View Full Version : My new tank build
Hi,
* *At least one of you ( Tuan! ) knows that , for some time, I have contemplated having a larger tank and at the same time building that tank into the garage with a viewing window *from the living room - therefore, both increasing tank size and saving floor space.
*Well - now the project has begun in earnest. Danny and Danny Sr have started the work and this is where we currently are:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Day2.JPG
The two pieces of wood are there to act as a mould for two concrete support towers which are currently waiting to set (The towers are about half the width of the holes you can see in the pics). On these towers, an RSJ will be laid across the full width you see and will support the wall when the hole is knocked out. If you look at the floor and the coving, you can see where my 6x2x2 used to stand - all stock is currently held in a smaller tank ( bit of a fit! ), out of picture.
*The tanks size is going to be the same as Tuans (7.5ftx4ftx2.5ft)... in fact, most things are going to be the same as Tuans http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
*More details to follow (and more pics).... I'll bore you all to death!
Last edited by jamesc at Jan. 07 2003,19:40
Ok .. help me out here guys!!.. where did I go wrong with the 'idiots' guide ?
try this
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Day2.JPG
I think the problem is when u ytped or pasted the url u left in a " at the end which confused it.
Alpha http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif
CoralCulture
07-01-03, 21:46
Nice one James, glad to see work has started.. I'll pop over soon and inspect the works http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
oh.. give Danny a poke from me and ask where my tank is http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Cheers,
Nick
Noooo.. don't do it... ah, its too late now! http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Its the year of the hole in the wall - except instead of taking cash out you shovel money in!
http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Hey there,
Not another monster tank in the making! http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif *I'm still waiting for my new tank so give Danny a poke from me too. It's due to arrive this month and it had better or else there'll be trouble.
I'm looking forward to seeing how your tank progresses so post away *http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Regards
Lisa
Last edited by Lisa Page at Jan. 08 2003,16:33
Lisa,
OK - I'll tell him. I think work is going well on your tank. Danny is due to bring over one of your doors to me, as I need to see the colour - I am hoping it will be what I want for the frame I have designed for this thing.
One thing,for sure, is that your tank will look great - apparently the guy doing the painting and lacquering is a perfectionist to the extreme (so much so that it may be difficult, emotionally, for him to give my frame the 'industrial' look I am looking for !! )
James.
James,
Oooh, exciting! I can't wait till it finally arrives http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
What's the 'industrial look' then? Sort of battered with paint peeling off!! http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Regards
Lisa
CoralCulture
08-01-03, 22:35
as long as it's not mine http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Progress report.
The 'hole' is now complete and the base has now been poured. Just need to wait until Monday and the wood can be stripped from the mould.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Day 5 - base has been poured.JPG
Lookin Good James http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Be sure and keep lots of updates comin this way
Brian. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Shockingly large hole you've got there http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Are you going to an access hatch from 'this' side on top of the tank? Either that or book in for some ops for 'enhancement surgery' to extend those arms! http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Ok - progress... the tank has now been built. Here is the first picture from inside the garage. If anyone can suggest why, when I try to download the second picture, I keep getting a connection problem (and only with that one picture), I'll download one from the front.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Tank from inside garage.JPG
Last edited by jamesc at Jan. 24 2003,14:08
Now where have I seen that before? http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Looks big doesn't it with the glass in - awesome! http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Tuan,
* Starfire/Optiwhite (call it what you like) sides and straps too *http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif *... they had some to spare it seems!
I was wondering who the Dannys are? do they build this type of system for a living
Harry
Harry - Danny is the guy who owns Watford Aquarium, so the answer is yes he does.
James.
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jamesc @ Jan. 24 2003,16:15)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Tuan,
* Starfire/Optiwhite (call it what you like) sides and straps too *http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif *... they had some to spare it seems![/b][/quote]
Oohh very nice!
Thought the sides looked a bit clear!
AHHHHHHHHHHh thought that was who it might be, nice to have some one come in and the job for you, dread to think how much £££££££££ though, the tanks look the biz, how are you finishing the wall in the lounge around the tank.
