Coral Tank from Canada (1350gal Display Tank)

[nineball]

Have you decided how to hide the overflow boxes and plumbing yet? You can use aragonite-based cement (aragocrete) to conceal overflow boxes. It has virtually the same chemical composition as coral and after six months of coraline algae growth you can't tell the difference between faux coral rock and the genuine article.

Here are some before and after shots of faux coral walls. The first two pics show Fiji live rock at the base of the faux rock wall. You could treat the end walls as free-standing formations or tie them in with real rock from your four features.

Mr. Wilson, I have not decided to do anything yet! I think it is important to briefly discuss my position before we craft a solution. I have thought about this from a number of vantage points especially with the discussions that took place in Chingchai's build on just how much effort would go into hiding the plumbing from public view.

Here are the operating principles I am using to guide me.

I am not bothered by exposed infrastructure that contributes to the health and welfare of the marine environment.

If a decision has to be made on whether to hide an artifact that would or may compromise the efficiency of water movement then the water flow trumps everything else. On this there is no compromise. The same applies to other fundamental priorities such as light or food corridors.

Where possible I will provide accessibility to infrastructure for maintenance and reliable operating performance. To the extent that I can I will try and future proof the aquascaping to ensure that access remains possible without destroying years of evolutionary growth.

If after all that I can manage to hide or camouflage the plumbing, I will to the extent possible without diluting the principles outlined above. These are the standards I am aiming for. To the degree I am successful, this community will be my coach and judge.........Keeping in mind that this is our tank.

I know there is a very strong cadre within our little community that will chase heaven and earth to avoid any sign of human interference in the ecosystem. I do NOT want to start a huge debate on the merits of hiding stuff as far as esthetic's are concerned. If I can hide everything I will but I will not loose sleep if I can't as long as the environment is healthy and vibrant.

Peter

ps. I am interested in looking at the aragocrete Mr. Wilson. Perhaps you may have some ideas on the best way to pursue this interest as my knowledge in this area is zip,zero,zilch,nada.......you get the idea.

 

[Bennytheblenny]

Mr. Wilson, I have not decided to do anything yet! I think it is important to briefly discuss my position before we craft a solution. I have thought about this from a number of vantage points especially with the discussions that took place in Chingchai's build on just how much effort would go into hiding the plumbing from public view.

Here are the operating principles I am using to guide me.

I am not bothered by exposed infrastructure that contributes to the health and welfare of the marine environment.

If a decision has to be made on whether to hide an artifact that would or may compromise the efficiency of water movement then the water flow trumps everything else. On this there is no compromise. The same applies to other fundamental priorities such as light or food corridors.

Where possible I will provide accessibility to infrastructure for maintenance and reliable operating performance. To the extent that I can I will try and future proof the aquascaping to ensure that access remains possible without destroying years of evolutionary growth.

If after all that I can manage to hide or camouflage the plumbing, I will to the extent possible without diluting the principles outlined above. These are the standards I am aiming for. To the degree I am successful, this community will be my coach and judge.........Keeping in mind that this is our tank.

I know there is a very strong cadre within our little community that will chase heaven and earth to avoid any sign of human interference in the ecosystem. I do NOT want to start a huge debate on the merits of hiding stuff as far as esthetic's are concerned. If I can hide everything I will but I will not loose sleep if I can't as long as the environment is healthy and vibrant.

Peter

ps. I am interested in looking at the aragocrete Mr. Wilson. Perhaps you may have some ideas on the best way to pursue this interest as my knowledge in this area is zip,zero,zilch,nada.......you get the idea.

Or you could use a limestone tile to hide the overflow boxes. I am currently using it in my 900 gallon build.

 

[nineball]

I've actually thought about writing a book since many of the ones out there are either dated, too technical, or too basic. Many aquarium books do a great job of listing the pros and cons of different technologies and methodologies, but fail to provide the modifications and tricks of the trade that people search out on forums. Forums are great but it's so hard to sift through the shear volume.

