View Full Version : Visit To Alans
Valley Boy
22-11-05, 22:49
Looking length ways down the 17 foot length!!!
Popped over to see the BIG one---- ;) ---sorry about the quality---Alan has better shots i am sure-- B)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/length.JPG
Huge leather
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/leath1.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/fl.JPG
Right side
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/rsde.JPG
Simply awesome!! Needs to stick a few more frags on that wreck though!
John
i will probably regret saying this but it does nothing for me i know its hugh but................
just not for me
and as for more frags on the gallion.... well IMO would be better covered in rock
JMO
Regards Steve
RichardinSouthampton
22-11-05, 23:59
Has Alan still got the other tanks in the system room?
I.e has tang tank :wacko: remebering back to privious post any pics of those?
Again where are those fishes hiding.
Anyway i cant talk to much mines not set up yet. :P
Cheers for the pic valley boy nice to see how things progress!
Rich
:thumbsup:
I see that shipwreck and I want to cry. This could be one of the best tanks in the country, instead it is nice but a bit naff. I know how much work went into the build and it is a shame not to exploit the tank's full potential. I appreciate a lot of people will disagree and I have no wish to upset anyone but these are just my opinions.
Originally posted by pavlo@Nov 23 2005, 00:25
I see that shipwreck and I want to cry. This could be one of the best tanks in the country, instead it is nice but a bit naff. I know how much work went into the build and it is a shame not to exploit the tank's full potential. I appreciate a lot of people will disagree and I have no wish to upset anyone but these are just my opinions.
Totally agree.
Remember reading the thread and thinking wow this is going to be superb and then the wreck got put in.
Again only my opinion and I don't want to offend anyone but for me it ruins the whole thing and gives what could be a superb tank a comedy feel to it.
got a bit of a bubble algae problem :ph34r:
its true what they say, size isnt important
urmm well urr at least your getting some nice softies in there now ;)
Lucky Eddie
23-11-05, 08:31
Sorry, just one BIG criticism...........
Isn't the sofa facing the WRONG way ???????????????? :D
Originally posted by Lucky Eddie@Nov 23 2005, 08:31
Sorry, just one BIG criticism...........
Isn't the sofa facing the WRONG way ???????????????? :D
that boat is hideous.
always interesting when a build starts along the lines of VAST tank, HUGE lighting, LOADS of money and people are saying "wow, tank of the month in the making" before the RO's plumbed in.
I have come from the planted tank world and the Takashi Amano style where its highly artistic. Theres more to a great tank than money and size.
However, as long as the guy who's house it is loves it thats all that really matters.
T
simon garratt
23-11-05, 10:16
I think its fair to say that what people forget is that it takes a hell of a long time for a tank this size to settle down and start to flourish. so give it time. Even big tanks can go through algae phases depending on what came in on the rock to start with and it can take a hell of a long time to clear that kind of water volume of the initial algal nutrients we all encounter from the off (taking into consideration as well the small LR to volume ratio.
That being said, that gallion still looks to me like fluffy dice on the mirror of a lambourgini....... :blush: but hey, each to thier own....... :) .
regards
Si.
PS. lets keep it polite folks. and if your gonna critisise, you damn well better be willing to put your own tank up for scrutinisation. ;)
I had a homer simpson air freshner in my TVR so i will now shut up ;)
simon garratt
23-11-05, 10:22
Sad, very very sad.............. :lol:
I agree - without wanting to upset the owner the Galleon just spoils what could be a great tank
Agree on the Valonia, and possibly looks like a flatworm problem as well on those rocks
Where is all the water circulation come from? I cannot see any streams, or outlets from closed loops at all? (I suppose it could be coming out of Cannon's from the Galleon?)
Is it also 17ft long ? it must go back into the wall somehow ?
