Author Topic: Help me decide! (Read 6983 times)

dee99gt · « **on:** November 12, 2011, 20:56:19 »

I am going to buy a tank next week cause I don't want to wait any longer... So I need some suggestions on what size to get.. Has to be at least 6ft.. My only concern is it being too heavy for the floor.. I was thinking a 150.. The main reason is to house my powder brown tang and whatever else I decide to get and it will be a FOWLR.. Don't want to spend more than 1K.. so ideas, thoughts? I seen aquarium adventure has 125 gallon's for 100 bucks without stands..

HUNGER · « **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2011, 21:48:34 »

make sure the tank is reef ready no reason to rush you will find a good deal they are out there

dee99gt · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2011, 21:50:13 »

why reef ready over a non?

HUNGER · « **Reply #3 on:** November 12, 2011, 21:51:39 »

less likely not to have a flood easyer to set up

Seano Hermano · « **Reply #4 on:** November 12, 2011, 22:46:07 »

Hmm, a 6 footer? Awesome. How big do you want to go? I like tanks that are at least as wide as they are tall. It makes for a much more interesting aquascape, IMO. So a 180?

If you have the money, I'd swing for a 225 deep dimension. 6' L x 2' H x 2.5' W

dee99gt · « **Reply #5 on:** November 12, 2011, 23:12:51 »

I found a 220 gallon for a good deal, but its not reef ready... and I would be concerned about weight on the floor.

HUNGER · « **Reply #6 on:** November 13, 2011, 09:58:46 »

are u on a slab or??

dee99gt · « **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2011, 10:58:04 »

no.. we have a unfinished basement

HUNGER · « **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2011, 11:01:17 »

u can allways use a floor jake to help hold the tank if you are worred about weight

dee99gt · « **Reply #9 on:** November 13, 2011, 11:03:35 »

the basement ceiling is like 7ft, could I even get one tall enough?

HUNGER · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2011, 11:06:13 »

yes u can u would do it to be on the safe side
http://www.lowes.com/SearchCatalogDisplay?Ntt=floor+jack&storeId=10151&N=0&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&rpp=24

HUNGER · « **Reply #11 on:** November 13, 2011, 11:07:13 »

just the tank and water stand for a 150 will be over 1000 pounds if u add sand and rock its going to get heavyer

dee99gt · « **Reply #12 on:** November 13, 2011, 11:07:52 »

SWEET! Thanks! I guess I should go pick up a few.. wonder how many I should get to be safe?

HUNGER · « **Reply #13 on:** November 13, 2011, 11:11:15 »

are you going to put the tank on a laod bering wall than 2 if not 4 one for each corner of the tank

HUNGER · « **Reply #14 on:** November 13, 2011, 11:14:30 »

how old is the house u mite not even need one if u have it on a load bering wall just check out lazys build his tank is on the main floor with no floor suports
http://www.ohioreef.com/index.php?topic=8725.0

dee99gt · « **Reply #15 on:** November 13, 2011, 11:34:12 »

its about 40 years. it will be up against a wall and on the other side is the kitchen. maybe ill take some pics of the basement for u to take a look at.

HUNGER · « **Reply #16 on:** November 13, 2011, 11:36:36 »

is it an out side wall ?

dee99gt · « **Reply #17 on:** November 13, 2011, 11:56:00 »

No. If I put it against an outside wall it would be in front of a huge window.

HUNGER · « **Reply #18 on:** November 13, 2011, 13:32:08 »

ok ya i would use some floor jacks i would do 4

Kenn · « **Reply #19 on:** November 13, 2011, 13:54:28 »

I thought I should throw my 2 cents in since this is what I do for a living

you only need 2 jacks ( which I highly recommend you do ).

Put the jacks under the joists at each end where you are placing the tank. Bridge the 2 joist with either a pair of 2x4's or a 4x4 and jack up just until snug, so you don't "raise" your floor. If you use 2x4's, place them "tall side" up

so that the weight is being placed on the so called 4" side

each jack will support roughly 17000+ lbs (depends on type of jack).

Good call on suggesting the Floor Jacks Hunger !

dee99gt · « **Reply #20 on:** November 13, 2011, 16:14:59 »

I ordered 4 just in case! So now I should not have a limit as to how big I go.

