View Full Version : COMING SOON! (Fletch's 8ft Reef)
Alright everyone!
A bit early to be posting yet but I'm that excited about my new build I thought I might as well start and get some insight off you guys (and gals) for what I'm hoping will be my dream reef.
It all started 2 1/2 years ago with a 40 gal Juwel Rio 180 and no knowledge whatsoever leading to a lot of problems and heartbreak. I came very close to quitting a few times but then all of a sudden I got the hang of it, started reading lots of info and keeping up the water quality. Then the bug really kicked in, and I started making plans for a big tank (as you do).
Now for the really sad bit. Unfortunately and to the great loss of my family and myself, my father passed away 2 months ago on August 2nd just before my missus and my daughter and I were taking him on holiday for a fortnight. So without going in to detail it was discussed who would want to live in his house as neither myself or my sisters want to let the house that my Mother and Father loved so much go, and as it turns out I am shortly going to have to move as the house I currently live in is only big enough to have one child and my missus is pregnant with our second so we need a bigger place. So barring any financial difficulty I shall be buying my sisters shares of my parents house and hopefully keeping it as a happy home for my children to grow up in just as it was for me, while keeping the memories of my parents close to home so to speak.
Almost instantly after deciding this I thought "Oh god I'm going to have to uproot my tank!" but then almost as quickly thought "I could just get a bigger tank." So the planning started, and I have to say it has been very therapeutic having something I love to focus on.
So here's the plan!
All equipment will be in the adjoining garge.
8'x3'x3' In-wall Main Display.
5'x2'x2' Sump.
2'x2'x2' Fuge gravity fed back to Main Display.
2x OR-6500 Sump returns.
2x Sequence 9000PWR77 for Closed Loop.
Metal Tank Stand (made by my Nephew Michael who's a welder).
Auto Top-off.
Semi Auto Water Change.
1x OR-1200 feeding Fuge from Sump.
.........this is all I know for sure right now but as I progress with my planning I'll add more to this thread. I will not be ordering anything untill the plan is complete and I know the exact layout and equipment I will be using so I'm not forcing anything to fit where I don't want it.
The stock will be mostly Softies with one end of the tank hopefully being a sort of mushroom/zoo garden and the rest of the tank will be mostly softies with a few LPS and SPS dotted around. I want to add a few tangs to the system as well, a Lipstick, Powder Blue, Orange SHoulder, Yellow and Regal Tangs, a Coral Beauty and my Flame Angel will also be there amongst a fair few other smaller fish which I will add a list of definates as we go.
I will be asking many questions over the coming weeks/months mostly stupid ones probably and all your help and experience will be much appreciated.
Here's a few Sketch-up plans of the basic idea and the basic look I'm after.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/Detailed 8x3x3 10.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/Detailed 8x3x3 11.jpg
So here's a few questions to get us started.
1. What are the best skimmers for a volume of 580 u.k. gallons?
2. How would you guys light the tank?
3. Would you run a u.v.?
4. What is your favourite shade of blue for the rear of the tank?
5. Would anybody use man-made rock or use only L.R. (only because I saw some amazing man made stuff that the guy can make to your spec and the cost of all that L.R. would be astronomical.)?
Well that'll do for now but there'll be a lot of questions on plumbing e.t.c. to come.
Thanks in advance for all the advice and sorry for going on so long.:thanks:
nice plans.
lighting would have to be 400w luminarcs x 3
blue background - take your pic!
UV is worth having on standby although not neccessary to run all the time.
skimmer - hmm, heres a debate, its gonna cost you big bucks £1k at least
liverock, if you can be patient then look at si g's thread and make your own
disco_dave
05-10-07, 22:59
Looks fantastic
disco_dave
05-10-07, 23:03
Personally I don’t think you’ll need that tv lol
Is that a fire under the tank??????
Swimmingwiththefishes
05-10-07, 23:18
Sorry about your loss.
I'm looking forward to seeing this unfold!
Do you not think having a U/V with a fuge is defeating the object?
Mixing man made and live rock would be cool if you don't mind waiting for it all to get colonised with macro life ie food for your fish (copepods etc and macro algae) and pretty colours (calcareous algae),the sooner you you add fish etc the less of a chance for all these to get to a sustainable level.
Cheers Alan
Wow that was quick, erm right thanks for responding guys.
Yes that is a fire underneath the tank but I'm being a bit sensible, it is a very modern stylish electric fireplace that hangs on the wall and is not built in.
I personally don't rate u.v.'s and would rather not have one but with the system being so big and wanting to add a few tangs I was just wondering whether it would be better to have one.
I'm a total t.v. addict and I'm gutted the t.v. won't go on the wall like the one I have now, I love being able to watch tele and the tank at the same time.
