500 gallon project photos

[Norm R]

Following is a photographic progress log of the upgrade of my reef to a 500 gallon show tank. Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ve thoroughly enjoyed watching the progress of othersââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ projects here so Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ll attempt to maintain this until complete. This project has been in the works for a while and is beginning to materialize into something I can share. My goal is to have water in the tank by Thanksgiving, at the latest.

My current system is a 300 gallon acrylic tank with a 150 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. The new set-up will leverage the current sump, refugium and equipment remotely located below the tank, in my basement.

The tank is currently being crafted by James and his crew at Envision Acrylics (www.envisionacrylics.com). As many of you have read in other threads here on RC, or experienced, James is simply incredible to work with and produces nothing short of a piece of art. While I donââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t yet have the tank, my experience to this point has far exceeded my expectations, and I tend to be a PIA. The tank is scheduled to ship 11/11.

Here are a few particulars-

ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ viewable on 3 sides (peninsula), dividing two rooms
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ Dimensions - 30ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ high x 90ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ long
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ Dimensions ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 36ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ wide on one end, tapering to 44ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ wide on the opposite end
---> front face has a subtle angle (left to right)
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ actual volume is closer to 470 gallons
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ 1ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ acrylic
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ single overflow on the end adjacent to a wall
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ DIY stand and canopy
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ mixed reef, primarily softies, LPS, anemones and fish
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ closed loop with OceansMotions 4-way
ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢ open loop to refugium and sump in basement

Now for the good stuff. Following are pictures as of yesterday.

 

[Norm R]

Here are a few of the stand in progress.

A lot of cross-bracing, screws and 1/2" x 8" carriage bolts later, here is where it stands today. I hope to finalize the cherry face this weekend.

 

[Fliger]

That is really beautiful. I must be a little dense, or the pictures are deceiving. Is that the same tank? The pix with the top look perfectly rectangular. But the first on obviously shows the tapering.

Or are those 2 tanks. Either way - those dimensions are awesome.

OK, just looked again. It's just a visual effect, it's the same tank. But it really does look rectangular.

Please keep the pix coming! I just filled my tank from James and couldn't be more happy with it. It is a piece of art.

 

[Norm R]

Fliger, the photos are all of the same tank. I've done more than one double-take as well when looking at them. Optical illusion, I guess.

I've followed your posts about your new tank - glad to hear it's working out well. I'm jealous, I can't wait to hear that first splash. It was feedback from people like you that made it an easy decision for me to go with Envision. Thanks.

 

[Chris777]

I wish i could have one that big. I cant wait to see it up and running. If it looks anything like how your 300 looked im gonna want it even more.

 

[Norm R]

Thanks Chris.

 

[Chris777]

I got this post saved bookmarked so i can see the future pictures

 

[marcusbigdady]

Norm, the tank is going to look great,if its anytihing like the 300,all i can say is wow.......Thanks to you and your 300 my wife is going to let me get a large in wall tank !!!!! Thanks Norm!!!Marcus PS,sorry i can't help with the new tank,Sandi has drill and is getting ready to go back to Iraq again......

 

[hollback]

Looking Great!

Looking Great!

Norm,
The project is coming along amazing. You're right, that tank is a piece of art. I love the work over the overflow on the top bracing. I can't wait to see it in person. Keep us posted.
~Jason

 

[fletchman]

Looks Great Norm... I Finally just got my 400's Stand Covering finished... Looks a bit diff.. than when u saw it last.... cant wait to see yours up and running

Ryan

 

[Ryan M]

THAT IS ONE NICE TANK!

 

[Razoreqx]

Norm having seen your current setup In person, I cant wait to see the 500!

 

[Mantis]

I'm looking foward to finally seeing this beast in person, can't wait.

 

[aquajohn]

TAG

 

[szwab]

once that baby is done and up the club meeting following has to be at your place!!!

 

[Norm R]

Thanks guys. I'm beginning to get anxious.

 

[rock455]

tag

 

[LIReefer]

Nice tank design!!! James does excellent work - doesn't he? I like that tapered design. What's your plan on plumbing the OM 4-way?

Ed

 

[Norm R]

LIReefer,

The OM 4-way version 2 will be used on a closed loop powered by a Dart. The diagram below is my likely set-up for the returns from the sump and the 4-way. There will be 2-2ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚drains feeding the Dart. One will project through the overflow box and the other in the bottom at the opposing end. I opted to go with 2 drains in an attempt to lessen the draw and minimize sucking in small fish and critters.

 

[mmgm]

Looks like a great project.... Keep the pictures coming..... Threads like this are very informative......

Are you going with OceansMotions (4 or 8 way?)