HUNGER · « **Reply #21 on:** November 13, 2011, 16:45:53 »

good point kev
nope now u can go big

dee99gt · « **Reply #22 on:** November 13, 2011, 16:54:33 »

I found a 220 gallon with stand and lights for 550 that I am going to purchase I believe. If they still have it by next week. Its not reef ready though. Thoughts?

HUNGER · « **Reply #23 on:** November 13, 2011, 17:05:42 »

not a bad deal u mite be able to drill it for some over flows

dee99gt · « **Reply #24 on:** November 13, 2011, 17:10:13 »

The only issue would be a sump, because I would be very scared to do a overflow box with it. I was also thinking last night as I was watching my tank.... how is the world am I going to catch my tang....

HUNGER · « **Reply #25 on:** November 13, 2011, 18:00:10 »

if the tank was drilled it would be alot easyer to run a sump and you will never have to worry about an flood from the main tank

dee99gt · « **Reply #26 on:** November 13, 2011, 18:10:14 »

I haven't really seen any 125+ gallons that are predrilled... but maybe I should wait and find a predrilled one..

HUNGER · « **Reply #27 on:** November 13, 2011, 18:19:51 »

i would you would be alot happyer if u did

dee99gt · « **Reply #28 on:** November 13, 2011, 18:22:07 »

I seen at aquarium adventure a few weeks back they had 125 predrilled ones for 99 bucks, not including the stand.. I actually walked by and stopped and turn back around to see if thats indeed what it said and it did.. but I want bigger than a 125..

HUNGER · « **Reply #29 on:** November 13, 2011, 18:27:57 »

well a 150 is taller than a 125 but if u want depth go with 180
125 Gallon 72 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 23 3/8
150 Gallon 72 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 28 1/2
180 Gallon 72 1/2 x 24 1/2 x 25 5/8

kattz · « **Reply #30 on:** November 13, 2011, 19:15:23 »

We can catch the tang, don't let that stand in the way!

dee99gt · « **Reply #31 on:** November 13, 2011, 20:00:57 »

Is this a good deal for 600? If so I'm going to give him a deposit to hold it.

The tank is in excellent condition, very few scratches and I give the stand and canopy a 9 out 10. It is a very nice setup.

The tank is a standard 125G 72" x 18" x 21"
It is drilled with a Glass Holes overflow and is almost silent.
All plumbing is uncluded along with an almost new Mag 7 return. You won't need anything at all to get this up and going.

Sump is a 40G long 48" x 13" x 16" Nice big skimmer section, anything you want to put in there will fit, center return with Mag 7 included, and a big refugium section about 15 gallons. Including a fuge light with 6500K compact fluorescent bulb.

Lighting is 2 ATI Blue Plus 80W 60" T5s driven by and Ice Cap 660 ballast and reflectors. It's plenty of light for softies, LPS, or fish only and if you want to upgrade there is room for more T5's, reflectors for halides or DIY LED.

Also included is a Korilia Evo 1400 and Korilia K4 and a Hydor Theo 300W heater. Have a big Mag Float too you can have. And and almost full bucket of Instant Ocean salt, makes 160G. Should be almost enough to get it up and going.

Overall very nice setup with everything you need to start filling with water and fish.

joncat24 · « **Reply #32 on:** November 13, 2011, 20:06:15 »

looks like a great deal for $600

dee99gt · « **Reply #33 on:** November 13, 2011, 20:08:37 »

The only downside is it's a 3.5 hour drive to pick it up.

HUNGER · « **Reply #34 on:** November 13, 2011, 22:33:38 »

ya that looks like a great deal whats it going to cost u in gas and see if u can get better pics of the over flow looks like a small box in the top left hand corner

dee99gt · « **Reply #35 on:** November 13, 2011, 22:38:48 »

I'm guessing about 120 or so in gas there and back.. I would be hauling my dad's small trailer to put it in incase it would happen to rain..

Yeah its a small box.. here is more pics

HUNGER · « **Reply #36 on:** November 13, 2011, 22:57:03 »

ok i see how its done the overflow is on one side an return on the other side
so ur looken about 750ish for everything thats not to hatefull

Viggen · « **Reply #37 on:** November 14, 2011, 10:28:22 »

FWIW I paid $700-750 for my 210g from Aquavista. It was a year or two old in new condition with a $1500 stand..... did not include lights, filters or anything else... just tank/stand

If you want a bigger tank I would wait but that's just me. Having the extra size is very important with a powder anything (I have a powder blue) since they can really pack on the attitude..... my powder blue bullies my sohal..... the sohal bullies my blue hep....

