(First Reef Tank Ever) **** 600gal Display **** 1300gal System

[mcrist]

Re: Re: Question regarding empty weight of your tank

Re: Re: Question regarding empty weight of your tank

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10325758#post10325758 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
thanks, should be about 500-600lbs. it took 7 guys help me with the height of stand being 48"

My 450 gallon with 1 inch acrylic weighed 600 pounds empty.

 

[orlandobrian]

Wow! I didnt realize acrylic weighed so much.

 

[mcrist]

The glass counterpart was estimated at 1200-1400 lbs.

 

[craps_dealer]

Well I just spent last 4 hours looking at this thread and yelling at my wife in other room to" come look at this" every 5 min. All I can say is...... DAMN. That sound you heard earlier this morning was not thunder, but my jaw hitting the floor. A truly inspirational build. I lost my tank to Katrina over here on MS coast. I am just getting to the point where I want to build mine again and this thread has inspired me. Thank you

P.S I hope that someday I might be able to see this in person, my in-laws are in the Norco-LaPlace area.
P.P.S I'll bring the beer

 

[smcskim]

Any chance of some new pics Bart? How's the fuge looking etc?

 

[erics3000]

Yes I would to see some updated pics of everything. If possible some FTS. I am sure over time this will be an incredible tank, not saying that it isn't already. Congrats on finally get it up and going. So much time, work, and love. Now you really have something to show for it.

 

[cbui2]

thanks guys, just taking a little time off but will resume my addiction in a week or so. i will be working on the fuge next. there's nothing new going on, but new camera will be coming soon so i will post some pics up .

 

[smcskim]

Fair enough! A break is well-deserved after such rapid progress on a major project like this.

 

[Avast Marine]

Just finished reading your thread Bart. Absolutely amazing! I think I must have passed over what heaters you ended up with?

 

[jnarowe]

I would bet dollars to donuts that with all those pumps and lights, he never even needs a heater. Mine have never turned on.

 

[Avast Marine]

Probably true. Mine on my current tank never turn on but the system I am building now will have a sump out doors in a lean to shed off of my house. We get some cold winter nights around here so I want something good. Trying to find info on the Aquadyne fireplugs but information is limited.

 

[cbui2]

thanks dandy7200, our coldest weather might get 30 deg thats if we're lucky other than that average 40-50 deg from jan-march.
no heaters needed with 6 400w MH, 6 sequence, 4 ehiem skimmer not including vho's yet is all the heat needed.

 

[bbrantley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10372705#post10372705 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
I would bet dollars to donuts that with all those pumps and lights, he never even needs a heater. Mine have never turned on.

Ya know, that's something I'm a little disappointed about with my tank. Even here in the summer, when we get our cooler nights my tank is having to use 750w of heater most of the night to keep the temp up. It just cools REALLY FAST once the air temp is slightly below the water temp.

I'm disinclined to put covers on everything in an attempt to reduce evaporative cooling, because I use that very same effect to keep from having to buy a big, expensive chiller. But I am finding that 750w is borderline to keep the tank heated in the summer. I suspect I will be spending a small fortune on heating in the winter if I don't figure out another solution soon.

Sorry to hijack your thread Bart. I agree this may not be an issue for you since you're in considerably more humid climate.

Ben

 

[cbui2]

no problem Ben, but you don't have half the pumps i have. the skimmer pumps itself produced tons of heat and along with others. 1st scenario to run 1 5800CL and 1 4300 return just to see how much heat is produced keeping temp around 82 deg. add on 2 more pumps at 84 deg then 2 more 86 deg then MH 87.9 deg. this is with the fish room temp at 75 deg all day long with complete insulation. i am still waiting for my electric bill to come :lol: hopefully my wife wont freak out :mixed: but its too late for that. she still enjoy the entire system and teaching my kids different types of fish. as of now i lose about 3-4 gallons in evap a day that's with only 3 MH along with all pumps including skimmer. i will find out how much more when 3 other MH install.

 

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10372705#post10372705 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
I would bet dollars to donuts that with all those pumps and lights, he never even needs a heater. Mine have never turned on.

i will take 6 glazed from krispy kreme

 

[bbrantley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10373415#post10373415 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
no problem Ben, but you don't have half the pumps i have. the skimmer pumps itself produced tons of heat and along with others. 1st scenario to run 1 5800CL and 1 4300 return just to see how much heat is produced keeping temp around 82 deg. add on 2 more pumps at 84 deg then 2 more 86 deg then MH 87.9 deg. this is with the fish room temp at 75 deg all day long with complete insulation. i am still waiting for my electric bill to come :lol: hopefully my wife wont freak out :mixed: but its too late for that. she still enjoy the entire system and teaching my kids different types of fish. as of now i lose about 3-4 gallons in evap a day that's with only 3 MH along with all pumps including skimmer. i will find out how much more when 3 other MH install.

Dang, that is a lot of heat. I feel for you!

For comparison, I evap about 15 gallons/day these days without active cooling. If the fan has to kick on during the heat of the afternoon, it roughly doubles.

Ben

 

[speedy14a]

Bart,
Very nice handy work and setup. I see you have choose the best equipment. I just moved to the LA area (Feb07). I have to take my 90 gal down during the move. I am considering setting up a 336 gal (72Lx36Wx36H) in Sept. It was nice of you to share you plans. I am sure this information will be handy in the upcoming months. I have not researched the details as you have, this will be my first large setup.... I considering using MRC (My Reef Creations) equipment. Have you heard anything about their Skimmers and Reactors? I have read so far Deltec is one of the best products to use.

Thanks and post more pics...
Ron

 

[jnarowe]

hey Ben, seems like that is a lot of evap for that size system. Perhaps you should change the program that starts your fans? I have mine come on at 78F. With the 1000+g in the system, it can get down to 76.5F at night but that's about it. Is yours a glass tank? If so that may be why. I run about 9 to 12g per day in evap.

 

[cbui2]

welcome speedy14a and thanks, the only products i used so far is deltec, but as far MRC goes you might to post a new thread in lighting and equipment forum. hopefully someone there can answer your questions. Deltec are a little pricey but worth the money and energy efficient.

Jonathan i believed it's acrylic.

 

[mrcrab]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10375278#post10375278 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by speedy14a
Bart,
Very nice handy work and setup. I see you have choose the best equipment. I just moved to the LA area (Feb07). I have to take my 90 gal down during the move. I am considering setting up a 336 gal (72Lx36Wx36H) in Sept. It was nice of you to share you plans. I am sure this information will be handy in the upcoming months. I have not researched the details as you have, this will be my first large setup.... I considering using MRC (My Reef Creations) equipment. Have you heard anything about their Skimmers and Reactors? I have read so far Deltec is one of the best products to use.

Thanks and post more pics...
Ron

Ron, I'd reconsider the 36" depth unless you have long arms. I've got 30" deep and it's a pita. Might consider going longer and not as deep, just a suggestion.