Harry
Harry - well, if the uploader was working for the pic I took from the lounge you'd get a good idea of the finish in there. Basically, I am having a frame made - one that is 'a bit different' as you shall see in the coming weeks.
very nice makes my 6 footer look like a sump http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
can't wait to see this and Tuans tank running and stocked.
The only problem is how will you drag visitors away from them??
oh and are you going to sell tickest to view these tanks
http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Managed to upload a picture from the front now:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/New tank - living room.JPG
Last edited by jamesc at Jan. 25 2003,11:49
Current progress - plumbing work will start soon. At the moment the time has been spent tidying the front ready for redecoration.....
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Newly plastered.JPG
Fantastic James.
Keep the updates comin, makes for fascinating reading.
Cheers
Brian. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
was wondering are you going to cover the back of the tank, so you cant see the garage through it?, painting would be a shame as the back view would be interesting, how about hanging a black curtain around the back.
H
Hi,
Originally I was going to paint it (I will paint the sides for sure). Cos of the size of it, it would be a good idea to be able to see from the back also, so either a curtain or a hang-on sheet of wood will be in order.
James.
Hey - is that a spare 902 I can see in that pic! http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Hey - is that a spare 902 I can see in that pic[/b][/quote]
Yeh i'm swapping it for a seaclone http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Coming along nicely james, love the window view http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Make a nice living picture.
Si
bunglehaze
02-02-03, 20:02
God if only i didnt live in a terraced house! the mrs letting me have one of those would be a fine thing too , for some reason she really doesn't like the idea of a huuuge hole in the wall linking the garage or otherwise. I keep telling her that we could always put a window in and it would be functonal - not that it worked.
looks stunning - i can only dream, any chance of p/m'ing me an idea of cost breakdowns for the project?? it may make it easier to convince her if I save up for the next 5 years until we move.
cheers
leigh http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Hi James,
It's looking really good, dead jealous. And all that space in your lounge, dead quiet too. Superb...
http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Progress report.
The piping for the 2 closed loops is now complete. There are currently 14 outlets into the tank and there will be another 2 for the return pumps. The closed loop pumps are Sequence 1000s and the return is a Sequence 750.
... tomorrow I shall fill the tank and run the pumps to clear all the crud from the system.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Pipework 1.JPG
Last edited by jamesc at Feb. 07 2003,20:41
Wow - look at all those pipes! That was done after how many beers ? I mean coffees!
Last edited by tuan at Feb. 07 2003,21:29
5061litres
08-02-03, 11:29
Hi all,
I think i speak for everyone when i say
' IT'S NOT FAIR!' http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif I want one.
When we move (which will be in a few months) i'm going to have a tank a little bigger( 8x5x3) hopefully. Will be in the same context as urs (hole in the wall in garage) http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif . I shall then be content with my life.
Good luck. more pics please asap.
tony http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif
hi james you dont do things by halve m8 do you http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif looking very impressive http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
James,
Well? Is it filled now?? Give us all the lastest details *http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Regards
Lisa
P.S. Empty your PM box please http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif
Lisa,
It's filled with tap water at the moment.. all the pumps now running and just awaiting the boiler/heat exchanger to be installed, then it will be filled with RO.
Looking like beginning of March for everything to be done and it to 'go live'
James
Lisa,
Sorry - PM box now emptied.
James.
5061litres
03-03-03, 11:02
James,
Any updates?
need to know wots goin on now. Last we heard it was filled with tap water! Is it runnnin proper yet?
tony B)
Sorry about the lack of updates - been a bit busy recently.
Anyway - plumbing is now complete and the heat exchanger is done too. It's filling with RO as we speak which should be completed by tomorrow. I'll get it connected to the IKS after that and get the heater going and tuned.... after that it will be all systems go!
James
Rubberjones
09-03-03, 19:47
Anymore up dates james??
Can't wait to see whats going on m8 :)
After losing some time on the tank through other things, I've finally managed to make some progress........