I will be putting everything from my current 2 tanks into the new one (the L.R. will be either in the sump or in the main display), and luckilly I'm in no major rush to stock the tank too quickly. I'm hoping to have the tank run ning for at least 2 months after cycling before I introduce any new stock so there will only be my 8 small fish in the system for quite a while to let everything grow. Also I have tons of calcerous algae in my current tank which spreads like wildfire. I don't have many copepods or other live foods in my tank at the moment so I will be aiming to get those levels really high before I really get going. I believe Dante has a lot of stuff in his tank I might try and get a few little fellas off him to start the process off quicker.
fireproofcujo
06-10-07, 03:06
Great project fletch this is gonna keep you of the streets for a while :applause:
Like this idea very much. My workings are all in the garage too. makes such a difference, and no wet carpets!
Why don't you suspend the TV from the ceiling on a pole in the corner?
As for return pumps arnt two 6500 a bit too much ??(i dont know) in my 10by2by2 im thinking of just using 1 of these pumps so that the flow in the fuge is slow.
As for return pumps arnt two 6500 a bit too much ??(i dont know) in my 10by2by2 im thinking of just using 1 of these pumps so that the flow in the fuge is slow.
im assuming the fuge is the one at the top of the stack and will be fed off a separate small pump or T'd off the main returns and restricted so flow can be as slow as you want
Don't think you'd need 3x 400w halides for a softie tank tbh ;)
Just whack the couple of sps you want near the top
true, didnt notice he said mainly softies.
The system volume will be around 580 u.k. gallons so the 2 x OR-6500's will give a turnover of around 5x an hour through the sump.
The tank on top is the Fuge & I will be running an OR-1200 from the sump to the Fuge. I may be wrong to use that pump I don't think you can control the speed of the flow so maybe need a different pump.
It would look like something out of James Bond if I was to have this huge tank and a telly hanging from the cieling. The missus would flip.
With regards to the lighting I say mostly softies but by that I probably mean 50% softies maybe a couple of Acropora a couple of Millipora maybe a nice Bubble Tip Anemone and maybe a nice Hammerhead and Torch coral, a Pom-Pom and maybe a Sun coral. These are some of my favourite things (god it sounds like "The Sound Of Music") but there will obvilously be a few others in there as we go.
is it just the way i am looking at it or do you have your sump returns returning through the base of the tank, if it is , thats not recommended in case of a power cut your tank will syphon out through the pumps
Is there any way to avoid that without changing the placement of the plumbing, if not where would you guys recommend putting them? Also what brand of skimmer would you recommend for this volume?
you should try and get your returns as high up as possible to limit the amount of water syphoned back. You mention 2 seq pumps for closed loops but i dont see any plumbing for these on the drawing
No the original plan was to run all the closed loop through the sump having the 40x turnover I'm after all coming through there but it seemed to cause quite a bit of controversy so I've had to change it to run the closed loop outside the sump but I haven't changed the drawing.
I don't know if anyone else has an opinion on this but I'm pretty sure that the filtration wouldn't be affected with a 40x turnover through the sump it would just mean the water passes through the sump a lot quicker but many more times an hour. Ideally I would like to do it that way as I think IMO that it would cause less problems with closed loop pumps clogging and getting filthy but I will go with majority on this one.
Most people run their skimmers from the sump and ideally you want to skim as much of the water going though the sump each time as possible, so thats why such a high flow through is'nt wanted. Also any detrus would'nt settle traveling through at high speed!
How about using 2 x aqua medic 5000 twins for your skimming, i've seen them selling on here at very reasonable prices in the past!
I was wondering wether using 2 skimmers would be a better option. I know Aquamedic make some top equipment but I've never seen one of their skimmers being used are they any good or are there any better out there?
Captain Cod
06-10-07, 16:47
I've bookmarked this thread - gonna be a cracker! What you planning on putting in the refugium? DSB and Liverock rubble?
Skimmerwise - possibly 2 x AP851s? Or just go with one monster skimmer!:thumbsup:
Cheers C.C.
Pretty much yeah. Was originally gonna put a DSB in the sump but decided against it. Might put some chaeto in the middle sump compartment instead. Nothing is set in stone though so if anyone has any good ideas i'll gladly steal/borrow them. I want to try to do everything as naturally as possible and let things take their own course wherever I can, I don't like relying on too much equipment.
one suggestion i would make is to update the drawing with the latest changes and repost it
Captain Cod
06-10-07, 17:09
Yep you can't beat a good drawing/photo! Give us a photo of the room!
The only real change to the pic at the moment is 2 of the pipes from the wier will go to 2 Sequence pumps and return via 2 pumps to the tank instead of all going to the sump. I don't know where I'm hoing to put the return pipes yet. BTW if there was a powercut and the pumps stopped wouldn't they prevent water from syphoning back into the sump? (this is something I have no clue about) and if not are there pumps available to do this or maybe another method?