One day when I find the time it would be nice to do some practical experiments to answer some of the questions that we all have. I would be more than happy to share what I learn with the group. I like having a printed book to refer to and hold in my hand, but it looks like things are evolving to ebooks now.

Actually Mr. Wilson (I think I am now going to refer to you in this forum as Mr. Wilson all the time as I think I have misspelled your first name too many times!!!....for that I apologize), I think a book is long overdue and now might be the time to do it. You are right, its either "Fish Tanks for Dummies", or "Empirical Studies on the Transplanted Lionfish and its Impact on the Caribbean Marine Ecology".

The discipline that Chingchai followed in his build should be written up. I know its difficult to encourage anyone to wade through a couple of hundred pages to benefit from the experience and process as it gets enunciated in a typical forum format. There is a huge benefit to encourage and even discover a formal process that minimizes risk of failure and greatly enhances the likelihood of achieving a desired managed outcome. I have to admire the majority of members, and even silent lurkers who are here just to learn. What a powerful asset to this hobby when this culture is the dominant one that holds it together. OK OK there are one or two voyeurs out there but I will let you dwell on that point. Just add my voice to the growing chorus of support for a book about this hobby that carries current real world experience with no other agenda other that to help improve the statistics for success and enjoyment for our efforts.

The time is now Mr. Wilson....the time is now.

Peter

 

[nineball]

Or you could use a limestone tile to hide the overflow boxes. I am currently using it in my 900 gallon build.

This sounds like a great suggestion. How do you satisfy yourself that you are not bringing anything toxic or detrimental in the tile's manufacture to the water column?

Peter

 

[mr.wilson]

There are three ways of approaching the subject of hardware in the tank and the tank itself for that matter. Which one you go with is purely a matter of personal preference with no wrong or right answers.

1) Treating the reef structures as artwork that are framed within the aquarium with all walls kept free of significant illumination and free of algae, both coraline and nuisance, as well as other incidental invertebrates such as fan worms. The tank is not in any way concealed as a glass box and maintains a clinical look. I have seen some nice tanks where the lighting is cast only on the reef, leaving the ends darker. LED lighting is directional with limited coverage so this may be a good option if you go with LED. It also limits algae scrubbing maintenance as nuisance algae grows on unpopulated acrylic walls and plumbing while real or faux rock is not conducive for its growth. I would classify Chingchai's tank as option 1. He has left the plumbing completely visible with the focus on the reef. The viewer's eye is intended to travel no further than the reef structure, and with his coral diversity and shear numbers do just that.

2) Leaving the plumbing and end panels bare and allowing the reef to partially cover them and let nature take its course and allow algae and misc. inverts to cover them. Depending on the health of your tank, and variety of coraline algae that flourishes, you may end up with green or purple back and end walls. In many cases, the plumbing becomes part of the reef and is only distinguishable to the owner who knows where it is. This approach would include grafting some encrusting corals such as xenia and colonial polyps onto the PVC pipes to influence the outcome. This option is less maintenance than the first one as it limits the amount of walls that need algae removal (scraping).

3) Hide all hints of your captive reef being anything other than magically levitating in your home. This must be achieved without interfering with the function of drains, return lines, closed loop flow in & out, or limiting your ability of altering their function later down the road. This option increase the viewers perception of the tanks size. It becomes harder to delineate where the reef ends and the room begins. Concrete, foam or rock walls provide texture and a calcareous site for additional beneficial organisms to flourish. While it may detract from your four reef structure theme, it gives you the opportunity to add shelves/ledges for corals. You can use a plastic rod to make holes in the cement before it dries for future coral pegging (securing a plastic rod base on corals and inserting the round peg in a round hole where it can be affixed and easily removed for fragging and rearranging). Faux coral walls are less maintenance than option one because to don't need to wipe algae off of the back or end walls.

 

[mr.wilson]

I am interested in looking at the aragocrete Mr. Wilson. Perhaps you may have some ideas on the best way to pursue this interest as my knowledge in this area is zip,zero,zilch,nada.......you get the idea.