Tank has been full of RO for a week now and today I switched the IKS from the temp setup over to this one in order to start heating. As some of you know, I have a heat exchanger as the cost and speed of heating such a tank using aquarium heaters is prohibitive.
Anyway, here are some temperatures and times to show you just what a great piece of kit this thing is:
Start ..... 10.4 (15:34)
16.3 (16:37)
20.7 (17:27)
25.3 (18:24)
It's now around the 26 degrees I have the IKS programmed to. The volume is approx 630 gallons.
James.
gee, another who's ya daddy tank !!!!
tuan, look at that, or is that tuans ???? LOL
looks just like mine, but mines on a macro scale he-he !!!
any more piccies
cheers
lee
:D :D :D :D
Now I've recharged the camera , I'll post some more pics:
1) Sequence 750 (one of the closed loop pumps)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Sequence pump.JPG
2) Skimmer (Deltec 902) and stuff... you can see the heat exchanger at the back
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Skimmer etc..JPG
3) The frame (built by Danny, to my specs... including bolts more used for holding bridges up!)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Frame.JPG
James.
Garry thomas
16-03-03, 14:28
James well........WOW..........truly awesome, unless i've missed um earlier. What are the dimensions? I like your plumbing m8, it's stunning very pleased for you. :wub:
James, that frame is nice! I like!
There's a sense of deja vu somewhere too... can't quite put my fingers on it! :lol:
What sort of backup system do you have on the heat exchangers? Double-up on the switching solenoids and control gear? Or secondary system to control flow through the heat exchanger?
Simon,
That is a very good question. Fact is, should the valve remain open the aquarium water will reach a very high temperature indeed because the heat source(boiler) cannot be limited to, say, < 30 degrees.
As such, I will program the IKS to turn off the return flow to stop water flowing through the heat exchanger when the temp reaches a defined amount (I'll need to wait to determine what that will be). As far as the heating itself failing, then I'll just have a bank of backup heaters.
James.
craigandsimon
16-03-03, 20:06
wow - awesome - wow - awesome - wow - awesome - wow.
do i need to say anymore - keep us posted - dead jealous.
si
Hi James,
I always have two main things I try to prevent. Tank overheating and no circulation. IMO most of the other failures a tank can survive for longer periods.
Maybe something like an Algarde Digi Thermostat or 2nd IKS (I like using a second system for mission critical) could shut off the pump to the heat exchanger and halides in case of temperature rising too high. Overheating is one area I have put alot of time into triing to prevent on my system.
Simon,
Yes - It's a concern for me too. Good point about the backup IKS too, they are not that expensive all told, considering the reliance we have on them. As far as circulation is concerned then the main tank will still have the closed loops running, so no real worries there. I'm kind of looking at the worse case scenario being 12hrs with me not being there, so I will plan with that in mind.
Of course, if I lose power to the IKS, the valve will close so it will not heat.
James.
A 2nd IKS is one of the few things left on my to get list. I have spares of most other bits of equipment suchas bulbs and ballasts, so a 2nd IKS would allow me to swap that out incase of any problems where it needed to go back to the supplier (in over 2 years so far I haven't had any problems). I have wired my MH lights via an Algarde Digi Therm that I had laying around acting as a shut off if the temperature rises too high, I then connected this to a 10hr on delay timer so the lights are killed until the next day. My heater is set a few degrees higher than the IKS (although my chiller should also be able to deal with a stuck heater if both systems fail). My pumps are run from seperate circuits (not RCDd) and the main return pump is UPSd so that shouldn't cause problems in the short term. I have a Honda generator in the garage to hopefully cover other electrical outage possibilities.
When I set out with my new tank I wanted to run a single tank with the same organisms for 5-10years. I soon realised looking around that equipment failures were the biggest disaster so set about ways of trying to reduce that risk. I'm hopeful that I am getting somewhere close to reducing the probabilities of that happening.
Simon,
Well - this is my final tank, in this house at least. It's funny how we spend all this money on tanks and livestock and yet very little on 'Insurance'. If I lost this tank, it'd be impossible for me to restart.... that is how I am going to look at it - so, therefore, I'm going to try to cover every base.
James.