I would do a 150g as a min size, the 150/180/210g are a lot better to deal with when attitudes get bigger.

If you have the room keep looking for a 8ft 240 or 300g... tangs love that length

dee99gt · « **Reply #38 on:** November 14, 2011, 18:45:24 »

good point.. maybe I should wait..

Reefpete · « **Reply #39 on:** November 14, 2011, 19:06:33 »

Quote from: dee99gt on November 14, 2011, 18:45:24

good point.. maybe I should wait..

Personally I would wait...Keep looking for a better deal at least. Going to a bigger tank isn't something I would rush.

HUNGER · « **Reply #40 on:** November 14, 2011, 19:55:02 »

Quote from: Reefpete on November 14, 2011, 19:06:33

Personally I would wait...Keep looking for a better deal at least. Going to a bigger tank isn't something I would rush.

well said

Viggen · « **Reply #41 on:** November 14, 2011, 20:32:16 »

Yea.... I would wait

Keep looking... take your time, you never know what pops up. Look at cincyreef's site & also reefcentral. LOTS of big tanks go up for sale on reefcentral, just might need to drive a little to get it

Craigslist also has a few pop up. There are a few 125G + tanks on there now.... in the dayton/troy area that might work for you. Go as BIG as you can....

Reefpete · « **Reply #42 on:** November 14, 2011, 21:52:29 »

Quote from: Viggen on November 14, 2011, 20:32:16

Yea.... I would wait

Keep looking... take your time, you never know what pops up. Look at cincyreef's site & also reefcentral. LOTS of big tanks go up for sale on reefcentral, just might need to drive a little to get it

Craigslist also has a few pop up. There are a few 125G + tanks on there now.... in the dayton/troy area that might work for you. Go as BIG as you can....

BIG +1
Very well said Viggen

Blown76mav · « **Reply #43 on:** November 14, 2011, 23:00:45 »

I'd go 8' x 4' x 4' that way ya know its big enough.

HUNGER · « **Reply #44 on:** November 15, 2011, 18:37:09 »

found this kinda high tho
http://dayton.craigslist.org/for/2704283181.html

HUNGER · « **Reply #45 on:** November 15, 2011, 18:50:52 »

even better deal
http://dayton.craigslist.org/bar/2702383059.html

dee99gt · « **Reply #46 on:** November 15, 2011, 18:56:11 »

I emailed them last night =) it's only 6ft long tho

HUNGER · « **Reply #47 on:** November 15, 2011, 19:04:50 »

o are u going longer

dee99gt · « **Reply #48 on:** November 15, 2011, 19:41:48 »

Well 200+ can come in 7ft can't they? I dunno. I can't make up my mind =\

HUNGER · « **Reply #49 on:** November 15, 2011, 21:00:44 »

heres the standard tank sizes
http://www.ohioreef.com/index.php?topic=8809.0

Viggen · « **Reply #50 on:** November 15, 2011, 21:09:42 »

there's this tank

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2089070

no internal overflow but possibly one could be made/drilled

dee99gt · « **Reply #51 on:** November 15, 2011, 21:15:54 »

Quote from: Viggen on November 15, 2011, 21:09:42

there's this tank

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2089070

no internal overflow but possibly one could be made/drilled

can't see... have to wait for activation..

Viggen · « **Reply #52 on:** November 15, 2011, 21:26:07 »

its a 8x2x2.5ft glass 300g for $300

cleveland area

dee99gt · « **Reply #53 on:** November 15, 2011, 21:51:13 »

I WANT! Wish they would activate my account so I can contact them...

HUNGER · « **Reply #54 on:** November 15, 2011, 22:35:14 »

ya u have to have 50 post and be a member for 90 days on rc

dee99gt · « **Reply #55 on:** November 15, 2011, 22:39:06 »

Urg. Does someone want to get a contact number or email for me?

Viggen · « **Reply #56 on:** November 16, 2011, 00:45:04 »

yea, I can send them a pm now.... pm or post your email/phone number & I can give it to them.

dee99gt · « **Reply #57 on:** November 16, 2011, 00:53:25 »

email deejay.howard@yahoo.com
phone/txt 7406004071

Viggen · « **Reply #58 on:** November 16, 2011, 09:55:50 »

daphnia@sbcglobal.net 440-476-4663 Ask for Dan

that's the contact info.... he replied and said it was still available

Only questionable areas are how old it is & the condition of the silicone. I think the thread stated there was a double layer of silicone on one of the corners......

that is a awesome size though.....

dee99gt · « **Reply #59 on:** November 16, 2011, 23:43:58 »

Thank Viggen for doing that!!! I think I am going to pick it up.

