Choss' 96 Gallon Reef Savvy Tank Build
- Thread starter choss
- Start date
choss
New member
Funny that you should ask....
reef savvy tank by choerenz, on FlickrOk so yesterday I had 2 of my soccer buds come over at 8:45 am (my reef buddies were busy so you have to go to the next best hobby group...). By 8:50 we figured out that the suction cups were not going to work. One popped off during the first lift and I went pale white, then sweat broke out everywhere.
So we used old fashioned muscle and lifted the tank on the dolly. 10 minutes later (by 9:15) we had the tank up on the stand and centered. I was so stressed the night before, and in the end it was in place in no time at all.
So then I started worrying about the weight of the loaded tank on the stand. The stand is 1.5 inch thick walnut, and super solid gator piping. But I still contacted the manufacturer of the pipes and was told "don't worry, each leg can hold 4,000 lbs". I estimate the full weight to be about 1,000- 1,200 lbs so I think it's all good.
Now the next chapter can start. This weekend I will start the plumbing.
choss
New member
Yes the stand is designed to allow the tank to "float" almost like a pedestal. I grew tired of the traditional stand and was looking for something different. That said, there are many drawbacks. I will be hiding the sump in a small cabinet (that will sit to the right of the tank) so I had to go with a 24 gallon cube sump, and I will need to hide the plumbing carefully so that it isn't noticeable. That is why I created the backboard. The other cabinet in the picture will hold the electrical.
I think I went with schedule 80 elbows and schedule 40 colored pipe. I have to check. I did get everything from BRS on sale.
Yeah I was really nervous. I waited a year for this tank and it could have all ended in a few seconds.
Up next, I am going to start the plumbing and finish the sump cabinet. I'll post a few pics - it is nearly done. I waited on finalizing things as I just received a nice box from BRS. I'll also post a few pics of the goodies that just arrived later today.
choss
New member
Some goodies arrived the other day
Ecotech by choerenz, on Flickr
I think I now have all my equipment. I will start with one MP40 and two MP10s but may add a second MP40 later. I also picked up a BRS delux reactor. Because of the small footprint of my sump, I wanted a small reactor to run both carbon and GFO.
I also added a battery backup - man that thing is a beast. I'll put together the full list of equipment this weekend.
Ecotech by choerenz, on FlickrI think I now have all my equipment. I will start with one MP40 and two MP10s but may add a second MP40 later. I also picked up a BRS delux reactor. Because of the small footprint of my sump, I wanted a small reactor to run both carbon and GFO.
I also added a battery backup - man that thing is a beast. I'll put together the full list of equipment this weekend.
choss
New member
Update
Update
Ok so it has been a while. September was a pretty big month for me as far as travel is concerned. I also finished a non fish tank related project which is a dining room table that I built for a small summer home out in Montauk. It was occupying my work area and I was determined to get it done in time for Thanksgiving since we usually celebrate that in Montauk. Here is a pic of how it turned out. Its similar construction to my fish tank stand - just Sapele not Walnut. Sapele is an African hard wood, which has beautiful colors brought out with an oil treatment. I thought I'd include a picture or two.
Table & meal by choerenz, on Flickr
My son Mats doing some homework
Mats at table by choerenz, on Flickr
Ok so on to where I am in the build. I started the plumbing but hit a snag. I am using schedule 80 unions to plumb the ghost overflow.
union schedule 80 by choerenz, on Flickr
These unions should screw into the bottom of the ghost overflow. The issue is the unions are actually about 1 mm wider than the width of the overflow box and the rubber gasket that goes in between the box and the back of the tank. You can see from this picture - imagine that the level is the back of the tank.
Union w. level by choerenz, on Flickr
Here is a better shot of the union attached to the box. It actually still turns freely so perhaps it is ok to move forward but I spoke with Felix from Reef Savvy and he said "Brother, I got you! " - he is sending me a thicker rubber gasket which should give me the extra mm I need to feel good about the pipe being completely vertical off the back of the tank. You have to love Reef Savvy - simply the best customer service you can ask for. Felix and his family are nothing but quality people.