Now the uploader is working again I can post the latest pic.
The tank is now up and running live.. the changeover went as smoothly as I could have hoped. The decorators have been and gone now and I'll take another snap of the tank (post decoration) when the brown algae bloom had cleared :o
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/First_tank_piccy.JPG
That is going to be a stunning display. I like the border around it too.
simon garratt
14-04-03, 01:15
James......
All i can say m8, is stunning.........a true work of art. :)
How about some closer pics once things have settled?. :)
Regards
Si.
darrylmcerlean
14-04-03, 22:13
A tank like that fades mine into insignificance.... but hey I'd rather have my running costs :P
Looks absolutely stunning.. hope mine turns out to be a small slice off yours........ At least the height is the same ( well its a start !!)
Regards Darryl
Garry thomas
17-04-03, 09:12
Truly stunning, i wish i could have had a seperate room for the gear ect. AAHHHhhhh when i get the lottery i'll get a bigger one :D
Thanks Guys... I must admit , it has all turned out as I would have hoped (despite the upheaval of having a large hole knocked in the living room wall during the winter!). I've cleaned the front of the tank now, so have taken one last piccy under this 'project' (next time I post it'll be of corals and fish)... sorry about the quality, we can't all be of the standard of DLC now can we ?? :P
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DecDone.JPG
James,
Nice pic, lol! ;)
Looks superb, I particularly like the colour of the frame :P
Regards
Lisa
that is going to be one nice tank.
bet all the missus wants is the decorating finished.
if she`s anything like mine anyway.
cheers shaun
DemLotCrew
01-05-03, 11:48
where did you steal those bolts from ??? ;)
5061litres
08-06-03, 21:12
any more pics of this taK YET JAMES????
I'll post some more up to date pictures just as soon as my camera arrives back from the repairers.
James.
Hi James,
Any updates for us? Got the camera back?
Mark.
Hi,
Sorry I'm a bit late - just seen this reply. I posted a picture in the photograpgy forum a few weeks ago. I keep meaning to set some time aside to get some decent snaps on the board..... must try harder.
James.
Hi,
Managed to get my camera back (again!) this morning.
Broken it twice now :)
Here is a quick snap this morning - bear in mind the tank is mainly grown from frags. I will add a few large colonies into the gaps sometime soon.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/tankleft.jpg
I've taken a few pictures for growth comparisons too.. I'll post them later.
James.
Wow - look at all those frags! A few months from now it's gonna be an amazing jungle!
I have problems taking pics of my tank at this stage - tank too deep to take close up of frags, frags too small to even show in full tank shots... nevermind, at least you can watch them grow and enjoy!
James, it's about time we saw more pics of your puddle I think. ;) ;) :D
Ok,
Just for Preds ;)
:wub:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Middle_Nov_12.JPG
:wub: :wub:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/LMiddle_Nov_12.JPG
:wub: :wub: :wub:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Left_Nov_12.JPG
James.
james looks amazing...could you do me a big favour and post some close ups of your closed loops...especially where the piping enters the tank...thanks in advance...Nic :D
:wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub:
What more can I say
Dan
Looking very nice James. Got some real potential there.
Some more:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Whole_tank_1.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Whole_tank_2.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Whole_tank_3.JPG
James.
CoralCulture
13-11-03, 15:04
should be titled "welcome to acro city" ;)
these pics really dont do James's tank justice, its amazing in real life. Good work James :)
Nick,
these pics really dont do James's tank justice, its amazing in real life.
You trying to say my picture taking skills leave alot to be desired ? :P
James.
"Acro city" - good name! Looking gorgeous James.
:wub:
wow its just fantastic !!! :wub: :wub: :wub:
Some fish this time:-
Naso:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Naso_Nov.JPG
Emperor:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Emperor_2_Nov.JPG
..and several others:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/ReefScene_1_Nov.JPG
James.
Great tank. Coming along nicely mate ;)
Mark.
craigandsimon
16-11-03, 23:24
lookin fantastic m8 - very jealous :wub:
Jamesc,
Your display is awsome B) up there with the best :D
looks great now james, very natural scaping.
ant
Very Nice James.
