View Full Version : Tank of the Month - January 2007 - David Saxby
MaidstoneMarine
09-01-07, 11:20
Ladies and gentleman, UltimateReef's Tank Of The Month is back....and better than ever!!!!!.
Before we begin we'd like to tell you a little bit about what the all new Tank Of The Month feature entails. UltimateReef has an incredible reputation for delivering awe inspiring TOTM's, every single one a mind blowing testament to reefing perfection, this, you'll be pleased to know wont change in 2007. What will change tho is the way we approach the Tank Of The Month, the way we present it and hopefully the way you enjoy it. As UltimateReef has grown in success over the years so our list of 'friends' has grown allowing us opportunities to see systems we only ever dreamt of. We hope to bring you these systems as we get invited to them in the future, but let us not forget our regular TOTM entries. Please continue to nominate worthy TOTM's from regular posting members as often as you see fit. We want to celebrate the UltimateReefer just as much as the 'big boys'.
Some of the images we will be using are not for the faint hearted, large in size and full of colour, we ask that if you are of a weak disposition, you proceed no further, for those still with us......
Without further ado, it is with a great sense of honour that we kick off 2007 with the Ultimate Tank of the Month.
David Saxby January
http://www.ultimatereef.com/TOTM/2007_jan/
http://www.ultimatereef.com/TOTM/2007_jan/images/topImage.jpg (http://www.ultimatereef.com/TOTM/2007_jan/)
To be able to witness David Saxby's tank first hand and have the privilege of documenting it on here.....well.....we can only hope we do this stunning system justice, please enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed compiling and don't hesitate to ask loads of questions.
Three words, wow, wow and WOW!!
Just stunning.
great write up, I really like the new format. Amazing tank too, can you point us in the direction of the video you mentioned in the write up please?
Thought you might've picked something a bit grander for the first TOTM of the Year :(
;) Stunning, top write-up too. I guess this is one of the best known aquariums in the World and I feel I know it a bit better after reading and admiring this thread :)
Top work guys, and thanks for the huge amount of effort thats gone into this one. Great reading :)
This is going to be hard to top for February's TOTM :D :D
Wow! That is a stunning setup. I'm still drooling, all over my keyboard....
Never seen so many fish... and those corals are stunning.... love the red trac... and the green trac... and the pink brain... and .... whoah, I'm hyperventilating. Fantastic job David. Truly a system to be proud of and well deserved of Ultimate Tank of the Month. Truly a dream tank.
Superb write up guys. The intro really sets the feel of the system, photos are amazing, and the layout a treat. Sets a whole new standard of presentation. Well done. (envious that you had the opportunity to see that amazing tank in person :D)
Tony
imo could have at least been a member who contributes to the site.
but will say a truly fantastic write up none the less, well done people
having been to Davids and seen his tank first hand you just do not do it justice in any pictures and this is not being rude you just have to see it to believe it, its unusal L-shape is stunning then the filter room in the basement, wow also when you first enter David's home and cross a bridge as he has a small pond in the floor his home is stunning too, he loves his fish and what is his business.
David's tank is always stunning and yet again another worthy tank of the month.
Well done.
Very nice, how come DS didn't put any of his own words to the write up, as is customary, though.
MaidstoneMarine
10-01-07, 21:50
Very nice, how come DS didn't put any of his own words to the write up, as is customary, though.
We wanted it to be something different from the norm, something off the wall. There's a few other articles on David's Tank around the web but we wanted this one to stand out, something that was above and beyond anything that has previously existed. We wanted it to be written and be read in the style of an UltimateReefer, we hope you like the result.
As in you'll see in the future we have other dream tanks in mind too.
Cheers
Chris
Personaly I think it was great - whether they contribute or not.
Tthe new style and layout of the TOTM articles was realy cool - great job well done there :D
Reef bloke
10-01-07, 22:12
Great TOTM! Superb write up,i know how long the lads worked on this and they put their heart and soul into it.
Superb!End of!
Tony
like i said a truly fantastic new look to tom, a great write up, a great tank, i have my views and its a public board, so i wouldnt be me if i didnt share them with you :D:D
What a great read, cheers lads.
Isn't that David Saxby Deltec's boss?
Chris
yup in a round about way, david owns D&D which are the sole distributors of deltec products around the world. glad you liked it :)
Excellent write-up of a superb tank! Stunning!!!!!
John
Completely awesome - when I win the lottery (which will be never as I don't play!) this is what I will do with my life. What a responsiblity though looking after that many fish and such a large system. Can the guy ever go on holiday? H'e obviously need more than one of the neighbours popping in!
mysticwave_2
10-01-07, 23:49
Well done guys, excellent write up and love the new format.
