Need advice for a 540 gallon custom tank

[bgcook]

I am currently builder a house in which I am going to incorporate a 540 gallon peninsula tank dividing the kitchen and great room. I am looking into having it professionally installed by Aquarium Enviroments since this tank is in a different city and I don't have time to do it myself without losing my current livestock. I really want this tank done right and I was curious what those of you who have had succes with large tanks would recommend.

The stand will be 42" tall and the tank dimensions will be 6' x 4 x 3' (l x w x h). They will build a custom sump/refugium with a closed loop system and return. What skimmer, chilling unit and lights would you guys recommend. They are recommending either a euroreef or precision marine. I don't have experience with these units but I have heard they are good. Is there a preference??

The lights they are recommending is a retrofit hamilton unit.

Also, I was thinking 4 x 400W metal halides likely 14K.

Does anyone have experience with this company?? They seem expensive, but I hope it will be worth it.

Any recs or suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[bgcook]

one more question: acrylic vs glass??

 

[kentrob11]

It's gonna be insanely expensive to do a 36" tall tank in glass. Any reason you can't stick to 30" tall? If not I would go Acrylic...

 

[bgcook]

probably a good idea. 30" is probably an adjustment to make. the extra 6" likely doesn't add much to the tank.

anymore suggestions??

 

[tank watch]

My 600 is 30 inches deep at water level, and it is a pain to reach anything above, in, or around the tank. I have to climb a ladder to see the top of the tank. I would consider making that 540 8 feet long if you have the space. Reeflo skimmer: Orca 250.

 

[Jar*Head]

I think 8x4x30 is perfect .

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

whatever length and width you go with don't go deeper than 30" and choose glass

 

[Charlie's Angel]

Reach out to Spazz at Aquatic Acrylics for a skimmer.

http://aquaticacrylics.com/

He is making one as well as a calcium reactor for me.

Just upgraded lights to 4 lumenarc III reflectors with ushio 14k 400W bulbs.

 

[ricks]

I love my 36" deep system, it let's the coral grow naturally. And gives the fish room to swim over the top of the reef. Also as a inwall install 96 x 36 x 36 it does not look to out of proportion.

You did not post what type of livestock you are going to keep? Makes it kind of hard to recommend equipment, without knowing.

Happy Reefing..

 

[tbone28]

What about a Bubble King 500?

 

[bgcook]

currently my tank is dominated with sps and lps. my plan is to have alot of open swimming space for large tangs and have either two tower/islands or one large one with smaller rock structures in the front (well the end of the tank). i have contacted marco rocks about their designs since they are made on plexiglass and stabilized. in addition to the sps/lps corals i plan on keeping a two foot snowflake in the tank which i have had since it was the size of a pencil.

hope this helps with the recs

 

[mtome]

Wow...that skimmer is huge!

 

[ricks]

The skimmer is normal size... He is a midget????

 

[JCurry]

No Jeff (naga) is not a midget he's at least 6'1" that is just a really huge skimmer! When he had that thing cranking on his 450 it pull some smelly noga out.

 

[tbone28]

That skimmer will suck out the steak he's eating right now!

 

[mcliffy2]

Aquarium Environments (aka A.G.E.) makes great tanks and does great installs. However, they seem to be recommending "yesterday's" technology for equipment. When you are putting together this nice of a system, there are much better options than PM, Euroreef, and Hamilton.

For starters, check out:

Lighting: Lumenarcs or Lumenbrights
Skimmer: Reeflo 250, BK, ATB, KZ, H&S

 

[Tangwich]

I agree on the dimensions. 8'x4'x30". My 225g is 30 inches tall and even that's a pain when having to reach the bottom. Had to buy one of those industrial step stool ladders. lol. Even at these dimensions, I wonder how you're going to reach the middle of the tank. Can't wait to see the tank when it's done. BTW, as heavy as it will be, I too agree that it should be glass. My tank took 5 guys to carry it into my house. Good luck.

 

[bgcook]

thanks for the replys

mcliffy2 - i agree about the lumenarcs. i am meeting with AGE today to discuss the tank and equipment. out of the skimmers you mentioned, which do you feel is the best for the money. i was looking at bubble kings, but they seem really expensive.

anyones opinion would be great.

thanks