785 Gallon Glass Reef Build in CT

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Amazing work!! I really like the way it looks from inside the house. What you have done was exactly the same plans I had until I ended up with a bow front tank. It's crazy how close our builds are to being the same. Now that it's getting colder are you having any issues in your garage or is your curtain doing a good job ? I ask because I might use your idea. If you have a chance, you can glance at my build--CD's upgrade. Any insight would be great since it's the same aspect but you have twice the amount of water.
But I am pretty jealous because your tank became way more stocked than mine did in a short amount of time. [emoji106]. Mine is still pretty empty & not near as good to look at. [emoji51]
Great job. Love it!!!


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FunFishin24 said:
Amazing work!! I really like the way it looks from inside the house. What you have done was exactly the same plans I had until I ended up with a bow front tank. It's crazy how close our builds are to being the same. Now that it's getting colder are you having any issues in your garage or is your curtain doing a good job ? I ask because I might use your idea. If you have a chance, you can glance at my build--CD's upgrade. Any insight would be great since it's the same aspect but you have twice the amount of water.
But I am pretty jealous because your tank became way more stocked than mine did in a short amount of time. [emoji106]. Mine is still pretty empty & not near as good to look at. [emoji51]
Great job. Love it!!!


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The curtain is working well. I added a 1000 watt heater directly to the tank and I have a 500 watt heater in the sump. Total heater wattage is 1500. There is no other heat source behind the curtain but I do have register fans circulating air from inside the house (similar volume of air to a bathroom fan). I also added some insulation to the garage doors. Tank is holding steady at 73 degrees and outside temp has been as low as 7 degrees. I will try to take a look at your build later.

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cleanmyaquarium said:
The curtain is working well. I added a 1000 watt heater directly to the tank and I have a 500 watt heater in the sump. Total heater wattage is 1500. There is no other heat source behind the curtain but I do have register fans circulating air from inside the house (similar volume of air to a bathroom fan). I also added some insulation to the garage doors. Tank is holding steady at 73 degrees and outside temp has been as low as 7 degrees. I will try to take a look at your build later.

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1500W seems like a pretty low draw for that size tank... I would have guessed about 2400 - 3000W. Even I am considering adding a second 800W titanium to my 300 gal and it's in the basement. Do you keep the temp at 73 during the winter only or is it like that for much of the year. Just curious.
 
McPuff said:
1500W seems like a pretty low draw for that size tank... I would have guessed about 2400 - 3000W. Even I am considering adding a second 800W titanium to my 300 gal and it's in the basement. Do you keep the temp at 73 during the winter only or is it like that for much of the year. Just curious.
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I had the chiller set at 77 over the summer. On really hot days it got up to 79-80. The chiller is 1/2 hp. keeping the tank at 73 helps save a lot of electricity. An extra 4 degrees to get to 77 would require a lot more juice. Ambient air temp behind the curtain is 67. Heating 800 gallons 6 degrees probably uses 50-60% less electricity

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cleanmyaquarium said:
I had the chiller set at 77 over the summer. On really hot days it got up to 79-80. The chiller is 1/2 hp. keeping the tank at 73 helps save a lot of electricity. An extra 4 degrees to get to 77 would require a lot more juice. Ambient air temp behind the curtain is 67. Heating 800 gallons 6 degrees probably uses 50-60% less electricity

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Cool, thanks. And yes, you'll save lots of energy with that temp.

Have you considered using your water heater to keep your tank warm? This essentially makes use of energy you're already using (maybe a touch extra). Perhaps this is not feasible for you though, depending on the location of your water heater versus that of your aquarium.
 
McPuff said:
Cool, thanks. And yes, you'll save lots of energy with that temp.

Have you considered using your water heater to keep your tank warm? This essentially makes use of energy you're already using (maybe a touch extra). Perhaps this is not feasible for you though, depending on the location of your water heater versus that of your aquarium.
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My boiler heats my water and it is far from the tank so that won't work for me.

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Cut off the burnt tips. It should promote new growth. I've done this many times on "stale" tips and it also works quite well.
 
Now that you have been up and running for a while what, if anything, would you have done differently with your build?


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alshayazoo said:
Now that you have been up and running for a while what, if anything, would you have done differently with your build?


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I probably would have insulated the tank room a little better. The insulated curtain works great but there are some drafty areas in the garage that need attention. I have no complaints with my choice of equipment, pumps and lights.

My only regret is that I didn't go bigger!

JK

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is there an attic above the garage? Or is it living space? Wondering if your getting condensation up there if it is an attic. Last week, I had to go in the attic above the tank and found a lot of wet insulation. Had to take it out and blow in new. Much thicker this time. We'll see if that worked.
Maybe you already thought of this, but if not, might want to take a look up there.

Are you getting more condensation on your windows than last year too? Mine are dripping wet. Starting to freak out just a tad. Not full out freak out mode, but on my way. Don't really want a house full of mold.

Your tank is awesome by the way. Wish you were closer. I'd love to see it in person. Pictures are absolutely nothing compared to standing in front of it Im sure.
 
cleanmyaquarium said:
i probably would have insulated the tank room a little better. The insulated curtain works great but there are some drafty areas in the garage that need attention. I have no complaints with my choice of equipment, pumps and lights.

My only regret is that i didn't go bigger!

Jk

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its never big enough!!!!!!!!!!
 
rygar said:
is there an attic above the garage? Or is it living space? Wondering if your getting condensation up there if it is an attic. Last week, I had to go in the attic above the tank and found a lot of wet insulation. Had to take it out and blow in new. Much thicker this time. We'll see if that worked.
Maybe you already thought of this, but if not, might want to take a look up there.

Are you getting more condensation on your windows than last year too? Mine are dripping wet. Starting to freak out just a tad. Not full out freak out mode, but on my way. Don't really want a house full of mold.

Your tank is awesome by the way. Wish you were closer. I'd love to see it in person. Pictures are absolutely nothing compared to standing in front of it Im sure.
Click to expand...
Thanks Rygar! There are no windows in the garage and I haven't noticed any condensation dripping on the walls, ceiling or curtain but I will definitely keep a close eye. And you are correct that pictures don't do the tank justice especially with my crappy phone camera

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I used that insulation foam board all around my tank in the garage along with all my sumps (just up to water line in sump). I don't have the curtain or anything. My garage gets cold enough for frost on the garage door & my 800 watt heater keeps it at 77.


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