But, once matured, could be a great tank - and I do appreciate how much ££, but more importantly time and effort goes into setting up and running this - so all credit to the owner on that one
Phil
Originally posted by Tiggsy@Nov 23 2005, 10:19
I had a homer simpson air freshner in my TVR so i will now shut up ;)
hahaha :D
Valley Boy
23-11-05, 10:32
Originally posted by simon garratt@Nov 23 2005, 10:16
I think its fair to say that what people forget is that it takes a hell of a long time for a tank this size to settle down and start to flourish. so give it time. Even big tanks can go through algae phases depending on what came in on the rock to start with and it can take a hell of a long time to clear that kind of water volume of the initial algal nutrients we all encounter from the off (taking into consideration as well the small LR to volume ratio.
Spot on Simon!----------this system is still going through its stages,---remember there are 2 other large tanks plus 2 Refugiums connected to the system, pl;us sump!
The one is 11' x 3' x 3' Fish only (Sweet Lips, Grouper, Large Bat,.Lionfish etc)
There are fish in the main tank( about 50 ), but Alan is taking the stocking slow in the main tank as he has the Large fish tank also.
As far as the ship is concerned, for those that have read his thread the answer is in there.!---- ;)
I'd love a bigger tank (although maybe not quite that big :blink: ), trouble is I had to ride months of grief from the missus about my 4x2x2, so I don't think I would get away with anything bigger. Although to be honest a nice 96x30x30 would probably cost less each months than the missus does :lol: :lol:
just my opinion but i would have a swap around! the 11ft would make a great reef tank and i would make the 17ft tank the fish only! you could have some major fish in there then and it would look more full! :thumbsup: Nick
imo the boat is to small it should be much bigger and would be more realistic then
JasandJules
23-11-05, 12:53
I think it looks lovely.
The important bit is does Alan likes it.
Originally posted by jimmyjayz@Nov 23 2005, 12:42
imo the boat is to small it should be much bigger and would be more realistic then
in other words.....
"you're gonna need a bigger boat"
http://courses.csusm.edu/fmst300bc/jawschum.jpg
Valley Boy
23-11-05, 13:41
Originally posted by Phil@Nov 23 2005, 10:22
I agree - without wanting to upset the owner the Galleon just spoils what could be a great tank
Agree on the Valonia, and possibly looks like a flatworm problem as well on those rocks
Where is all the water circulation come from? I cannot see any streams, or outlets from closed loops at all? (I suppose it could be coming out of Cannon's from the Galleon?)
Is it also 17ft long ? it must go back into the wall somehow ?
But, once matured, could be a great tank - and I do appreciate how much ££, but more importantly time and effort goes into setting up and running this - so all credit to the owner on that one
Phil
Hi Phil
The circulation is supplied via a Swimming pool type pump which feed pipes which go up and over the top, then down across the bottom exiting through a number of outlets (Pipe is buried under 4'' of sand).
The tank is 15' into the living room and 2' through the wall into the filter/ other tank room.
Valonia---yes---he likes it
Flatworm----no
Thanks - the closed loops are well buried then - great job on that
I'll go take a look at the original thread on the build - who's ID is it under ?
Phil
Originally posted by Tiggsy+Nov 23 2005, 14:54--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Tiggsy @ Nov 23 2005, 14:54)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-jimmyjayz@Nov 23 2005, 12:42
imo the boat is to small it should be much bigger and would be more realistic then
in other words.....
"you're gonna need a bigger boat"
http://courses.csusm.edu/fmst300bc/jawschum.jpg [/b][/quote]
pmsl thats class :lol:
PYTHON2674
23-11-05, 14:04
Originally posted by Valley Boy@Nov 23 2005, 10:32
As far as the ship is concerned, for those that have read his thread the answer is in there.!---- ;) [/quote]
IIRC
Wasnt it SWMBO who wanted the "Galleon" in the tank?
Think it was :ph34r:
The Original thread was by Alan himself in the Members Tanks area.
HTH
Carl :thumbsup:
SuperBlades
23-11-05, 14:24
As long as Alan likes the boat, thats what counts :thumbsup:
For those that missed the build:
Alans Reef (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=31613)
HTH
Gog
designsonline.co.uk
23-11-05, 16:15
If persuading my wife to let me build such a spectacularly proportioned tank meant that I had to allow her (and quite right too...) to have an input as to it's content then I would be more than happy!
Besides once the tank has been going a couple of years and things have spawned and seeded them selves and there is some coraline encrusting all over that galleon, I suspect it will look quite something.
