CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
Yeah, it's working, looks better ! !
Thanks everyone. Should make it better to review.
Joe
Thanks everyone. Should make it better to review.
Joe
Creature Morpheus - 3,000+ gallon multi-tank system (Canada)
- Thread starter CreativeGuy
- Start date
CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
System changes
System changes
Tank Head Elevations - He Why that force pertinent changes:
There has been an on-going concern with regard to the 800g group of tanks in the basement aquarium room on the reliance of pumps both "to and from" the tanks to the filtration system. This was necessary due to the elevation of the lower tanks being below the surface elevation (head level) of the main sumps (live rock and DBS). It had been a concern because of power and/or pump failure could drain down the higher system or over flood the lower. I asked Matt of Detroit Coral Farms what he thought of the system, and he immediately said that having the lower tanks is a recipe for disaster to be fully reliant on pumps. Even when initially designing it, was a huge concern and tried to figure the logistics of making it work safely. In the end ... don't fight gravity, work with it.
Multiple Systems:
The main thrust of the system design was to have a central filtration system for multiple tanks and still will be for the largest tanks in the system. However, for reasons above, the resulting changes are to have two separate main systems, plus the quarantine system (80g with 60g sump/mechanical filtration) and medical tank (dry used only when necessary).
System A: THe 600g main display (main floor) + 330g and the bank of 4 x 50g in the basement on the primary filtration system. With the installation of gravity drain pipes beneath the floor, the head heights of the 330g/4x50g tanks are sufficiently elevated to drain down about 10" to 12"' to filtration equipment in the elevated crawl space.
System B: A independent basement system in the middle of the aquarium room space for the Frag tank (4'x6') and my 180g. These will be set up with a smaller sump below the Frag tank with several chambers (live rock, DSB, refugium with two algae and a SWC 300A skimmer(already have it). My intent at this time is to grow out things in the Frag and 180, but also allow for longer isolation from the main display of new items. Especially in the first year or two when I expect to be bringing in a lot more critters, fish and coral.
Will be working on CAD drawings and updates. Going to MACNA next week so expect there will be lots more to investigate and change from the experience.
Post when I get back.
Have a great holiday weekend everyone !
System changes
Tank Head Elevations - He Why that force pertinent changes:
There has been an on-going concern with regard to the 800g group of tanks in the basement aquarium room on the reliance of pumps both "to and from" the tanks to the filtration system. This was necessary due to the elevation of the lower tanks being below the surface elevation (head level) of the main sumps (live rock and DBS). It had been a concern because of power and/or pump failure could drain down the higher system or over flood the lower. I asked Matt of Detroit Coral Farms what he thought of the system, and he immediately said that having the lower tanks is a recipe for disaster to be fully reliant on pumps. Even when initially designing it, was a huge concern and tried to figure the logistics of making it work safely. In the end ... don't fight gravity, work with it.
Multiple Systems:
The main thrust of the system design was to have a central filtration system for multiple tanks and still will be for the largest tanks in the system. However, for reasons above, the resulting changes are to have two separate main systems, plus the quarantine system (80g with 60g sump/mechanical filtration) and medical tank (dry used only when necessary).
System A: THe 600g main display (main floor) + 330g and the bank of 4 x 50g in the basement on the primary filtration system. With the installation of gravity drain pipes beneath the floor, the head heights of the 330g/4x50g tanks are sufficiently elevated to drain down about 10" to 12"' to filtration equipment in the elevated crawl space.
System B: A independent basement system in the middle of the aquarium room space for the Frag tank (4'x6') and my 180g. These will be set up with a smaller sump below the Frag tank with several chambers (live rock, DSB, refugium with two algae and a SWC 300A skimmer(already have it). My intent at this time is to grow out things in the Frag and 180, but also allow for longer isolation from the main display of new items. Especially in the first year or two when I expect to be bringing in a lot more critters, fish and coral.
Will be working on CAD drawings and updates. Going to MACNA next week so expect there will be lots more to investigate and change from the experience.
Post when I get back.
Have a great holiday weekend everyone !
CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
Morpheus' web page updates
Morpheus' web page updates
I have mentioned several of the major changes that have been occurring as of late and did try to post some updated information on the website (CreatureMorpheus.com).
September shall be a busy month ! (I hope)
MACNA is happening next week and I am very much looking forward to it.
