Gazo's 150G in wall build (new pics 10-27-12)

I had a 75 gal reef tank about a year and half ago it wasn't the best setup and took alot of work to maintain and sold everything when my wife started nursing school. Now she is nurse and its time to start over. I am starting a basement remodel and decided to put a 125 gal. in the wall. It will be a couple of months before I am even ready to start the tank build but wanted to start my research now. Looking for ideas what I may want to do,the goal is to make this as maintaince free as I can since work sends me out of town alot 4-5 days a week . I am planning to pull a dedicated curcuit for the tank and run plumbing line to the tank for a RO/DI and have a auto top off of some sort. I dont know that much about equitment so any advice is helpfull.

The picture is where I plan on putting the tank. there is a storage room behind the wall about 10'x8' so I will not be limited on space. I plan on moving the door on the right to the next room so there will be a solid wall. If there is any suggestions or ideas that I may want to do while my basement is opened up is appreciated. I am on a limited budget for this project so ideas to keep cost down with DIY projects.

Lighting is one thing I am having problems with I don't want to be restricted the corals I can stock do to lack of lighting Had VHO lighting before and wasnt happy with.

What kind of filtration suggested with no space issue's in room behind the tank.

I know with the help of everyone here I can have the tank I always wanted.
Thanks

 

For lighting, LEDS seem to be the bees knees these days. Filtration, look into building a sump/refugium.

 

LED's are so expensive even if you DIY it might still be an option but looking for all options if I go MH what size would I go how many what style recomended I dont have a LFS here unless you call Petco a LFS. Thats why I turnning to you guys. MY LFS is hour 15 min. away.

 

2x 250w MH would be enough for basically anything. THe long drive is worth it for quality fish. Avoid petco livestock.

 

Yea I already learned my lesson with Petco and dont shop there much.
Is there any other lights I may want add with the MH or is there a combination light thats better. Like moonlighting?

 

Many fixtures have a built in two bulb t5 fixture for accent lighting. And some come with led moon lights.

 

Me personally, if this is a 6' long 125, i would go with 2 400 mh. They would cover the length a tad better than the 250. They would need a little higher mounting point, but that would be the best. Also 2 large T5's would accent it fine

 

Just a thought, I have a 125 gal RR with about 175 lbs of rocks. Because of this my tank looks "tight". It may be better to see if you can get a 150 or 180 just for the extra depth. For filtration, I use a 55 gal sump/refuge that is underneath the tank..

best of luck, I will be following this thread..Hope you show lots of pictures

-Shrek

 

Yes! The 150s have the best deminsion IMO.

 

This is why I am starting slow and nothing is set in stone if a 150 gal. is a better then I am all for going with a 150.Dont know if I would go much bigger unless the equitment needed for a 150 or 180 is the same as for as priceing goes I know by jumping just a few gallons can increase the price $100 in some equitment. Is there a good site to check out for a acrylic tank. I will check my LFS price but thinking ordering online is going to get me the best price