Project Proposal... Two-tier rack... input / reviews request

[BrownBullhead]

So I am thinknig of building myself a two-tier aquarium rack as shown in attached diagram... CLICK THUMBNAIL for fullsize image.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/BrownBullhead/th_project.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/BrownBullhead/project.jpg)

I am looking to utilize metal shelving, the industrial strength stuff, as each of these tanks should weigh almost 1000 pounds when filled and aquascaped. The rack will sit on a cement sub-floor in a basement in a spot where a 150-gallon currently sits... the 150-gallon will be sold or moved.

Some of my current considerations are...

... Tank rack to be slotted into 79" high x 53" wide "clothes closet" with sliding doors removed;

... Measure allowance for metal shelves, heights of various pieces of equipment, clearance from the floor, etc, all shown on left;

... To be determined... use 2700 kelvin "Aquarium" tubes or 5000 kelvin "Natural Sunshine" tubes;

... To be determined... use ONE or TWO Hydro Sponge (Size 5) sponge filters. EACH is rated for 125 gallon aquariums... this setup the aquariums are 70 gallons each;

... To be determined... what capacity air pump to operate Hydro Sponger 5 filter;

... Other considerations not yet factored ???

I am also going to have flaps hang down from the shelf about 13" to cover the area between the top of a tank, and the shelf above with the attached lighting ballast.

Does anyone have any input they would share on this project?

[beviking]

Can't make out all the printing on th diagram but...
9" clearance over each tank should be enough room to do what you need to.
You obviously don't plant on having anything hang off the back or run down the back outside of the tanks? When the time comes to move such things, it sure would be a pita.
The bulbs are your preference. I prefer a mix of 6700 and 5000. Have to try them to find out.
Sure would be nice to have a piece of (wood, plastic, decorative something) that could clip onto the rack and hide the lighting and space instead of an old dish towel ;).
Can't comment on the pump/sponges...sorry.

[chefkeith]

I think your taking a risky shortcut with the use of shelving to hold up a 70g tank. You'd be better off constructing the rack out of 2x4's.

[BrownBullhead]

beviking: If you want, download the fullsize image to your computer from my link --> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/BrownBullhead/project.jpg . Your browser may be auto-resize it as Internet Explorer tends to do. If you mouse over the image, an icon should appear in the lower right of the image to expand the image to it's full resolution of 1399 x 1175 pixels. You may need to maximize the Internet Explorer window before it will show you the icon I mention above.

The tanks are 48" x 19" footprint, and since the shelve would be 48" x 24", that 5" does not allow much for HOB accessories.

I will be keeping Tropheus, and I have no issues if algae growth occurs since they will eat it anyway. What colour temperature do you think will best show their colours

And there will be a flap of about 13" that starts at the bottom of the shelve above each tank, hanging down to block out the 4" light ballast and the 9" of clearance space for the flip lid, so none of that will be visible beyond feeding and maintenance times.

Each ballast will hold two tubes... what advantage would there be to mixing colour temperatures as far as the tubes go?

[BrownBullhead]

chefkeith: The void or hollow space in the shelf, 48" x 24" approx., will be filled in with a 48" x 24" plywood, or two 48 x 24 pieces? Also, at the 24" length of each shelf, a metal shelf brace will start at front (under centre/front of tank) and run to the back of the shelf (under centre/back of tank) to add support in the middle. Many people have built metal shelves for aquariums... I'm looking to buy heavy-duty shelving, not the weaker stuff sold at some of the big box stores. I am going to seek at a place called Wearing Williams in Winnipeg.

[beviking]

Got it to resize. Looks good.
I didn't mean to say you needed HOB accessories, just keep it in mind. I like to keep my options open.
To show off colors, use bulbs with a high CRI rating. Remember, the fish's color is really just a reflection of the light shining on them. If you use bulbs with low CRI (less colors), the light (color) cannot be reflected if it isn't there to begin with.
The only advantage of mixing tubes with differing K ratings, is the overall appearance. K rating is a generalization of the overall color, whether the bulb appears more yellow, orange, red, blue, white. We all see color differently so what looks good to me, may not look good to you.
Bulbs that are 5000K appear too yellow, or make everything in the tank look too yellow FOR ME. Likewise, 6700K bulbs make things look a little too washed-out FOR ME, so I mix them and I it looks better TO ME.
If you like the way the 5000's look, use them.
I don't think chefkeith understood you were using Industrial Shelving. You shouldn't have a problem with it.
Oh, one other thing, being that everything is in a closet, it might get stuffy (hot) in there. I'd keep that in the back of my mind (aweful crowded back there!) if the tanks get too warm. Might have to have some air circulation.

[BrownBullhead]

For what it's worth, I now found out that the sales associate I spoke to at Wearing Williams misunderstood what I was asking about... and it turns out that the "EZ-Rect" Shelving does not stop at a maximum of six foot high corner posts. In fact, it appears quite modular in design. What the heck was this guy talking about?

http://www.eng-prod-inc.com/EP/images/EZRect1.jpg