When I call down to the house during the week I'll take a photo of the garage and the living room to give a better picture of what I'll be doing.
You really need the return pump either going over the top or entering very near the top!
When the power goes off the siphon will take the water down to the pipe entry level or the siphon break hole, but if the return goes through the base it could empty the whole tank.
I was wondering wether using 2 skimmers would be a better option. I know Aquamedic make some top equipment but I've never seen one of their skimmers being used are they any good or are there any better out there?
I use two skimmers on my system and there are deffinetly some big benefits, if one skimmer breaks down you'll still be skimming also i clean mine on different days so i've always got 1 skimmer skimming at it's best.
There are better skimmers out there but the more important question is what is your skimmer budget.
I don't use an aquamedic skimmer but i've heard people say the 5000 twins are a lot of skimmer for the money!
I will be getting the returns put up near the top then and not coming from underneath.
I'm not working on a particular budget. The main cost is going to be the wall alterations but as for the system itself I'll have to see what the cost of the main tank is. I will be trying to keep costs down wherever possible, for instance the tank stack probaly won't be 3 glass tanks, my brother-in-law can get water butts very cheap so I'll be getting 2x 50gal butts one for freshwater and one for saltwater, and either my Nephew will be building the stand for free or I will use breezeblocks and girders with a piece of plywood, also I will be closing down my 40gal and using the pumps and powerheads from there for top-up and water changes e.t.c.
Ideally I would like to keep the total build for all materials and building alterations to less than 4000 quid with the greatest cost being the tank, lights and skimmer.
Does anybody have any idea what a pre-drilled 8'x3'x3' with external overflow would cost? I've asked for a few quotes but none of the manufacturers seem to want to reply.
Just looking at acaquatics and saw the non return valves. Now I have no idea about plumbing or pipe fittings in general but does that mean it allows water to pass through one direction and won't let it go back the other way. I ask because ideally I want the returns coming from the bottom of the tank at a 45 degree angle to the rockwork and if the pumps were to fail the water would drain back to the sump emptying the main display, would these non-return valves stop this from happening?
Just made another snap decision, the tank will now be 8'x4'x3' high.
fireproofcujo
08-10-07, 22:01
Just looking at acaquatics and saw the non return valves. Now I have no idea about plumbing or pipe fittings in general but does that mean it allows water to pass through one direction and won't let it go back the other way. I ask because ideally I want the returns coming from the bottom of the tank at a 45 degree angle to the rockwork and if the pumps were to fail the water would drain back to the sump emptying the main display, would these non-return valves stop this from happening?
yes water will travel one way only but i have been warned against them as they are not very reliable they get gunked up and can fail :eek:
Just what i've been told so it's not gospel mate
fireproofcujo
08-10-07, 22:03
Just made another snap decision, the tank will now be 8'x4'x3' high.
stop messing about why not just go the full monty 8x4x4 :laugh:
I'll probably end up changing my mind again. It'll be a 20'x8'x8' soon haha.
Seriously though I don't think I can fit any bigger into the space available (height-wise)
With regards to the non-return valves if there's anyone here who's used or using them please let me know what you think of them.
Cheers cuj
Non-return valves are not recommended.
There are lots of configurations which mean that they are no necessary. If you want to feed flow through the base of the tank then consider closed loops which don't need non-return valves.
Judging from the growth of sponges / worms with calcareous tubes in the pipework in my tank I would not want the risk of a non-return not sealing properly when activated and the 500+ gallons of water ending up in the 120g sump!! :annoyed:
John
PS: £4K sounds quite optimistic to me!! :)
Cheers zim
As I said earlier there is no real budget constraints but I'm hoping to do most of the work myself to save some cash and make use of the equipment I already have. If I'm being honest if the whole build comes in at less than 10 grand I'll be happy I don't intend on cutting corners it's just that I enjoy the whole process of putting a system together (even though I've only done it on a small scale) so that should save a few bob and some of the pumps, lights, powerheads e.t.c. I already have are in good working order and as the saying goes "if it aint broke.......".
Cool - £10K sounds more realistic ;) , even if doing the majority of the work yourself. :thumbsup: Sounds a fantastic project and a very nice position to be in to operate without any budgetary constraints - look forward to seeing it take shape. :D
John
Does anybody have any idea what a pre-drilled 8'x3'x3' with external overflow would cost? I've asked for a few quotes but none of the manufacturers seem to want to reply.
(pm please) with a list of the manufacturers you have sent designs and requests on costings and/or have not bothered to respond to you
best regards
jon
Now I never said I had NO budgetry constraints, if that was the case I would buy the house next door seal it up and fill it with some lovely salty water. Also I'm looking at it from the fact I will more than likely never be moving house again and with all the decorating we have to do I might aswell kill 2 birds. The way it's going the tank is going to be so big I'll have to get every member off here to come and help me lift it haha!
there is no real budget constraints
Yes, you did!! ;) You're right in your approach though - may as well build the tank you're going to end up with right from the start, even if it takes months/years to get to the point that you're happy with it.
