Not a typical doctor's waiting room... 450 gallon reef

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9013002#post9013002 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by swannking
It is the length of the overflow box that determines the volume of flow that it can handle ie. from the tank to the overflow. How fast the water inside the overflow box drain into the sump is determined by the size of the drain. Since yours is 94", there is no issues. If your length of the overflow is much less, let say 12", then the water in the tank can't get to the overflow box fast enough and the main tank water level will rise until it overflows.
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true, but a 12" overlow for a large tank would be a poor design. Myself, I am a big proponent of coast-to-coast overflows.

Teeth spacing matters of course. Having a by-pass line on the output of the return pump is really the only economical way to ensure that you have the proper flow. It also helps in priming the main pump in certain situations. Just after the pump output, I have a "T" with the straight side returning to the display, and the T side having a valve and line going back to the sump. I can change the flow by adjusting this valve, and as systems age, it helps to have extra flow that can be brought into play to make of for growth inside the return lines.

I can change the flow though my overflow just by turning that valve. I prefer this method to using a valve to actually restrict the pump like so many people do. I don't like to put any more back pressure than I have to by design.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9013977#post9013977 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Just after the pump output, I have a "T" with the straight side returning to the display, and the T side having a valve and line going back to the sump. I can change the flow by adjusting this valve, and as systems age, it helps to have extra flow that can be brought into play to make of for growth inside the return lines.

I can change the flow though my overflow just by turning that valve. I prefer this method to using a valve to actually restrict the pump like so many people do. I don't like to put any more back pressure than I have to by design.
Click to expand...
That's a great idea, Jonathan. I guess you just pump the "T'd off" water back into the return section so that the sump doesn't necessarily receive extra flow?

And for those who are concerned about how much we are spending on the tank, keep in mind the following:
1. if you do it right the first time, very few if any upgrades and/or repairs are required and you actually save money
2. we require reliable equipment since the office will be closed on evenings, weekends and holidays
3. this tank will be a reflection of me and my colleagues, and we want it to look clean and professional
4. we want the kids in the waiting room to view a reef that's as natural as possible, not watching John pull out hair algae, and last but not least,
5. no one goes into this hobby to save money.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9014300#post9014300 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dudester
That's a great idea, Jonathan. I guess you just pump the "T'd off" water back into the return section so that the sump doesn't necessarily receive extra flow?
Click to expand...

Not exactly. After hearing and reading about umpteen stories of micro-bubble problems, I installed a dual sump system with two 2" lines between and BVs.

This gives me a lot of flexibility while elimanating micro-bubbles from the display. I have an in-bound sump and an out-bound sump. The inbound sump has the inflow lines from the overflow as well as all my probes. The skimmer sits in the inbound sump but empties into the outbound sump. In teh out-bound sump I have heaters and rubble, as well as the effluent from my Ca and Kalk reactors.

The nice thing about dual sumps is taht I can take one offline any time I want, drain it, clean it, etc. and still have a working system. In fact I keep the water volume lower than half so that either one can absorb the water from the other or from the skimmer...I have had a lot of floods and this type of system helps me avoid that! :D

Here is a shot of the outbound sump:

return%20sump.jpg


And a shot of the sumps next to each other.

barr%20kalk%20stirrer5.jpg


For your application, I don't think you could really do this, but the element of having the by-pass line is still valid for any sump situation. You just need to make sure it doesn't add bubbles to the display. If you need more pics let me know. Click on the red house to see various tank room shots.
 
Thanks for the clarification, Jonathan (and I've clicked your red house many times before ;) ).

I went to the office today to check on the construction progress. Here's where we are as of today.

This is the view when one enters the waiting room. Once the tank is in place, cabinets will be built down to the floor and up to the ceiling around the entire perimeter of the system.
waitingroom1.jpg


Here's the lockable door to the tank equipment room.
waitingroom7.jpg


This is the stand. It's powder coated and strong as, well, you know.
waitingroom6.jpg


This will give you a better idea of just how thick the metal is on this stand. That oughta hold'er.
waitingroom5.jpg


Inside the equipment room is a janitor's floor drain with a water source/faucet above it (not pictured but partially seen in the first image).
waitingroom3.jpg


The walls of the equipment room are painted with a gloss paint that will deter corrosion. To assist with temperature control, the equipment room has its own HVAC unit.
waitingroom2.jpg


And finally, here's the view from the tank room, looking into the waiting room.
waitingroom4.jpg
 
Man what is that? 4" square tube??? Saweeet!!!

Mike, just stumbled onto this thread, all I can say is ... Awesome!!!

I wish I had gone bigger in my office .... after all, office furniture is a business expense!!!
 
4" indeed! And you can see in the photos that the stand is actually bolted down to transversely-oriented joists beneath the floor. We don't have many earthquakes here in Austin, but if we did, I think this would weather the storm.

Actually, John and Brian, take a good look at the 1st and 3rd photos -- the metal brackets and bolts occupy some space inside the stand. Is this going to be a problem with the sump resting on the bottom platform? I'm not sure, since I don't know the exact sump dimensions.

Mike
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9018083#post9018083 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
To think, i might actually be moving to austin in a couple years. What do you think of it over there?
Click to expand...

I just made the move from Florida to Austin, and I love it here. I moved for grad school, but I have already signed with a company to work here when I finish.

And to not stray completely off topic, Mike, I saw your sump at the shop the other day, and that thing is massive. This tank is moving along quickly...can't wait to see the tank in place.

--
Mark
 
Since Brian saw the stand, I'll assume he took those bolts into consideration. I literally cannot WAIT to start of this project and look forward to showing all of you the progress.

It's funny, before every big tank I've ever been a part of, time draws near and I start thinking "oh god and what if". With this project, I've had very small what if's and it EXCITES me.

Also what is everyone's favorite acanthurus tangs? My personal choice would be an achilles (and I have a very good source for net caught hawaiin fish) but would like to hear others thoughts.

John
 
And on Austin,

I went to school here from Dallas and don't see myself ever leaving. The city's atmosphere is great (even if you do have to deal with the occasional hippie :bum: ) and the weather and scenery are great.
 
This is a very interesting thread! Love the idea of having a tank in a waiting room! I have seen a couple of dentist waiting room with a tank in, but nothing as big as a 450G tank!

My favorite acanthurus tang is a very hard choice, debating between the powder blue tang and the achilles tang. I am wondering in a size of your tank, i guess having those 2 would not be an impossible option.

The Clown Tang would also be in my top 3 favorites tang.

If i would have to choose one, i guess i will also go for the achilles tang or the achilles gold rym hybrid one if you can put a hand on one.

Keep us posted!
 
Hai Thedude, Beware with your salt because based on my exp the cal and kh was low, I think you use the MARINE ENVIRONMENT SEA SALT. in there web there are comparation about salt including TM.
 
I thought silicone would only adhere glass to glass. How is it that they can glue glass to plastic and I cant?
 
Oh, it hurts so goooood. :) Those will probably be the happiest children in the world.

Then again, when I was a little kid, I always wanted to see sharks! Probably not a huge chance of that happening in this tank. Hehe :)

Good luck with the rest of the planning. It is definitely going to be a topnotch tank.

Cheers,
John H.
 
rufio173 - Thanks for the nice comments, and good luck with medical school (it's totally worth it!).

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9022282#post9022282 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
you're going to put down some styro sheet under the sump anyway, right?
Click to expand...
John/Brian, care to tackle this one?
 
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