Jim
What was the reason David didnt like his closed loop set up.....any more details on that and what he would do differently?
I am also interested in the reasons why David wouldn't drill the base of his tank again for closed loop. Tuan made a similar comment about his tank. Is up and over their preferred method after their experiences?
An english tank like that deserves to be on a great forum like this, i wouldnt post or read on this board if that was in my front room, infact i wouldnt leave the house, Amazing set-up!!
dan-the-man
11-01-07, 02:36
One word - superb.
Well done guys, you've done us all proud with this one. Hope there are more in the bag!
Congratulations David on a superb tank, and congratulations to all the TOTM contributers for putting an incredible amount of time into something for us all to enjoy - its very much appriciated.
Regards
Dan
Amazing, one of the best ever imo ;)
instantsquid
11-01-07, 09:50
Un-****ing-believable :eek:
Great photos, great write-up... the tank's not bad either. :p
Seriously guys, that is one hell of a "catch" for UR. Top work!
- Ian
FANBLOODYTASTIC.
A fine fine example of what can be achieved.
Those shoaling images of the fish (Yellow Tangs and Anthias), most noticeably at feeding time, within the coral/rock crevices are so life-like.
A credit to Mr Saxby and well done for a fine write-up and presentation.
Thankyou.
Matt
the tank is amazing in the pics, just wish we could see it in the flesh
simon garratt
11-01-07, 10:46
One of the top tanks in the world.....there are alot of things about this system that you can take on board even on a smaller scale...
Superb write up by the guys...(you lucky buggers getting the chance to see it in person)..
More than worthy imo and this should have been done 'a long' time ago..
Regards
Si.
simon garratt
11-01-07, 10:56
Just to add....IIRC the reason why David has concerns about bottom drilled closed loops, isnt one of structural strength. It was over an issue he had with some mechanical ball valves that were fitted to the pipe work..IIRC he had to replace one or two and he had to drain the system down to allow them to be removed..
JMO...this 'is' something you should bare in mind with closed loop desighn. If you leave some access to both inlet and outlets, then you can simply 'plug' them inside the tank with endcaps should you need to remove pipework underneith... the water pressure alone will ensure they stay on.
If im wrong on the reasons why david had issues im sure someone will chip in.
Regards
Si.:)
thanks for the lovely comments guys. :)
Hopefully, fingers crossed, David may arrive to answer your questions, if not Stuart will or we will forward them to him for answering. I'm sure Simon is probably right about the closed loops but we will endeavour to get it from the 'horses mouth' so to speak :)
Lucky Eddie
11-01-07, 12:53
Totally awesome !!!!!!!!!!
You jammy bunch of gits getting a chance of a lifetime. to look at one of the best set-ups in the world.
Stiill, at least I've got something in common with David.................Scoob & Chris have been to my house too !!!!!!!!!!!.............and there the comparison ends. :(
MaidstoneMarine
11-01-07, 14:15
What was the reason David didnt like his closed loop set up.....any more details on that and what he would do differently?
The reason he wouldn't drill the bottom for closed loop holes is basically because of the risk that they pose - especially on a tank of this size. One failed valve, or joint, and you're going to dump a minimum of 1000 gallons outside of the tank. If David was to set up again then he'd go up and over the tank for both the feeds and the returns - it would make priming them more difficult - but from the risk management perspective it's a difficulty that can be lived with.
The reason he wouldn't drill the bottom for closed loop holes is basically because of the risk - especially on a tank of this size - that they pose. One failed valve, or joint, and you're going to dump a minimum of 1000 gallons outside of the tank. If David was to set up again then he'd go up and over the tank for both the feeds and the returns - it would make priming them more difficult - but from the risk management perspective it's a difficulty that can be lived with.
And I worry about losing 85 litres on the floor!
MaidstoneMarine
11-01-07, 14:28
The eyes of the world are on UltimateReef!
Reefcentral is following the January Tank of the Month - see here for the thread (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1015117)
SCOOB and I would like to thank the those who've read and commented on theTank of the Month feature. Keep those comments and questions coming in!
The eyes of the world are on UltimateReef!
Not just a great tank and a great writeup, but spreading the word about UlimateReef.
by far the best tank of the month ever!! awsome tank and an equally impressive write up:cool:
Andy
Stuart Bertram
11-01-07, 19:04
David insisted that offer his thanks to all involved with this article.
He asked me to say that it was a pleasure for him to recieve such enthusiastic individuals at his home and feels that the resulting write up and quality of the pictures is excellent. He has been raving about it ever since he saw the first draft versions and feels it is the best article that has been written about his tank.
The way it is written is so easy to read and you want to reading.
