View Full Version : 72 x 30 x 30
ransome22
12-31-2002, 12:06 AM
This isn't necessarily a fresh water question, but I am interested in purchasing an aquarium size 72" x 30" x 30" for freshwater planting and scaping. Might anyone recommend a good vendor for this specification? I am certain that I do not want 72" x 24" x 24". Thank you!
Edit: My mistake. I should have specified this prior -- does anyone know of a good vendor who carries tanks of this size in stock? I'm a recent graduate with limited $$ for customizing.
Oceanic is glad to do custom sizes to your specs.
Mr.Bass
12-31-2002, 8:56 AM
Not to discourage you, but ...............
72" x 30" x 30" is a very large (>275g) & deep tank to attempt "freshwater planting and scaping". Even at a modest 2w/gal, you are looking at 550 watts of lighting. That is not going to be easily accomplished and it won't be cheap. Just something to consider before purchasing such a large/deep tank.
redrf900
12-31-2002, 9:01 AM
You'' need (2) 250 watt metal halide systems to cover that much area....One for each side of the tank....a 250watt mh light will cover a 3x3 area ...Hope that helps
ransome22
12-31-2002, 9:43 AM
Not discouraged at all and appreciating the advice. Really wanting to know what I'm getting myself into. This is truly something I've always wanted to do (even on a larger scale). -- Maybe a very long-term project.
slipknottin
12-31-2002, 9:47 AM
well you might be served better by 3x175 watt MH... depending on where the tanks cross braces are.
A tank that size is likely going to need at least 5/8" glass. Its going to be extremely heavy, and not that clear at all.
You might want to invest in either an acrylic or a starphire glass tank. They both cost quite a bit more, but IMHO the only way to go.
redrf900
12-31-2002, 10:07 AM
The lighting ALONE will run you about 600 bucks....that's a conservative estimate...If you get the cheapy chinese stuff, a little less, but you DON'T want that much heat light w/o a REAL ballast for safety reasons....
Harry Tolen
12-31-2002, 10:13 AM
I agree that you should consider acrylic as an option. A glass tank that size will be all but impossible to move, whereas acrylic will be quite manageable. I am assuming that, since you are a recent graduate, you are probably not going to be living in the same place for the rest of your life? Here's a link to a good manufacturer: http://www.tenecor.com/ultraquarium.php
One other thought: a tank that deep is going to be very difficult to aquascape and maintain. Based on my own experiences, I suggest you consider reducing that 30" height to around 24" (unless you have REALLY long arms).
Good luck with your project, whatever you decide to do.
125gJoe
12-31-2002, 10:14 AM
It would tough reaching in that tank and adjusting/planting/pruning or removing plants.
And in plastic/acrylic it would be impossible for me.
ransome22
12-31-2002, 7:18 PM
RTR -- How would a plastic / acrylic tank complicate access to plants? (Hope I'm reading your above post correctly).
ransome22
12-31-2002, 7:57 PM
Well, for what it's worth I left work early today and spent two hours at a great aquarium shop in Randallstown, MD (RTR is probably familiar with it). Tallest aquarium they had was 28" (150 gallon 72 x 18 x 28). It was on a rather high stand, but I could actually reach inside and touch the bottom of the glass closest to me, without 3" or so of substrate, of course. Accessing more remote parts of the tank would be more of a chore although I am certainly not unwilling to use a step ladder or use forceps / planting tools.
However, the 155 gallon bowfront AGA (72 x 24 x 24 http://www.reefmaniac.com/) was very very tempting indeed, and perhaps the best way to go . . . eventually. It's definitely a $2000 startup cost, bare minimum. They used to carry the Tenecor tanks which Harry mentioned (and which I had also considered http://www.tenecor.com/bowfront.php) but stopped doing so as customers found them more cost prohibitive. The 155 AGA bowfront was 360 lbs (tank only). Not sure how much lighter acrylic would be. The potential for acrylic to scratch is somewhat disuasive to me. Not sure how easy it really is to remove such scratches.
Anyway, much to think about here. As interested in this as I truly am, it is not unlikely that my work could post me overseas for a couple of years. Not that I would regret the purchase, but the takedown / storage / and investment loss with fish and plants would be a pain in the neck. It may be wise to let the yuppie lifestyle stabilize first. But it is SO tempting . . .
slipknottin
12-31-2002, 11:25 PM
with glass tanks you typically have most or all of the top to get access. Acrylic tanks only offer a "cut-out" area with access.
However, on many of the larger acrylic tanks, you can crawl and lay right on top of them without problems.
In any effect, a starphire glass tank, with either eurobracing or no bracing at all would be the best.
slip has answered the access question on acrylics - which is a PITA to me. That was one of the reasons I gave these tanks up years ago, along with ease of scratching.
As much as I enjoy visualizing the image, the thought of 6'3", 220 lbs of me climbing on top of a tank to work on the plants is just a non-starter. That is not what I would call access. :)
ransome - The Aquarium Center is one of the best stores I've seen. Going there is dangerous to the wallet and to the tank numbers. All those seldom-seen fish just waiting for a good home...
tuthelimit
01-01-2003, 12:09 PM
You should have gone to the Aquarium Center on Christmas Eve. 10% off of everything in the store! Heck, I couldn't help buying a new tank. Saving a couple hundred bucks ain't bad!
ttl:D
ransome22
01-01-2003, 12:28 PM
Yeah? Well, yesterday (New Year's eve) it was 20% off all tank-stand combinations. And I was thinking about a $2000 purchase!! *arrrrg* the frustration. I am not quite *that* spontaneous and I think I have several months (or perhaps a year of research ahead of me).
I have an AGA 180 (72X24X24) heavily planted.
Tank $500
Oak Stand $500
(4) 36" AGA Compact twin tube flourecent lights $500
Glass Tops, 200 lbs gravel, filter, heaters, air pump, long nets, plants, fertilizer, etc. $500-1000 (lost track there).
Getting to lie on the couch after all are sleeping to watch and relax. Priceless!
Go for it!!!
PS: I would prefer a 30" high too since I think it would look better. Even standing on a step stool, the 24" still gets the armpits of my shirt wet!! ;)
tuthelimit
01-01-2003, 9:47 PM
WHAT WHAT WHAT
OH man!
grrr
Oh well... maybe next year!
ttl
ransome22
01-01-2003, 10:21 PM
swany --- are you serious?? that's almost exactly the setup I would like to consider!! So if yours is AGA, I'm sure its rectangular at that size. What do you think of the bowfronts? Would you rather have the 155 bowfront or the 180 rectangular? I continue to wonder if I would rather have the extra size or the (in my opinion) the attractiveness of the bowfront.
These are some very nice tanks ... but looks like you have to go to Germany to get them: http://www.brillant-aquarium.de/bilder.htm
I prefer the larger tank over the bowfront. I do, however, like the look of the bowfront.
It's all just a matter of personal preference.
Deciding is just the beginning of the fun!!
Swany