Lightsluvr's 340G Upgrade

[Lightsluvr]

We just closed the deal on a 340G AGE hybrid tank and stand. It was puchased new, but the buyer decided not to set it up. It has been sitting empty in heated/cooled storage for about ten months. It has never seen water.

Here's what we know about the tank: 96" x 36" x 24", acrylic sides and back with starphire glass front and PVC bottom. All acrylic, glass and PVC are 3/4" thickness. The tank has Euro-bracing around the top. A massive 8" x 48" overflow is outside the tank (rear) and is plumbed with four drains and two returns. The PVC base is drilled for a hefty closed loop, including two feeds and 4 outflows. The tank comes with the powder-coated steel stand from AGE. The stand interior is 40" tall. Also included in the sale were (2) Reef-flo Barracuda pumps; one for the overflow and the second for a closed loop that is already drilled in the tank base. The previous owner had begun the plumbing and included many double unions, valves and schedule 80 PVC. Curiously, there was no sump included in the deal, so I will be researching on a generous sump design suitable for the project.

In the meantime, we are shopping for a good contractor who can remove a 96" section of a load-bearing wall, install double headers and prepare the room for a true "through the wall" installation.

Behind the wall, the new tank room will be an existing 9' x 13' add-on with its own "motel-style" heat and A/C unit which also exhausts air to the exterior. The new fish room and tank will have it's own climate control, not requiring me to heat or cool the entire 2600 square foot home just to accomodate aquaria. The tank room currently is used for storage and a place to park our treadmill.

We will be giving our seahorses a 60G tank of their own. We will be combining the contents of our existing 120G and 180G reef tanks into one larger system.

I tried posting photos of the current tanks, but Photobucket sucks tonight. Maybe tomorrow morning will be better...

Things we need to research:
1. Sump (approx 120 gallons MOL)
2. Recirculating Protein Skimmer (will be fed from an overflow)
3. Lights (we prefer Metal Halides with T5 supplements, but lighting a tank this large will be a new experience for us.)
4. Calcium Reactor
5. Best way to set up an effective closed loop.

What were we thinking?

I hope some RC'ers with experience in this size system will chime in with some ideas... I promise to post photos of the tank, stand and "stuff" tomorrow.

LL

 

[Lightsluvr]

Before...

Before...

Here is a photo of the two tanks before we upgraded the seahorse tank from a 95G Wave tank to a 120G earlier this year.

We have always had two tanks because there are so many differences in the environment in the 120G which contains our seahorses. We have decided to place the seahorses in a planted single species tank.

That decision enabled us to think about combining the coral and livestock into a larger community.

The new tank will instantly have nearly 500 pounds of LR in the display, plus more in the sump. It will have many SPS and LPS coral colonies.

The current fish population consists of the following:
Magnificent Foxface Rabbitfish, Yellow Tang, Hippo Tang, DesJardin Tang, Kole (yellow-eye) Tang, Christmas Wrasse, Yellow Coris Wrasse, 6-line wrasse, pair of ocellaris clown fish, pair of black-white ocellaris clownifsh, yellow-spot diamond goby, m/f pair of mandarin dragonet, pair of diamondhead anthias, purple firefish, and 3 red firefish. We also have a green Chromis in each tank. We will add 8 more Chromis to the new tank, hoping that in the confusion, all 10 of them will school together and not kill each other off one at a time.

Photos of the new tank, stand and hardware this afternoon.

LL

 

[Roll221]

I would be jealous if I was not finally putting water in my tank today (AG 120RR). I guess I should start a thread on it. This must be the project you were telling me about that day I was at your house? That room will be a perfect "Fish Room".
To address you research items:
1. Sump - As big as you can, I went with a 40 breeder, it did not leave me much room under the stand but will save me if I ever have a siphon break failure.
2. Recirculateing Skimmer - As big as you can afford, I broke this rule; I ended up getting a Deltec AP701. Over kill for now but I do not want to have to buy a new skimmer when I sent up my large system a couple years.
3. Lighting - I agree with T-5s, I did the same. As with you I am going to have to wait to get the Metal Halides as with me will be an expense.
4. Calcium Reactor - I am going with an MRC, not sure which one, I am going to wait to get my first retirement check to see what I can afford. I already told my wife the Deltec was my retirement gift to myself, not sure that will work a second time.
5. Closed Loop - Is the tank already drilled (back or bottom) for the closed loop? If not with the acrylic back you have flexibility on hole placement for returns and intakes. Sorry no advice other than that.