Following it, I will be going to Inland Aquatics in Terre Haute Indiana to pick up my salt (25 boxes) and my live sand to bring home.
The following few weeks after than I expect to be very busy setting up temporary systems and getting things "wet" for the first time. Hope to post more exciting "stuff" than the things so far. Yet I figure I will be a couple years away from posting spectacular images of reef systems we all admire here.
Morpheus' web page updates
I have mentioned several of the major changes that have been occurring as of late and did try to post some updated information on the website (CreatureMorpheus.com).
September shall be a busy month ! (I hope)
MACNA is happening next week and I am very much looking forward to it.
Following it, I will be going to Inland Aquatics in Terre Haute Indiana to pick up my salt (25 boxes) and my live sand to bring home.
The following few weeks after than I expect to be very busy setting up temporary systems and getting things "wet" for the first time. Hope to post more exciting "stuff" than the things so far. Yet I figure I will be a couple years away from posting spectacular images of reef systems we all admire here.
CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
QUICK UPDATES:
(Going to MACNA this weekend so expect there will be more incorporated changes and will post updates)
For Now .....
- Working on finalizing stainless steel reinforcing details of the vertical seams and top perimeter
- With the structural modifications added, it enables me to increase the main display tank height to 39" which provides me room for a 5" deep sand bed and maintain 31" of water depth
- with the earlier shape change and height increase the exterior tank volume shall be 750g with an interior water volume of just over 700g
- splitting of the Frag tank and my 180g tank off the main system and onto its own independent system
- Picking up almost 60+ cubic feet of sand on Monday from Indiana for setting up the temporary rock curing when I get back.
- waiting on the DI and carbon tanks (should be in already)
Lots of changes to the drawings, takes time to update all the various details.I expect after hearing many things at MACNA they will influence the project design and cause more edits to be made; post them in the future.
Working on a small flyer to take with me to MACNA (like a business card/intro) with an overview of the system and several drawings.
That's all for now, Joe
(Going to MACNA this weekend so expect there will be more incorporated changes and will post updates)
For Now .....
- Working on finalizing stainless steel reinforcing details of the vertical seams and top perimeter
- With the structural modifications added, it enables me to increase the main display tank height to 39" which provides me room for a 5" deep sand bed and maintain 31" of water depth
- with the earlier shape change and height increase the exterior tank volume shall be 750g with an interior water volume of just over 700g
- splitting of the Frag tank and my 180g tank off the main system and onto its own independent system
- Picking up almost 60+ cubic feet of sand on Monday from Indiana for setting up the temporary rock curing when I get back.
- waiting on the DI and carbon tanks (should be in already)
Lots of changes to the drawings, takes time to update all the various details.I expect after hearing many things at MACNA they will influence the project design and cause more edits to be made; post them in the future.
Working on a small flyer to take with me to MACNA (like a business card/intro) with an overview of the system and several drawings.
That's all for now, Joe
Last edited:
CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
Revised Main Display Tank Volumes
Revised Main Display Tank Volumes
Correction from above: Should have check my math better before posting.
(was too late to edit after I realized it)
New Tank Height = 39.37" (1m)
Wet Water Depth Height = 36.5" (0.93m)
Exterior area = 30.7 sq ft (2,85m2)
Interior area = 29.3 sq ft (2.72m2)
Exterior Volume = 100.7 c.ft. (2.53 c.m) = 753g (2,850L)
Water Volume = 89.0 c.ft (3 c.m) = 665g (2,517L)
The overflow box water is additional 1.75 c.ft = 13g (50L)
Empty Tank Glass Weight: 1,500 lbs (680 Kg)
Water Weight 6,150 pounds (2,790 Kg)
Revised Main Display Tank Volumes
Correction from above: Should have check my math better before posting.
(was too late to edit after I realized it)
New Tank Height = 39.37" (1m)
Wet Water Depth Height = 36.5" (0.93m)
Exterior area = 30.7 sq ft (2,85m2)
Interior area = 29.3 sq ft (2.72m2)
Exterior Volume = 100.7 c.ft. (2.53 c.m) = 753g (2,850L)
Water Volume = 89.0 c.ft (3 c.m) = 665g (2,517L)
The overflow box water is additional 1.75 c.ft = 13g (50L)
Empty Tank Glass Weight: 1,500 lbs (680 Kg)
Water Weight 6,150 pounds (2,790 Kg)
r-balljunkie
Registered Reefer
Dude,
no way your married...no wife in the world would green light a project like this.
