500+ Gallon Tank Build

[cprice]

Hello to all fellow RC members!

3 years ago I started my first reef tank and have been hooked ever since. Due to my frequent change of living arrangements and their respective small size, I have never had a tank larger than my current 29 gal with 20 gal sump. I am fascinated with a large diversity of corals and fish and have never had the tank size to support that. That brings me to now, as I start to plan for my first large reef tank!

I want this tank to be a result of the collective knowledge and experience of the members of RC. Each part of this build will be run through this forum and will need a "stamp of approval" before it receives its official spot in the project.

I want to start a single thread where I can ask questions and receive input for this epic tank construction. I will need help with every facet of the build including tank manufacturer selection, equipment choices, construction processes, and overall tank design/layout among many other topics. I am a "self designated" handyman that has built quite a few complex projects over the years so I am eager to start another one!

Throughout the process of designing this tank, I will be documenting the whole process and keeping a detailed account of all the decisions that are made and why they were made. As I move into the construction phase, I will be videoing and photographing each and every step. At the conclusion of the project, I hope to be able to share a collection of videos online, as well as photos and scores of information that I want to compile into a large pdf/book to help all future reef tank enthusiasts design and create their own dream tanks.

I look forward to learning so much over the next few months and years as I start this project and hope that everyone else here will be able to take something away from this thread. I am by no means a well-experienced reefer with only 3 years under my belt, but I look forward to sharing what I have learned so far and what I continue to learn in the future.

I cant wait to see if this thread will produce the type of result that I hope it will, and I hope you feel the same.

 

[Blue spot]

Hey cprice, I see you've already started you're thread . Look forward to reading how you get on and good luck on you're new endeavour.

 

[dave.m]

What books are you following for your design?

Dave.M

 

[cprice]

Thanks Blue! Dave, I don't have a particular book that I am following, I'm wanting to gather information from the community on RC and collectively design this tank.

 

[dave.m]

Sorry, that says that you don't have enough basic information. May I suggest you avail yourself of the the books and on-line info from Mr. Saltwater Tank. It is about the most current info on reef tanks.

Dave.M

 

[cprice]

I have all of his books and have followed him through most of my hobby life. I was just saying I'm not using one particular guide/book for the tank.

 

[Blue spot]

I think start with an insperational picture of a tank or Scene you like the look of. For me it was cp farm Japan ( just google it ) not the most outstanding but I liked the play on perspective and the shoals of fish also Jamie andueza tank on u tube, Then figure out how you will achieve something similar. Their is so much information and methodology out their, but if you start with someone who has what you hope to achieve, it may focus you down a root that suits you, well that's my four peneth anyway, now of you go cprice. Stun us all!

 

[scubadan206]

What are your favorite build threads as far as getting ideas [stealing] and learning best practices? I would recommend Nineball, Cingchai, Danfeig. Things like that...

I'm sure Dave. M has some others to suggest I don't know about. His recommendation of Mr. Saltwater tank is spot on.
Bulk Reef Supply is also doing a large series of videos featuring their new tank. They are going very in-depth on many different types of subject matter..

Daniel.

 

[nuxx]

It's fun

We only had small tanks and kept on wanting a large tank and hitting a roadblock every time.

First bought a 135... used and was scratched really badly. Decided I wanted to keep fish that were too large and sold the tank.

Next bought a 240... used and ended up leaking after making it reef ready.

Took a step back and had a custom tank bought (470) to fit a space in the house. Turned out great. Ended up learning that you'll be buying / changing stuff constantly as the tank evolves. Lots of time, work and money, but it's fun.

Makes the 150 gallon frag tank we had built seem like a breeze though haha

 

[cprice]

Well, how quickly things can change. Just found out this week that we are moving from Birmingham, AL to Orlando, FL in less than 2 weeks. That will definitely put the large tank on hold. I think I will probably just start a new thread when I get closer to the actual project. I also think that I will take Dave's helpful (but blunt :spin1: ) advice and read up on some more information before I jump in. Thanks for all the helpful words though.

Given the new move, im selling off my tank/livestock/equipment. Check out my local post in the Alabama Reef Addicts forum if you are interested in anything and are close to where I live or close to where I am moving haha.

Will keep everyone updated