Mr. Cena's 800 gallon Reef Tank

[Dyraxe]

It is my pleasure, just to recap for any of the new guys checking out this thread. I am just the reporter or the play by play announcer. Unfortunately I do not own this tank nor do I work on it so it does take some time to get all the right info and share it back with the Reef Central community. I really enjoy this hobby and it is a passion of mine when it comes to beautiful reef tanks. This thread I am doing is just for you!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13655722#post13655722 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tolthoff
fantastic tank!! Can't wait to watch this one move along! Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us, Dyraxe!!

 

[Dyraxe]

After talking to Ray about the lights, they plan on putting the lighting system on rails that will be able to slide out so you can work on the tank. Also they plan to remove the drywall above the tank for added head room. The wood you see above the tank is just a template and will not be used.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13640146#post13640146 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 8BALL_99
Looks like its very hard to get in and out of. Working in the tank once its filled should be fun. It looks like the lights will Have to be removable for access.

 

[bmilleraz]

I'm shocked you used a down draft skimmer versus a needle or pin wheel skimmer. I think I would have gone with a Bubble King on that system.

 

[PreacherMan607]

Awesome tank! And thread!

 

[tangers]

That is looking awesome!

 

[twelvejewelz]

how will you place new corals once the tank is filled up?? its 6 ft deep what if you want some one the bottom rocks?

 

[FishNFun]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13657749#post13657749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by twelvejewelz
how will you place new corals once the tank is filled up?? its 6 ft deep what if you want some one the bottom rocks?

I'm guessing that there won't be too many light-loving corals near the bottom unless they're planning on using about 1.21 gigawatts of lighting to penetrate that deep. On the plus side, you could probably get a good tan!

 

[Solitaryensis]

Great looking tank. I too was skeptical about the height but its coming together well. Any concerns about the skimmer though? Even with a light load, I wouldnt think that skimmer could handle a tank that size. Any reason for such a small sump as well?

 

[marinelife]

I do not think you need a huge sump to handle the job. As long as it is big enough to hold the skimmer.

 

[Solitaryensis]

Agreed. A large sump isnt necessary by any means but by using something that small, you limit your options with RE: to skimmer choices. You could always use an out of sump skimmer but given that its in that valuable of a home, that might not be an option.

 

[Alex@QM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13654581#post13654581 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dyraxe
As requested, Picture of the skimmer and sump!!!

great build but just so you guys know. The photo that shows the sump you put the bulkhead on the wrong way. It will leak and will be a pain in the a$$ in the long run you might want to fix that.
but other then that awsome man!!!

nice work!

Alex

 

[Wheel of Time]

Coming along really nice. Have the lights been purchased yet? what is going to be used?

 

[Tampa Aquarium Service]

"The photo that shows the sump you put the bulkhead on the wrong way. It will leak and will be a pain in the a$$ in the long run you might want to fix that.
but other then that awsome man!!!"

Generally the Bulkhead would go the other way with the lock nut on the outside, but I have had quite a few installs where for one reason or another it had to go in backwards. As long as the gasket is always placed under the head flange of the unit and not under the nut it will seal up perfectly.

Looks great Ray keep up the good work.

 

[Dyraxe]

You got to remember this is not Joe Blows tank. Money is not a problem for this setup. So that being said he will most likely be stocking the tank heavily all at once. It's not like when you or I are purchasing coral and we can only afford to get a quality piece here and there. Once the tank is ready this thing is going to fill up faster then most peoples bank could handle at one time. Most of the coral will be put in within a few days apart from each other. If however something needs to be done Ray gets to go deep sea diving.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13657749#post13657749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by twelvejewelz
how will you place new corals once the tank is filled up?? its 6 ft deep what if you want some one the bottom rocks?

 

[Dyraxe]

The Skimmer has a pump with a needle wheel impeller that does 2600gph so it is the best of both worlds. It will be plenty big enough. The sump is taller then normal style or sized sumps due to the fact that John was only allowed to use half the closet space for his tank. I don't have the exact measurements off hand but the sump is very tall, over 3 foot maybe closer to 4 foot tall if I had to guess.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13658379#post13658379 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Solitaryensis
Great looking tank. I too was skeptical about the height but its coming together well. Any concerns about the skimmer though? Even with a light load, I wouldnt think that skimmer could handle a tank that size. Any reason for such a small sump as well?

 

[Dyraxe]

I have done many sumps with the bulkhead threads inside the sump and I have never had any problems. I always use silicone for added help. The rubber gasket always goes with the flange and never the nut.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13659339#post13659339 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tampa Aquarium Service
"The photo that shows the sump you put the bulkhead on the wrong way. It will leak and will be a pain in the a$$ in the long run you might want to fix that.
but other then that awsome man!!!"

Generally the Bulkhead would go the other way with the lock nut on the outside, but I have had quite a few installs where for one reason or another it had to go in backwards. As long as the gasket is always placed under the head flange of the unit and not under the nut it will seal up perfectly.

Looks great Ray keep up the good work.

 

[Dyraxe]

The tank is going to have a massive amount of light. Ray plans on using 1000watt Icecap ballast and 20k bulbs with a custom built LED supplement.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13658253#post13658253 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FishNFun
I'm guessing that there won't be too many light-loving corals near the bottom unless they're planning on using about 1.21 gigawatts of lighting to penetrate that deep. On the plus side, you could probably get a good tan!

 

[polywise]

"It is an electronic ball valve on the return from the sump."

Dyraxe,
what brand is it? - do you have a link to their web page?
Thanks in advance.

 

[reeferfriendly]

THe tank is being filled today!!!!!!!

 

[rlxwcapt]

Dyraxe, I have to disagree with you on this. I just set up 1000 gallon system and thought the same thing. But with the larger bulkheads you need to have the gasket on the water side/inside. I had several of these leak and as soon as I placed the gasket on the other side, no more leaks. This is a great thread. Keep up the great work.