Good luck, and cant wait to see it.
c
no way your married...no wife in the world would green light a project like this.
Good luck, and cant wait to see it.
c
CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
Responses: (1) Not married BUT; (2) Tank Depth
Responses: (1) Not married BUT; (2) Tank Depth
@e-balljunkie ... not married, but those around wish they could have put the brakes on it .... if I had known what I truly got myself into, I probably would not have jumped into the deep ocean without a life preserver. The bad part with me is when I do something, I try and do it one time and as best possible. My knowledge of buildings and engineering is a double edged sword, good in someways, bad when you are a creative engineer trying to do things right. We can be smart in some ways, and VERY STUPID in others like getting a Creature that Morphs. :debi:
@Mal1099: I began to think about the increase in depth from 36" to the 39", with mainly thoughts of increasing the sand bed depth to 5" in the tank. After you comments I remember my design notes and that the maximum water depth I SHOULD do is 27" to 28", otherwise for lighting and maintenance (reaching into the tank that you constantly get your face in the water). Therefore if I stick by those guidelines, the double glass bottom (1.75" thick) and the water level down from the top being 1.5", a 5" sand bed and 28" of water, the tank height should be only 36" maximum. Re-adjusting to that height puts the tank back to being a volume just over 700g and a wet volume of 600g. So may adjust it down. Still in keeping with the proportions of scale of a larger tank and the room space/atmosphere, the height of 36" is proportionate and not over powering.
Curious as to the reasons you would go so much lower?
Heading to meet a few people I respect with more experience than me this weekend at MACNA, so will talk with them about some of my goals for the aquascape and corals in relation to the water depth above the sand.
Anyone else with reasons for choosing their respective tank depths and what they would choose to do differently if they were to do it gain? :wavehand:
Responses: (1) Not married BUT; (2) Tank Depth
@e-balljunkie ... not married, but those around wish they could have put the brakes on it .... if I had known what I truly got myself into, I probably would not have jumped into the deep ocean without a life preserver. The bad part with me is when I do something, I try and do it one time and as best possible. My knowledge of buildings and engineering is a double edged sword, good in someways, bad when you are a creative engineer trying to do things right. We can be smart in some ways, and VERY STUPID in others like getting a Creature that Morphs. :debi:
@Mal1099: I began to think about the increase in depth from 36" to the 39", with mainly thoughts of increasing the sand bed depth to 5" in the tank. After you comments I remember my design notes and that the maximum water depth I SHOULD do is 27" to 28", otherwise for lighting and maintenance (reaching into the tank that you constantly get your face in the water). Therefore if I stick by those guidelines, the double glass bottom (1.75" thick) and the water level down from the top being 1.5", a 5" sand bed and 28" of water, the tank height should be only 36" maximum. Re-adjusting to that height puts the tank back to being a volume just over 700g and a wet volume of 600g. So may adjust it down. Still in keeping with the proportions of scale of a larger tank and the room space/atmosphere, the height of 36" is proportionate and not over powering.
Curious as to the reasons you would go so much lower?
Heading to meet a few people I respect with more experience than me this weekend at MACNA, so will talk with them about some of my goals for the aquascape and corals in relation to the water depth above the sand.
Anyone else with reasons for choosing their respective tank depths and what they would choose to do differently if they were to do it gain? :wavehand:
dave.m
Active member
It's really a matter of personal preference. There are few hard facts about setting up a reef aquarium. There are those who can't keep their hands out of the tank. It is part of their enjoyment of the hobby, so a shallow tank suits them better. The fact that there are all sorts of long-handled tongs available for deeper tanks does not fit their vision. There are those with horror stories about deep sand beds and would chastise you for putting more than two inches in the display tank if any at all, but again, you'll have to decide if this is what you want to look at, if looking at the tank at all is a priority for you.
Personally I prefer sitting looking at a tank, so 39" sounds wonderful to me. A low tank is miserable to look at from the sides. There are no engineering guidelines for what it is you want to do with the tank. You will have to determine your own goals and priorities and follow your vision.
Dave.M
Personally I prefer sitting looking at a tank, so 39" sounds wonderful to me. A low tank is miserable to look at from the sides. There are no engineering guidelines for what it is you want to do with the tank. You will have to determine your own goals and priorities and follow your vision.
