Coral Tank from Canada (1350gal Display Tank)

[nineball]

I have to say that I love what you're doing here. As far as flow I wouldn't drill down the acryllic for vortechs, but I have seen this done before:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1777135

You would basically mount the dry side inside the tank in watertight boxes (over flow or other) not sure if this is an option for you, but I really haven't heard good things about closed loops. Also look at putting penductors on your returns to increase the amount of flow created.

I'm also a fan of dump tanks and don't mind the bubbles at all- it looks really natural.

HTH

shroutk, the penductors are on the top shelf for consideration in any event.

The dump tank architecture in my opinion would have best been contemplated before the tank was even ordered and properly designed into the system. It would not be an option for the intended environment at this point.

I am determined to address the flow issues with a solution hopefully endorsed by this committee of your peers that feels right for the long term. There is still information that you and they do not have yet and I am working to try and get it so that we all have the same understanding. Soon, I hope.

Thanks for your support. Its NOT taken for granted.

Peter

 

[golf nut]

Mo, how much do you think I need to be concerned about stress with this pump?

If its not an issue then it seriously could be the answer.

I assume that the current flow dynamics would still be ok in the background or does this fit in the closed loop....somehow?

Peter

Imagine it to be like an Evinrude outboard motor hidden in the tank.

 

[Mr.Kook]

im going ot tag along great tank

 

[nineball]

Imagine it to be like an Evinrude outboard motor hidden in the tank.

Well as long as I don't have to climb into the tank to pull the rope starter. I assume it would have an electric start and I could just use an extension cord?????

Peter

 

[nineball]

im going ot tag along great tank

Thank you Mr. Kook. Mr Kook meet Mr. Wilson. All we need now is Mr. Tibbs and I think we may have a movie somewhere in there.

Seriously Mr. Kook, welcome to our growing community. Nice to have you along.

Peter

 

[golf nut]

Well as long as I don't have to climb into the tank to pull the rope starter. I assume it would have an electric start and I could just use an extension cord?????

Peter

Yes, unfortunately there will be strings attached, that is until I invent a cordless extension cord

 

[Posidion]

Ok two thoughts....... first my plan is to establish written SOP for all operations and maintenance for the entire ecosystem. I'm pretty sure I will have some full time help so this discipline will be ingrained into the daily routine.

so I have two tracks to follow........the closed system and the open in line system???? Are they both doing the same thing????

no they are not doing thr same thing.the open line if filtering the loop is flowing. I like the idea of the can on your closed loop for added protection from clogging debris getting to your pump. However that being said i have to agree that this is probably going to become a maint nightmare as time goes on. my theory is if it is a PITA then it is a chore and n one likes chores. Take it from a guy who maintains several tanks for clients who are verry particular, even the paid help does not want to do PITA stuff. I have resolved to do it but i dont like it. :hammer:

 

[Posidion]

Thank you Mr. Kook. Mr Kook meet Mr. Wilson. All we need now is Mr. Tibbs and I think we may have a movie somewhere in there.

Seriously Mr. Kook, welcome to our growing community. Nice to have you along.

Peter

Mr who??????????
Peter are you showing your age or have i just missed the boat? :wildone:

 

[gmneil]

Thank you, if all else fails we can all pile in and head for the casino.

Peter

well i dont see that happening with your build, it looks wonderful, and well thought out,

and i got to the casino niagara on the american side regularly so shoot me a pm if you are ever going..

neil

 

[nineball]

Mr who??????????
Peter are you showing your age or have i just missed the boat? :wildone:

age.......

 

[Jar*Head]

Peter, i am speechless looking at the size of your aquarium. It is truly amazing. After reading through your thread i would like to put in my .2 cents and share with you the mistake i made with my 480g display tank.

I setup my 480g tank using 4 tunze 6305 7925gph, 4 tunze waveboxes which build external so you will notice the wave motion but you don't know where they are coming from sound so cool right?). But i NEVER am happy with my setup even though i try my best to get all the top notch equipment. Why? Because of the way i display my powerhead. They are such an eyesore even though they work very well and my corals are happy but it doesn't look good due to all the wire and equipment inside the tank and make the tank look ugly (IMO). I recently break down the tank after 11 months of operation because i have to get my family ready for my deployment for 13 months to Afghanistan. I feel much better now that i don't have to stare at the powerhead everyday and trying to figure out the way to make my tank look clean and natural.

I am a hardcore tunze fan because they work well and the best customer service. But you need to find the way to hide all the wires, and the power head.

If i own an aquarium as big as your, i would incorporate a few Closed Loops with Ocean motion 4 ways or 8 ways. Yes, they will get stuck if sand get in between the drum but if the sand grain size is not too small and if your output aren't pointing at the sand to create sand storm you will be fine. There is a down side to everything in this hobby when it come to flow option.