Joe
it is plastic yes? if so is there not a chance of it leaching something at a later date ?
Originally posted by jimmyjayz@Nov 23 2005, 16:17
it is plastic yes? if so is there not a chance of it leaching something at a later date ?
with the ammount of water that he has in his 5 tank system, i doubt if that will have much impact!
true but that is a big old lump of plastic, and it would worry me !! think of all the plastic dyes etc they must have used to create it :thumbsup:
I agree with Si G and have to say we all know you cant get a fantastic tank in 5 mins from starting new,looks like he has done well since the water went in,a year from now and think the results will speak for themselves,think his lfs will be kept busy while he fills it with corals :lol:
good luck with it Alan some work went into it and there must be plenty to maintain
:thumbsup:
Mark
Valley Boy
23-11-05, 20:29
Originally posted by jimmyjayz@Nov 23 2005, 16:17
it is plastic yes? if so is there not a chance of it leaching something at a later date ?
I don't know if it is plastic, but it was made for use in Aquariums, he bought it from Maidenhead Aquatics!--- :thumbsup:
Originally posted by Valley Boy+Nov 23 2005, 20:29--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Valley Boy @ Nov 23 2005, 20:29)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-jimmyjayz@Nov 23 2005, 16:17
it is plastic yes? if so is there not a chance of it leaching something at a later date ?
I don't know if it is plastic, but it was made for use in Aquariums, he bought it from Maidenhead Aquatics!--- :thumbsup: [/b][/quote]
"but it was made for use in Aquariums,he bought it from Maidenhead Aquatics!"
well you would hope he hadnt got it from a boat yard! It's got a hole in it!
Originally posted by Valley Boy+Nov 23 2005, 22:29--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Valley Boy @ Nov 23 2005, 22:29)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-jimmyjayz@Nov 23 2005, 16:17
it is plastic yes? if so is there not a chance of it leaching something at a later date ?
I don't know if it is plastic, but it was made for use in Aquariums, he bought it from Maidenhead Aquatics!--- :thumbsup: [/b][/quote]
yeah but there is a difference between fresh ad salt water compatability, but im sure its fine :thumbsup:
Garry thomas
24-11-05, 01:36
well you would hope he hadnt got it from a boat yard! It's got a hole in it! :lol:
I think the boat is cool dont like the valonia tho ;)
come on guys....credit where credit is due...that tank has taken alot of hard work and dedication. I am sure as things settle down and mature the whole setup will be amazing, boat or no boat!! :cheers:
ps. well done Alan....fancy gettin a blue spotted ray in there :D :D
I really like the boat - as has been said when things settle down and start growing on it it will look even better. Given all the work planning and effort put into this project why the hell is the most taked about part of this tank a boat !! Alan isnt going to come round your house and complain about how your wife looks - leave his tank alone.
at the end of the day if you put your tank up on a pubic forum you have to be ready for both positive and negative comments !!
but as stated hope it does well in the future :thumbsup:
;) as they say each to there own,looking good and will look better in the long run :thumbsup:
fishandchips
26-11-05, 00:48
leave the man alone!!
that is a lot of tank to fill with stock and if IIRC one of the main things to do with SW tanks is to not rush things :idea:
thanks vallyboy for posting the pic's :thumbsup:
Thanks Vallyboy for the pics, good work !!
About the tank, keeping in mind the room behind and all, ill give it a 9½ on my 10 scale - without any doubts :thumbsup:
About the ship wreck ill slap it a 2 on my 10 scale. But that is mostly based on the scale - if i where diving in that wreck and saw a 50x larger yellow tang swim by i would pope my swimming pants :D In other words it looks messed up in my eyes ;)
Over all, give it a year or 2 and it will be a G R E A T if not G R E A T E S T !!
Keep it up and keep us posted ;)
sharemaster
13-12-05, 20:21
That is an awe inspiring tank I want that one!
and to say the sheer size of it I think it looks well for only a year old when you think how much area there is to cover with rock and sand.
I read the build post and thought it was glass until the last minute :D I was scratching my head over that one!