Dave.M
CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
Discussion and Thoughts about the Tank Depth
Discussion and Thoughts about the Tank Depth
@dave.m: Thanks for the comments.
I am more an architect of proportion in the space, so a 39" tank is not out of place in this setting It is in the centre of four rooms in an open concept area of about 1200 square feet and cathedral ceiling heights in excess of 26 feet.
Some other considerations are:
- the stainless hood is expected to encase the whole tank area and be about 24" high or so.
- that the bottom 3" of the tank will be hidden (or sunken) beneath the top of its counter surround.
- due to it bow front shape I can not curve or bend the granite to make a vertical lower valence, so there will be 3" of the sand base showing
- the live rock shall also be elevated another 3"-4" off the sand.
I also am of the thought that the extra depth does provide many opportunities for different growth of corals. It also means 3" more inches of live rock for which to grow corals, because typically the water depth from the surface to the upper rocks shall likely remain the same 6" to 8" estimating. I can always fill and adjust to the space, but can not add to the tank later.
Deep Sand Bed within the System:
I have done and continue to my research on the Deep Sand Beds and the issues and concerns people raise. However, I feel the benefits out way the negative speculation. It is not just based on forum reads, but respected long term aquarist with long term performing facilities, and rooted in science and microbiology. I am not here to convince others as to which is right or wrong, it is just I see many benefits to doing so .... including many little creatures that inhabit a deep sand bed. Throughout my systems I have several locations where sand is utilize, the largest being a 100" x 51" x 14" deep sand bed sump.
Reasoning Behind the Increase ....
The reason this is coming up at this point is because the tank manufacturer (Bow Valley of Alberta Canada) has the stock glass to manufacture and bend the bow front and it is not cut yet, so I can make changes up to that point. Which shall have to be be made before the end of September. When I started my design the tank was a lot smaller in size proportionally by almost half and I was not going to put a deep sand bed in. Yet as it has morphed into this monster, proportionally it may be more appropriate to the space and size of tank inclusive of the deep sand base.
Discussion and Thoughts about the Tank Depth
@dave.m: Thanks for the comments.
I am more an architect of proportion in the space, so a 39" tank is not out of place in this setting It is in the centre of four rooms in an open concept area of about 1200 square feet and cathedral ceiling heights in excess of 26 feet.
Some other considerations are:
- the stainless hood is expected to encase the whole tank area and be about 24" high or so.
- that the bottom 3" of the tank will be hidden (or sunken) beneath the top of its counter surround.
- due to it bow front shape I can not curve or bend the granite to make a vertical lower valence, so there will be 3" of the sand base showing
- the live rock shall also be elevated another 3"-4" off the sand.
I also am of the thought that the extra depth does provide many opportunities for different growth of corals. It also means 3" more inches of live rock for which to grow corals, because typically the water depth from the surface to the upper rocks shall likely remain the same 6" to 8" estimating. I can always fill and adjust to the space, but can not add to the tank later.
Deep Sand Bed within the System:
I have done and continue to my research on the Deep Sand Beds and the issues and concerns people raise. However, I feel the benefits out way the negative speculation. It is not just based on forum reads, but respected long term aquarist with long term performing facilities, and rooted in science and microbiology. I am not here to convince others as to which is right or wrong, it is just I see many benefits to doing so .... including many little creatures that inhabit a deep sand bed. Throughout my systems I have several locations where sand is utilize, the largest being a 100" x 51" x 14" deep sand bed sump.
Reasoning Behind the Increase ....
The reason this is coming up at this point is because the tank manufacturer (Bow Valley of Alberta Canada) has the stock glass to manufacture and bend the bow front and it is not cut yet, so I can make changes up to that point. Which shall have to be be made before the end of September. When I started my design the tank was a lot smaller in size proportionally by almost half and I was not going to put a deep sand bed in. Yet as it has morphed into this monster, proportionally it may be more appropriate to the space and size of tank inclusive of the deep sand base.
Haffs09
Member
+1 on Dave.M's comments. My tank is 30" deep and reaching the bottom is a PITA, but can be done. Plus, with a bunch of towels, who cares what gets wet? If given an opportunity to go bigger (which would require a bigger house), I wouldn't think twice about going 36" or 40" deep. You could do some really cool things with your aquascaping at those depths. I would plan it knowing I wouldn't be able to access the bottom of the tank easily.
