1000 Gallon Rimless Build

[reef_shadow]

Here is the finished tank with fresh water in it. I wanted to test and wash out all the plumbing before I add RO and salt.

 

[reef_shadow]

More sump pics

Just a mention on the pumps you see in the sump pics. They are the new Dolphin Super Amp Master pumps with Dolphin abrasive marine seal. The return pump and the closed loop are Dolphin 6250 Amp Masters. The pump over a 100 gallons a minute with a draw of 4.4 AMPS. The other pump is one is a 9700 pressure rated pump to drive my down draft skimmer.

The pumps are very quite.

Moe at Dolphin was great to work with. I mis-sized my skimmer pump. Moe, with out question sent me a larger pump and a box to return the smaller pump. If you are looking for a durable pump check out Dolphin.

http://www.dolphinpumps.com/index.htm

 

[AF91107]

nice setup, cant wait to see more

 

[reefman66]

nice build!!! can't wait to see it stocked!!!

 

[AfricaOffroad]

Really unique concept and design idea.
Look forward to watching your build develop.

 

[hdtvguy]

Very nice

 

[nuccadoc]

Why did you go with a closed-loop system? I have one on my 400 and now I wish I hadn't mostly for esthetic reasons, but also because of it being a nightmare with maintenance.

Are the pvc elbows in the pictures all returns?

 

[Cannon7]

Looks good already.

 

[reef_shadow]

Why did you go with a closed-loop system? I have one on my 400 and now I wish I hadn't mostly for esthetic reasons, but also because of it being a nightmare with maintenance.

Are the pvc elbows in the pictures all returns?

I went with closed loop for two reasons, the first was esthetic's. I did not want anything stuck on the glass or hanging from the top. The pvc elbows on the bottom of the tank can be covered or hidden with rock (8 returns and 2 intakes). The big problem with bottom placement is the possibility of a catastrophic leak.

The second reason is flow. MP40's or Tunze stuck on the far wall, just won't cut it in moving water down the length of a 115" tank. The way the closed loop works is to move volumes of water from section to section of the tank. You get a complete "rolling wave" of water from one end to the other. The wave hits the end and rolls up and creates flow back over the drain end.

You may be right on the maintenance. Sand and critters can get into the Ocean Motions and cause a pain.

 

[skiprr]

Wow! very nice. tagging along..

Skip

 

[nuccadoc]

Got it. I was thinking that you didn't want power heads stuck on the glass. I like the "rolling wave" of water across the tank idea, can't wait to see a video of that in motion.

 

[polywise]

"Moe at Dolphin was great to work with." - She has helped me quite a few times over the years, especially when ordering replacement seals......

 

[ReefWaters]

Do you have a drain in the floor anywhere near the tank? I would imagine you will get a lot of water on the floor maintaining this monster.

Are the return pumps pulling water from below the intake? Are they self priming?

How deep is the cistern?

 

[reef_shadow]

Do you have a drain in the floor anywhere near the tank? I would imagine you will get a lot of water on the floor maintaining this monster.

Are the return pumps pulling water from below the intake? Are they self priming?

How deep is the cistern?

Unfortunately, no drains.

Yes the returns are pulling water from below the intake. They are self priming with a flap valve in the cistern. I think the cistern is 52 inchs deep. I can get in it and still pull my self out.

 

[reef_shadow]

First Rock

First Rock

The first rock is in the tank! This Totoka rock. I love it . Nice texture and shape. I will be adding Vanavatu rock in the mix soon.

 

[stunreefer]

Been quietly watching this awesome build, very well done :thumbsup:

Is that one rock? Nuts!

 

[cdeboard]

Wow what a dream install. I love the huge rimless walk around setup. Dream of it often and always wondered how I would hide the sump. This is very interesting. That rock is also amazing!

 

[FallensReef]

cant wait to see more

 

[Poriferan]

Looks great! Looking forward to seeing it full!.

 

[KingNeptunesBou]

Tagging along.