96x36x30 Envision tank coming soon - any suggestions?

dismalorb

dismalorb

New member
Hey folks!

I've been lurking for quite some time now and seen alot of different ideas over the last few years. The time is coming closer and closer to my 450 gallon mixed reef tank to be completed (by Envision) and I wanted to see about getting some suggestions from you all as to what kind of equiptment I should get. With all the new toys in the reef aquarium world emerging on a near daily basis, things definitely change when it comes to what has been posted here. I've done some decent research, but it's getting closer (James said November) to my tank being completed.

So here's my position: I'm not rich by any means. However, after a nice haul from ebay I've been able to get some decent cash to start my dream reef tank. One thing I've learned from you folks is 'don't just buy equipment to hold you over, buy equipment you won't need to replace'. I'm looking for middle-ground stuff. Not too expensive but not dangerously cheap either.

I'm currently throwing around ideas for:


internal circulation (probably not a closed-loop)

an efficient protein skimmer (gravity fed?)

wavemaking system with an evening and feeding control

I'm considering Lumenarcs for lighting (x4)

possibly an Aquacontroller 3?


Once James gets me some photos, I'll start my tank build thread on here. My GOAL is to have it up and running after the new year, but we'll see. :)

Cheers to you all!
 
My suggestion: afix weights to your arms in your spare time to make them longer. I love my tank being 30" tall until I have to work on it. If I had to build a tank like this over again, I would take maintenance, and redundancy into careful consideration. Aquascaping so as to allow plenty of room to clean the glass and stir the sand. Keeping a simple equipment design that is easy to wipe down when the salt and humidity start to set in. I am also a large fan of energy conservation, so i didn't mind spending the money on very energy conservative pumps and equipment. Plus the simpler your system is, the easier it will be to label the plumbing and keep it tidy. On my system for example, it would be quite easy to have a neighbor change out a pump if one of them decided to fail while I was on vacation. good luck w/ the build!
 
Don't know exactly.. I do know that my daughter had (6) football players come and help move the tank.

My tank is 36" deep and I wouldn't change. The extra height gives the corals room to grow 2+ feet tall.

Happy Reefing
 
internal circulation (probably not a closed-loop)
With a tank this big, closed-loop is probably your best option for cost-effectiveness and longevity. Otherwise I'd recommend Tunze or Vortech, but thats $$$.

an efficient protein skimmer (gravity fed?)
I'd definently look into the Reeflo Orca 250. They seem to handle large tanks very well, and a comparable BK would be $3-5,000 more.

wavemaking system with an evening and feeding control
I'd tie this into your CL via an Oceans Motions 4-way or 8-way, or if you went with Tunze or Vortech you'd be set with a controller from them.

I'm considering Lumenarcs for lighting (x4)
:thumbsup:

Might also want to look into LumenBrites for better penetration (less spread though). Depends on what corals you want at what levels, aquascpaing, etc.

possibly an Aquacontroller 3?
Never used one.

I bought a Profilux Plus II a while back and absolutely love it.

GL, sounds like an awesome tank!!!


EDIT: I just remembered how big the tank was, and was wondering how thick the acrylic will be? I know this can/will hinder the ability to use Vortechs on it. I belive they are making refinements to them to allow them work on 1" acryilic though.
 
I run a Hammerhead with (4) returns, CL. (2) Iwaki 100's, (2) Iwaki 70's and (6) Tunze 6201 in my 500 for flow...

Happy Reefing
 
*excitement jolts*

Thank you VERY much ricks, stunreefer and marcrunner for your informative and quick replies! I'm stoked to show you what you helped in making.

:D
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13506768#post13506768 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stunreefer
internal circulation (probably not a closed-loop)
With a tank this big, closed-loop is probably your best option for cost-effectiveness and longevity. Otherwise I'd recommend Tunze or Vortech, but thats $$$.

an efficient protein skimmer (gravity fed?)
I'd definently look into the Reeflo Orca 250. They seem to handle large tanks very well, and a comparable BK would be $3-5,000 more.

wavemaking system with an evening and feeding control
I'd tie this into your CL via an Oceans Motions 4-way or 8-way, or if you went with Tunze or Vortech you'd be set with a controller from them.

I'm considering Lumenarcs for lighting (x4)
:thumbsup:

Might also want to look into LumenBrites for better penetration (less spread though). Depends on what corals you want at what levels, aquascpaing, etc.

possibly an Aquacontroller 3?
Never used one.

I bought a Profilux Plus II a while back and absolutely love it.

GL, sounds like an awesome tank!!!


