Advice for going big? (approx. 600 gall)

[Raoul5Duke]

I know its been asked before, but the most recent thread I saw was from 2009 so I thought I would ask again. I'm planning an upgrade from ~150 gallons to ~600 gallons, ~350 will be the DT. I'm just looking for advice for those with large tanks on things I should keep in mind. Some details of the plans and things I think I already need to consider are listed below:

-Tank I'm considering will be 96"x36"x24", 3/4" acrylic. I've gone through the glass acrylic considerations and acrylic is best for my needs and limitations.
-Tank will be in wall with a large room behind it (20'x20'+) that will serve as a fish room.
-I plan on using greenboard on the backside of the wall being used and I plan on getting a large dehumidifier (50-70 pints per day removal) to control humidity
-I plan on using LEDs as I have had a great experience and like the ease of use and controllability (I like my radions so far)
-I plan on having an automated water change station so I can do weekly 10-15% water changes by flipping a few switches, also looking at the Genesis Reef systems
-I plan on having redundant return pumps plumbed together. One will feed the return line and one will go to a manifold to run reactors, frag tank, etc. but one can be taken offline if needed while the other runs the return.
-Apex will be purchased to control heaters, Ca & Alk dosing pumps, monitor PH, Temp. etc. and for water sensor alarms and off site monitoring
-I plan to get a first rate skimmer even though the prices are crazy...:eek1: Most likely an in sump skimmer possibly BK 300
-I plan on using multiple smaller heaters to safeguard against issues with the heaters failing
-Flow in the tank will be from powerheads, likely MP60s & 40s not a closed loop.
-Kalk and automated dosing using dosing pumps will be used for supplements. I hope to stay away from a CA reactor.
-2-3 dedicated 20 Amp circuits will be installed
-I plan on putting a janitors sink next to the tank. The drain is across the room but I think I can use a sump pump setup for this.
-Tank will be easily accessable from all four sides by using false panels or cabinets on the front and open on the back.

Any other suggestions or criticisms about my planning are welcome. While I don't have an unlimited budget I would rather do it right upfront the first time so feedback and suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[maroun.c]

-Any specific reason against a closed loop?
-While a dehumidifier is a great solution I would also install some vents to the outside if possible to be used on warm days. A dehumidifier will cause more evaporation due tot he lower humidity environment so will be fighting against itself. In cold days a dehumidifier is much better to use than vents as there's no heat loss.
The dimensions you posted look like itll be a 350Gallon tank not a 600G

 

[Raoul5Duke]

I think using the powerheads makes it easier to adjust the flow and keeps the entire setup a little simpler. I also like that if I decide to down the road the tank could be converted to a peninsula style as nothing will be drilled (plan on external overflow, bean style), so if we finish more of the basement we could change it. Mostly just to try and keep it simple and I like the MPs, I know the 60s are supposed to be loud though.

I have heard several people mention using an exhaust fan on a timer or humidistat. I think I can easily add this as there is a window in the back of this room.

The display will be ~ 350, but when the sump is accounted for and a frag tank, possible a display fuge, etc. I'm guessing the upper end of the whole system could approach ~600.

 

[Raoul5Duke]

Any other thoughts, comments on this topic?

 

[biodegraded]

Well, my rule of thumb is to have a detailed cost list for everything I can think of, then multiply by Pi. That will still be too low but it will be realistic ballpark and if I can't budget for that amount, don't even start. My other rule of thumb is how ever long I think a task should take, multiply by 2Pi for a realistic time.

 

[Bob Nell]

After having several issues with large external return pumps, I switched over to Sicce hi flow internal return pumps and would never go back. Safety, low heat and good power.

 

[mwminer]

My tank is 96x36x30 and it is a 2 sided view and lit with radions and 2 mp 60 and hammerhead pump love it. Ill send some picts if it helps

 

[jt48]

My tank is 96x36x23. It has two large trapezoid shaped internal overflows that take up alot of space. I went with internal so the plumbing wasnt visible as wife walked by (high traffic area) but sometimes i really wish it was a coast to coast external. Keep this in mind. Weigh aesthetics for peaople vs space for coral and fish