We have posted this on our web site with kind permission from Chris and have added a link to the Ultimate Reef Forum to try to improve traffic to your already popular site.
Well done
Stuart
On behalf of David Saxby
i've gotta say, the tank is simply stunning, im really happy it was totm, granted not an average tank, but im so happy i got to see that ocean (i still maintain its not a tank its too bloody big!) cheers to the man for letting us see his ocean, and to the totm guys for doing it.... although i can't help but feel reviewing it might not have been a chore!
cheers guys
:)
marc
David insisted that offer his thanks to all involved with this article.
He asked me to say that it was a pleasure for him to recieve such enthusiastic individuals at his home and feels that the resulting write up and quality of the pictures is excellent. He has been raving about it ever since he saw the first draft versions and feels it is the best article that has been written about his tank.
The way it is written is so easy to read and you want to reading.
We have posted this on our web site with kind permission from Chris and have added a link to the Ultimate Reef Forum to try to improve traffic to your already popular site.
Well done
Stuart
On behalf of David Saxby
Thanks Stuart & David the links are much appreciated :)
Halfsleeve
11-01-07, 22:02
Thud, pass out hit the floor totally stunning tank congrats.
I think you may have just found tank of the year already!! amazing! still can't quite get my head around just what's in there.
An absolute pleasure to read, well done chaps.
Hi
Not been on here for a while, Hi to everyone that remebers me.
Seen Doh last night and he told me about this TOTM and wow this is a great tank, good write up and great pics.
Makes me want to get my hands wet again.
Cheers
Mark.
Awesome Tank.
Good to see that his sump room isn't a clinical, white tiled room with every pipe and cable neatly routed and labelled (which is what I thought it would be).
Lets me off cleaning up the mess under my tank!
:)
Reefer Madness
12-01-07, 15:41
Outstanding, really like the fish shots in section 12, also well written and well photographed.
very good read, and well written loved the light hearted comments! nice to see ;)
Great job guys, really enjoyed the read and what a tank.
Great write up, truly wonderful tank. :)
whiterabbit93307
12-01-07, 17:34
Great pics, excellent narrative.
Just when you thought you had a resonable sized tank you see something like that!
martinsreef2
12-01-07, 23:38
First saw Davids aquarium in 'Practical Fishkeeping' sometime back, lovely to see it again.
Wow, that's some set-up and a great write-up.
A big thanx to David and Chris + Scott.
Steve :)
wow
what a fantastic piece of the reef.
Great write up to.
Reef Keeper
13-01-07, 12:04
david saxby's tank is fantastic i love all the brain corals, is there any chance u would let people visit you and your tank to beable to take it all in ?
cheers chris
Reef Keeper
13-01-07, 14:35
fantastic arrangement, how did u get the over hang/ ledge looks very real.
700 gal water change!.....just mind blowing...thanks to all involved for letting us reefers take a peek!
This years tank of the year goes to.....Or should that be tank of the decade!
:)
Jay
greetings to our norwegian readers :) http://saltvann.aquafreaks.no/Forums/viewtopic/p=12530.html
and to the guys from singapore reef club :)
http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=55811
Reef bloke
14-01-07, 22:50
Blimey this is doin the rounds,i havent got a clue what the responce is on the Nowegian forum lol.
Absolutely first class, an inspiration to us all Im sure you will agree, I dream of having a tank half as good as that. Sod the Blue Planet Aquarium, lets all pile round there :D
stunning thats all i can say
What is there to say, the tank is truly inspirational and world class. Excellent write up too. Any discussion as regards the lecy bill?
David uses Salifert test kits to test the levels in his system. He usually does this every 2-3 days to ensure he's aware of any changes in the system, this also enables him to make any minute adjustments to keep the levels at their optimum. Like many of us, David believes that slow and gradual is the way to the effect change in any system and without regular testing this can't be done.
A 700 gallon water change is made every four weeks which is approximately 20% of the total system volume and it takes 4-5 days to perform this change.
It's good to see that no matter how much money is thrown at a tank it still boils down to the simple truth that good husbandary is the key to a vibrant and well maintained system.
Stunning tank, stunning writeup, stunning photography.
Blimey this is doin the rounds,i havent got a clue what the responce is on the Nowegian forum lol.
well, spoke with David last night and he said he was going to call a mr Fossa to see what it says :) :D :D
It's good to see that no matter how much money is thrown at a tank it still boils down to the simple truth that good husbandary is the key to a vibrant and well maintained system.
that's the biggest point to be made about this system, as David said, money is important in the fact it allows you to set up a large system however money by itself does not a reef tank make. David spends longer than most maintaining his system and knows every inch of it, he's not afraid to try new things and most if not all D&D products are tested on this system prior to launch into the public market. to get a system like this takes a lot of stability as we all know, to be able to still keep the stability whilst at the same time being the guinea pig for 'never been tried before' equipment.