For my canopy, if I could do it over again, I would make sure it came down below my water line. My canopy is 24" tall and I only allowed an inch overlap of my euro bracing. There's a ~3/4" gap between the bottom canopy and water line. A lot of light spills through that. It isn't as noticeable if you're standing, but it's quite visible if you're seated and viewing the tank.
For my canopy, if I could do it over again, I would make sure it came down below my water line. My canopy is 24" tall and I only allowed an inch overlap of my euro bracing. There's a ~3/4" gap between the bottom canopy and water line. A lot of light spills through that. It isn't as noticeable if you're standing, but it's quite visible if you're seated and viewing the tank.
CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
First day over at MACNA 2011
First day over at MACNA 2011
This was my first MACNA and it was great to be here. The people are very social and friendly. Interesting speakers and are approachable. Talked with a lot of key people I wanted to, met and discussed things with others (interesting to put faces and interact with many who authored books, articles and done research of many of items I have read over the past year and a half.
Am SO glad I waited to finalize many things until I came here. There will be a lot of modifications to my system. A few key ones are:
-reverting back to my original tank piping from a drilled tank to all the pipes going over the top with the exception of the external ovrflow box penetrations
- eliminating a deep sand (sugar fine) bed from the main display tank and only doing a small portion ( 6-7 sq ft of the 30 sq ft) in sugar fine sand 6" deep sand by creating an island of surrounding ceramco man-made ceramic rock works; to be used for critters and burrowing creatures to make homes.
- reduce the flow around the area of the island as not to cause disruption of the sugar fine; plus allows for some other lower flow corals in the is area
Be back there tomorrow morning !
First day over at MACNA 2011
This was my first MACNA and it was great to be here. The people are very social and friendly. Interesting speakers and are approachable. Talked with a lot of key people I wanted to, met and discussed things with others (interesting to put faces and interact with many who authored books, articles and done research of many of items I have read over the past year and a half.
Am SO glad I waited to finalize many things until I came here. There will be a lot of modifications to my system. A few key ones are:
-reverting back to my original tank piping from a drilled tank to all the pipes going over the top with the exception of the external ovrflow box penetrations
- eliminating a deep sand (sugar fine) bed from the main display tank and only doing a small portion ( 6-7 sq ft of the 30 sq ft) in sugar fine sand 6" deep sand by creating an island of surrounding ceramco man-made ceramic rock works; to be used for critters and burrowing creatures to make homes.
- reduce the flow around the area of the island as not to cause disruption of the sugar fine; plus allows for some other lower flow corals in the is area
Be back there tomorrow morning !
dave.m
Active member
Unless there are specific animals you are considering purchasing for your display tank who must use this sugar-fine sand, I would like to suggest you take this portion right out of the display tank all together. If you really want to try a deep sand filter you might want to think about doing it in a separate bucket. This way you can control the flow to suit the filter, and if it ever causes problems or you want to get rid of it, you can simply remove it from your external plumbing without having anything to break down on the display tank.
Since you are surrounded by the experts there at MACNA, ask them about an external deep sand filter as I have suggested here and see what sorts of ideas they may have on it.
Dave.M
Since you are surrounded by the experts there at MACNA, ask them about an external deep sand filter as I have suggested here and see what sorts of ideas they may have on it.
Dave.M
CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
Dsb
Dsb
@Dave.m
Oh, I not eliminating my DSB throughout my system as I am a proponent of deep sand beds and the way in which they work. Been studying them for over 18 months and driven to many large facilities to see them in operation and speck to those utilizing them for decades.
DSB in one of the main components of my filtration system. I have a dedicated 500g (100" x 51"x 25") DSB sump that shall be 14" deep in sand and 8" water flow over top. There is a quantity of live rock placed within and ontop of thte sand to cause disruption of the water flow through the sump. There are by passes with 3-way balancing diagrams valves to control flow. Several other tanks shall also have it.
At some point I shall right a summary article on my web site of the reference material and people I have studied and learned from, along with my reasoning behind my choices
I already purchased over 3 cubic yards of live sand for my system. After leaving MACNA I and heading directly to Inland Aquactics in Indiana to pick it up before heading home.
Dsb
@Dave.m
Oh, I not eliminating my DSB throughout my system as I am a proponent of deep sand beds and the way in which they work. Been studying them for over 18 months and driven to many large facilities to see them in operation and speck to those utilizing them for decades.
