kyleinpdx
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2016
- Messages
- 679
- Reaction score
- 669
- Location
- PNW
- What state or country do you live in
- Oregon
So I've been searching for a new AIO to replace my overloaded 8 gallon, and I haven't found anything that I like. The IM fusion 10 is too small, I'm not really feeling the peninsula 14 or 20. Ideally I'd like a cube, and I would have to buy a 2nd A80 for the IM20 (have one on the 8). The lagoon 25 is pretty sexy but I'd like some more height than they offer. I was really excited about the cobalt c-view line, the 18g seemed like a good candidate but with no clear release date I don't want to be waiting around forever. Looked into the cadlights 18g but was turned off by some of the recent comments about them.
I thought I may have to have the glass cut and DIY what I'm envisioning, but a few folks I've talked to have suggested having one built. I contacted oceans by design/crystal reef, well known here in the PNW for building custom tanks and AIO's. Spoke with a very nice gent today about what I'm thinking, but I wanted to run things by everyone here as well so I don't make any mistakes.
My current tanks display is 12x12x9 with the rear chamber its 12x12x12. I've got an A80 (with controller) about 5 inches above the water line, at its most intense its running at 20% and everyone seems to be doing great so I'm confident I could push it much more. I'd like something with more space, but not too large. We are somewhat passively looking to buy a new house, if the right home comes along we're in a position to jump on it, so I may be moving a tank in a few months or 12-18. Ideally I'd like to avoid having to purchase another light so my thoughts are to increase the output and raise it a bit to cover the additional real estate. So with all that said, here is what I'm thinking:
18x18x18 display, front and sides in low iron glass, with total dimensions of 18x18x24? (waiting on clarification/rendering with the final dims) to allow a wide range of equipment. I'm planning on running a 3 stage rear chamber with a skimmer in the 1st, media basket in the 2nd, heater and return in the third. 1 over flow and 1 return. I've been using a finnex external fuge for a while and plan on rigging up something similar or getting a CPR so I'm not worried about using one of the rear chambers as a refugium. I've got a couple cats so a top will be necessary as well. How does that all sound so far?
Those of you who have had custom tanks built, any suggestions, things to look out for, advice? In your opinion what do you feel is a fair price for the above? I'm waiting on a rendering and estimate but I'd love to get some feedback. Thanks!
I thought I may have to have the glass cut and DIY what I'm envisioning, but a few folks I've talked to have suggested having one built. I contacted oceans by design/crystal reef, well known here in the PNW for building custom tanks and AIO's. Spoke with a very nice gent today about what I'm thinking, but I wanted to run things by everyone here as well so I don't make any mistakes.
My current tanks display is 12x12x9 with the rear chamber its 12x12x12. I've got an A80 (with controller) about 5 inches above the water line, at its most intense its running at 20% and everyone seems to be doing great so I'm confident I could push it much more. I'd like something with more space, but not too large. We are somewhat passively looking to buy a new house, if the right home comes along we're in a position to jump on it, so I may be moving a tank in a few months or 12-18. Ideally I'd like to avoid having to purchase another light so my thoughts are to increase the output and raise it a bit to cover the additional real estate. So with all that said, here is what I'm thinking:
18x18x18 display, front and sides in low iron glass, with total dimensions of 18x18x24? (waiting on clarification/rendering with the final dims) to allow a wide range of equipment. I'm planning on running a 3 stage rear chamber with a skimmer in the 1st, media basket in the 2nd, heater and return in the third. 1 over flow and 1 return. I've been using a finnex external fuge for a while and plan on rigging up something similar or getting a CPR so I'm not worried about using one of the rear chambers as a refugium. I've got a couple cats so a top will be necessary as well. How does that all sound so far?
Those of you who have had custom tanks built, any suggestions, things to look out for, advice? In your opinion what do you feel is a fair price for the above? I'm waiting on a rendering and estimate but I'd love to get some feedback. Thanks!
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