HUNGER · « **Reply #60 on:** November 17, 2011, 08:17:13 »

cool

dee99gt · « **Reply #61 on:** November 17, 2011, 19:29:05 »

Well after attempting to find people to help move the tank, its not going to happen. I did however find a 155 gallon long with lights and stand for 350 that I am waiting to hear back from them and if so I will be picking it up this weekend.

Viggen · « **Reply #62 on:** November 17, 2011, 20:48:48 »

yea... that's the hardest thing with a glass tank... moving it

but it would be totally worth it if you can get it. Possibly the seller has some people up his way that can help? Then just snag a few local people to move it into your house. Borrowing a few suction cups would be a life saver.....

dee99gt · « **Reply #63 on:** November 20, 2011, 21:47:45 »

I finally decided on a tank. its a 220g 72"x24"x30" with stand. I'm really excited!! Picking it up Friday. Here is my question.. here is a few pics of my basement, does it look like it will be okay with floor jacks?

can you tell i'm paranoid about this...

Blazinreef · « **Reply #64 on:** November 20, 2011, 21:56:03 »

Solid trusses on about 18" centers with true hardwood floor. I would think you would be ok.

dee99gt · « **Reply #65 on:** November 20, 2011, 22:03:44 »

Do I really need all four floor jacks?

HUNGER · « **Reply #66 on:** November 20, 2011, 22:53:31 »

the floor looks good glad u found a tank if it was me yes i would do 4 to make sure but like said befor 2 will be fine

lazylivin · « **Reply #67 on:** November 21, 2011, 10:56:51 »

Is the tank going across the trusses or with them?

Boonjob · « **Reply #68 on:** November 21, 2011, 11:15:43 »

I see your floor beams are "scabbed" together, Is your main joist under that scabbing, can't see via the pictures.

slandis3 · « **Reply #69 on:** November 21, 2011, 11:38:17 »

Quote from: Boonjob on November 21, 2011, 11:15:43

I see your floor beams are "scabbed" together, Is your main joist under that scabbing, can't see via the pictures.

Looks like you joist are not continual from wall to wall. I would either to floor jacks or build a fish room under the tank and put your equipment in there. Build the walls with standard top and bottom plates to distribute the load evenly across the floor.

Boonjob · « **Reply #70 on:** November 21, 2011, 11:46:17 »

Yeah they most certainly aren't wall to wall... If your main support joist is under that scabbing and the tank runs across your floor beams and not with them, you should be able to get away with a pair of supports... If your main beam isnt under that scabing you will need a full set of supports or you could build a series of interior walls to share the load as slandis stated... only prob with this is you may still have settling and it would cost more than supports....

Hows the concrete under this section look?

dee99gt · « **Reply #71 on:** November 21, 2011, 11:48:37 »

The tank will be going perpendicular to the beams.

The concrete in the basement is fine.

Boonjob · « **Reply #72 on:** November 21, 2011, 11:52:33 »

are you able to snap some other pics of the support under the scabbing, I see there is some paneling infront of it hiding what if anything is supporting the scabbing.

dee99gt · « **Reply #73 on:** November 21, 2011, 11:57:54 »

What exactly is scabbing? Sorry for not knowing! I'll take more pics tonight. I think it's a concrete wall I believe.

Boonjob · « **Reply #74 on:** November 21, 2011, 12:10:50 »

If you look at your floor beams they aren't one solid run of wood... there are 2 boards there and they are overlayed and attached together at the ends to form one long run(this is a form of scabbing). One board comes from your exterior support wall and the other comes from the opposite exterior support wall where they meet in the middle they are bolted together(scabbed) to form one continual run. If there is a support under this scab it can help you greatly with the support of your tank... if there isn't it will hinder you greatly with the support of your tank....

If it is a concrete wall/support you may be able to get away with using only a pair of supports to hold up one side of the tank while the joist support(concrete wall) holds up the other. but more pics will help

dee99gt · « **Reply #75 on:** November 21, 2011, 12:16:41 »

I understand now. I'll get more pictures tonight.

