Hey Guys,
I have been wanting to build a large reef tank for a few years now but other things have always taken priority.
Well I finally decided to move forward with it. After some discussions with the wife we decided the best location for a big tank would be in the basement near a drain - my wife is a firm believer that all tanks will leak!
So, it is located in the basement, built into a wall. On the other side of the wall is unfinished with lots of access to water, drains and power.
I have been casually looking at used tanks in the area for the past year and I came across a gentleman that was selling a 360 gallon tank built by Customaquariums.com in Wi. The tank is 96" x 30" x 30" and has starfire glass on the front and two side panels. It was purchased new back in February 2017 and shutdown around Sept.
I decided to build a stand from concrete cinder blocks and 2x6 lumber. The cinder blocks are cemented in place and leveled. The top is made of double 2x6's all around with five cross braces and then topped with 3/4" ply. I will have three additional steel posts supporting the top once I have the sump and fuge in place. I covered the wall behind the tank in large pond liner to protect it from water and salt creep.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/skZnDohtfr97hYOn2
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pU9MAn5ylvgPkQYo2
https://photos.app.goo.gl/v7VHUkEDQEAO3fM32
There is also a foam pad on top of the plywood that I ordered from completecustom. They were great to deal with. I also rented their moving suction cups. I hired a piano moving company to relocate the tank. This tank weighs 700lbs, so it was a major pain to get down the narrow staircase to the basement!.
Here it is in place.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/iYYbkLhzqjkiCRKv1
It was predrilled and fitted with a Synergy Reef 2500gph overflow.
Here is a pic from the front:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/8TNfFcXMG9ocPcFq2
I am planning on the following equipment:
Lights - Two ATI 48" 8x56 dimmable fixtures
Lifereef 36" skimmer with a Blueline 30HDX pump. This will be mounted external with an Avast Marine Davey Jones Locker.
Lifereef sump with two Nepture Cor 20 return pumps.
50 gallon fuge
BRS reef saver rock with a large Tonga shelf in the middle.
I am not sure which wave makers I am going to go with. I am leaning towards two 250 size gyres - any suggestions would be welcome!
I am planning on using the Triton method on this tank and will use a GHL doser. I also will be using an Apex with as much automation as possible.
I will add to this thread over the next few weeks as more equipment comes in.
-Jason
I have been wanting to build a large reef tank for a few years now but other things have always taken priority.
Well I finally decided to move forward with it. After some discussions with the wife we decided the best location for a big tank would be in the basement near a drain - my wife is a firm believer that all tanks will leak!
So, it is located in the basement, built into a wall. On the other side of the wall is unfinished with lots of access to water, drains and power.
I have been casually looking at used tanks in the area for the past year and I came across a gentleman that was selling a 360 gallon tank built by Customaquariums.com in Wi. The tank is 96" x 30" x 30" and has starfire glass on the front and two side panels. It was purchased new back in February 2017 and shutdown around Sept.
I decided to build a stand from concrete cinder blocks and 2x6 lumber. The cinder blocks are cemented in place and leveled. The top is made of double 2x6's all around with five cross braces and then topped with 3/4" ply. I will have three additional steel posts supporting the top once I have the sump and fuge in place. I covered the wall behind the tank in large pond liner to protect it from water and salt creep.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/skZnDohtfr97hYOn2
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pU9MAn5ylvgPkQYo2
https://photos.app.goo.gl/v7VHUkEDQEAO3fM32
There is also a foam pad on top of the plywood that I ordered from completecustom. They were great to deal with. I also rented their moving suction cups. I hired a piano moving company to relocate the tank. This tank weighs 700lbs, so it was a major pain to get down the narrow staircase to the basement!.
Here it is in place.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/iYYbkLhzqjkiCRKv1
It was predrilled and fitted with a Synergy Reef 2500gph overflow.
Here is a pic from the front:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/8TNfFcXMG9ocPcFq2
I am planning on the following equipment:
Lights - Two ATI 48" 8x56 dimmable fixtures
Lifereef 36" skimmer with a Blueline 30HDX pump. This will be mounted external with an Avast Marine Davey Jones Locker.
Lifereef sump with two Nepture Cor 20 return pumps.
50 gallon fuge
BRS reef saver rock with a large Tonga shelf in the middle.
I am not sure which wave makers I am going to go with. I am leaning towards two 250 size gyres - any suggestions would be welcome!
I am planning on using the Triton method on this tank and will use a GHL doser. I also will be using an Apex with as much automation as possible.
I will add to this thread over the next few weeks as more equipment comes in.
-Jason