Count me in for the tank lift (reasonable rate - petrol costs and beer!!) :)
John
I said "no REAL budgetry constraints" but what the hell.
I know I'll be eternally fiddling with it but my plan is to get the look I'm after from the get-go even if it takes forever. The thing I hated most of all when I started my Rio 180 was every time I learned something I had to change the tank. Before I add a drop of Saltwater I will have a plan of what stock I will be adding from fish to inverts. I've already got a rough outline of fish and a few must have corals. One of the things I want to try not to do is overstock with too many different corals just to fill space. I want to achieve a nice basic look to the tank with a nice variation of softies/sps/lps and then let all my prize specimens grow into the space rather than wedge all sorts of stuff in there.
And I'll be holding you to the offer of helping me lift the tank, just gotta convince every other reefer in the country to get involved now haha (that'd be one big beer and petrol bill eh, that's where the 10 g's will go).
fletch, what about considering vortech pumps for water movement instead of closed loops using sequences
That would be great except for the cost. These pumps aren't cheap and I'd need at least 6 of them to achieve the turnover of 40x that I'm after, that'd be well over a grand, plus I don't think they are multi directional are they? I wouldn't be able to control flow direction and I'd have 6 pumps on show in the tank.
Norvern Rob
09-10-07, 15:00
Do you need 40x turnover in a softie tank?
As a guide for the tank price i'd say you are looking at £1500ish, possibly more depending on who gives the quote!
I would give Windsor a ring, they were by far the cheapest for mine.
Lucky Eddie
09-10-07, 17:37
My 8 1/2 x 30 x 30 plus a 6 x 2 x 22'' sump cost around £1280. The tank has two weirs (bottom drilled) and was pre-drilled with 4 closed loop holes. The sump was doubled drilled on the end panel.
I also got a quote for 34'' deep tank and the price pretty much doubled !!
I also think the 4 grand target is a bit low. As Zimreef says, for a 5 - 600 gallon system, you're pretty much on for £10K. Just dont let the missus know !
Good luck !
That sounds a very reasonable price where did you get your tank from Rich?
I wanted the 40x turnover as I'm going to be putting about 50% soft 50% hard.
I've sent an e-mail to Windsor still waiting to hear from them.
Bloody hell you busy bee. Just started my own thread off but at least I have some pics :) I can help you lift. Do a bbq and beer thing and get all the other guys to come along :)
Norvern Rob
09-10-07, 21:07
My 8 1/2 x 30 x 30 plus a 6 x 2 x 22'' sump cost around £1280. The tank has two weirs (bottom drilled) and was pre-drilled with 4 closed loop holes. The sump was doubled drilled on the end panel.
I also got a quote for 34'' deep tank and the price pretty much doubled !!
I also think the 4 grand target is a bit low. As Zimreef says, for a 5 - 600 gallon system, you're pretty much on for £10K. Just dont let the missus know !
Good luck !
I'm guessing you would have needed thicker glass for the 34" deep tank. Keith (Windsor) told me that the trade cost for the glass goes up hugely between each thickness once you get past 12mm.
If i'd had my tank 30" deep instead of 24" it would have had to be 12mm glass, and the cost nearly doubled.
Sounds like a good plan Ste, I'll probably do that, plenty of beer and burgers and a lot of laughs while we get drunk and smash my new 1500 quid tank haha.
Just done a couple of new calculations.
New tank size 8'x4'x3'
Main display volume 598 u.k. gallons before displacement with a probable volume after displacement of 538 u.k. gallons + 125 gallon sump + 50 gallon fuge
Total system volume = 713 gallons
Lucky Eddie
10-10-07, 08:39
That sounds a very reasonable price where did you get your tank from Rich?
pm sent. :)
Norvern Rob
10-10-07, 16:33
Just looked at Wurgles thread, and his tank is 8.5 x 4 (high) x 3.5 and cost £2.5k from Seabray.
The total cost for his set up was over £20k as well :eek:
my 6 x 2 x 2.5 would be £8.5k if everything was bought new. so this project id put around £12k+
I only want my tank 3' high so hopefully be a fair bit cheaper than Wurgles, but muzzy and wurgles tanks are definately something to aspire to.
Just got a quote back for the 8'x3'x3' tank of 1680 quid built on site in 15 mm glass I should imagine the price won't be much more for the revised size of 8'x4'x3' as the height isn't changing the glass thickness shouldn't change. So we have a good starting point. I'll be looking at other components now and give an idea on price soon. I definately think with a tank price like that I'll be under the 10 grand but I'm not holding my breath.
cant wait to see this up and running,can i bum a first hand view when its ready fletch ;)
johno
Certainly can mucker I'd be made up for anyone to have a look. It's one of the worst things about this hobby that whenever someone comes to visit they say " wow that tank's amazing " but then when you start to talk about the intricacies of the set-up they come over all glassy eyed. That's what makes this site so amazing, everybodys interested in what you have to say whether it's rubbish or not.
