FloformAustria
New member
Haha thanks man!
But crazy was on of the most used words in my tank thread here in a German forums xD
Drop off reef design - Starphire
- Thread starter karimwassef
- Start date
Haha thanks man!
But crazy was on of the most used words in my tank thread here in a German forums xD
karimwassef
Active member
actually, the new magnets with built in scrapers do an amazing job on corners and edges. I use the biggest bubble magus with metal scraper on my current 3/4" starphire glass and it is a lifesaver!
karimwassef
Active member
So.. the highrise is probably a long shot.
But the the cavern may be an option. It's a large cryptic zone.
I could also use the dark zone as the return flow section for the circulating current!
That's actually worthy of serious consideration.
But the the cavern may be an option. It's a large cryptic zone.
I could also use the dark zone as the return flow section for the circulating current!
That's actually worthy of serious consideration.
karimwassef
Active member
I'm testing to see if I can post a 3D movable view of the design
<iframe src="https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/embed.html?mid=u7325d9e1-4f00-49a4-b0e0-925fa70cdd90&width=580&height=326" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" width="580" height="326" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/embed.html?mid=u7325d9e1-4f00-49a4-b0e0-925fa70cdd90&width=580&height=326" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" width="580" height="326" allowfullscreen></iframe>
karimwassef
Active member
If it works, you should be able to see the circulating flow pumps in the back section.
I'm going to modify it to include the dark section.
The question is whether I can still use 0.5" starphire for the sides if there's a second floor midway up the tank.
I'm going to modify it to include the dark section.
The question is whether I can still use 0.5" starphire for the sides if there's a second floor midway up the tank.
FloformAustria
New member
Can't wait to see the animation
karimwassef
Active member
Can you click on it? Can you rotate it?
Can you click on the maximize symbol on the top right and make it large enough to zoom around?
Can you click on the maximize symbol on the top right and make it large enough to zoom around?
FloformAustria
New member
So I tested it on my iPhone, could rotate and zoom in
I have to test it on my pc...
Another question:
In the shallow area in the middle is the overflow I guess... How are you planning on hiding that?
I have to test it on my pc...
Another question:
In the shallow area in the middle is the overflow I guess... How are you planning on hiding that?
FloformAustria
New member
so on my mac it worked perfectly!!!
nice job!!
nice job!!
karimwassef
Active member
great. Here's the alternative design and the original for comparison.
<iframe src="https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/embed.html?mid=ub8da8b8a-a5fd-431f-b180-c9c2378a67c4&width=580&height=326" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" width="580" height="326" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/embed.html?mid=u7325d9e1-4f00-49a4-b0e0-925fa70cdd90&width=580&height=326" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" width="580" height="326" allowfullscreen></iframe>
It's not as polished, but I just wanted to share the different concept.
<iframe src="https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/embed.html?mid=ub8da8b8a-a5fd-431f-b180-c9c2378a67c4&width=580&height=326" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" width="580" height="326" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src="https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/embed.html?mid=u7325d9e1-4f00-49a4-b0e0-925fa70cdd90&width=580&height=326" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" width="580" height="326" allowfullscreen></iframe>
It's not as polished, but I just wanted to share the different concept.
karimwassef
Active member
The openings are all covered with black eggcrate and an open rockscape.
FloformAustria
New member
Okay, could look good with this middle rock wall...
Hmm trying to figure out how long till we see this monster in real life xD
Hmm trying to figure out how long till we see this monster in real life xD
karimwassef
Active member
My current tank took a year to design and a year to build. 
I'm not in a rush, but I do like to think things through.
Any thoughts on the circulating current flow left to right vs up to down?
The "horizontal current" design must have a rock wall in the middle so the loop doesn't short circuit to the nearest open path. The longer the wall, the more directional the flow.
The "vertical current" tank uses the false bottom glass as the separator, so the rockwork at the top is unrestricted. In fact, the only blockage of light comes from the suspended overflow with 3 dedicated PVC pipes and the emergency overflow. The wavebox hangs over the overflow too. I would like a better option here too - It just inherited the overflow box from the previous design but maybe there's a more open solution.
All pipes, glass and boxes will be encased in clothcrete(TM) so it will blend. Check out my current tank to see what that looks like.
They both would have a drop off section at the end, but the vertical loop wouldn't need an L cut to the glass. The false floor may need some bracing down the middle but that can be directional along the flow path. Those walls may also allow sponges, worms and other creatures to take hold in the dark.
