180G in-wall Display/350G system

[13threefmaniac]

Well, after much researching, reading, planning and observing, i have finally decided to take the plunge and start work on my very own 180G in-wall display. The idea is for it to be a mixed reef with schools/shoals of small fish swimming in and out of the rock work. The display tank will be connected to a 100G sump, a 30G refugium and hopefully a 30G frag/acclimatization tank. There will also be a 20G QT tank, that for obvious reasons will not be connected to the main system. As far as equipment is concerned, I'm trying to keep things as cheap(initial price and running costs) and simple as possible while not skimping on quality. Hopefully this ensures i won't have to buy the same items more than once.


Equipment List:

CHILLER
Mitshubishi Starmex 1 hp Titanium Coil Chiller.

LIGHTING
10 X bulb, 39W ATI Powermodule or 12 X bulb, Sfiligoi Stealth

SKIMMER
Clueless??

RETURNS
I plan to split my return to two and have them directed to the front of the tank. Should i go for an Eheim 1262? or the cheaper Ocean Runner? Or would it be better to get a Red Dragon? I need advice in this area since i only have experience with Eheim pumps. The best case scenario would be to have just one pump.

FLOW
1 X Tunze Wavebox and 2 X Vortech (might switch to the new Streams once i've had a chance to see them in action)

CALCIUM REACTOR
No clue yet as i've always maintained CA/ALK via the 2 part dosing method. Any advice would be very much welcome.

CONTROLLER
RKE or Profilux

As you can see, my list is nowhere near complete. I am still undecided on a lot of things and i hope to get this sorted out by the time the tank is done.

 

[13threefmaniac]

The Tank

The Tank

The dimensions of the tank are 48" X 36" X 24". I like the extra width because it allows for more open and 'creative' rock placement. The tanks viewing panel will be made from 3/8" Starphire (low Iron) glass. All other panels will be normal 3/8" glass. I have also decided on an external overflow as this will free up more space within the display. The overflow will be situated at the right side of the tank and will be 28" X 4" X 12". My experience with external overflows are limited at best so if there are any flaws with my design, please feel free to point it out.

 

[13threefmaniac]

SketchUp

SketchUp

Well, thanks to mcliffy, i'm finally done with my first attempts at 'drawing' my tank in SketchUp. Here are the results. I forgot to mention in the earlier post but the tank will be braced on all four sides as shown in the picture. (i believe the correct term is Eurobracing...no??)

 

[13threefmaniac]

 

[13threefmaniac]

Room layout1

Room layout1

The tank will be viewable from the dining area. The glass door on the left leads to the kitchen and washing area. The floor in the kitchen and fish room are tiled whereas the dining room's floor is black polished granite. The area where the tank is situated(in the SketchUp rendering) is now a solid 6" wall and i have been on the lookout for a good contractor to make the required hole in the wall. The idea is for the tank to be "framed" in stone which sticks out approximately 2 " from the main wall. The only aspect of the room that i have yet to figure out is what colour to paint the walls.

Overview of the fish room (details have yet to be added)

 

[jimmy n]

I'm planning a similar in wall for my basement, but with 2 viewable sides.

May I ask who you are using for your custom tank? Especially if you go glass, because I'm determined to avoid acryllic.

 

[13threefmaniac]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13423790#post13423790 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimmy n
I'm planning a similar in wall for my basement, but with 2 viewable sides.

May I ask who you are using for your custom tank? Especially if you go glass, because I'm determined to avoid acrylic.

Two sides as in back and front right? That means all your equipment would go under the tank? I am going glass, though i doubt my tank maker would be of any help to you since i'm located all the way over in sunny Malaysia. :lol:
Btw, got a build thread i can check out?

 

[13threefmaniac]

I managed to add in a 55G frag/acclimatization tank under the main display. Now all i have to figure out is how to draw a 100G Rubbermaid tub.

Trim or no trim?

