Karim's 1500gal dream reef

[karimwassef]

the idea was to use a sweeper blade (eggcrate) on an actuator that would basically corral them out of the algae zone and then another actuator closes the gate.

The problem is that my design already has several zones and how I would another one isn't immediately clear to me unless I compromise an existing coral section.

I think the best solution is to use plates to grow the algae and then put them into the DT. That way I don't have the harvest the algae directly - I just move the plates.

 

[ReefKeeper64]

This is going to be big!

 

[Brunzy]

So do you plan on being able to actually walk in this tank? This is a crazy sounding build. I cannot wait to watch this progress!!!

 

[jccaclimber]

the idea was to use a sweeper blade (eggcrate) on an actuator that would basically corral them out of the algae zone and then another actuator closes the gate.

The problem is that my design already has several zones and how I would another one isn't immediately clear to me unless I compromise an existing coral section.

I think the best solution is to use plates to grow the algae and then put them into the DT. That way I don't have the harvest the algae directly - I just move the plates.

You could probably make something that carries a section of egg crate to the display and back. Two positions for an arm, or a simple conveyor with some hooks. The hard part is making it not ugly. I wonder if something like a Rolodex built in to the back wall would work?

 

[karimwassef]

like a dry cleaner's conveyor system

 

[jccaclimber]

^I was thinking of the version in the plant I work in, but yes, like that.

Something like a tool changer would probably do the trick too.

 

[Darthv247]

wow awesome build plan. My only suggestion woukd be to rethink the support structure. 2x4 will not be enough to support that beast. at least use some post wood or steel would be what i would use. cooling the room should be no prob, but 1500 gallons of water will hold a ton of heat!

Good luck! will be following along.

 

[karimwassef]

Thanks.

2x4s can hold up a house and roof, but actually I'm using 2x6s and skinned with 3/4" plywood.

I'm actually going through the tank and stand build. They're a one piece hybrid. Here's the thread on that:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2630113

The bottom is 4 layers of 3/4" plywood ~ 3 inches thick made with a groove for the glass to sit in.

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/1_zpsbgedzgof.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/1_zpsbgedzgof.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1_zpsbgedzgof.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/0_zps0peeilsv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/0_zps0peeilsv.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 0_zps0peeilsv.jpg"/></a>[/QUOTE]

 

[Darthv247]

a houses weight is dispersed over joists and a large area. this willl be like 11 pounds per gallon in a 9x8 area. probably more weight than an entire roof.

 

[Darthv247]

sorry, I am sure yoy have done the math. Its just for me i would rather error on the over side rather than the under side. also wood is more susceptible to moisture. Remember u have to crawl under it at some point im sure.

 

[karimwassef]

it's 1350 gallons ~ 11,250 lbs but the surface area is pretty large at 8'x 9' = 10,368in2
so the pressure on the base is ~1.1lb/in2.

There are 24 studs holding it up at 1.5"x5.5" = 198in2 of the stud faces so ~55psi.

I used this https://courses.cit.cornell.edu/arch264/calculators/example7.1/

that shows a 2x6 stud can handle 1000lbs in compression, so 24 studs can handle 24K lbs. That's 2x the 11K lbs I have.

There are 6 2x6 8' spans so ~900in2 = 13lb/in2. That's probably too far of a span. I'll double up the beams and add center support posts.

 

[karimwassef]

oh NO... this is not a crawl space I ever plan to get under.

It has enough room for a ladder, collapsible stools and other wood supports and scaffolding that I can use to access the tank, but it's intentionally low and stubby. There is ZERO plumbing under the tank.

 

[karimwassef]

I really appreciate the feedback, by the way. I would much rather hash this out and be wrong today than after there's a ton of $ in that tank.

 

[karimwassef]

Here's the support structure with the members to raise the side doors to form pedestals to stand on.

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/0_zpsr6m4rrgc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/0_zpsr6m4rrgc.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 0_zpsr6m4rrgc.jpg"/></a>

and here's the additional support. I think it's overdesigned now, but that's probably ok.

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/1_zpsw4ice5vx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/1_zpsw4ice5vx.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1_zpsw4ice5vx.jpg"/></a>

 

[Darthv247]

awesome. that should do it.

 

[Darthv247]

forgot to mention remeber 2x6 boards are not actually 2x6 inches. that is before they are planed down. think they are actually 1.75 x 5.75 or a little less. and all wood will have its own tensil strength, as no 2 pieces of wood are the same. Knots, splices, sap lines, all have an effect on the strength. so i would make sure and over estimate by at least 30-50% for safety.

 

[jccaclimber]

It's 1.5 thick for 2" dimensional lumber. There are tables somewhere out there for strength, but in this case (the stand) high safety factor is cheap.

 

[Darthv247]

yes. i just noticed he already calculated it into his formula. mistake.

 

[McPuff]

Karim has tremendous ability to calculate all aspects of his creations. :0)

Karim, have you considered just doing a poured cement frame instead of using wood? I'm not suggesting a solid foundation... imagine several little walls. Heck, you could even use cinder blocks mortared together. No worries with getting wet and there will be no issues with weight (and I understand wood can hold the weight as well). Anyway, just curious. Might be something to consider!

 

[karimwassef]

Thanks... I am a little fanatic about planning ahead... years ahead and now almost a decade ahead... I just need to be flexible and roll with changes as they come up

I did consider cinder blocks. One of my college reef tanks was on concrete blocks so I know that they weather well ... lots of learning during those days.

I wanted a storage space under the tank. I'm constantly struggling with hideaways to put ladders and stools and nets and tongs and all other kinds of equipment. It might seem trivial but if I have ANY hope of getting my wife to consider the greenhouse a "family space", I need to keep it clean (it's just wet seaweed & some coral skeleton...), ventilated (smells matter apparently), quiet (the words "toilet flushing" come up), and organized (no ladders or platforms in view).

For this large of a peninsula tank, I'll need a 12 foot "catwalk" scaffold... that has to go somewhere!!!

I've also built in wooden ledges that flip up or down on the sides with hidden studs that can be pulled out and locked into position to create an immediately available mini-scaffold for those easy access jobs. That's what you see on the right of this image from below:

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/0_zpsr6m4rrgc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/0_zpsr6m4rrgc.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 0_zpsr6m4rrgc.jpg"/></a>

The other side shows those pull-our stud bases hidden away under the tank.

Could I do the same with concrete? Probably but I think wood is easier to work with and just as strong. The storage space under a 9' x 8' tank without any equipment below was just too sweet of an opportunity to miss.

I'll give concrete blocks another look but I wonder how many I'd need to support the double stack 3/4" plywood base. I'd think one concrete leg every 4' ? I don't want both concrete and wood joists.. too much work.