Help me plan my 215g

[Smokin_Cache]

So I seen pictures of Walter's 180 and I can't stand it.

I went and looked at tanks and have decided on a 215g.

It will be a planted Discus tank again.

I want around 50 Cardinals, 6 to 8 Discus, 1 pair of blue rams, a few o cats, at least 2 flounder. Hmmm

Anyone use Onyx sand? I loved the Eco but I want a light substrate this time.

Any suggestions on lighting, plants, fish, lights, filtration. I am shooting for a $5000 budget. I want all new stuff this time and plan to start buying around April of next year. Do you think it can be done within that budget? I will be looking for a very large used CO2 tank and suggestion for getting it into the tank.

[wvgdiscus]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

Jason come by some time I will show you how I am injecting my CO2. Its very simply but works great.

For the lighting go with T5's

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

Look into ADA Aquasoil for substrate....it's like magic with plants and will double as a softener for the discus.

Lighting...Metal Halide!!!!


Hey Walter, are you using a reactor? pvc pipe bomb looking thing to inject co2?

[wvgdiscus]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

Pvc pipe with bio balls. No bubbles using this.
I have the reactor but so far I like the pvc bomb better

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

I have read that it works better without the bio-balls or just as good without the build-up.

Mike used a skimmer for a ventruri type injection and after a few mods I think it's the baddest thing there is! Especially if you have room in the sump for it and I think it was an Odyssea brand so it couldn't have been expensive.

[wvgdiscus]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

EK I am the one who set it up for Mike. His has CO2 bubbles & only sprays in one side on the tank. I have returns on both sides being that it is a reef ready tank & gets better spread of the CO2.

[Mzungu]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

:clap: All right, you're back!

What do you mean by "light" substrate? Do you mean lighter in weight or in color? I've only seen Onyx sand in black.

I agree with Walter, T5 HOs.

All new stuff and a $5000 budget...how much of that will be going toward the tank and stand (and canopy if you plan on having one)?

Did you get rid of absolutely everything?

[Smokin_Cache]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

Yep I sold everything!! I am hoping that I might be able to talk some of those who got plants from me out of some trimmings. :wink:

I researched the "pipe bomb" for my last tank. I like it!

I think the $5000 will get the tank up and planted w/out fish. At least I am hoping that it will.

Walter how much flow are you putting through your sump on the 180?

I am getting a price for a custom drilled tank because I only want one very small overflow.

Right now I think the plan is to run a very small sump with super low flow. As low as I can get it and maintain health water in the sump. The only reason from the sump is to maintain the level of the main tank. I don't ever want to see the waterline.

Two canisters feeding a single "pipe bomb" with a full length spraybar. similar to my last return.

I have been looking at the ADA soils. I am going to try to make it to thier showroom soon, so I can see them in person.

Got to get up to Mike's soon too!! Hey Mike you gotta tank/stand maker in your pocket?

[wvgdiscus]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

I only have a mag 7 on mine. But I am thinking of using a mag12.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

I would go less then the mag12 and no spray bar for co2 injection.

I have a mag12 on my 125g cause I figured since the overflows can handle it why not? Its a trmendous amount of flow!

Also smokin, you should run one canister for the reactor/pipe bomb and the other for an in-line heater. Running two outputs into one is asking for something to give.

[wvgdiscus]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

If you do go with a canister filter use one for the ponds with a built in UV in it.

Also install a shutoff valve inline so you can throttle back the flow until it best suits your needs.

EK discus do like low flow tanks.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

I would go less then the mag12 and no spray bar for co2 injection.

I have a mag12 on my 125g cause I figured since the overflows can handle it why not? Its a trmendous amount of flow!

Also smokin, you should run one canister for the reactor/pipe bomb and the other for an in-line heater. Running two outputs into one is asking for something to give.

[supaflyz]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

I think for such a big tank metal halide would be the best way to go.  I have a 180 and the t5 wont do much.  Its low light but I think the metal halides penetrate much more effective.  Man $5000 bucks that crazy, but your a true fish hobbiest.  Hope to see some pics of your tank soon.

[wvgdiscus]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

Mike how many bulbs & what wattage are you T-5's?

[supaflyz]

Re: Help me plan my 215g

Mine is only like 54 watts per bulb.  Really low light for my tank.