~|~ Night-rida's New 55g reef tank #2 Build ~|~

Well I just started building a new wood canopy to house my 2x175w MH bulbs and 2x54w t5 actinics. I plan on using 2-4 cooling fans in this new canopy to combat heat from mh's. I did make this hood taller than my other one just because of that.

Here's what I got so far:
Wood Canopy - under construction (needs paint,handles)
3" 12v Cooling Fan
2x175w hamilton True 10k mogul bulbs
2x reef optix 2 reflectors with sockets - ordered
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need to get list:
1-3 coolings fans
2x54w T5 retro kit w/ bulbs
2 10g sump & fuge
overflow box with hose
return pump
skimmer
2x175w mh ballasts
50# sand
50-100# LR or base
60g Saltwater
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once I get most of those i'll start cycling tank. stay tuned

 

Gonna look bad A when you get it rollin fully man!

 

can't wait to see it but I think your cichlid wants some light

 

Thanks guys, I hope to have at least sand/saltwater/mh ballasts w/ reflectors installed within the next 2 weeks so I can get the cycling going. Its going to take a while to get everything all together, but I've got the time. and these lights should kick some serious par for sps/clams in this new tank. I probly just keep the my other tank mostly LPS and softies.

and I just noticed my "2000"th post!!!

 

ok update: got the canopy done! also finally found a new 350g home for my red devil. he will be gone tomorrow. but since he needs more room than I have in my 55g. So I will be draining water and removing gravel too. will get some sand and add saltwater to get my cycle going on this tank. I'll seed it as well from my other tank (live sand,lr rumble,10% water, bioballs in filter) .. I think the canopy came out well, what do you guys think? fyi: it cost me $40 bucks in materials.

 

It turned out great! nice, a twin 55 reef build ?

 

Canopy looks great. Are you going to drill the overflow or go over the side?

 

sweet man! that is a very nice looking canopy! looks like you made quick time on it too

 

yup both will be reefs. I may just do mostly sps corals in the new tank since I'll have MH/t5s in it. and existing probly lps/softies since its only pc/t5s.

just go over the side with a overflow box. 300gph box isnt very big so it doesnt take up much room in a 55g.

yea I actually like the new canopy more than the shorter one. I should have about 9-10" of air space between mh bulb and waterline. I'll get the reflectors in next week and get them installed to see what Im working with.

 

Looking good, there dude! Did you built both of them? They look about the same.

Would like to know if you painted it inside as well, and what type of paint/finish did you choose for it.