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

I have the 150 Gallon 4 ft tank. I have 2x 250 metal halides and 4 x 65 watt power compacts. I can grow anything. the original fixture would have probably worked as well. They normally say 5 watts per gallon so that original fixture would have been about 600+ watts total so it would have worked.

 

I was going to use the lights I had but with this other system that I am buying I just got lucky that they have a better lighting. now I just get to sell the other lights to get my money back I bought the first setup because the price was right and I wanted at least a 150g tank then this other system is a 125g and that has a sump I need and a good stock to get started I just going sell the extra stuff I have and should come out with a small investment after everything sells. I will have 2 stands for sell a dual corner 125g then misc. items and a descent light. should only be out about $1,000 bucks when I am done. maybe that money can go toward more stock when things settle and is up and running with no problems

 

What to do with Glass-hole 3000 overflow kit.

I just recieved my 3000 overflow kit from glass-hole.com and have 2 - 3/4 in return flow kits I need some help figuring out the best location for these things I was thinking putting the overflow box in the back center but have no idea where to put the return at if the sides or back would be better if anyone can help that would be awesome either ideas or if you installed this before how you liked your location or if there is something you wish you did different thanks again for all your help.

I only have 2 more weeks before I pick up the other tank I will need ideas for the best way to transport everything the tank is 1hr and a half away.

Oh yea how deep should I do my sand bed the tank I have now came with about 100lbs of black sand which is not live anymore its dried out and the tank I am picking up has white sand that is barely up to the bottom frame. should I combine the two? I was thinking of putting the black sand on the bottom layer to make it a deeper bed.

 

Mines off center to the left. As i didnt want it right below the center brace on my 75. My returns are on the corners roughly an inch in and inch down.

Make sure you dont line up the bottom of the teeth, with the rim of the tank, the waters going to rise up a bit before trickling into the box. roughly 1/4"

The sand idea seems like itll be fine, but the two may mix over time which will be almost impossible to reverse. if you like the black sand then fine, otherwise i would personally go all white.

I think some styrofoam coolers for livestock and some water, and a truck for the hauling. Bring lots of straps, and drive like a newborn is riding shotgun with you... very carefully.

 

Oh and your returns should be relatively close to the surface, hence why i went about an inch, inch 1/2 down. When and if your return pump is off, gravity will take the water thru the returns and that will continue till all the water is drained and the mouth of the nozzle is exposed. So keep in mind that if you dont have much room in your sump for back wash, to set those close to the surface.

also it adds agitation to the water which is always a good thing. not that your overflow wont agitate some water... lol make sure your gaskets are on flat, no debris in the way.

 

Thanks for your help I forgot about the center brace I should of maybe gone with 2 1500 instead I got a large brace thats 16" only 2" smaller than the overflow box how far off center can you go or does it really matter that much as long as you have your returns moving the surface toward the overflow box so there is no dead spots and how do you go about making sure this is done correct only get one chance to get this right.

 

A little update finally got the room mudded and textured the tank is drilled and resealed the inside seals of the tank as soon as I get help lifting the tank back on the stand I will remove the center brace and have it cut into thirds and put them back in not to interfere with overflow box I will put a smaller piece back in the center and put the other two just past the box then I will make a removable surround out of acrylic so I can see into the tank for maintance and misc. I will do pics as I go to see if this idea works or not. I am cutting it close, picking up the stocked 125g tank this saturday.

 

got the brace removed cut into thirds and reinstalled. now I have easier access to the overflow box. Now thats done once the caulking is dried I can get the surround done for the tank. Its looking good got the sides done and works great. I will post some pics as soon as I get time have to go to work and do a double so hope to finish everything up tomorrow.

 

I made a pvc rack for my live rock to set on is it bad to drill your live rock to attach it to the rack?

 

Well tomorrow is the day I go get the other tank with live stock I was wondering if I need to let the tank settle a little before adding the coral and fish I am assuming its going to get pretty cloudy putting everthing together but at the same time the I got about a 2 hr drive once everthing is loaded how long can everying last before I have to worry?