Okay, you asked for it. Another sleepless night sifting through epic RC threads
http://reefcentral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1300282
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=807988
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=993625
http://mail.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1437901

 

[artur]

Peter may I suggest as your possible fourth style the bonsai reef, Im sure you have seen it here on RC, I know this bonsai style was created for a nano tank that has nothing to do with the size of your tank but its just a suggestion.
Mr Wilson im about to start on those four links you just posted here, I think that the third type the best for viewing but as Peter said "as long as it doesent interfere with the overall health of the tank"
What do you think of a aragocrete floor instead of sand, I've been thinking it for a while, I may try it for my next tank (may be a couple of years from now)

Peter cant wait for the wet part of this amazing build

Saludos from Mexico!!!

 

[Lucidbeam]

Very sweet build.

 

[mr.wilson]

What do you think of a aragocrete floor instead of sand, I've been thinking it for a while, I may try it for my next tank (may be a couple of years from now)

Saludos from Mexico!!!

I like cement floors/substrate very much. They add texture, shadows and depth while offering all of the benefits of a bare bottom tank. I would leave some "sand traps" for sand dwellers like wrasse and gobies. The cement, and or foam should be applied to an eggcrate base. Get back to us in a couple of years to let us know how it worked out

 

[nineball]

Peter may I suggest as your possible fourth style the bonsai reef, Im sure you have seen it here on RC, I know this bonsai style was created for a nano tank that has nothing to do with the size of your tank but its just a suggestion.
Mr Wilson im about to start on those four links you just posted here, I think that the third type the best for viewing but as Peter said "as long as it doesent interfere with the overall health of the tank"
What do you think of a aragocrete floor instead of sand, I've been thinking it for a while, I may try it for my next tank (may be a couple of years from now)

Peter cant wait for the wet part of this amazing build

Saludos from Mexico!!!

Artur, thank you for your support. I agree very much with your suggestion for Bonsai. Personally I don't think it matters whether the style is managed in a nano tank or not. We need a best example to consider. Hopefully someone who defines the style.

Peter

 

[nineball]

Very sweet build.

Lucidbeam, thank you. Welcome to the group.

Peter

 

[Antonais1391]

Nine ball if you'd like i could send you bonsai techniques I and II they are incredible books, my coppies are well used though haha but i think they are out of print and a tad difficult to get a hold of by John Naka, he recently passed away but his wealth of information remains in the books. and his style is very unique. you can learn alot about growing art forms from these books , i know ive carried over a lot of what i know from Bonsai into reefing. im shure your wife would enjoy them as well haha

 

[Tanu]

Pieter van Suijlekom

Peter, you're keeping us in suspense!

As a note on Pieter's tank: it is currently being completely redecorated. In the pictures you can see the process. I have included a picture in which I am visible, as to show how big the tank and the structures actually are. The tank isn't finished yet, but it is improving very well. I hope this news doesn't interfere with your plans

 

[Mangodude]

Artur, thank you for your support. I agree very much with your suggestion for Bonsai. Personally I don't think it matters whether the style is managed in a nano tank or not. We need a best example to consider. Hopefully someone who defines the style.

Peter

Bonsai would be very interesting. I would reccomend not putting it next to Cloud montain because the two do look slightly the similar. The contrast/impact wouldn't be as great.

Crazy4acros has a very nice bonsai tank. Here's the link: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1288059&highlight=bonsai+aquascape

 

[Padrino]

Actually Mr. Wilson (I think I am now going to refer to you in this forum as Mr. Wilson all the time as I think I have misspelled your first name too many times!!!....for that I apologize), I think a book is long overdue and now might be the time to do it. You are right, its either "Fish Tanks for Dummies", or "Empirical Studies on the Transplanted Lionfish and its Impact on the Caribbean Marine Ecology".