DSB in one of the main components of my filtration system. I have a dedicated 500g (100" x 51"x 25") DSB sump that shall be 14" deep in sand and 8" water flow over top. There is a quantity of live rock placed within and ontop of thte sand to cause disruption of the water flow through the sump. There are by passes with 3-way balancing diagrams valves to control flow. Several other tanks shall also have it.
At some point I shall right a summary article on my web site of the reference material and people I have studied and learned from, along with my reasoning behind my choices
I already purchased over 3 cubic yards of live sand for my system. After leaving MACNA I and heading directly to Inland Aquactics in Indiana to pick it up before heading home.
CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
Day Two at MACNA
Day Two at MACNA
The day goes by quickly. Several interesting speakers and moving through the trade show floor having many good discussions.*
Discussions lead to modifications once again (as I expected they would). Having so many valuable resource people in one place and them willing to discuss and provide opinions has be a great learning process. Yet it shall take some time to digest multiple influences on the project.*
Much of today's focus laid with the tank's aquascaping and its proposed flow system. *The resulting conclusion after much discussion about the main display tank so irregular in shape and design, will be do a mock up of both the aquascape (live rock)and the pipes to see how the actually flows shall work. As the corals grow, the dynamics shall change again. *As they say "this is as much an art as it is a science". That can be frustrating to an engineer.*
So since the pipes now are coming in over the top again, the rock scape has been modified, not sure about how to do the type,style and depth of sands and beds i shall be doing now, the flow devices, their locations and the grouping of them have been changed, modifications to the top reinforcement system are pending ..... Basically it back to the drawing board, LOL. It has generated good thought provoking design consideration.
Some of the only consolation are
- knowing that I won't be drilling any holes in the tank now
- the height shall be 39" based on several factors *
- comments have helped make decisions about the finalization of the main display tank.
- knowing that I still have lots of design work to do .... But at least on the right track
- that I have a good three months of just curing the rock and getting components operational before I have to worry about killing anything
-knowing if I was married, that I'd probably divorced before I complete this project, but either way I'll be single and broke
-the project is earning it's name
-met a lot of great people
Sign flustered*
Day Two at MACNA
The day goes by quickly. Several interesting speakers and moving through the trade show floor having many good discussions.*
Discussions lead to modifications once again (as I expected they would). Having so many valuable resource people in one place and them willing to discuss and provide opinions has be a great learning process. Yet it shall take some time to digest multiple influences on the project.*
Much of today's focus laid with the tank's aquascaping and its proposed flow system. *The resulting conclusion after much discussion about the main display tank so irregular in shape and design, will be do a mock up of both the aquascape (live rock)and the pipes to see how the actually flows shall work. As the corals grow, the dynamics shall change again. *As they say "this is as much an art as it is a science". That can be frustrating to an engineer.*
So since the pipes now are coming in over the top again, the rock scape has been modified, not sure about how to do the type,style and depth of sands and beds i shall be doing now, the flow devices, their locations and the grouping of them have been changed, modifications to the top reinforcement system are pending ..... Basically it back to the drawing board, LOL. It has generated good thought provoking design consideration.
Some of the only consolation are
- knowing that I won't be drilling any holes in the tank now
- the height shall be 39" based on several factors *
- comments have helped make decisions about the finalization of the main display tank.
- knowing that I still have lots of design work to do .... But at least on the right track
- that I have a good three months of just curing the rock and getting components operational before I have to worry about killing anything
-knowing if I was married, that I'd probably divorced before I complete this project, but either way I'll be single and broke
-the project is earning it's name
-met a lot of great people
Sign flustered*
CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
Major changes contemplated
Major changes contemplated
It was an interesting MACNA weekend and found it extremely valueable to be able to discuss various aspects of equipment, tank design, flow, maintenance and more.
It will take a few days to discuss and see about tearing down some cabinets and walls to make shape changes to facilitate better flow concepts, accommodate better aquascape layouts for much better growth and visual appeal. This is where as Tony V said at MACNA, the number one factor in this hobby is the "spouse" factor. Whether married, significant other or other circumstances, there are other people who have say in things. So as much as I can design and build a system, invading and changing the main living space, we need permission,lol.
So before I make an announcements of what I am thinking of doing, need to have a serious discussion. You can do what you want for the most part in the basement, the center of your home is another story.
Keep you posted.
Major changes contemplated
It was an interesting MACNA weekend and found it extremely valueable to be able to discuss various aspects of equipment, tank design, flow, maintenance and more.
