A Reef Tank in the Desert - +/- 1,400 gallon system

SPotter said:
Hey Dan,
great thread and amazing attention to detail. Can you share with me how you plan on plumbing in your UV's? I just ordered the emperor 80w unit and trying to decide how I want to incorporate it into my system.
Click to expand...

Hey Steve.

Thank you for the compliments! On my 150 gallon I ran a Mag Drive in my sump by my filter socks and skimmer into the intake of my UV. The return went back into the sump by the baffles to mitigate any air bubbles. I used a ball valve on the return line to control the flow.

I am planning on using the same setup on my new system. I will let you know if that changes.
 
techreef said:
Thanks for the fishroom pics Dan.

Would you please explain to me why your RODI waste water is running through your skimmer? What does that accomplish? Does it just help flush out your skimmer cup? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Dave (Big Old Reef), suggested it to me prior to installing the ozone. The purpose is strictly to keep the skimmer cup clean. There is not any build up of waste!

Presently, I have the skimmer draining into my drain pipe. I have to caution you though. When I am working on my system or introducing new corals/fish, I attach the waste water to the drain line and close the drain for the skimmer. I learned this the hard way... I lost about 20 gallons of wet skimmage!
 
Dan,

I am planning for the fridge and dosing pump system as well. I just spoke with Gresham of Reef Nutrition this weekend. The Reef nutrition products are available in larger sizes than the small 1liter bottles. They have 2 and 4 liter and larger sizes available. Your supplier of Reef Nutrition products just needs to request the larger sizes for you. You might want to design your fridge system to accommodate larger sized bottles, because when your system is up and running in a year or so your food needs will be pretty substantial.

I also got from Gresham to try their new Brine Feast and their R.O.E. food. Fish loved the Brine and I need to watch the feeding response with the R.O.E. food.

Dave
 
Chimone said:
Living in the desert, did you ever consider using the sun for your lighting? Sun Domes or something along those lines instead of artificial.
Click to expand...

Hi Chimone.

I did. I have solar tubes in several rooms of my house. I had several concerns about using sun domes. Physically, where I installed the tank, it could be pretty challenging. I have three different ceiling/roof levels and several parapet walls. With my CC&R's, any solar tubes need to be mounted flush to the roof line.

Aesthetically, I was concerned about the natural sunlight appearance and algae growth. Additionally, I like to run my lights at night so would have needed some supplements.

I was concerned about my electric bills and the heat of MH's. That is why I chose to go with LED's and I am happy with my decision! While the upfront cost was greater, there is virtually very little heat produced.

I may install some solar panels on my roof to be used as a backup generator in case the electric goes out during one of these monsoon storms.
 
A Couple Tank Shots

A Couple Tank Shots

I am hesitant to post any tank shots as I have not really organized any corals. Most likely on Sunday I will start adding some shelves on the larger towers to place some of my corals. I have purchased seven sticks of marine cement/glue. I also planning on adding more rock in the back of the tank.

DSCN4167.jpg
[/IMG]

DSCN4161.jpg
[/IMG]

DSCN4160.jpg
[/IMG]
 
I really like your rockwork and how you left room for growing out the coral. do you have a plan to deal with shading of coral and what levels you are going to grow certain coral?
 
How long did it take for your tank to cycle or did you use sea water? Over what period of time did you introduce the fish? I counted 9 tangs and 5 FF, it looks awesome. From what I've read, this is just the start of the tang population. Looks great!!
 
Commandoe said:
The "Under da hood" pictures are great! And all these ideas are Awesome! Thanks' for sharing! :wave:
Click to expand...

Commandoe.

Thank you for the compliments. I wish that I could say that the ideas are all original... I learn a lot and get great ideas and plans from reading other posts and talking to other members here on Reef Central.
 
BigOldReef said:
Dan,

I am planning for the fridge and dosing pump system as well. I just spoke with Gresham of Reef Nutrition this weekend. The Reef nutrition products are available in larger sizes than the small 1liter bottles. They have 2 and 4 liter and larger sizes available. Your supplier of Reef Nutrition products just needs to request the larger sizes for you. You might want to design your fridge system to accommodate larger sized bottles, because when your system is up and running in a year or so your food needs will be pretty substantial.

I also got from Gresham to try their new Brine Feast and their R.O.E. food. Fish loved the Brine and I need to watch the feeding response with the R.O.E. food.

Dave
Click to expand...

Thanks Dave!

I am going refrigerator shopping this morning after I hit the gym. I think I will hit Best Buy first.

Thanks for the advice on the Reef Nutrition products. I will make sure the frig accommodates them. More importunely, I will make sure the frig can hold a six-pack too!
 
This set up is simply amazing. Have to admit it really makes me feel poor as a peasant! lol Great job!! I can only hope my little 300DD turns out as nice.
 
bskiba said:
I really like your rockwork and how you left room for growing out the coral. do you have a plan to deal with shading of coral and what levels you are going to grow certain coral?
Click to expand...

Bskiba. I haven't figured it out yet. I know that I am putting my soft corals in the back and those that don't require too much light will go down low beneath the SPS.

I have several corals that are "plate" growing and am just now trying to figure out how I am going to attach them to the rock towers. That will be my Sunday job.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

DPauley
New Member and 2000 Gallon Tank
Replies
5
Views
409
DPauley
DPauley
M
Return to Reefing
2 3
Replies
40
Views
2K
kelly_12
K
M
Choosing Between Innovative Marine and Waterbox for a 200-Gallon Mixed Reef – Your Input Wanted!
Replies
2
Views
172
zak.payne
Z
D
Structural support for 125 gallon aquarium
Replies
7
Views
404
ddang
D
B
AI Hydra 32 question
Replies
3
Views
365
Batman222b
B
Back
Top