place 'blink' 'blink'.... It's still under warranty and in pristine condition

[skytan]

While collecting a used 1260 from a bro at C328, I stumble across this piece of 80cm drift wood, it made my landscaping material for my 4ft tank complete
image.jpg

nice piece of wood, from c328?

[Realcaster]

Yes from clementi Florist. I have never seen a piece of big drift wood with a big symmetrical natural hole in it. Quite amazing I would say. It matches my vision of a path leading to a gate overhanging with weeping moss.


There is another pretty nice piece that is 1+m long very nice for Amazonia land scape, if nobody buy it tomorrow, maybe I grab it too. Very cheap for that kind of quality I would say.

now soaking in my bath tub... I hope my wife don't scream when she gets home
image.jpg

[jackychun]

Haha! Wish you could boil the bathtub, too! Lol!


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[skytan]

just keep pouring boiling water slowly. Remember to keep changing water else later the white bath tub gets the tanins colour.