Where you from johno?
live in walton just off queens drive,where are you mate?
how come you haven't been down for a beer with us on a Wednesday?
I'm up in Childwall.
beer on a wednesday sounds like a plan,so your up by neils(numbnuts) neck of the woods,he came to see my old setup but iv'e now downgraded to a 3x3x2 take a look at it on "a cube too far"
let me no what you think
O.k. here's the skimmer choices let me know which is best or if anyone knows a more suitable choice let me know the full system volume is about 3300 ltrs.
Deltec AP703
Aquamedic Turboflotor 5000 Single
Schuran Jetski 250
Has anyone used Aquariums Ltd. from Liverpool for their tank build or does anyone own one of their tanks?
Also made another big decision. Controversial as it's going to be I am going to try running 40x turnover through the sump. I've just been to see Keith Tomo (who it turns out I've lived 5 doors away from for years) and his tank is fantastic, he has 20x turnover running through the sump with no adverse effects except for a slight rise in noise which is still only slighty louder than the 40 gal tank I have running and his sytem is 200 gal, on top of that my system is going to be in a seperate soundproofed room so I don't think noise will be a problem.
Slightly revised drawing with 1' wider tank and return pumps in rear of tank moved from underneath and 2 tanks (top-up and water change) removed to be replaced by 50 gal water butts.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/Detailed 8x3x3 revised 11.JPG
I've decided on the lighting. Hope he doesn't mind but I would like to do something very similar to muzzy. I love the colour he's got in his tank, so I'll be using 3 x Coralvue 400w sunlight replicator with 10k or 14k lamps and 4 x 54w 46" actinics.
Got a bit of news today so the house move is now 99.9% going ahead which means all this planning is now worth it. I went to the house to take a few "before pics" of the living room and the garage and as soon as I work out this new camera I'll post them on here ASAP.
fireproofcujo
16-10-07, 21:04
wish you luck with the house move and looking forward to the pics :thumbsup:
O.k. guys here's a few photos of the room and garage I took today. I think the sketchup is quite accurate.
View when entering room
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/100_03372.JPG
View from other side of room
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/100_03451.JPG
View of garage wall
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/100_03501.JPG
View of chimney breast to be removed
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/100_0352111.JPG
And here's an updated sketch to scale with more exact measurements and a bit of an idea as to some changes that will be made.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/Detailed 8x3x3 revised 1111.JPG
And the garage will be insulated cleaned up and painted blue
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/Detailed 8x3x3 revised 1221.JPG
Any questions or observations I would love to hear from you guys.
See ya soon!
Oh and an idea of where the tank is going.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/100_03371.JPG
I was wondering wether using 2 skimmers would be a better option. I know Aquamedic make some top equipment but I've never seen one of their skimmers being used are they any good or are there any better out there?
Hi,
As an alternative to the skimmer, have you considered a Mineral/Miracle Mud system? With a sump that size plus the 'fuge you may not need a skimmer at all using the MM Method.
Save on 'leccy too. :)
Campbell
Lucky Eddie
17-10-07, 12:52
Hey Fletch..........are you ripping out that chimney ????? OUCH !
Yep chimneys gotta go. Not looking forward to that bit.
instantsquid
17-10-07, 13:15
I take it the garage door is not an "up and over" type?
is the fire thats going under the tank a real fire , if it is , is it electric or gas
The garage door is an automatic one but it will be getting changed to fit the tank and still be able to open or maybe even bricked up not sure yet.
The fire's based on a real electric hang on model but the fire might be going on the other wall now under a 50" plasma.
instantsquid
17-10-07, 14:18
If I understand your diagram correctly, is the only water movement being provided by the two returns from the sump, going through the rear wall of the tank?
I'm a bit slow in spotting this thread but it looks great. I'm very interested in how you go about this monster build as I am planning something similiar myself, a garage to study with fish room build fest!
Good luck.
Good luck with it zippo, you can watch me for how to cock it up properly and then do the oposite.
With regards to the return pumps I have been having this debate with people on here for a few weeks now. I have decided that I am going to run all water through the sump with 2 x sequence 9000 pumps and not run a seperate closed loop. My reasoning for this is
1. Less tank drilling for extra pipework
2. Only thoroughly cleaned water will pass through any of the pumps making them less likely to block and become faulty
I was going to run a seperate closed loop untill I saw Tomos tank and he has a turnover of 20x through the sump and with the exception of a bit of extra noise there are no adverse effects to his system. So therefore I will be going for up to 40x turnover through the sump.