EDIT: I just remembered how big the tank was, and was wondering how thick the acrylic will be? I know this can/will hinder the ability to use Vortechs on it. I belive they are making refinements to them to allow them work on 1" acryilic though.
Click to expand...



You are a lifesaver! :)

The acrylic is 3/4" on the ends, and 1" everywhere else. I had James do it like that just in case I wanted a wavebox.
 
The Oceans Motions 8-way looks awesome! I didn't have James drill holes in the back of the tank though... think it'll still work with a network of PVC in the back of the tank?
 
Yes it will still work. I know people that have set-up CLs without drilling any holes in the tank. They came up and over the back with PVC and a strainer for the CL "drain," then back to the pump, up to an Oceans Motions and return to the tank.

This method will of course create more clutter behind the tank, and could be an eye sore in the tank depending how its done. I would probably drill a hiole for the drain, and have the CL returns just elbow up and over the back. IMO best part about this method is less holes in the tank = less chance of a leak. You can always paint the returns with Krylon paint to help hide them.

BTW, I had an Envision tank and its probably the nicest built tank I've ever seen in person. Unfortunately due to a move early this year I had to sell it before I could even set it up. It did go to a great reefer, a member here on RC actually so it will be in good use. I drilled a hole in it when I bought it, and it was easy as pie, so if you end up drilling it I wouldn't be worried. It was my first tmie drilling any tank, and it went very well. That was 3/4" all the way around, but I dont think that 1" would create a huge issue.

When I was designing that tank, I was in contact with Paul of Oceans Motions. He is great to deal with, and knows everything under the sun about flow and will teach you methods of proper flow that is generally overlooked.

Here is a link to the O.M. website: http://www.oceansmotions.com/store/?osCsid=bc9d524e5d8a841aca36aac09db3b17a

They have a forum too to post questions and pics for better understanding. Here is the thread I started early this year reagrding my Envision tank during the planning stages: http://www.oceansmotions.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1025 It will give you some ideas behind the whole thing and an introduction to a sweeping flow that Paul implements.
 
Hey man, this sounds awesome!

Do you plan to have the equipment under the tank, or located remotely? This has some implications on how you might do the cirulation in the tank.

Also... what do you plan to keep in the tank. With a tank that big, metal halides are a good plan. But, do you want clams in the sandbeds? Or, are you looking for Acans and other lower light corals?

Vortechs are 3/4 inch max right now.
 
This is going to be a sweet tank! Awesome size.

I would so with a closed loop, or two. A perfect set up imo would be two hammerheads with 4 returns each on a OM 4 way. If cost is an issue, don't worry about the OM and add them later.

I also agree with a Orca 250.

For a 30" depth tank, Lumenarcs are a great choice. Are you going with 250 or 400 watts?

Either a AC 3 or RK Elite would be a good controller. I like the looks of the Elite and I "think" all the bugs are worked out now.

Keep us updated...with pics :D
 
Closed loops are great. But...

A few tunzes will do the job with less plumbing. Also, if you oppose them, with an aquacontroller and aquasurf you can have them oscillate to make waves in your tank. If you want to do this, you will need to plan it out with your aquascaping etc...

Two 6300s at opposite ends of the tank producing waves might be a good way to get lots of circulation with less pumps. Getting the pumps to synergize and coordinate efforts.... versus bashing into each other... seems to be the current rage.

Lumenarcs are great to spread the light evenly. However... some people prefer to "spot" the light where it is needed and with this strategy in a deep tank the lumenbrights are another option.

You can simplify things by eliminating supplemental lighting and use radium 20k or reeflux 12k MH bulbs. To my eyes, these look nice without the T5 supplementation. This will cut down on bulbs, wiring, ballasts etc...

Finally consider noise. If you want a really quiet setup, there are many things to consider to cut down on noise. If quiet is a concern, I would get fanless pendants, ballasts, and avoid a closed loop. Also, get a quiet skimmer (the Orca mentioned above is a good choice). Or, best of all, move the equipment to a remote location.

I would endorse the AC3 as a good choice. I have one and like it.
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13543501#post13543501 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stunreefer
Yes it will still work. I know people that have set-up CLs without drilling any holes in the tank. They came up and over the back with PVC and a strainer for the CL "drain," then back to the pump, up to an Oceans Motions and return to the tank.

BTW, I had an Envision tank and its probably the nicest built tank I've ever seen in person. Unfortunately due to a move early this year I had to sell it before I could even set it up. It did go to a great reefer, a member here on RC actually so it will be in good use. I drilled a hole in it when I bought it, and it was easy as pie, so if you end up drilling it I wouldn't be worried. It was my first tmie drilling any tank, and it went very well. That was 3/4" all the way around, but I dont think that 1" would create a huge issue.
Click to expand...