Neogenesis · « **Reply #76 on:** November 21, 2011, 12:20:53 »

Why risk it, for the small amount of money the floor jacks cost, I would be safe and do all 4. The cost in jacks in minuscule in comparison to what it would cost to repair everything if the floor failed.

Boonjob · « **Reply #77 on:** November 21, 2011, 12:32:31 »

This is very true neo, and I agree... however if he wants to save a buck and the floor already has proper support in the subject area, then more floor supports wont add any more benefit than is already present.

Kenn · « **Reply #78 on:** November 21, 2011, 12:52:35 »

the joists are not scabbed

they are meeting on a bearing wall (which is common). that section actually has more structural support than anywhere in the span. Scabbing is where you join 2 pieces of lumber with a third piece.

I would refer you to my previous posts...

Quote

I thought I should throw my 2 cents in since this is what I do for a living

you only need 2 jacks ( which I highly recommend you do ).

Put the jacks under the joists at each end where you are placing the tank. Bridge the 2 joist with either a pair of 2x4's or a 4x4 and jack up just until snug, so you don't "raise" your floor. If you use 2x4's, place them "tall side" up so that the weight is being placed on the so called 4" side

each jack will support roughly 17000+ lbs (depends on type of jack).

Less cost, least amount of work and you can park a dump truck on it

(JK please dont park a dump truck on it to test this LOL)

Boonjob · « **Reply #79 on:** November 21, 2011, 13:24:35 »

It's a form of scabbing to me(which is why I put " " around it

, your defintion is correct and I wont disagree... Obviously this adjoinment is very common but I asked what the suppor under it was because I wasn't going to jump to conclusions and assume it was the way it is supposed to be, and just advise them to throw only 2 supports on it with little to no support under the adjoinement(as that may compromise the support). I have seen some very po-dunk operations in my short years and it would come as no surpise to me that someone would adjoin floor beams such as this with little to no support... so I wanted a better bigger picture before saying for sure...

As I stated before(and in agreement with kenn) if this is a properly supported sections whether concrete or main joist you should be just fine with 2 supports.

Kenn · « **Reply #80 on:** November 21, 2011, 16:38:28 »

Didn't mean to pick on ya or anything Cody LOL

I just try to get into the habit of making posts as accurate as possible ( I haven't got there yet but I'm still trying

). That way if someone else is looking at this post for info 2 years form now, they will get all the good info we provide.

Boonjob · « **Reply #81 on:** November 21, 2011, 16:54:51 »

Quote

Didn't mean to pick on ya or anything Cody LOL

You aren't bothering me none... Aside from me labeling it as "scabbed" by my own meaning; everything else is accurate, and still gets to the same point as you are making.

dee99gt · « **Reply #82 on:** November 21, 2011, 20:33:26 »

Here is some more pics.. Hope this helps..

Boonjob · « **Reply #83 on:** November 21, 2011, 23:43:02 »

Yep that will work just fine... if your tank is sitting right where you took the first pics then 2 supports will work just fine...

dee99gt · « **Reply #84 on:** November 21, 2011, 23:57:47 »

So do I need two more? The tank won't tilt forward will it?

Boonjob · « **Reply #85 on:** November 22, 2011, 00:16:38 »

You will need two more imo. Not sure how far away the tank will actually sit from the main support. Two under the tank as kenn described will work just fine...

Will the tank sit. Directly ontop of the support beam or does it sit infront/behind it.

dee99gt · « **Reply #86 on:** November 22, 2011, 00:26:40 »

It sit in front of the support beams.

Boonjob · « **Reply #87 on:** November 23, 2011, 13:14:51 »

I would go with 2 under the tank as decribed previously... kenn can maybe comment further as he does it for a living

Depending on how far away from the support beam it sits you may not even have to use one, but I dont know if I would skimp personally.

Boonjob · « **Reply #88 on:** November 23, 2011, 13:26:07 »

Quote

So do I need two more? The tank won't tilt forward will it?

I just realized my response to this could be taken wrong... I wasn't saying add two more for a total of 4 supports... rather I was saying a total of 2 supports will work just fine... The floor beams will keep the tank from leaning one direction or the other, the vertical supports are to help the floor beams from failing over time or sagging etc... just make sure your tank is nice and level, your 2 new vertical floor supports are aligned properly and you will be just fine! You also dont want to jack up the floor with the supports so only jack them up until they make contact with the floor beams.

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Author Topic: Help me decide! (Read 6983 times)