Just a quick question guys. Do you think the fire looks better under the tank or under the 50" Plasma? I can't decide, or does the t.v. look crap on the wall anyway?
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/Detailed 8x3x3 revised 12345.jpg
instantsquid
17-10-07, 15:55
There's a big difference between 20x and 40x through the sump though! Will the weir cope with 18000 litres per hour?
I don't see that being a problem the overflow will be the full length of the tank and 1' deep x 6" wide with at least 4 large outlet pipes going to the sump. The way I see it is if it works then it could save a lot of hassle if it doesn't and it's too noisy or I notice any other problems I can replace the sequence with a couple of Aquamedic OR-6500s and use the sequences for a seperate closed loop, all I'll need to do is empty the tank and drill a couple of new holes. All these problems are going to be worked out before I put anything in the tank. And if it does work and I can find a way of reducing noise levels as close to nil as possible I might start a mini reefing revolution haha.
O.k. guys it's been a while since I updated so here goes.
As it tends to happen things are moving very slowly as I can't go ahead untill the house goes through so I'm now looking at starting the build in early summer with a view to having it finished by the end of summer.
Clearly that is too long to wait so I have been on the lookout for a temporary upgrade to a 6'x2'x2' untill we move in late next year. I think I may have found one and I'm going to view tomorrow with the intention of buying it if nothing is wrong with the tank.
If I pick it up then my mini upgrade will start next week. I'm doing it mainly because my 40gal Rio 180 is fully stocked and I want a couple of Tangs and more corals and I don't want to wait a year, also it will be good practice for the big one.
With that in mind when the upgrade begins next year I will be using the 6 footer as the sump (therefore upping the system volume as I was going to use a 5' tank as the sump), the sump which comes with the 6 footer will be used as a refugium and my current 40gal as a quarantine tank or a semi-auto water change tank.
Untill tomorrow then.
Cann't wait to see you get started:thumbsup:
Dom
this is gonna be amazin!
ditch the fire though.
not sure of the angles heights etc but could u get the tank to sit at a height so u can enjoy the whole lot while u sit on the couch, but not too low so u can enjoy it stood up.
fk me i need to move house...
Right there was a big cock up a few weeks back, the 6 foot setup I was picking up went down the drain but I've just found a cracking setup on here which I'm picking up on monday (cheers Joe), while there I'll be picking up a few frags for mrobo.
So next week I'll be setting up and picking up the rest of the bits I'll be needing (i.e. light unit, skimmer, return pumps, u.v. and pipework). Should be good practice for the big one (even though all the Liverpool boys take the mick).
I might aswell put it all in this thread and when the big one comes it will just be a continuation.
See ya soon!
Just a quick question guys. Do you think the fire looks better under the tank or under the 50" Plasma? I can't decide, or does the t.v. look crap on the wall anyway?
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/Detailed 8x3x3 revised 12345.jpg
It looks better under the plasma i recon!
Alright everyone
Next job then, tomorrow I'll be moving my 40 gal Juwel Rio 180 from its current position to make way for the 6 footer on Monday and the flooboards are coming up to get some extra support for the ton of weight that will be there soon, also I'll be going the LFS to sort out a few other little bits.
pics on Monday
mrobo770131
08-12-07, 00:36
come on fletch soon tomo wont be able to call you nano man
i cant wait you know all the lads will be at yours permanently till its finished
I've just started another thread for it mick
i think someones trying to increase their post count
Fletch, just seen this thread - and had a good read through.
I don't think I'd want a fire under a tank or a tv to be honest mate...
Any further progress on this?
billythesquid
21-02-08, 09:10
im sure your fed up with reading this but the others are right.
how many people actually use a fire these days with central heating ect
alow me to elaborate
with a fire under the tank
1 if this is in use then the heat it will kick out will be directly transfered to the tank and will create major issues and if the worst was to happen and the tank leaked. water and electric will not mix well even if it is a gas fire you will still have electrics for the ignitor
2 if your fire is under the tv and used it will bugger the tv basicly the heat will warm the illuminating panels.
they get hot enough as it is and you will get distostion.
even more so with plasma than lcd but it will in time with lcd too
if the fire is for display and not to kick out heat then under the tele will be nice.
i actually looked at doing this before i had to rearange the frony room.
head up this is why we post these things and use these forums.
planning is the key with all projects big or small
may i also coment on your flow ideas.
i fully appreceite your wanting to not have pumps everywhere.
but i don`t think after your hard work it will work to your expectations
it is unavoidable to some form of plumbing in the tank be it streams/closed loops
i know ideas have to start from somewhere but there are people here that have spent 40k on builds. not to be rude if it were possible on a big build it would have been done already.
but it has`nt
sorry to dampen your spirits
keep pluggin it all works out worth it in the end
tony
It's been a while since I've been on this thread.