Union by choerenz, on Flickr
Update
Ok so it has been a while. September was a pretty big month for me as far as travel is concerned. I also finished a non fish tank related project which is a dining room table that I built for a small summer home out in Montauk. It was occupying my work area and I was determined to get it done in time for Thanksgiving since we usually celebrate that in Montauk. Here is a pic of how it turned out. Its similar construction to my fish tank stand - just Sapele not Walnut. Sapele is an African hard wood, which has beautiful colors brought out with an oil treatment. I thought I'd include a picture or two.
Table & meal by choerenz, on FlickrMy son Mats doing some homework
Mats at table by choerenz, on FlickrOk so on to where I am in the build. I started the plumbing but hit a snag. I am using schedule 80 unions to plumb the ghost overflow.
union schedule 80 by choerenz, on FlickrThese unions should screw into the bottom of the ghost overflow. The issue is the unions are actually about 1 mm wider than the width of the overflow box and the rubber gasket that goes in between the box and the back of the tank. You can see from this picture - imagine that the level is the back of the tank.
Union w. level by choerenz, on FlickrHere is a better shot of the union attached to the box. It actually still turns freely so perhaps it is ok to move forward but I spoke with Felix from Reef Savvy and he said "Brother, I got you! " - he is sending me a thicker rubber gasket which should give me the extra mm I need to feel good about the pipe being completely vertical off the back of the tank. You have to love Reef Savvy - simply the best customer service you can ask for. Felix and his family are nothing but quality people.
Union by choerenz, on Flickr
choss
New member
While I wait on the gasket, I will work on the return lines. Here is a tentative layout for the plumbing right after the return pump. It will be connected via some flexible tubing to reduce vibrations. I will have a reactor plumbed off the right side, and the ball valve to the left is so that I can disassemble & clean the check valve without allowing all the water from the main tank back down into my sump. I suspect the sump will have some issues handling the siphoned water so I included a George Fisher Wye check valve. My thought was to include just one valve, even though the pipe will branch into two return lines. The thinking is that a single valve (that I clean regularly) would be better safety than having two in place (double chance of failure). I have seen many people add them right below where the return lines enter the tank. Anyone see any issues to my reasoning here?
Plumbing return pump by choerenz, on Flickr
Plumbing return pump by choerenz, on Flickr
choss
New member
Thank you! I wish my plumbing skills were as good. I started gluing up the first pieces today. Already made a mistake. It almost cost me two ball valves but luckily I was able to cut them free in still usable condition.
fishresponse
New member
Great build read so far. Loving all the top shelf equipment and craftmenship. This is going to be a sweet setup.
choss
New member
Thanks for following and I appreciate the nice comments.
choss
New member
Update - new toy
Update - new toy
Today I unpacked my skimmer which has been sitting idle since last black Friday when I pulled the trigger knowing I would be doing a major build this year. It is a RLSS R6i skimmer. I chose this one despite their new line of DBi skimmers which use a needle wheel and are slightly more compact. I wanted "tried and true" and this skimmer just got great reviews every time. Plus I got a huge discount which didn't hurt.
Skimmer closeup 2 by choerenz, on Flickr
Skimmer RSLL R6i by choerenz, on Flickr
You can see how big it is when compared to a nice bottle of Chardonnay
skimmer with wine bottle 2 by choerenz, on Flickr
Update - new toy
Today I unpacked my skimmer which has been sitting idle since last black Friday when I pulled the trigger knowing I would be doing a major build this year. It is a RLSS R6i skimmer. I chose this one despite their new line of DBi skimmers which use a needle wheel and are slightly more compact. I wanted "tried and true" and this skimmer just got great reviews every time. Plus I got a huge discount which didn't hurt.
