Gibraltar's 460 gallon build

[gibraltar]

I would like to thank everyone here for posting their systems and sharing their knowledge.

I have learned much, but probably not enough, from hours of reading. So here goes:

I'm in the process of building an entirely new system.
300 gallon display (96" x 32" x 24" high)
160 gallon sump
The welded steel stand is built and the sump is all laid out for final assembly. Pics to follow.

First here are some shots of my existing system. It's a 6' long 180 gallon display with a low profile canopy that started life as fish only. I added a small refugium and power compact fluorescents and had a collection of softies when the chiller died and the lights cooked everything. The blue tang and green carpet anemone were the only survivors.
I pulled off the canopy, switched to LED's, added a few fish and started planning.

 

[gibraltar]

The new system

The new system

The new system is underway.

Here is a pic the stand and the design for the sump.

 

[Ricardo18]

Good luck...looks like you are off to a good start!

 

[Bogue Chitto]

That anemone looks great. I wish you well with your new set up.

 

[gibraltar]

Thank you both.
I've still got a lot of details to work out.

Any input on the sump design? I'm not sure the non-siphon durso leg should drain into the corner box I've got planned.

Bogue, the anemone is definitely the highlight of the tank and has been with me longer than anything else.

 

[Ricardo18]

Thank you both.
I've still got a lot of details to work out.

Any input on the sump design? I'm not sure the non-siphon durso leg should drain into the corner box I've got planned.

Bogue, the anemone is definitely the highlight of the tank and has been with me longer than anything else.

Why mess with proven designs? (unless you have to due to size restrictions)The standard design works perfectly.(drain/socks/large area for everything else/weirs/return )MRC built mine,highly recommended.If you are going full siphon, the emergency drain can drain anywhere in the box and do not penetrate the water level so it will make a lot of noise if it is in use , to alert you.

 

[gibraltar]

Sump in place

Sump in place

Some pics of the sump inside the stand.

The sump is taped together in place for final fit test before gluing it up.
It is 96" long x 24" wide and 21" high. The divider between the skimmer section and the sump section is 14" high.

I'm planning 2 x AquaMaxx ConeS Co3 skimmers. Already have one new in the box. Waiting for the next Marine Depot sale to order the second. They will sit on 5" tall platforms in the skimmer section so their effective depth will be 9"

valves and unions for the overflow drains are in place just above the connections to the sump.

Should start final assembly of the sump in the next day or 2.