My 500 gallon propagation build

[alexgv14]

I have had a reef tank for about 15 years and have always wanted a large separate frag/reef system where I could mess around with different things.

So, this will be the starting of my 500 gallon frag/reef system build. The system setup is the following 3 separate 100 gallon glass aquarium, 1 4' by 8' hydroponics grow tray, and 1 100 gallon sump, all of these system will be plumbed together as one system.

I will be putting these systems in a patio that I am converting to a sunroom with AC and everything. Here are some pictures of the progress being made on the construction of the sunroom.

DAY 1 Feb 9, 2015

DAY 2 Feb 10, 2015

One of three stands the other 2 stands I need to build. Below pictures are the framing then the final product I used a black appliance epoxy paint for the whole thing.

Final Product each stand takes a full day to make. Its going to be a pain to make the other 2

Some pictures of the skimmer (ASM GC-15 Protein Cone Skimmer - up to 500g ). The skimmer is huge once I set it up Ill take some better pictures of it:

The glass tanks are being custom made and should be ready by the end of the month.

Here are some pictures of my current reef tank:

I'm starting this build thread to look for advise and if you have any questions please feel free to ask them. Once I get the tanks in and they finish the patio/sunroom the fun part will start.

 

[worm5406]

Very nice. Are you going to have to upgrade the AC to handle the additional SqFt?

 

[alexgv14]

I actually purchased an AC just for this area. It's suppose to cover 550 square feet the area is 330 square feet so Im hoping it will do. It does get quite hot in Miami though

They just finish putting it in. Obviously its missing the cover plate.

 

[dave.m]

If all tanks are connected to one common sump it means that any parasite or pathogen that gets into your system will affect all tanks. Will you be setting up separate quarantine facilities?

Dave.M

 

[alexgv14]

That is true dave.m I may want to leave a tank as qt. However, I don't plan on keeping much fish and I do dip all my corals. I also do have a separate tank that is currently setup that I can use as qt.

 

[alexgv14]

Day 3 progress in the room. They started to put the dry wall in and sliding glass doors. My 4 by 8 grow tray and stand also came in today.

 

[Aqua Chemist]

Should be an interesting build

 

[dave.m]

I wouldn't trust to just dipping. Dipping doesn't affect eggs. A proper quarantine period of several weeks plus multiple dippings will help ensure you have no unexpected visitors. Don't become another statistic.

Dave.M

 

[alexgv14]

Day 4 progress.

They are almost done. All the dry wall has been put up and exterior sheathing is done. This weekend I'll be assembling the 4' by 8' grow tray stand. Then the glass tanks come in at the end of the month.

 

[Jason G]

Interesting to see how this turns out. I'm excited for you.

 

[AirForceAquariu]

I would like to follow this for sure! I like the creek running by on the outside!

 

[alexgv14]

The creek running on the outside is actually my little koi pond maybe I'll take a picture of it later. So, here is day 6 progress. 2 tanks stands are complete and painted one more to go, and I built the 4' by 8' grow tray stand.

The contractors will be back Monday and should finish the rest of the electrical work that needs to be done and painting. Its getting there.

 

[Aqua Chemist]

Where did you get the large tray?

 

[alexgv14]

I got the large tray from hydrobuilder.com

 

[Aqua Chemist]

Thanks.

 

[alexgv14]

Day 8 progress:

They began putting stucco on the outside and painting the inside, and fixing a few other details. They were suppose to finish today but got delayed a little. So, hopefully, they will finish tomorrow. Here are some progress shots.

I also finished the last tank stand.

Here are some pics of the koi pond and fish since someone mentioned it as the "creek outside". I built this pond about one year ago today.

 

[dave.m]

What a beautiful space you have created there. I can see how you will really enjoy the addition of the frag operation as part of this total space.

Dave.M

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

This is an amazing build you have going on. Great progress thus far.

 

[alexgv14]

The inside is done. The part that I am most excited for is the fact that I have water right in the room to use. Day 10 progress shots:

 

[pelphrey]

The remodel didn't take long. Did you get a drain installed also, or will it just drain outside?