The big question is whether the sides and false bottom can be constructed of 0.5" glass. In theory, the glass cost for the two designs should only be different by one sheet's cost for the full bottom.
I'm not in a rush, but I do like to think things through.
Any thoughts on the circulating current flow left to right vs up to down?
The "horizontal current" design must have a rock wall in the middle so the loop doesn't short circuit to the nearest open path. The longer the wall, the more directional the flow.
The "vertical current" tank uses the false bottom glass as the separator, so the rockwork at the top is unrestricted. In fact, the only blockage of light comes from the suspended overflow with 3 dedicated PVC pipes and the emergency overflow. The wavebox hangs over the overflow too. I would like a better option here too - It just inherited the overflow box from the previous design but maybe there's a more open solution.
All pipes, glass and boxes will be encased in clothcrete(TM) so it will blend. Check out my current tank to see what that looks like.
They both would have a drop off section at the end, but the vertical loop wouldn't need an L cut to the glass. The false floor may need some bracing down the middle but that can be directional along the flow path. Those walls may also allow sponges, worms and other creatures to take hold in the dark.
The big question is whether the sides and false bottom can be constructed of 0.5" glass. In theory, the glass cost for the two designs should only be different by one sheet's cost for the full bottom.
Last edited:
FloformAustria
New member
Regarding the glass I really can't help you, always relied on my tank builder
Like the horizontal current, could be nice, and the rockwork would be nice but I guess you will need some holes for the fish to swim through...?!?
Clothcrete I will check out, could you link your tank? Pls
Like the horizontal current, could be nice, and the rockwork would be nice but I guess you will need some holes for the fish to swim through...?!?
Clothcrete I will check out, could you link your tank? Pls
karimwassef
Active member
Whaww!! Expanding on that idea ... (This is why I like to design out loud)
If the bottom cavern has a central wall separating the left and right sides for support, and the DT has a central wall to hold up the overflow box, I could design it with four separate channels of flow!
Top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right.
With four banks of pumps, the flow would be programmable. I could have two of the four channel pushing, while the others receive the flow. I could create vertical or horizontal flow in the same design and even make it change over time and force.
For example, if the top left and bottom right pumps are on, then the top right and bottom left receive the return.
The cavern may accumulate some detritus occasionally but with the output from the pumps forcing water directly into the space, it should stay relatively clear.
Thoughts?
If the bottom cavern has a central wall separating the left and right sides for support, and the DT has a central wall to hold up the overflow box, I could design it with four separate channels of flow!
Top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right.
With four banks of pumps, the flow would be programmable. I could have two of the four channel pushing, while the others receive the flow. I could create vertical or horizontal flow in the same design and even make it change over time and force.
For example, if the top left and bottom right pumps are on, then the top right and bottom left receive the return.
The cavern may accumulate some detritus occasionally but with the output from the pumps forcing water directly into the space, it should stay relatively clear.
Thoughts?
karimwassef
Active member
Now I only need three of these sheets to be glass. Need to rethink PVC. I'll call AGE again.
FloformAustria
New member
Hmmm four banks for flow could give you a lot of ways to play with the flow in the tank... And I'm sitting here with my three mp10s xD
Really would talk to a builder with experience!! Maybe some new input
The big question is if the glass can be manufactured in the size you need... How about the tension in the corner...?!?
But ask a pro and I'm really exited to hear what they say!!!
Really would talk to a builder with experience!! Maybe some new input
The big question is if the glass can be manufactured in the size you need... How about the tension in the corner...?!?
But ask a pro and I'm really exited to hear what they say!!!
karimwassef
Active member
Ok. Here are my links:
Current Tank Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2545088
First Designs Build Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2217933&page=6
Actual Build Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2229274
ClothCrete(TM) Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2391044
Current Loop Flow Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2519480
High Solar Gain Greenhouse Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2537919
Current Tank Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2545088
First Designs Build Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2217933&page=6
Actual Build Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2229274
ClothCrete(TM) Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2391044
Current Loop Flow Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2519480
High Solar Gain Greenhouse Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2537919
karimwassef
Active member
I did talk to my builder. He says that he gets 0.5" Starphire in 144 x 96 and 130 x 96.
FloformAustria
New member
Thanks for the links!
Like your tank and the clothcrete thingi ^^
Okay, in my opinion the side plates must be made out of one continuous plate
I had the option to glue two plates together, but that's nothing I would ever consider
Like your tank and the clothcrete thingi ^^
Okay, in my opinion the side plates must be made out of one continuous plate
I had the option to glue two plates together, but that's nothing I would ever consider
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