SaraB's 268 Gallon Build¦ Try #3!

[marcus.breaux]

I think I might do a build sometime this year. These always look better then the standard aquarium.

 

[Chrisrush]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14175850#post14175850 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rod Buehler
Actually the 2 main designs are Carlson (Not Calfo), and Borneman. ( IIRC ,to give proper credit, Mr Borneman had some help with the design from Carl Del.. the rest of the name has slipped my mind. Sorry Carl) There are other designs but these two are the most popular. I read somewhere (MD?) that Calfo doesnt really like surge tanks.

I have used both the Carlson, and the Borneman My first surge (carlson) was set up in 1996. I like the Borneman better. you can use a much smaller pump and it will still work flawlessly. you can control the frequency of the surge and the volume(somewhat).

the depth of the discharge can play a role in how well they work, but if there is enough head room, that can all be compensated for as well. WIth one of Sara's, i feel that the tank was drilled a little too low, and wish we could get that surge tank a little higher. With a higher head, there would be a little more velocity.

Sara, can we move that surge upstairs into the living room we can disguise it

I'll have to do some more research on the different types of surges. I think in the proper tank, they can provide great random flow.

 

[stunreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14176437#post14176437 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaraB
It would make feeding the fish easy ... just wait for the flapper to open and turkey baster in the food!

:lol:

Now that's an auto-feeder!

 

[SaraB]

Sorry for the lack of updates, but I've been spending the last 4 work weeks up in Toronto helping with a project set-up we have going on there. I've been able to make some slow progress on the tank during the past few weekends, so I'll post a few update photo's now!

Here's my 2nd try at aquascaping in the tank. I'm still not sold on the far right end of the rock work. I'm not sure if I should build it up higher on that right end or leave it as is. Comments welcome!

The photo's are so dark and blue as only the VHO Actinic's are on right now.

FTS:

Left Side:

Right Side:

 

[Bax]

I really like that open arch, You may not want to mess with just yet. Maybe a day or two of looking at it will help your decision?

 

[mflamb]

I agree with Bax. I like it!

 

[SaraB]

Here's another shot with the 3 Metal Halides that are now on.

I too love the arch, it's just the part to the right of it that I'm not sure of is all.

 

[mflamb]

Think about what corals you will put there before you think about changing it.

 

[SaraB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14350445#post14350445 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mflamb
I agree with Bax. I like it!

Thanks for the compliments Bax and mflamb!

I guess I could plan to put some Acro's on that right end to get some height over there with some growth! Good thinking mflamb!

 

[mcliffy2]

Sara - LOVE the aquascape. I think it will hold its shape even as the corals grow in. I like the right side. I think the dynamics of the peaks and valleys you have created are great.

 

[customcolor]

just use the sticker method........like in the beginning befor you took of the the blue covering?

 

[erics3000]

Yeah i wish some of my rocks weren't oo high. i would rather have room for corals down the line.

 

[pookstreet]

Looks good Sara. Lots of room for the fishies to cruise around in.

 

[SaraB]

Thanks everyone ... I'll keep my paws off the rockwork and leave it as is!

 

[mpoletti]

I really like the tank Sara, but there is no what I could have that much room. Their are too many corals out there and I want them all

 

[porthios]

yep. clearly girls are born with +3 to aquascaping..

 

[Dudester]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14350736#post14350736 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaraB

Personally, I would shift the entire right sided arch structure a little to the left. In doing so, the left side of the rock structure would block out the return nozzles in the center, and the right side of the rock structure would obscure the return nozzles on the lower right side. Otherwise I think it's just great.

 

[SaraB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14359359#post14359359 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dudester
Personally, I would shift the entire right sided arch structure a little to the left. In doing so, the left side of the rock structure would block out the return nozzles in the center, and the right side of the rock structure would obscure the return nozzles on the lower right side. Otherwise I think it's just great.

I would agree, but if I shift it to the left, then you would see 2 other things in the tank ... the return for 1 surge and then the basket for the closed loop intake. I know, I can never win with trying to hide everything! I was hoping some coral growth would hide those 2 you see in the photo just a bit more in the future!

Thanks for the feedback and the compliment!

 

[stunreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14351303#post14351303 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcliffy2
Sara - LOVE the aquascape. I think it will hold its shape even as the corals grow in.

:thumbsup:

If you change anything on the ride side, I might remove the smaller rock that's furthest on the right (on top of the big one)... but no higher, looks great!

Wanna do mine?

 

[SaraB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14359435#post14359435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stunreefer
:thumbsup:

If you change anything on the ride side, I might remove the smaller rock that's furthest on the right (on top of the big one)... but no higher, looks great!

Wanna do mine?

Thanks Guys!

I never got ahold of the friend to do the rock for me, so I took a shot at it with my friend that built the stand and canopy for me. That was version 1 and I refined it a bit with comments from Benjie and came up with version 2 that you see now!

I was thinking of removing that rock as well!