The discipline that Chingchai followed in his build should be written up. I know its difficult to encourage anyone to wade through a couple of hundred pages to benefit from the experience and process as it gets enunciated in a typical forum format. There is a huge benefit to encourage and even discover a formal process that minimizes risk of failure and greatly enhances the likelihood of achieving a desired managed outcome. I have to admire the majority of members, and even silent lurkers who are here just to learn. What a powerful asset to this hobby when this culture is the dominant one that holds it together. OK OK there are one or two voyeurs out there but I will let you dwell on that point. Just add my voice to the growing chorus of support for a book about this hobby that carries current real world experience with no other agenda other that to help improve the statistics for success and enjoyment for our efforts.

The time is now Mr. Wilson....the time is now.

Peter

That's a good idea peter. Write the book, I'll buy the first copy even though i've been here since day 2. I think it might also be good for Chingchai and others that have very large successful reef tanks. It would definitely be a great deal of good information and experience without seeing the intermediate posts from the community.

Although, if you do decide to write a book, going back through this thread would probably be very beneficial.
Rob

 

[nineball]

Peter, you're keeping us in suspense!

As a note on Pieter's tank: it is currently being completely redecorated. In the pictures you can see the process. I have included a picture in which I am visible, as to show how big the tank and the structures actually are. The tank isn't finished yet, but it is improving very well. I hope this news doesn't interfere with your plans

Tanu, thank you very much. I was unaware that Pieter had decided to change his archetecture. It is quite beautiful. Many aspects of this build closely resemble Chingchai's cloud mountain. There's even a strong hint of Bonsai. Fabulous use of open spaces. Much more 3 dimensional.

This makes my choice very difficult indeed........... WOW, What an impressive aquascape!

Peter

 

[mr.wilson]

I have included a picture in which I am visible, as to show how big the tank and the structures actually are.

You always here about how the Netherlands have such progressive labour policies, but in reality the workers are caged like monkeys and trained to stack rocks precariously

 

[nineball]

Bonsai would be very interesting. I would reccomend not putting it next to Cloud montain because the two do look slightly the similar. The contrast/impact wouldn't be as great.

Crazy4acros has a very nice bonsai tank. Here's the link: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1288059&highlight=bonsai+aquascape

I remember this build.........it was in my opinion one of the best if not the best representation of the Bonsai style on Reef Central. There are many other aspects of this build which are appealing as well. Putting the frag tank on rails to make it as available and appealing as the main display tank is worthy of note. This tank makes my point that you don't have to have a thousand gallon tank to make a huge impact. If my tank achieves this kind of balance, I will be thankful and proud of the result.

Let's throw Crazy4acros into the mix............

Peter

 

[nineball]

That's a good idea peter. Write the book, I'll buy the first copy even though i've been here since day 2. I think it might also be good for Chingchai and others that have very large successful reef tanks. It would definitely be a great deal of good information and experience without seeing the intermediate posts from the community.

Although, if you do decide to write a book, going back through this thread would probably be very beneficial.
Rob

No Rob, Mr. Wilson is going to write the book. He is the best equiped in every sense to get the job done and well I might add!!! So Mr. Wilson you now have two pre-orders for your new book. When can we expect delivery????

Peter

 

[Tanu]

Tanu, thank you very much. I was unaware that Pieter had decided to change his archetecture. It is quite beautiful. Many aspects of this build closely resemble Chingchai's cloud mountain. There's even a strong hint of Bonsai. Fabulous use of open spaces. Much more 3 dimensional.

This makes my choice very difficult indeed........... WOW, What an impressive aquascape!

Peter

I will show this thread to Pieter, I'm sure he'll be honoured! If I have time this week, I will drive by Pieter to take some new pictures, I haven't seen the progress of this week yet. I have the feeling your project will turn out very impressive, really looking forward to updates.

You always here about how the Netherlands have such progressive labour policies, but in reality the workers are caged like monkeys and trained to stack rocks precariously

As a large part of our country is below sealevel, we of course don't have a choice! :spin1: If I would tell that my actual job is teaching biology on a high school, our labour policies would appear even more progressive, I assume