Office Reef - Help Me Spend My Boss's $$$

[chull13]

So I have convinced my boss to convert this ugly display case in our office lobby to a reef tank.We will remove all the glass and the base at the bottom. Add a steel stand and wrap it with millwork. The 2 outer columns will need to stay put due to supporting the stairs above. So the tank will be visible from 3 sides with a black back. The tank will be 55"x36"x27" with starphire on the 3 viewing panes with an external overflow.

Here is my preliminary equipment list:

230ish gallon tank described above
(1) 48"x20" TideLine Sump
(1) EcoTech Vectra L1 Dc return pump
(3) EcoTech XR30W G4 Pro LEDs with hanging kits
(2) EcoTech MP60wQD
(1) Tunze Osmolator ATO
(1) 20 Gallon ATO RODI reservoir
(1) Apex controller
(1) Vertex Alpha 200 Skimmer
(2) 300 watt heaters
250 Lbs Live Rock
120 Lbs live sand
Misc. Plumbing

We are looking at around $16K for the equipment above plus another $2K for installation. The boss has signed off on this without blinking an eye.

Let me know what you think on the equipment list. Is there anything you would change or add?

It's always fun to spend someone else's money! Help me spend it!!

 

[RCS82]

Looks like a nice list, no expense spared lol.
But why not go with 3 or 4 mp40s instead of 2 mp60s. Since the tank is viewable on 3 sides I would put 3 mp40s all on the back wall.

 

[Smokey Stover]

Is there room under the stairs for a mixing station? You'll need a RO/DI unit also.
Who gets the NASCAR collection?

 

[chull13]

Looks like a nice list, no expense spared lol.
But why not go with 3 or 4 mp40s instead of 2 mp60s. Since the tank is viewable on 3 sides I would put 3 mp40s all on the back wall.

We may look into the (4) MP40s. Good thought.

Is there room under the stairs for a mixing station? You'll need a RO/DI unit also.
Who gets the NASCAR collection?

I have salt and RODI water at home to top off RODI reservoir and for emergency situations. We have a bi-weekly maintenance agreement with a local vendor for cleaning and water changes. I'll handle all the minor cleaning in between.

The NASCARS will move to one of our VP's office. He's the bid NASCAR fan.

 

[Scythanith]

For the black back get your tank maker to build it out of black/dark smoke glass, and not just put black plastic over clear glass. Way easier to clean than the plastic overlay. And it's not your cash so who cares if it costs more, it will look better in the long run! A good builder can CNC the overflow teeth into the glass or make a small section where a plastic weir can go in and be removed for cleaning.

 

[chull13]

Alright, the tank is ordered and with about a 5 week lead time so it will be a little quiet on this build for the next few weeks.

 

[chull13]

Finally..... Progress in the last week. We demoed out the old display and set the tank in place. Steel stand is a beast!! We have a millwork company working on the wrapping for the tank and bulkhead. The remaining equipment and plumbing are going to be installed on Tuesday and then maybe another week before water/sand/rock.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I can see the transformation begin, this is a special moment to see the demo out of the way and the tanks foundation in place.. following along. What did you decide with the MP's? 2 60s or 4 40s?

 

[McPuff]

Looks like it'll be a nice system. Lots of progress already!

 

[Editour2]

It would be beneficial if you could have access from the back of the tank, (if possible), especially since the tank is 36" deep.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

It would be beneficial if you could have access from the back of the tank, (if possible), especially since the tank is 36" deep.

It would be a tight fit, behind it is a set of stairs.

 

[Daddyrawg]

We may look into the (4) MP40s. Good thought.



I have salt and RODI water at home to top off RODI reservoir and for emergency situations. We have a bi-weekly maintenance agreement with a local vendor for cleaning and water changes. I'll handle all the minor cleaning in between.

The NASCARS will move to one of our VP's office. He's the bid NASCAR fan.

whats the vendor charge for maintanance?

 

[chull13]

It would be beneficial if you could have access from the back of the tank, (if possible), especially since the tank is 36" deep.

We did install an access panel around the corner so that we can access the back.

I can see the transformation begin, this is a special moment to see the demo out of the way and the tanks foundation in place.. following along. What did you decide with the MP's? 2 60s or 4 40s?

We ended up going with (4) MP40s

whats the vendor charge for maintanance?

He charges by the hour.

 

[chull13]

Dry install complete! Nearly a full days work to get everything plumbed and get all of the EcoTech equipment programmed. Wet install scheduled for Thursday! Can't wait!!

 

[Sam2832]

Nice setup!
Have you protected the plywood under the sump for the upcoming splashs/spills?


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[sdweller]

Looks like a great set up ! Much better use of space .
The Nascar collection will look better on a desk .
Good Luck and can't wait to see the final product !
Sea Dwellers