The fire will be for asthaetics only and will not be used for heating, but the fire will probably go under the t.v. anyway.
I have been thinking about the flow for a while now, I will definately be running a closed loop but I'm not set on any configuration yet. I'm toying with a few ideas for the returns and when I know how the water will be coming back into the tank I'll have a better idea of how it will all fit together.
Hey there Fletch.....sorry to hear of your loss, but just thought I would post a quick reply to say that I am in the same position as you.
My mum passed away last october and now it seems that I will possibly be taking on her house....I already have an 8'X30"X30" system sitting dry in her garage while I was waiting to get an extension sorted on my house. So I am now in the process of planning the set up of this at my mums house.
Watching this thread with a keen interest.
Where are the pics!!! :p
Hi Carl thankyou, sorry for the loss of your mum, it's not easy is it. I have found that the tanks have helped me keep busy, that's one of the reasons I couldn't wait to get going with this tank so I set up a 6 footer in my present house as a stop gap untill I can get going on the big fellah. When everything is over and done with and we start decorating the house I'll be getting it all sorted. Untill then I'm stocking my 6 footer with a view to transfering it all over in the next 12 months. When it kicks off there'll be plenty of pics. Hope everything goes well for you, can't wait to have a look at the thread for it. Good luck.
Great concept Fletch ...cant wait to see this unfold
happy days ahead
Hi Fletch I hve just spent a very nice afternoon going through your threads, thanks.
I am no expert on marines yet so have no advice there but I am a sparky.
If I was in your position I would get two new ring circuits installed both of which on seperate RCBOs. Then I would use two of everything ie two skimmers two pumps two heaters and plug one of each into each circuit.
This way if something was to go wrong and a fuse or RCD was to trip you would only lose half of your system and thus not lose all your stock if you were away when it happened.
Anyway just my 2pence worth keep up the good work.
Thanks for taking the time to read my threads kwakermad. I was thinking of how I was going to arrange the wiring, I was going to get advice from the spark doing the job but you've just answered that for me so I'll remember to bring this up to whoever does it. Thanks again.
Hi Fletch great read. When is the project going to be lifting off and we are going to see some pics? :D
I'm still waiting to hear from the relevant parties as to a particular date on the house going through. I was hoping to be getting going a couple of months ago but still waiting to hear, hopefully i will hear in the next few weeks but I have been assured it will be no longer than another 2 months.
As soon as it goes through I will spend some time on planning the build in finer detail as I don't want any mistakes, I've learned the hard way on that, and I will incorporate the build into the renovation work that will be taking place. I'm hoping to have everything ordered and the hole in the wall and electrics ready and the garage decorated/renovated in time for the tank to be built on site, I'm also going to make sure the main room where the tank will be viewable is finished so there will be less chance of damaging the tank. If I can manage to do this then I will just spend a week setting everything up and fine tuning, no doubt with a lot of help from the guys in the LRC and advice from people on here.
Once set up I will do all relevant leak tests e.t.c. and if all is good I will order my LR uncured from Mark at Acropora (depending on price of course) and I will also be using some reef bones so I can achieve the structures I want. At this point hopefully we'll only have a couple of months till all renovations are finished and we move in, by which time the tank will have cycled and I plan on adding the Tangs I want in the system to minimise friction (I'm going for about 10 Tangs, I have 3 already and all new Tangs will be much smaller than my Purple Tang) and then all my current stock will be ready to transfer.
Sorry for waffling on but I am quite excited about this project as it will be my dream tank and I can't wait to get started. I've got lots of plans and ideas in my head just bursting to come out.
WOW, it's been a while since I updated, well nothing much happened until recently.
As I have discussed previously I have now taken ownership of the new house and work has been going on for the last 10 weeks, there have been many changes to the plan and the structure of the house for that matter. Let me explain.
On closer inspection of the garage where the fish room will be situated I decided that having the only entrance to the garage at the side of the house was a problem, there were 2 main reasons, firstly if I have to keep going outside unlocking the garage and locking up again on leaving I will be less likely to keep up on my maintainance especially in the rainy and cold months and secondly if someone were to break into the garage all they would have to do is smash the tank and they would be in the living room. So for those reasons I decided to fully convert the garage into a proper room by bricking up the side door and doing away with the electric door and putting a large window in its place. This presented the first major problem, by doing this I couldn't have an 8ft tank as I would have to put a door for access in the living room leaving less space for the tank. The remedy for this was simple but expensive, a kitchen extension which would bridge the existing gap behind the garage and in front of the utility room, (I will make this clearer with some pics soon). This allows access from inside the house without ruining the living room while also giving us a much bigger kitchen. The second major problem came along when we noticed the garage was actually 2 foot lower than the living room, in order to have the tank size I want the roof has had to be raised by 2 1/2 foot. The final major structural problem was an external chimney breast. I don't want to remove the breast altogether as this would ruin the look of the house and if I ever decide to give up the tank I can replace the chunk of the stack thats missing and replace the fire. So the stack has to be supported which involved a structural engineer. So in all the kitchen extension, garage conversion and raising of the roof has incurred a cost of around £12000. All this before I have even got to the tank plans.