Ed

 

[Lightsluvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15025986#post15025986 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Roll221
I would be jealous if I was not finally putting water in my tank today (AG 120RR). I guess I should start a thread on it. This must be the project you were telling me about that day I was at your house? That room will be a perfect "Fish Room".

5. Closed Loop - Is the tank already drilled (back or bottom) for the closed loop? If not with the acrylic back you have flexibility on hole placement for returns and intakes. Sorry no advice other than that.

Ed

Hi Ed,

That's the project. I just didn't expect it to happen as quickly as it did. I just came across what I consider a very good deal on a beautiful system.

Yes the tank is already drilled for a closed loop. And it came with a second Reeflo Barracuda pump (4200 gph) to push the water...Bulkheads are already in place and partial plumbing completed...most of which I will have to remove and reinstall after moving the tank.

More to follow.

LL

 

[Lightsluvr]

Tank and stand

Tank and stand

Fortunately we won't have to wait several months for a quality tank from AGE. I found one already built, exactly what I would have requested if I was custom ordering one for our situation! Here are some photos of the tank, stand and the included accessories:

The tank and stand:

Detail of the tank, with euro-bracing and closed loop ports:

Exterior overflow - actual measurements 36" x 8" x 12"

Overflow plumbing and valve battery:

More to come...

LL

 

[Lightsluvr]

More photos of "stuff"

More photos of "stuff"

Photos of the manifold for the closed loop intake...and a typical return:

Seeing double - Reeflo Barracuda Gold pumps:

Reeflo pump - 4200 gph?

Huh? I'll need help to figure out where this goes...it's been awhile since I've owned a swimming pool...

Next, the tank room plan...

LL

 

[cody6766]

Congrats on the new monster! It looks like the old girl is finally going to get some use. I'm looking forward to seeing this progress.

 

[vickiNaz]

Sigh - everyone's reefs always look better than mine.

 

[IBASSFSH]

Man why can't I find a tank like this for sale!!

 

[Lightsluvr]

The "fish room"

The "fish room"

We have this non-descript 9' x 14' room tacked on the back of our home. We think that at one time it was a covered patio that was later enclosed.
Those windows were an omen. They are 44.5" x 46.5". The stand is 36" x 42" and the tank with exterior overflow is 44" x 25". Hmmmm...

We have used the room as an office, but now it is relegated to storage and a place where we can use the treadmill while watching the TV.

The room shares a wall with our living room which houses our existing tanks:

So we plan to tear out the wall (pictured below) for a through the wall display of the new tank. The tank will run approximately from the "cat condo" on the left to the middle of the book case. There will a door to the fish room and the tank on this wall. Visually, the tank will dominate this wall, a true focal point in the room.

We have an appointment on Thursday to meet with a contractor to plan the demolition and remodel.

LL

 

[JRaquatics]

WOW this is going to be a great build in the making. That tank looks great, perfect dimensions and exactly how I would like my future tank minus the closed loop holes. Did you get the tank used or from someone that never set it up?

 

[Lightsluvr]

Whoops...

Whoops...

Let's try the photos again:

The room shares a wall with our living room which houses our existing tanks:

So we plan to tear out the wall (pictured below) for a through the wall display of the new tank. The tank will run approximately from the "cat condo" on the left to the middle of the book case. The tank will be at the same level as the framed photo on the wall, except it will be 8 feet long. Pretty cool. There will a door to the fish room and the tank on this wall. Visually, the tank will dominate this wall, a true focal point in the room.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Movin' on up...

Movin' on up...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15033017#post15033017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
WOW this is going to be a great build in the making. That tank looks great, perfect dimensions and exactly how I would like my future tank minus the closed loop holes. Did you get the tank used or from someone that never set it up?

