220G - Some Suggestions?

[Unome]

I've been looking real hard at a 220G - 72x24x30 - at local LFS. I plan on doing a community tank(upgrading from a 75G) that will be well planted. Just want to ask some questions of others who might have large tank.

1. Amount of light needed? Suggested 5 watts per gallon still apply?
2. Type of light to give best view? PC, MH, etc.??
3. Difficulty in planting a tank this large(and deep)?

 

[somefinnfishy]

about price we sell them for 999.99 tank lids light and stand.
DONT pay more.
if you want a nice planted tank do the 180gallon as the watt per light rule dont apply to 30" deep tanks you will need 1000 watts on there to ever see awesome plant growth.
BTW the 180 will save you a few hundred up front and a hundred less a year on lower lighting bills.
BTW we are selling a new oceanic 180 with lids no lights or stand for $499
Also does anyone know the mesurements on the perfecto 265 glass

 

[nolemite]

Agree with the above that the 180 would be the better choice. I'd be wary of a 30" tall tank, leakwise that is.

I guess you'd have to go Metal Halide if you wanted to achieve that 5 watts/gallon you were talking about. Keep in mind that there are lots of plants that will grow at less than that.

 

[Unome]

Thanks, folks. You know I had seen a few 180G tanks and really like those. But the 220G caught my eye recently. I think I'll aim more at the 180G since it will probably be easier to deal with regarding lighting and setting up. I think trying to get everything planted in a 30" tall tank would be very difficult(not to mention hard on the arms ).

Somefinnfishy....while your prices sound pretty good, I think shipping charges would hurt a bunch. The 220G at store is $899 with cover and lights. No stand or canopy. But I can make both of those for a 180G. Well, my brother & I can since he's a pretty good carpenter.

 

[superjohnny]

It's a whole lot easier to plant plants in a 20" deep tank. I'm a pretty tall guy (like 6'2", but I have ape arms) and my 24" deep tank gives me a bit of trouble if I try to use two hands.

Hey inventors pay attention: What we really need is a device that you put into the substrate that is really thin. When you pull a trigger it contracts and pushes the substrate thereby making a hole. We put the plants in the middle and remove the device. Only issue is that if it's round we'll have to pull it over the plant.

It's my idea so I want 25%!

I'm tired.