So now the room is nearly ready I am finalising my plans. With the help of Gary t2gsw we have been getting some ideas down and I have decided on almost everything.
MAIN DISPLAY: 8ft x 5ft x 2 1/2ft
SUMP: 6ft x 2ft x 2ft (This will be my existing tank converted)
CRYPTIC ZONE/REFUGIUM: (This will be my existing sump converted)
TOP-UP TANK: 4ft x 2ft x 2ft
WATER CHANGE TANK: 4ft x 2ft x 2ft
SKIMMER: Deltec AP1004 (it's actually a 1003 and I will be adding a fourth Eheim to make it the 1004, I am picking this up tomorrow)
NITRATE REDUCTOR: Deltec NFP(P)1020 (Also picking up tomorrow)
PHOSPHATE REACTOR: Deltec NFP1020 (Also picking up tomorrow)
RETURN PUMPS: 2 x Sequence 15,000
CLOSED LOOP: 4 x Sequence 15,000
LIGHTS: 6 x 250w Lumenarcs
CANISTER FILTER (CARBON)
R.O./D.I. = 100 GALLON/DAY 4 STAGE UNIT WITH T.D.S. METER
AUTO SHUT OFF (R.O.)
AUTO TOP UP: DELTEC FROM EXISTING SYSTEM
CHILLER
PUMPS (OTHER)
TIMERS: 2 FOR CLOSED LOOP, 6 FOR LIGHTING
PIPEWORK
OZONE
This isn't the finished list and I will add to it over the coming weeks and go into much more detail on the rest of the equipment i will be using.
I have also decided on what I would like to keep. Mostly LPS and Softies, Mushies e.t.c. and I would love to have a few different shoaling fish along with Tangs and a load of little Gobies and Blennies. Again I will go into more detail as we go.
So til next time, see ya
Valley Boy
23-05-09, 09:24
This should be a cracker;)----love the 5' width:thumbsup:
adamgreen240
23-05-09, 10:13
Sounds amazing mate! Were you getting all that equiptment!?
wow..nice dims :thumbsup:
Alright guys, thanks for showing an interest.
I've just picked up the skimmer, nitrate reductor and phosphate reactor today from triggerhappy, (cheers for that mate), I'll be buying the lighting new unless I can find some good second hand Lumenarcs for a good price, the main tank will be new and the other tanks will be used if I can find them in time otherwise they'll be new too. Same for the pumps and all the other equipment aswell really.
The one thing I'm not willing to do is compromise, if something isn't exactly what I'm after then I'll buy it new, all the equipment will be in the garage so it doesn't have to be pretty as long as it all works perfectly, the only bit that needs to be perfect is the main display, I'm in the process of getting prices for the tank at the moment.
Emperor Angel
23-05-09, 22:27
Awesome - Look forward to see some piccies of your build work / progress.
Get snapping!!!
matt harvey
24-05-09, 22:44
sounds good john, you know where iam when the work starts, more than happy to help, be nice to be part of somethin so big, an lrc team effort ;)
Cool Matty, I might have to get about 8 of us together just to get it in the house on the stand, I'll be taking advantage of Garys skills as an anal retentive neat freak, only kiddin Gaz I'll see ya through the week for the design session
did you decide on a chiller fletch? you going for the aqua medic sk5 or 6? :)
Big thanks to Gary (t2gsw) for coming round today to help me polish off the design, as soon as he e-mails me the design over I'll get it on here, we've now got a detailed set of measurements and are fine tuning the fiddly bits, I don't mind saying, this system is gonna look sweet, what the actual display will look like is a different matter.
This week should see a lot happening, the plasterer started rendering today so wednesday should be able to get rid of the scaffolding to raise the roof, also tomorrow should be the day we smash out the 8 x 30" hole in the side of the house, also had a decent price for the display tank so will be making final decisions and ordering this week.
Phew, I'm sure I'm missing something, I'll remember when I shut the laptop down
Emperor Angel
26-05-09, 15:59
Fletch - You are missing something - Where the pics of your build progress...... ?
Don't worry, we should be getting somewhere tomorrow so pics will start soon
Right there's been a little set back, the builders couldn't come back on Wednesday and instead are starting again a week Monday so a little dissappointed but it's nothing major I have to wait six weeks for the tank anyway.
On another note I have now decided not to use a chiller and instead I will be using a heat exchanger connected to the cold water feed in the garage, I will be picking it up from Mark (of Acropora House fame) some time next week
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