GK's 125 Has Begun (pics)

[gkarshens]

Yeah that is definitely out of my budget range. Maybe I could start accepting donations on the street corner

[GregM779]

Here's a UV example
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ode=Turbotwist

[doody]

Yeah go with the hqi. I'm probably gonna go 250w hqi as it'll be a mixed tank, but i want it to be sps dominated. Any plans on flow yet?

[gkarshens]

I will definitely think about the UV. I didn't realize they were inexpensive. As for flow, I have a 1100 GPH pump on a closed loop with a SCWD. and multiple power heads.

[MyMonkey]

Here is what I plan on buying. I am not sure whether y ou wanted HQI or not but, this was the best deal I found. Several Local reefers here use this sellers lights. http://cgi.ebay.com/250-Watt-Metal-H...ayphotohosting

[GregM779]

Originally posted by MyMonkey
Here is what I plan on buying. I am not sure whether y ou wanted HQI or not but, this was the best deal I found. Several Local reefers here use this sellers lights. http://cgi.ebay.com/250-Watt-Metal-H...ayphotohosting

The problem I see with that is the ballast is used and the bulb they give you is 6700k, he also has to then purchase actinics and moonlights if he wants them.

[MyMonkey]

Yea, definetly need Actinics. Darn, I failed to notice the 6700 K bulb. I am sure the seller has 10 k as well. Would not go with 6700.

[gkarshens]

I will look at that light seriously. It looks like he gives you the choice on bulb because 10K was right after 6700K. I already have PC'c that I can use for actnic. That would just leave moonlights which are pretty cheap.

Thanks!

[Stile2]

Good looking stand and car!

I am part way into a upgrade from a 29 gallon to a custom 77 gallon. link

I am planning on 220 watts of PC 10K and 95 watts of VHO Actinics.

Keith

[gkarshens]

I have actually read your link before Stile2. I was impressed with all the DIY. Were you worried about drilling your own holes? I am considering it and am scared to death I will break the tank.

[gkarshens]

Today we laid tile in our kitchen so I didn't get a lot done on the stand. I did get the trim pieces on though.

[Stile2]

I had already hand drill with a dremel my 29 gallon with fish and corals in the tank, so to do it with an empty tank is easy.

I am reconsidering the multiple small holes in favor of a long weir with plastic guard. But I haven't decided. I have a feeling that the plastic guard will be easier to clean and will look better in the long run.

Drilling is actually easy. You just need to go slow and use lots of water or coolant of some type.

Keith

[traip93]

$200 for the tank new? If that is what the LFS pay for them, than I guessm my LFS made about a $900 profit off me

I know nothingabout wood working, but do you think your stand will be strong enough with no center support? I'd love to have a stand with out those stupid center pieces between the doors.

[gkarshens]

I was very happy to get the tank for that price.

I am going to add a center brace after I put my sump in. I think it is probably strong enough without it, but I want to be sure!

[traip93]

cool..looks good!!!!

[gkarshens]

Today I got the braces in the middle in. I figured out that I can still get my sump in and out with them in. I also got most of the trim on the doors. I ran out of trim so I couldn't finish. I put magnets on the doors to hold them closed as well. Almost done!

[gkarshens]

Here is another retro kit I found. What do you think of this?
http://www.aquauniverse.com/componen...hop/Itemid,31/

[gkarshens]

Another update. Today I got the trim finished and got a coat of stain on it.

[GregM779]

Originally posted by gkarshens
Here is another retro kit I found. What do you think of this?
http://www.aquauniverse.com/componen...hop/Itemid,31/

It seems alright but you are planning on using 3MHs right? You would also have to still add on actinic supplementation, probably VHOs if you want to save some $$$. Another thing to think about is the bulbs you get with that kit, you have no idea what they'll look like because they're an off-brand.

[gkarshens]

Actually I have pc's already that I can use for actinic. Also even if the bulbs suck after a few months I would replace them anyway right?

[GregM779]

Originally posted by gkarshens
Actually I have pc's already that I can use for actinic. Also even if the bulbs suck after a few months I would replace them anyway right?

If you go with 10ks I wouldn't change them until 12 months, 20ks change every 6 months. You also have to worry about how much the ballasts suck. I would be really careful with your lighting, it's one of the most important things.
Here are some double ended pendants. Remember 150w DEs are about the same 250w SE bulbs, but the DE bulbs are much cheaper.

http://www.hellolights.com/pfomihqipe.html

http://www.hellolights.com/coralife.html

[gkarshens]

I think I may try it since the ballast has a 5 year warranty. I like the pendant idea but those on Hellologhts don't come with a ballast or a bulb and would cost just as much. Thanks for the input. I have been really torn about this. I want quality but I also have to be very budget minded.

[gkarshens]

Well it is basically done! Today I got the clear coat on. Tomorrow we start our wood floors. Hopefully I can have the tank set-up in a week or so!

[gkarshens]

One more update. Here is the 30 Gal sump I made from an old tank I had sitting around. I have the return pump and light for the fuge area already too.

[Stile2]

Is the return in the center, or on the left side?

Looks good!