Awesomely huge tank that galleon must be 4 ft long adds a bit more reef I like it get some xenia on it!! :thumbsup:
:bow:
Originally posted by kev1310@Nov 23 2005, 12:03
Although to be honest a nice 96x30x30 would probably cost less each months than the missus does :lol: :lol:
Get the tank, forget the missus...
Its odd isnt it. Every reef I see is different and I take the bits I like and incorporate them into my own, and the bits I dont like I disregard. But I dont criticise someone for thier personal preference, especially as all I see is the odd photo. I think the tank is bloody marvellous and a credit to all those involved.
Would I put in a fake galleon, who knows. Can you imagine the stocking cost to set this up as an SPS reef. The guy has already invested a tremendous amount of time and dare I say money, and how many of us wouldnt give left and right arms to own something with that amount of potential. Hats off to you mate. You stuck with it and it certainly has been one of the best build threads I have ever followed.
Best of luck for the future, just dont put one of the air driven divers in for gods sake :lol: :lol: :lol:
I recon even the tang police would suggest its big enough for a yellow
Regards
Alpha :bow:
Valley Boy
24-12-05, 19:20
Nicely put Alpha --------- B)
Bit harsh guys. As said maybe not for everyone, but so what?
It's different for sure but if they were all the same what a boring hobby it would be.
Mark.
I think the build is amazing, I hope he'll post up some pics in a year or so when its settled and flourishing!
Good on you alan for going ahead with it!
Kev
coopertrajan
03-01-06, 14:37
Hi Alan incredible setup but what a shame about the 17 ft. tank i look at the articles from pfk i have of david saxby's reef tank and think what yours could be.
Couldn't your partner have her own tank with that terrible galleon in it,and you could make the 17 ft. tank into the incredible reef it could be in the months and years to come.
:thanx:
darrylmcerlean
03-01-06, 15:20
<_<
dont see many pics of your tank in members spec coopertrajan, maybe you should post some! We can all tell you what we think is wrong with yours.
At the end of the day Alan and his wife like the tank as it is, they aren't out to please others
keep up the good work alan
Spectacular, just spectacular, and lots of spectacular rudeness from lots of people which I cannot believe I've read! You should be ashamed of yourselves and just hope that one day you'll have the same determination as this guy has to get what he wants!!
Bloody brilliant, I remember first seeing this early last year and being totally gobsmacked, it's looking fantastic Alan!
where did the build thread go for this tank?
Valley Boy
29-11-06, 14:04
where did the build thread go for this tank?
The tank is even more spectacular now that he has started to stock fish ---in Earnest----:cool: --at the moment he just does not want to post. I dare say he will when he is ready!
bleedmarshall
29-11-06, 15:03
Well................ its huge ............. lol
I noticed this a wee while ago. Never knew there was an update. I swear this blooming Members tank Specs section is so quick its unreal. Kinda like now u see it, now u dont ;)
I think the tank has alot of potential. But for me i would be scartching me head and asking "How the hell am i gonna fill this space". For me it would of been DIY LR that would of worked well in such a large build.
Im not to big a fan of the boat as it reminds me of my FW fish days :p ..........aww so young :p
Im just really wondering if you have any photos of him aquascaping it? Snorkel? Wet suit? :p
I think in a few years this tank will look great.
Scott
If i remember correctly the build thread went waaaay off topic at times and got nasty here and there, it was a great build thread nevertheless. Just tried to click EvilErins link and linky no worky :(
bare with me i'll find it and bump it up :)
Valley Boy
12-12-06, 10:29
Phoned the ''man'' yesterday, he gave me a quick update!
He has just installed a further 4 x 400 mh Lowbays above the main tank, this gives a total of 12 just for the main tank alone !!!!!-----:eek:
Also he says he has stocked a lot more fish and is in the process of installing larger swimming pool type pumps to increase circulation.
I tried to get a visit, but he is too busy at the moment with his business'es----:( .