Keep us updated and the pics comin :)
Brian.
Any more pics James?
Which Anthias sp are you keeping - any close up pics of them?
How many have you got now?
James thats amazing... looks great :)
Very nice indeed.
I do have some requests for some photos:
1. I pic of the front with the wall painted etc.
2. Some more pics of the plumbing etc of the rear.
And a question. Now that you have a tank made of starfire glass, does it make a difference, would you pay the extra again?
I am planing a bigger tank one day soon, so just getting a few things sorted.
Thanks
Pies
james any chance of a visit to see the tank few ppl round frags etc??? :lol: :D
Wheres the envy smilie ?
;)
Looks fabulous and a credit to you
Richard D
Guys,
Thanks for the comments and sorry I did not reply earlier (been a bit busy recently so have not been on the board for a while)
Tuan - I have 4 Lyretails (1 Male, 3 Females) and 3 Pink Squares (1 M , 2 F)..... keep meaning to get some more so will have to pay a visit to a marine outlet sometime soon!
Pies - LOL! The last pictures of the tank you can see *IS* with the wall painted ! (I went for a neutral colour). There are some pics of the plumbing in the earlier pages of the thread. As for starfire, it's hard to tell if it is better than without as I have not seen a tank this size without it in the flesh...so I'll pass on that Q.
Narthur - Cos of work commitments and my sheer laziness when it comes to weekends, I have really not thought of inviting people freely but I will try to arrange something with the other Aylesbury guys soon and have an open day sort of thang. Frags will be available in the coming months.. anyone wanting frags of the Montis can just drop me a line and pop by - they are getting to be rather large now!
James.
Hi,
Took a couple more pictures today:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Tank_Jan_2004_1.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Tank_Jan_2004_2.JPG
James.
Wow - that Monti is huge! Looks like you're pretty much packed solid in there too eh?
Tuan,
Yes - it is a monster. To give you an idea how big, if you touch fingers and then try to form a circle with your arms extended in front of you.....it's about that big ;)
I'll get a measuring tape on it one of these days.
As far as additional corals are concerned, there is always room for a decent frag or two!!
James.
CoralCulture
19-01-04, 09:45
James, I was wondering if I could use your tank as a trial for my new coral cutters? what do you think ;) :lol:
Nice one, look forward to seeing it in real life real soon.
Nick
that is awesome,my first visit to ultimate reef and im greeted by a stunning setup :D
ive just finished my 5x2 and thought it looked good,not so sure now :wacko:
anyway,keep up with the pics :D
chris
craigandsimon
17-02-04, 13:51
:wub: james, looks wicked m8 :wub:
Any new pics?? how's the tank looking?? N :)
Hi,
Great looking tank, I am also in progress of doing almost the same thing. Ecept that my tank is 6x2.5x2.5 and is drill on 1 of the short ends. My idea is to have the tank veiwed from 3 sides and the filteration and sump can sit in the garage. I intened to use it as a room divder.
As you are puting you tank almost in the garage do think that the heaters will keep up with our random changes in the weather? If yes what heaters are you going to be using.
I am new to all this, so looking for help
Cheers and good luck
Ram
Originally posted by Rambo@Apr 26 2004, 23:11
As you are puting you tank almost in the garage do think that the heaters will keep up with our random changes in the weather? If yes what heaters are you going to be using.
Hi Ram,
I moved my sump to garage last october (7 meters away) be wary of insulation, I have to improve mine before next winter as I have 3x300w heaters in a 140gallon system and they are on for upto 16 hours a day during winter !! costing me almost 60 quid a quarter to run the heaters !
do a search of "garage sump" and you will see my setup.
Originally posted by simonm@Apr 29 2004, 09:50
I have 3x300w heaters in a 140gallon system and they are on for upto 16 hours a day during winter !! costing me almost 60 quid a quarter to run the heaters !
WOW that can't be good :thumbsup:
pretty much what the mrs said, except a little more coloufully !
any updates James ? would love to see how its matured.
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