We have been admiring AGE tanks in our area for years, and we have seen their outstanding customer service through the experiences of local club members.

This particular tank was purchased by a local reefer. It was set up in their place of business but a decision was made not to complete the installation. Work stopped just as you see it in the photos.

It has never held water.

We are excited to complete this project and reclaim the floorspace in our living room now occupied by the existing tanks. We expect the decibel level to be much lower with all pumps, fans, etc. being in the "fish room".

Still doing the research to select a recirculating protein skimmer and calcium reactor for the system.

LL

 

[JRaquatics]

I have also hear great things about AGE and am really intrigued by the glass side walls and PVC bottom construction. I know Mike owner of Reef Specialty is looking for a 1000gal tank for his new home and may be considering having AGE construct one for him.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Tank and stand details

Tank and stand details

From AGE notes describing the tank construction:

"96x36x25.5, 3/4" glass with front sstarphire panel, 3/4" acrylic eurobracing (no centerbrace) and external 36" acrylic overflow centered on the back panel. Holes in eurobracing corners for sea swiral option. Powder coated steel stand with leveling feet and 3/4" plywood top deck.

Water line should be 2" below the top of the glass...the waves generated by Oceans Motion or similar recirculating pump and main pump will cause some splashing; that's why eurobracing is so popular..."

AGE pays a lot of attention to customer requests and the details...

LL

 

[Lightsluvr]

PVC

PVC

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15033231#post15033231 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
I have also hear great things about AGE and am really intrigued by the glass side walls and PVC bottom construction. I know Mike owner of Reef Specialty is looking for a 1000gal tank for his new home and may be considering having AGE construct one for him.

PVC is easy to drill and mill for bulkheads, plus it's stronger, lighter and more flexible than glass. A pretty good combination.

I found it interesting that the black back panel, overflow box and eurobracing are all acrylic... that also helps with weight (a little).

LL

 

[sharky's machin]

Glad to see that tank go to a good home. I look forward to seeing it progress!

 

[melev]

Congratulations, George. That's going to be a beauty.

Why do you think the fishroom will need to be heated? I've never had that need in the almost-5 years that my tank has been running. You definitely want a way to vent the room of moist air around the clock. Only on the coldest nights of the year do I turn off the vent fan in the fishroom to help contain the heat. That way the tank's heaters aren't running non-stop trying to keep up with a cold fishroom.

The rest of the time, it is either fresh air all day, or a/c 24/7 for at least 6 months each year.

The Barracuda pumps will pull a lot of power, and you definitely want to use SpaFlex plumbing and a rubber mat beneath them and the plumbing to avoid the notable humming that can occur. The resonance can be annoying, even behind a wall.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Thanks, Marc

Thanks, Marc

Thanks for stopping by, Marc.

I am a regular reader of Melev's Reef and appreciate the wisdom you have shared during my time in the hobby.

The fish room was a covered patio that was converted into an office by a previous owner of the house. The 9x14 room has its own "motel-style" heat and air-conditioning unit. The unit also can vent to the exterior. With an exterior door and the venting, I will just wait to see if I will need additional vents to control humidity. As you suggest, I really don't expect to have to heat the room unless outside temps drop into the 20's...

Thanks for the tip on SpaFlex and the rubber mats under the Barracudas. Should I consider a section of SpaFlex at both the feed inlet and outlet sides of the pumps? I guess I could place the pumps on a rubber mat on the concrete floor to minimize vibration and keep the noise away from the stand.

I am looking into a 4-way Oceans Motion for the closed loop...interestingly, the tank has five outlets for the CL. I'm still studying that one...

LL

 

[Lightsluvr]

Ventilation

Ventilation

Melev mentioned venting of humidity in the fish room. Below is the unit we hope will solve that issue. The unit has air conditioning, heat and vent only functions. If it doesn't vent enough we can add a bathroom vent or two. Time will tell.

The contractor will be here Thursday evening to review the project to remove the wall for the tank pass-through. We have pretty well decided that 6-8" on the tank will be in the living room side, so you get a side view of the tank as well. See photo below:

Credit the above photo to my friend Paul Whitby (TOTM 10/2007) for inspiration in our upgrade project.

LL