It will take a few days to discuss and see about tearing down some cabinets and walls to make shape changes to facilitate better flow concepts, accommodate better aquascape layouts for much better growth and visual appeal. This is where as Tony V said at MACNA, the number one factor in this hobby is the "spouse" factor. Whether married, significant other or other circumstances, there are other people who have say in things. So as much as I can design and build a system, invading and changing the main living space, we need permission,lol.
So before I make an announcements of what I am thinking of doing, need to have a serious discussion. You can do what you want for the most part in the basement, the center of your home is another story.
Keep you posted.
CreativeGuy
Creature Morpheus ...
Morpheus MORPHED AGAIN ! ! !
Morpheus MORPHED AGAIN ! ! !
The Creature that has been Growing !
This is a project that started out as little 150g-200g tank eighteen months ago ... and it has progressively MORPHED into a monster .... 300g ... 330g @ 6 foot (rectangular) .... 450g "œS" bow .... 500g rectangular than to 600g gallon "œL" shaped multi-sided bow front for quite a while, then thought I maxed out the space at 750g 8-side L bow front that had fit the living space. There is a whole story of the morphing history/development and breakdown of the system on a dedicated website www.creaturemorpheus.com.
MACNA 2011 Influences:
Went to MACNA in Des Moines Iowa last week and had many a discussion with some great people and there were a lot of good recommendations, so when back to the drawing board this week. In order to create a live rock aquascape strategic for growing a SPS reef, provide good flow (the "œL" shape one wasn't well suited to good reef dynamics), structural reinforcement of the top perimeter, over flow considerations where many of the main factors influencing changes to the main display tank.
Long Drive Home:
So on the long 14 hour drive home from MACNA .... thoughts that although the creative and unique 100" long custom "œL"shaped tank fit and maximized the available space, it was not a great functional tank. Initially a bit distraught about going back to the drawing board to start over, although now, it may have a been a great thing. Thinking of my original goals, influencial the quote"put the biggest piece of glass (tank) in you can fit and afford" as well as the above mentioned factors, I wanted to still do the best I could do. Still have not been listening to the second part of that quote, but am struggling to somehow make it work.
With many facets of this project were well on its way, including the custom mould for the bow front glass which has been finished for a few months and purchases of critical equipment. It was an unsettling drive home.
Based on various input and discussions with top aquarists at MACNA from around the world, a more rectangular shaped tank would be best suited for flow, greater depth from front to back would be preferable and utilizing the in production bow front piece of glass as component I could not change ... as Kirk in Star Trek changed the rules of the game by reprogramming the no-win senario, so he could beat the test.
The previous 8-sided was a fabrication nightmare and posed many difficulties in reinforcing it with many more irregular bevelled seams of high risk failure and reinforcing details. Therefore simple would be better.
The previously proposed tanks were made to fit the location, but were not best for a functional and aesthetically pleasing aquascaped aquarium. The pieces weren't fitting well into the puzzle. So what do you do???
Creative people work within the space and limitations that constraint them as best they can. Yet when people run into obstacles, people handle things differently. Like Captain Kirk the only way I could see a solution was to "œchange the rules", in this case the "space" since such a tank would not fit. In re-examining the space, it would require tearing out and removing part of a built-in custom cabinetry and granite counter tops (and walls) in the adjacent dinning room. In doing so, would allow for a more rectangular tank with characteristics to achieve good circular flow and aadditional space for a tapering rockscape.
NEW MODIFIED DESIGN: 1,000g Double 100" x 66" x 39.4" Bow-Front
Hence Morpheus keeps earning his name, and morphed dramatically into a 1,000g, 4-sided, double 100" bow-front (same dimensional size as previous) with 50" exterior sides and a centre depth of 66". The proposed height is 39.4" (1M) "“ presently working on verifying the engineering for this high of glass and a 36" water height.
There is also the change from an exterior overflow to a centre internal overflow (slightly offset). The tank shall be be similarly reinforced at the top and bottom. At the top it shall have a 3"x1/2" structural stainless steel band (over lapping the glass 1-3/4") with a welded 1"x1" SS solid inside member, curved to the bow front and straight on the sides. The bottom section shall be reinforced utilizing steel gusset blocks (supporting the bottom 3" of vertical glass) spaced about 16" on centre against a continuous piece of 1/2" corian and hidden beneath the bordering granite counter top ledge. The bottom glass shall be doubled laminated 3/4" x 2 + clear laminate membrane of 1/8th = 1.625".