 

[13threefmaniac]

Stock List

Stock List

My fish/invert list

Clean up crew (assorted snails and hermit crabs)
2 X - Cleaner Shrimp
2 X - Blood Shrimp
5 X - Ignitus or Lyretail Anthias
1 Pair - Royal Gramma or Black Cap Basslet
1 Pair - Potters Angel
1 Pair - Rhomboid or Flame Wrasse
15 X - Glass Cardinals
2 X - Psychedelic or Target Mandarin(once tank has matured)
Yasha Haze Goby/Candycane Pistol Combo

 

[13threefmaniac]

Changes

Changes

As expected, i have already run into a few problems in the planning stage. Since my wall is 6" thick, the idea was to place the front 6" of the tank in such a way that it sat on top of the ledge. This would mean that i have to shorten my overflow box so i changed its dimensions to 20" X 4" X 12". Would this be enough?I was also wondering whether there is any difference between having the overflow situated at the rear glass panel vs the side as per my SketchUp. Secondly, seeing as the front 6" will actually be sitting within the wall, this might leave a shaded area in the front of the tank. Can this be solved by simply tilting the light fixture? Or i could bring the tank back a little, giving it a recessed look (won't be flush with the wall from the front). Finally, i can't seem to decide to go with the black trim or not? My gf seems to like the trim but i feel its a bit too much. Might distract from the tank itself. Any opinions would be welcome.

 

[13threefmaniac]

One more question, i am toying with the idea of increasing the tanks height to 30". Bearing in mind that the tank is already 36" wide, will the added depth make maintenance a hassle? And with a 10 bulb ATI or Sfiligoi fixture, i still should be able to keep LPS on the sandbed right?

 

[13threefmaniac]

Q's

Q's

I'll start off by putting all my questions in one post.

1) I'm pretty much set on my tank dimensions (48" X 36" X 24") but i am still toying around with the idea of increasing the height a little. Would i be better off going with a tank that's either 26" tall or 30" tall? Keep in mind that my lighting will consist of T5's ONLY (Sfiligoi Stealth or ATI powermodule)

2)Would an external overflow (24" X 4" X 12") be sufficient or overkill. I have no experience with external overflows so any advice will be very much appreciated.

3)I am still undecided on my return pump. I'm torn between a Red Dragon, Dart Gold or Eheim 1262. Is it true that the Red Dragon only draws about 60watts?

4)Trim? Should i incorporate the black granite trim/lip or not?


On a more positive note, i did manage to find a reputable contractor who has done some beautiful work in other houses for a good price. He even likes the same beer i do...mmmmmmmmm.....Stella!! I also ordered my skimmer a couple of days ago. Was sold on the Reeflo Orca 200(pro package) after reading the super long thread on it. I should have the lighting sorted out by today so things are really starting to get moving over here.

Updated sketch

 

[waynem]

Have you got the tank yet?

 

[PaulieWalnuts]

nice 3D plan...can't wait to see it...following this!

 

[13threefmaniac]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13564968#post13564968 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by waynem
Have you got the tank yet?

I have not received (or ordered) it yet. I did change the dimensions a little as i managed to make room (and fine the dough) for a slightly larger tank. The new one will be 60" x 36" x 26" ( tank dimensions were inspired by Mcliffy2 ). I just got back from India a couple of hours ago and will be hibernating for a couple of days before finally placing my order with the tank maker. I have a few revised plans that i will post a little later.

 

[13threefmaniac]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13568307#post13568307 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PaulieWalnuts
nice 3D plan...can't wait to see it...following this!

Thanks for breathing some life into the thread PaulieWalnuts. As i mentioned above, my plans have changed somewhat so there are new sketches in the works. Here's a little teaser

Progress is a wee bit slower than i would like but i would rather take my time and get everything done properly than do it in a hurry and end up dissatisfied with the final result. I did manage to fire up my 36", 6 bulb ATI Powermodule and play around with some bulb combination's. I have also placed an order for a 48", 6 bulb unit. This is what i have decided on as far as lighting goes.

 

[PaulieWalnuts]

doubt it need life...it looks awesome! like the black around the tank!

 

[waynem]

When you do order the tank can you post the glass thickness and the price?

Which part of India were you in btw?

 

[13threefmaniac]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13568545#post13568545 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PaulieWalnuts
doubt it need life...it looks awesome! like the black around the tank!

It did need some life. I was not planning on any updates because of the lack of feedback. That has changed now since you've rekindled my 'updating' fire. ...and thanks for the compliment.

 

[13threefmaniac]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13568598#post13568598 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by waynem
When you do order the tank can you post the glass thickness and the price?

Which part of India were you in btw?

I am planning on using half inch glass for the tank. Which part of the world are you at?

I was in Chennai/Madras for a couple of days, before following a relative to Tirupati Temple which is about 4 hours outside Chennai. After that i was in Mumbai/Bombay for 4 days before coming home.