As for closed loops pump i would go with something powerful but energy efficient i.e Sequence, ATB flow star, or Red dragon. I would have 3 or 4 CL with OM 4 ways on the 16 foot and 2 Closed loops with OM 4 ways on the 8 foot. My return pump will provide the flow on the surface in conjunction with wavy sea or sea squirt.

If you are planning to have a rock wall to cover the overflow box at each end, you can always add couple tunze powerhead with the tunze deco rock and have the wire hidden behind the rock work. With the tank that big i don't think people will notice if there is couple tunze at each end of the tank blend in with the rock work.

Sorry if i talk too much or if i confuse you .

Happy reefing
Steve

 

[Aquarist007]

age.......

don't pick on Peter---he could have stated Mr. Ed

 

[pterfloth]

Greetings! Just following along from the West Coast. Great to see this big Canadian build.

 

[nineball]

Peter, i am speechless looking at the size of your aquarium. It is truly amazing. After reading through your thread i would like to put in my .2 cents and share with you the mistake i made with my 480g display tank.

I setup my 480g tank using 4 tunze 6305 7925gph, 4 tunze waveboxes which build external so you will notice the wave motion but you don't know where they are coming from sound so cool right?). But i NEVER am happy with my setup even though i try my best to get all the top notch equipment. Why? Because of the way i display my powerhead. They are such an eyesore even though they work very well and my corals are happy but it doesn't look good due to all the wire and equipment inside the tank and make the tank look ugly (IMO). I recently break down the tank after 11 months of operation because i have to get my family ready for my deployment for 13 months to Afghanistan. I feel much better now that i don't have to stare at the powerhead everyday and trying to figure out the way to make my tank look clean and natural.

I am a hardcore tunze fan because they work well and the best customer service. But you need to find the way to hide all the wires, and the power head.

If i own an aquarium as big as your, i would incorporate a few Closed Loops with Ocean motion 4 ways or 8 ways. Yes, they will get stuck if sand get in between the drum but if the sand grain size is not too small and if your output aren't pointing at the sand to create sand storm you will be fine. There is a down side to everything in this hobby when it come to flow option.

As for closed loops pump i would go with something powerful but energy efficient i.e Sequence, ATB flow star, or Red dragon. I would have 3 or 4 CL with OM 4 ways on the 16 foot and 2 Closed loops with OM 4 ways on the 8 foot. My return pump will provide the flow on the surface in conjunction with wavy sea or sea squirt.

If you are planning to have a rock wall to cover the overflow box at each end, you can always add couple tunze powerhead with the tunze deco rock and have the wire hidden behind the rock work. With the tank that big i don't think people will notice if there is couple tunze at each end of the tank blend in with the rock work.

Sorry if i talk too much or if i confuse you .

Happy reefing
Steve

Thank you Steve. First let me say I am touched that you would peek in here and get caught up in all this. I watched you go through your process as it happened. Your perspective is very welcome and appreciated. Its amazing how consistent the general perception is that my flow is inadequate and the fact that we are all in agreement is a good thing from my point of view. The solution however is something else, and the diversity of alternatives tells me there is no easy, clear or simple answer. So whatever is done will truly be owned by this group. This is truly our tank. I like your suggestions and might lean in that general direction. There is some information I am trying to get that may give us all some help in choosing the best solution for our tank and its taking me a little longer to get it than I thought it would. Hopefully in the next couple of days.

By the way Steve, we all owe you and your family alot for your service to us all. You are doing a good thing. Hopefully, we will move this build to a successful point where you can check on us through the webcam.

Peter

 

[swissgaurd]

Hello! New to the thread, and fascinated by watching this come together



Anything not purpose made for aquarium use would be highly suspect, as there could be components made out of brass or other undesirable metals exposed to the water.

actually there is jets that are made out of pvc they are made for saltwater hot tubs,the jets can be removed and you can screw something else in them,locline if you wish.


vic

 

[swissgaurd]

some here on rc use them
http://www.dtpetsupplies.com/catalog/Plumbing-Fittings/Tank-Jets/1-12-Tank-Jets/

vic

 

[nineball]

don't pick on Peter---he could have stated Mr. Ed

Or Mister Roberts..........

but I do like Mr. Ed!!!!!!

Peter

 

[nineball]

Greetings! Just following along from the West Coast. Great to see this big Canadian build.

A nice breath of fresh coast air. Welcome to our group pterfloth.

Peter

 

[nineball]

actually there is jets that are made out of pvc they are made for saltwater hot tubs,the jets can be removed and you can screw something else in them,locline if you wish.


vic

Everytime you think you've come to the last corridor someone opens another door. This hobby is NEVER going to get boring..........

Peter

 

[Claudio D]

Hi Peter

not to confuse you but I just move out from Ocean Motion 4 ways because I was tired of opening and cleaning the unit to 4 tunzes 6305 in my 660 gal tank
to find out that a Tunze burns really easy to

So there are no sure things

The Idea of the big Thruster pump is not so Desperate , it os expensive but who knows may be the right compromise

god luck with your tank

Claudio