A "drain"? How does that work? :)

Very nice on the Envision! Do you have a build-link for it? :)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13543698#post13543698 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FishTruck
Hey man, this sounds awesome!

Do you plan to have the equipment under the tank, or located remotely? This has some implications on how you might do the cirulation in the tank.

Also... what do you plan to keep in the tank. With a tank that big, metal halides are a good plan. But, do you want clams in the sandbeds? Or, are you looking for Acans and other lower light corals?

Vortechs are 3/4 inch max right now.
Click to expand...

I'm fairly certain it's going to be under the tank. When you say "located remotely" do you mean in a fish room? I have a good sized home, but unfortunately the location of the tank requires all the equipment to be underneath the tank.

I was considering doing 4 lights total: 2 400w in the middle and 2 250w on the ends... What do you think about that?

It's pretty much going to be a "mixed reef", but prodominately LPS and softies. As far as placement is concerned, I'm going to see how the lighting goes with my aquascaping and do placement where it's appropriate for the animals' individual needs.

The plan is to have a small number of fish mainly for asthetic and natural duty purposes, but I'm sure as time goes on I'll introduce some more fish. I REALLY enjoy my 180 freshwater planted tank; it's filled with shrimp and microrasboras... so lots of tiny fish and critters to look at.

My current livestock in my 40 breeder is: 2 cleaner shrimp, 2 A. ocellaris, a purple dottyback (may find another home - very territorial), a 2" blue tang, and a tiny shrimp goby.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13543819#post13543819 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Phillybean
This is going to be a sweet tank! Awesome size.

I would so with a closed loop, or two. A perfect set up imo would be two hammerheads with 4 returns each on a OM 4 way. If cost is an issue, don't worry about the OM and add them later.

I also agree with a Orca 250.

For a 30" depth tank, Lumenarcs are a great choice. Are you going with 250 or 400 watts?

Either a AC 3 or RK Elite would be a good controller. I like the looks of the Elite and I "think" all the bugs are worked out now.

Keep us updated...with pics :D
Click to expand...


Cost is somewhat of an issue, but mainly because it depends on my profits on ebay that week, and whether or not I can sell because of midterms (this week) :)

I actually JUST bought the Orca 250 for.... $1150 and free shipping. Best price I found so far!

I was considering doing 2x250's and 2x400's... 400's in the middle and 250's on either end... what do you think?

I'm waiting on James, but once he's got some progress on I'll email him and make sure the reef porn gets posted. :)

Cheers!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13545306#post13545306 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FishTruck
Closed loops are great. But...

A few tunzes will do the job with less plumbing. Also, if you oppose them, with an aquacontroller and aquasurf you can have them oscillate to make waves in your tank. If you want to do this, you will need to plan it out with your aquascaping etc...

Two 6300s at opposite ends of the tank producing waves might be a good way to get lots of circulation with less pumps. Getting the pumps to synergize and coordinate efforts.... versus bashing into each other... seems to be the current rage.

Lumenarcs are great to spread the light evenly. However... some people prefer to "spot" the light where it is needed and with this strategy in a deep tank the lumenbrights are another option.

You can simplify things by eliminating supplemental lighting and use radium 20k or reeflux 12k MH bulbs. To my eyes, these look nice without the T5 supplementation. This will cut down on bulbs, wiring, ballasts etc...

Finally consider noise. If you want a really quiet setup, there are many things to consider to cut down on noise. If quiet is a concern, I would get fanless pendants, ballasts, and avoid a closed loop. Also, get a quiet skimmer (the Orca mentioned above is a good choice). Or, best of all, move the equipment to a remote location.

I would endorse the AC3 as a good choice. I have one and like it.
Click to expand...

I would LOVE to get some Tunzes, but the cost is through the roof on them! I may get a wavebox if I can remember where I saw them for under $500 though.

I'm definitely going with the Lumenarcs.. I like the idea of a more evenly spread light than concentrated light.. The Radium 20ks are probably going to be my choice. They seem to produce enough beautiful light to make me happy.. I do want some moonlights though. :)

I was looking into those Profilux controllers... WOW. :)
 
I recommend the tunzes as well. I use a combination of 2 vortechs, 2 of the 6201s, and a hammerhead. I especially like the tunze controller and adjustability.

Strength through friends aye? Are you german?
 
I think the 250 / 400 mix would work. I'd have 8 four foot T5's as well.

FishTruck brings up a good point, if you don't like the idea of a closed loop and Tunze's are out of your price range, go with Korlia Wavemaker Controller.
 
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