Any discussion as regards the lecy bill?
well his house is filled with fine furniture, combined me and chris weigh in excess of 40 stone, we didn't ask about 'bills' for fear of falling over onto something ludicrously expensive :D :D :D
Im reliably informed that the Norwegians are saying
herdeeblerdeeblerdeeblerdee
which means 'christ, thats a cracking tank, but that bloke Scoob sounds a right nonce, dontcha think?'
:D :D
i think you may well be right Matty :D :D :D
Ron Hessing
16-01-07, 22:06
Hi all,
Outstanding aquarium and a fabulous article and photographs!!
I had the honor to write a article of Davids tank in 2004 for a Dutch reefmagazine! I know the feeling when you stand in front of this amazing aquarium.:)
Its also very hard to find a more fanatic;) aquarist in the world.
Its about time :D that a brand new article give deserve credits to Davids tank. Many readers around the world will be very pleased:)
Regards,
Ron Hessing.
Gobsmackingly good!!!
Do dreams come true - fingers and everything crossed!
Brilliant read.
why say anything,it speaks for it's self;)
richard
Elvis Lives
22-01-07, 19:16
absolutely lost for words :)
Stunning tank, very jealous
fishandchips
27-01-07, 16:20
stunning simply stunning :cool:
what a tank i could only wish
will get a lotto ticket and it might be me
:D :D
Just read this thread from start to finish simply stunning showed the wife the pictures of TOTM and even she was gobsmacked which just goes to show size does matter:(
Billy
blazesnake
16-02-07, 17:29
great tank mate, well done
jakehodgson
20-02-07, 22:39
What is a yellow tang suit? I want one for my tank if it is a hidden camera!!! :dance:
a yellow tang suit is like a very posh wetsuit, has scalpels on the ankles and gives you an irresistable urge to eat your greens.
what a stunning tank :worship: ,
great write up to:thumbsup:
jakehodgson
21-02-07, 11:43
a yellow tang suit is like a very posh wetsuit, has scalpels on the ankles and gives you an irresistable urge to eat your greens.
I thought it was that huge fat yellow tang in the picture labelled yellow tank suit?
I thought it was that huge fat yellow tang in the picture labelled yellow tank suit?
:ermm: err yup, did you click on the picture to see the full text? It was a lame joke i grant you but it was late and i was tired :D
jakehodgson
21-02-07, 12:22
SO that big yellow tang is a model! wow it looks so believable.
Someones lost and it ain't me :D
jakehodgson
21-02-07, 15:25
:o I'm confused.. :confused:
:o I'm confused.. :confused:
Thats because youre in conversation with Scoob.
He was ok, well borderline actually, until he started wearing that Muppet Avatar :D:D
If you look closely at it
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/Fozzy-Bear%206.gifhttp://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/Fozzy-Bear.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/Fozzy-Bear%206.gif%5B/IMG%5D
you'll notice it resembles a puppet with someones hand up its jacksy to operate it.
Thats not actually the case. Its actually an image from his web-cam;) with one of the Kentish lot operating him, do I need to explain further ?
Allright Scoob me ol' mucka?? :hysterical: :hysterical:
jakehodgson
21-02-07, 16:31
Lol explain the yellow tang, is it real or not!?
Lol explain the yellow tang, is it real or not!?
Yes tis real.
In David's tank he has many yellow tangs, most normal size a couple have grown to wild sizes. in the picture to which you are referring one of the afore-mentioned wild sized tangs has broad sided onto the camera so you can see how big it is. the humerous comment i attached to the picture was that it was actually one of us, myself or Chris, inside a specially made yellow tang wet suit so that we could get closer and see the tank from within. this naturally didn't really take place as both myself and Chris are too big to fit into a fish sized wet suit, also, at no stage did the other yellow tangs gang up on us and flick us out of the tank, the whole thing was fabricated, a whimsical tale if you will, i apologise for any confusion this has caused, no tangs were harmed in the making of this article. :)
Quick hide !!!! :bigeye:
I never wrote it Scoob honest guv !!!
They made me do it :w00t: :w00t: :w00t:
dan-the-man
21-02-07, 17:05
Once again, I have to say what an inspirational tank this is to many people, myself included.
The sheer amount of work that has and does go into this setup is worthy of all the rewards it brings.
Hope one day to see this tank in the flesh, think I would literally be speachless!
Regards
Dan
jakehodgson
21-02-07, 21:51
I thought it was a monster, amazing how fat they are!!!
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