Skimmer closeup 2 by choerenz, on FlickrSkimmer RSLL R6i by choerenz, on FlickrYou can see how big it is when compared to a nice bottle of Chardonnay
skimmer with wine bottle 2 by choerenz, on Flickr
choss
New member
Wet is still TBD. I think it will be at least two to three weeks as I am going to be somewhat meticulous about getting my wiring set properly. I also have to set up the automatic water change system. But I'm anxious to test things out.
choss
New member
Equipment List
Equipment List
Most threads start off with an exhaustive list of equipment. I have been rolling it out in small doses so I thought it would be good to do an official list. So her it is:
Tank: Reef Savvy Customer - Phantom Bottom, armored seams. 42" long, 24" wide, and 21" high.
Stand: Custom built - Walnut with size 7 Gator Tubing pipe frame. 28" high, 48" long, 24" wide. Accompanied by two custom cabinets. One housing electrical, one the sump.
Skimmer: RLSS R6i venturi skimmer with a waveline 4000 DC pump.
Lighting: Giesemann Spectra 24" - 250 W metal Halide (Radium or Phoenix bulb - needs to be tested) and luxcore ballast. Can be switched to 400 W.
4 X T5 - ATI Coral Plus, ATI blue plus X2, ATI Purple plus
Additional LED lighting still TBD (Kessil)
Return Pump: Reef Octopus Varios 6, 1700 GPH DC pump
Flow: VorTech MP40 Quiet Drive X1, 2X MP10 QD, one battery backup
Reactor - BRS Delux reactor (will run GFO and Carbon in same reactor)
Refugium light - Kessil H80 Tuna Flora
Controller - Profilux P4 (will add doser and KH director early next year)
AWC Controller - Litermeter 3 pump
Heaters - Eheim Jager X2 (75 W and 100 W)
ATO - Tunze Osmolator 3155
Sand: Tropic Eden Meso Flakes
Salt: Tropic Marin Pro
Plumbing: Schedule 80 fittings, schedule 40 pipe (all BRS sourced)
It will be fun putting it all together in the next few weeks. A lot of the equipment has been sitting around since black Friday last year or early Spring. It will be Christmas in the Choss household soon and then the best part is, black Friday is right around the corner again.
Equipment List
Most threads start off with an exhaustive list of equipment. I have been rolling it out in small doses so I thought it would be good to do an official list. So her it is:
Tank: Reef Savvy Customer - Phantom Bottom, armored seams. 42" long, 24" wide, and 21" high.
Stand: Custom built - Walnut with size 7 Gator Tubing pipe frame. 28" high, 48" long, 24" wide. Accompanied by two custom cabinets. One housing electrical, one the sump.
Skimmer: RLSS R6i venturi skimmer with a waveline 4000 DC pump.
Lighting: Giesemann Spectra 24" - 250 W metal Halide (Radium or Phoenix bulb - needs to be tested) and luxcore ballast. Can be switched to 400 W.
4 X T5 - ATI Coral Plus, ATI blue plus X2, ATI Purple plus
Additional LED lighting still TBD (Kessil)
Return Pump: Reef Octopus Varios 6, 1700 GPH DC pump
Flow: VorTech MP40 Quiet Drive X1, 2X MP10 QD, one battery backup
Reactor - BRS Delux reactor (will run GFO and Carbon in same reactor)
Refugium light - Kessil H80 Tuna Flora
Controller - Profilux P4 (will add doser and KH director early next year)
AWC Controller - Litermeter 3 pump
Heaters - Eheim Jager X2 (75 W and 100 W)
ATO - Tunze Osmolator 3155
Sand: Tropic Eden Meso Flakes
Salt: Tropic Marin Pro
Plumbing: Schedule 80 fittings, schedule 40 pipe (all BRS sourced)
It will be fun putting it all together in the next few weeks. A lot of the equipment has been sitting around since black Friday last year or early Spring. It will be Christmas in the Choss household soon and then the best part is, black Friday is right around the corner again.