Morpheus MORPHED AGAIN ! ! !
The Creature that has been Growing !
This is a project that started out as little 150g-200g tank eighteen months ago ... and it has progressively MORPHED into a monster .... 300g ... 330g @ 6 foot (rectangular) .... 450g "œS" bow .... 500g rectangular than to 600g gallon "œL" shaped multi-sided bow front for quite a while, then thought I maxed out the space at 750g 8-side L bow front that had fit the living space. There is a whole story of the morphing history/development and breakdown of the system on a dedicated website www.creaturemorpheus.com.
MACNA 2011 Influences:
Went to MACNA in Des Moines Iowa last week and had many a discussion with some great people and there were a lot of good recommendations, so when back to the drawing board this week. In order to create a live rock aquascape strategic for growing a SPS reef, provide good flow (the "œL" shape one wasn't well suited to good reef dynamics), structural reinforcement of the top perimeter, over flow considerations where many of the main factors influencing changes to the main display tank.
Long Drive Home:
So on the long 14 hour drive home from MACNA .... thoughts that although the creative and unique 100" long custom "œL"shaped tank fit and maximized the available space, it was not a great functional tank. Initially a bit distraught about going back to the drawing board to start over, although now, it may have a been a great thing. Thinking of my original goals, influencial the quote"put the biggest piece of glass (tank) in you can fit and afford" as well as the above mentioned factors, I wanted to still do the best I could do. Still have not been listening to the second part of that quote, but am struggling to somehow make it work.
With many facets of this project were well on its way, including the custom mould for the bow front glass which has been finished for a few months and purchases of critical equipment. It was an unsettling drive home.
Based on various input and discussions with top aquarists at MACNA from around the world, a more rectangular shaped tank would be best suited for flow, greater depth from front to back would be preferable and utilizing the in production bow front piece of glass as component I could not change ... as Kirk in Star Trek changed the rules of the game by reprogramming the no-win senario, so he could beat the test.
The previous 8-sided was a fabrication nightmare and posed many difficulties in reinforcing it with many more irregular bevelled seams of high risk failure and reinforcing details. Therefore simple would be better.
The previously proposed tanks were made to fit the location, but were not best for a functional and aesthetically pleasing aquascaped aquarium. The pieces weren't fitting well into the puzzle. So what do you do???
Creative people work within the space and limitations that constraint them as best they can. Yet when people run into obstacles, people handle things differently. Like Captain Kirk the only way I could see a solution was to "œchange the rules", in this case the "space" since such a tank would not fit. In re-examining the space, it would require tearing out and removing part of a built-in custom cabinetry and granite counter tops (and walls) in the adjacent dinning room. In doing so, would allow for a more rectangular tank with characteristics to achieve good circular flow and aadditional space for a tapering rockscape.
NEW MODIFIED DESIGN: 1,000g Double 100" x 66" x 39.4" Bow-Front
Hence Morpheus keeps earning his name, and morphed dramatically into a 1,000g, 4-sided, double 100" bow-front (same dimensional size as previous) with 50" exterior sides and a centre depth of 66". The proposed height is 39.4" (1M) "“ presently working on verifying the engineering for this high of glass and a 36" water height.
There is also the change from an exterior overflow to a centre internal overflow (slightly offset). The tank shall be be similarly reinforced at the top and bottom. At the top it shall have a 3"x1/2" structural stainless steel band (over lapping the glass 1-3/4") with a welded 1"x1" SS solid inside member, curved to the bow front and straight on the sides. The bottom section shall be reinforced utilizing steel gusset blocks (supporting the bottom 3" of vertical glass) spaced about 16" on centre against a continuous piece of 1/2" corian and hidden beneath the bordering granite counter top ledge. The bottom glass shall be doubled laminated 3/4" x 2 + clear laminate membrane of 1/8th = 1.625".
dave.m
Active member
Love the height (but I'm a pig for tall tanks). I'm not sure I understand your use of the word "double". Are you referring to the double bow-sided design?
For internal overflows, you might want to consider two instead of one, so that if one ever gets blocked you have a backup for safety.
Dave.M
For internal overflows, you might want to consider two instead of one, so that if one ever gets blocked you have a backup for safety.
Dave.M
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