Few technical questions for my dream BIG tank project.

[schabiazabi]

I'm in a phase of discovery for my big tank. I want something north of 2000G (reef). Before I design the system I want to find out all physical limitations that arise from such a big aquarium. I would like to find out the following:

1. What is the longest, or biggest sheet of glass that can be produced (global is fine as I do not mind importing it)? I heard 130 inch is the longest, but the person was not sure about the height. My goal is to have a 16 feet long (or something close) tank in a straight line (no joining), so the 130 inch limitation threw me off. Is this correct?

2. What is the proper amount of fish weight/length per 10 gallons these days? I understand this formula varies depending on many factors, but this is what's given: My fish are very well fed 2 times per day + one algae feeding. Total of 3. My goal is to keep Nitrate at 0 with 30 day water changes. As of now I'm able to keep Nitrate at 0 without a skimmer (natural system with deep sand bad) with 1 inch of small fish per 10 gallons. I'm hoping to up this to 2 inch per 10 gallons with skimmer and a very good gas release design.

3. What kind of lights would I need in order to support all types of reef (sps, lps, clams, etc) int a 6 feet deep tank?

4. Are there any "new" things to consider when building a tank of that size (2000-3000g)? I know cleaning will be challenging, but the rest seems just bigger, or more comparing to my 400g system. I'm also aware of the evaporation and humidity.

I'm inclined towards glass as my feeling is acrylic will get scratched and it will yellow over time.

I want to add that I'm not that new to the hobby. Currently I have a 400g system that is fish only. On top of that I have a 55G reef (LPS) tank. I read The Reef Aquarium by J.S. and others, so I do know some stuff.

Please shine some light if you can on my questions. The length of the glass is the most important to me as that's a game changer.

 

[d3hree]

I have been told that 6 metres is the longest that can be produced. But with 6ft depth I think you will be looking at acrylic anyway.

At 6ft deep you will want 1kw halides, you could design it so there are areas of lower light along the length and only keep light loving corals in the brighter areas.

IMO fish stocking is usually based on their ability to swim openly in a tank which will be kind of discarded in your proposed system. Adequate filtration design will ensure you wont have any stocking issues...within reason ofcourse

I would spend some time researching the flow dynamics of a tank that large. Peter nineballs tank has a 16ft length and his thread is a wealth of knowledge so that would be my first point of call.

 

[dave.m]

You also might want to talk to someone who has built a deep tank such as you are proposing, someone like Joe Yaiullo (see justjoe's thread) who built and operates the Long Island Aquarium's Coral Reef exhibit. You can also do a Google on his name to read several interviews he has done.

I sure hope you are prepared to spend the hundreds of thousands of dollars it will take to build and then maintain a tank on this scale. If you do, would you adopt me?

Please?

Dave.M

 

[schabiazabi]

I have been told that 6 metres is the longest that can be produced.

Very inspirational. Do you know who can produce this?

I have to research this and find out who can do it. I called glasscages dot com and they told me it is 130 inch as well.

But with 6ft depth I think you will be looking at acrylic anyway.

Why is that? Please elaborate. Maybe I can come down on height a bit, but nothing less than 48 inch.

IMO fish stocking is usually based on their ability to swim openly in a tank which will be kind of discarded in your proposed system. Adequate filtration design will ensure you wont have any stocking issues...within reason ofcourse

This is exactly my theory. I also believe the ability to swim is the most important, and that is why I want a long tank for my tangs. Just like you I believe the filtration and the technology will help me with water quality.

I sure hope you are prepared to spend the hundreds of thousands of dollars it will take to build and then maintain a tank on this scale. If you do, would you adopt me?

- lol. Water, electricity, heat, cooling, and etc are free in this world. You just have to know how to put it together and pay nothing (will depend on location). In terms of maintenance I will only pay for salt and RO units.

I have to shock you, but I believe I can build a 3000g tank for under 15k with front glass/acrylic only. My labor cost is zero or almost zero. Recently I built a 3500 square foot home for myself with me and 1 other guy where the cost of labor was not even taken into consideration.

Joe Yaiullo's tank is my favorite tank. I saw it in person. The problem is his tank is a little bit bigger than what I want, so the problems may not overlap, but I will read more on it.

 

[biecacka]

- lol. Water, electricity, heat, cooling, and etc are free in this world.


where do you live at!!!!!!


corey

 

[schabiazabi]

Usa.