210g "Things with Stings" Tank

Oh, and that's an outside wall I want the conduit to run down.

 

Yeah thats a little tricky. Depending on how the joists run in the roof you might be sol anyway... and since the tank is filled and in place I wonder who would be willing to try and pull conduit and wires along that route. You also have to consider that getting the conduit from the ceiling into the exterior wall it going to be a pain.

I know its not what you want to do but you could paint some flexiduct cord protectors and mount them on the ceiling and wall to run the lines. It's not perfect but you could be looking at over a grand to get it done the way you want.
Flexiduct - Wire and Cable Management System

 

I was actually thinking the wire wouldn't run from the ceiling to the inside of the wall, but pop out of the ceiling and then back in through the wall..... but I just thought of another way. Lemme check into it.

I can't really cover the cords with that type of system because what would I do with it once it went down the wall and met the tank?

 

I would imagine draining your tank and moving it temporarily a few feet out would save a couple hundred dollars on the work and quote.

 

That would be impossible.

This is what I mean about "where would the cords go". The ballast thingies are inside the stand How would I get the wire from that part of the wall/tank where the blue line ends to under the stand.



But here's a plan.

Cut a rectangle out of the ceiling. Add the wood to the joists and whatever to to hang the lights. From there we'll put in something to run wires through whenever we want. Seal it up with wood, so it hangs decoratively. Maybe stain it like the stand trim. That will conceal and bring the wire to the wall. Pop it out through the wall at the ceiling level and in trough the wall so it goes under the stand. There are power sources within the stand.

 

Like this kind of idea.... ignore the fact that this is a light.

 

Ok, so the Issues with area "A" are that most guys want to secure the conduit to the stud, which would require them to cut away the drywall between those studs, which just isn't possible with the tank there. Now you can get sneaky if you are lucky with the stud placement, and whether the insulation and wiring are not getting in the way, but with the window there I would think there is odd blocking issues as well. You probably have stucko siding right? so that kinda goes in your favor.

Area "B" is an issue as well. If your joists run parallel (doubtful) to that exterior wall thats alot of drilling in the ceiling joists, but where the ceiling meets the wall there will be alot of cutting and cursing to fix together the conduit. Also that means cutting the drywall between joins and patching. The can cover you tank, but like you said there is always the danger of a tool or toolman falling and I know how long it took to cycle lol.

One thing to start with is set a budget for what you are willing to spend. If everything goes smoothly I think you are still looking at a pricey job, and I think it can get complicated FAST.

 

I totally get what you are going for Renee as I did this in my sunroom. New work is way easier than trying to modify an existing setting.

 

I can slide my 125g with 50% water and all the rock sand and sump with me and a Japaneese dude. I think if you had a rubbermaid it would take maybe an hour a 4 people to get it moved out 3 feet temporaily so you can get to the wall, do the cutting, and have Zero holes you can see.

 

How long are the cords? And your picture didnt post