I told him you are all asking for updates!-------he will see what he can do over Xmas!
excellent work as ever Paul, stay on him!!! :D
Hi check your Ro water for nitrates, the tank dose'nt look to well. I think what I would do to make it more impresive, would to build a large collection of Euphillia's or Anemones. Sps's are more delicate to have in a large system where water paramerters are not 100%. Theres a few tanks I know of which have this type of concept, and belive me they look fantastic. The gallion is'nt a bad thing to have, but having it covered with Anemones or Euphillia's, just imagine.
Valley Boy
14-12-06, 10:24
Hi check your Ro water for nitrates, the tank dose'nt look to well. I think what I would do to make it more impresive, would to build a large collection of Euphillia's or Anemones. Sps's are more delicate to have in a large system where water paramerters are not 100%. Theres a few tanks I know of which have this type of concept, and belive me they look fantastic. The gallion is'nt a bad thing to have, but having it covered with Anemones or Euphillia's, just imagine.
Hi If you notice those shots were taken over a year ago!---The tank is looking much healthier now, it takes a while for everything to settle down in a large system like this.
At the last count he had over 25 BT nems, they are splitting like weeds!--;)
can anyone else not see the photos on the first page?? They're just coming up as little squares with red crosses?!?
yip same here,somebody fix it cos this is a beast of a tank.
joe
Wicked - looking great so far!
mode
That galleon sticks out like a sore thumb,just like an oil tanker would look hideous sunk in the red sea,after time it's hardly noticable and will look phenomenal,what a hard time this guy gets with his own tastes,looking forward to seeing the outcome after a few years of maturity..
Valley Boy
17-05-07, 16:46
Popped over last night!------Awesome, he has over 80 fish in there now!--Shoals of Regal tangs and yellows! A small shoal of yellow and black trevallies which are together all the time!---:thumbsup:
The ship is has covered up significantly now in algeas and mush / zenia is starting to get hold.
Out in the filter room in one of his other tanks the big snapper ( And i mean BIG ) will have you if you don't be careful when feeding with whole squid!
The 11' Angel tank has around a dozen anemones in it !
No pictures i'm afraid, you will all have to wait for him to post!
Surely this must be the largest private tank in the UK, around 2700g, with the main display tank 17' x5' x 3'6'' h---------:dance:
PS---I am off to Italy in the morning for a weeks hols!---hope to get a dive or 2 in !
Will Alan ever post again?
I read through the Tank build when I joined on here , in fact it was one of the first full Build Threads that I read . I must say it's very impressive , most people can only dream of a tank that big so fair play to him and I hope it goes well :worship:
It makes your average 4ft-6ft tank like a drop in his ocean :(
BUT I know its been said a few times by other people , and it's just a personal opinion that Galleon does spoil it , the scale just ruins everything for me .... I know its a personal opinion , but a reef style ( ie live rock along the length ) in there viewable from all sides would be stunning .
As it stands overall I think he's done really well on the setup , a lottery win might get some of us close to replicating that ( Minus Galleon ;) ) . You cant ever say he scrimped on the setup . Good luck to him though :thumbsup:
Yellow & black trevallies.....mmmmmm......theres gonna be a lot less than 80 fish in there before too long:D
Shame theres not a picture update - I reckons that ship could be un-wreck-a-nizable by now :laugh:
I for one would like to see how it's progressed - sound amazing from the descriptions :thumbsup:
fireproofcujo
26-05-07, 20:02
This is the daddy of all home setups Paul you will have to smuggle me in with you next time you go lol and i will take some scuba gear for a closer look. And its actually nice to see someone break from the norm and actually put something like that galleon in there as the rest of us seem to be following each other like sheep to a theme. Its given me an idea to give my own personnel build something different :thumbsup:
Espocrespo
25-01-08, 19:22
any updates?
i doubt he has stocking problems he just walk into the lfs and say i'll take these 5 reef safe fish and he sorted till next month lol
where is the build thread for this tank? i cant seem to find it
the thread is caled alan reef, it's the biggest thread on the whole of ultimatereef.
thanks ill have a look for it now.
Alan Arnold
07-11-09, 14:05
I actually think that when its covered that Galleon will look ok. But that aside! Begeepers thats a big ol tank, he must really know what hes doing. Shame he doesnt live near me! I bet his frags are bigger then my tank! LOL. Id be his new best mate!!
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