150 Gallon Build Thread ... From the Start
- Thread starter WaywardSon
- Start date
Lowdown on the lights ~~
I have some more info on the retro kit (which should be here any time now) that I haven't had a chance to post until now ...
First off, each reflector (6 total) mounts to each bulb individually. Each reflector is 3" wide, making the fit under the canopy a bit of a tight one!
2 ballasts, which I will likely mount under the tank in the stand.
It comes with 6 bulbs x 80 = 480 total watts (seems like a "great deal" for the tank). The ballasts can each be wired to support only 2 bulbs. This is the way I may go to start with (can rewire for the 6 bulbs). Even the 4 x 80 is still 320 watts over that tank, which also seems like a great deal. Input??
With the kit I went ahead and ordered 6 bulbs:
2 - Giesemann 6,000 Powerchrome Midday
2 - Giesemann Aqua Flora
2 - Giesemann 11,000 Aqua Blue
I will experiment a bit to mix and match and try to get the best overall color / appeal in the tank.
I have some more info on the retro kit (which should be here any time now) that I haven't had a chance to post until now ...
First off, each reflector (6 total) mounts to each bulb individually. Each reflector is 3" wide, making the fit under the canopy a bit of a tight one!
2 ballasts, which I will likely mount under the tank in the stand.
It comes with 6 bulbs x 80 = 480 total watts (seems like a "great deal" for the tank). The ballasts can each be wired to support only 2 bulbs. This is the way I may go to start with (can rewire for the 6 bulbs). Even the 4 x 80 is still 320 watts over that tank, which also seems like a great deal. Input??
With the kit I went ahead and ordered 6 bulbs:
2 - Giesemann 6,000 Powerchrome Midday
2 - Giesemann Aqua Flora
2 - Giesemann 11,000 Aqua Blue
I will experiment a bit to mix and match and try to get the best overall color / appeal in the tank.
Here's a few updates on the stand build ~~
Router table - mini, but working nicely
Sanding, sanding, and more sanding
All 3 doors are done and sanded through 150 grit - should be able to attach them tomorrow (only to take back off for finishing!).
Router table - mini, but working nicely
Sanding, sanding, and more sanding
All 3 doors are done and sanded through 150 grit - should be able to attach them tomorrow (only to take back off for finishing!).
Progress ... Sticks Anyone?
Started by anchoring a couple of pieces of the Manzanita to a 12 x 12 piece of tile
Drilled 3 holes in the tile and used 1" stainless steel screws to anchor
Next, anchored more pieces with zip ties - gradually filling the holes
Continue to fill in ... (a lot of trial and error)
The finished product - drop in the tank and cover the tile, base, and zip ties with substrate. A few plants in the cracks and it should be ready to go!
Will set towards one end of the tank at a slight angle.
More to come!!
Started by anchoring a couple of pieces of the Manzanita to a 12 x 12 piece of tile
Drilled 3 holes in the tile and used 1" stainless steel screws to anchor
Next, anchored more pieces with zip ties - gradually filling the holes
Continue to fill in ... (a lot of trial and error)
The finished product - drop in the tank and cover the tile, base, and zip ties with substrate. A few plants in the cracks and it should be ready to go!
Will set towards one end of the tank at a slight angle.
More to come!!
:eek3::eek3::eek3::eek3::eek3::eek3:
Great work with the Driftwood!! Im planning to do the same with mine when i redo the tank. Pieces will be nice and put.. no shifting at all. :thm:
(lets just hope the wood will now fit into the tank lol)
Great work with the Driftwood!! Im planning to do the same with mine when i redo the tank. Pieces will be nice and put.. no shifting at all. :thm:
(lets just hope the wood will now fit into the tank lol)
Thanks BK - fit in the tank (is that important?)?!?
I had my measurements right there all the time (lol).
Building that stand has made me a measuring fool ...
ahh thats right (sorry 2am my brain is slowly catching them zzz's)
Where do you plan to position the wood in the tank?? semi-center??
Thats all the wood?? (im sure you still got like that same amount left over lol)
Where do you plan to position the wood in the tank?? semi-center??
Thats all the wood?? (im sure you still got like that same amount left over lol)
That kind of reminds me of BK's wood "tree" in the middle of the tank. Nice work on it! Do you plan on having it in the exact middle or offset on one side of the tank?
Will set towards one end of the tank at a slight angle.
Yes, all the wood; massive in person.
Will likely be using some rock for the middle / other end.
