SaraB's 268 Gallon Build¦ Try #3!

[SaraB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13694472#post13694472 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stunreefer
SICK!

Everything is looking fantastic Sara, congrats!

I just went back through and noticed your hubby (I believe) in the pics with the Yamaha jacket on.... I just got a Yamaha RX1 last year I used to race street bikes and motocross for years, and I must say I've never been scared of anything wth an engine... except these monsters, the R1 and RX1.

Yes, we are both absolute Yamaha fanatic's! We both ride Apex sleds. Here's my last sled that was tricked out. This is one of my favorite destinations as well ... but they would not let me buy any livestock

 

[SaraB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13694245#post13694245 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ryan009
Great photos! It must be exciting to see it starting to come together.

Two questions:
1. Why did you make the decision to maintain 2 separate systems versus combining them into one larger one?

2. What are your plans for the sump? Is it going to be compartmentalized or just left as a big tub for the skimmer?

#1 is a great question that I've been pondering!

I had initially kept the systems separate as I would have some place to go with corals if I ever had an issue with the other system crashing, etc. I figured redundancy would be good and that is why they have remained separate. Granted it meant double the equipment and twice the water changes, that was the trade-off.

With the Tamco bin, I was actually adding a second bulkhead and ball-valve so that I would be able to combine the systems in the future if I decided to do so. I'm actually toying with the idea of doing this when I change out my 92G corner in January with a shallow look-down tank. Yes, the tank addiction never ends. I'd love to hear feedback from others what they think about combining the systems or keeping them separate as I can't decide what to do. The 92G system has about 200+ gallons combined. They were also kept separate as the basement tank was to be solely SPS and the 92 would be LPS and some softies. The more time that goes by and I see all the nice Aussie items and the Chalice and Favia addiction that has gotten into my blood, the more I'm thinking it will be a mixed reef with some key pieces of SPS, but the majority being LPS. The new shallow reef upstairs will mostly be for Acans, Bowerbanki's and Micro's.

#2 The Tamco bin is just going to be a tub without dividers. I might have to add another container (bucket) inside there to help cut down on microbubbles if they occur, but that's it.


Thanks everyone for the nice comments!

 

[Ryan009]

I'l be interested to watch for opinions from people who are a LOT more experienced than I am.

With that said, I decided to run mine combined. I was basically following what Paul had done with his system.

I like the redundancy two systems give you, but for me, one system made alot more sense in a couple of ways.

1. Increase total system volume. I liked the idea of one 600G system vs. 2 - 300G systems. The single system should hopefully be more stable.

2. Simplicity. With only one system, there's only one body of water to test, one skimmer to clean, one top off system, etc. I'm basically lazy that way.

3. Space

4. Equipment cost. I don't know if there are many real savings doing it this way or not.

5. Efficiency. My electric company is already threatening to put my on commercial status. My hope is that by eliminating redundant equipment, it will more energy efficient to run system versus two.

 

[~sp0ok~]

nice work

 

[Chads29]

That is going to be one very beautiful system when it is up and running . Keep up the good work

 

[raen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13694561#post13694561 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaraB
Yes, we are both absolute Yamaha fanatic's! We both ride Apex sleds. Here's my last sled that was tricked out. This is one of my favorite destinations as well ... but they would not let me buy any livestock

Girl PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been reading, and held my comment until now, pink dress, pink snow mobile........FAN-
FREAKIN-TASTIC!!! I LOVE love love the tank, am envious of the garage, (my 3 car sucks next to yours), and your stand is beautiful....but, the pink.....mmmmmmmmmm! Great taste Sara!

I can't wait to see what you put in your box of water.

 

[itstheantitang]

This whole setup looks intense, keep up the good work.

 

[SaraB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13708103#post13708103 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by raen
Girl PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been reading, and held my comment until now, pink dress, pink snow mobile........FAN-
FREAKIN-TASTIC!!! I LOVE love love the tank, am envious of the garage, (my 3 car sucks next to yours), and your stand is beautiful....but, the pink.....mmmmmmmmmm! Great taste Sara!

I can't wait to see what you put in your box of water.

Thanks Rae! I had to do something wild to the sled so that the boys would not miss the fact that they were being passed by a girl! My husband is working on my new one now and it will have a really cool custom graphic's theme in pink, of course!



Thanks everyone on the nice comments!

I'm also hoping to get some more feedback on combining the systems together or keeping them running separate. Looking for plus and minus of it.

I'll have to get some more photo's up soon as well!

 

[raen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13708279#post13708279 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaraB
Thanks Rae! I had to do something wild to the sled so that the boys would not miss the fact that they were being passed by a girl! My husband is working on my new one now and it will have a really cool custom graphic's theme in pink, of course!



Thanks everyone on the nice comments!

I'm also hoping to get some more feedback on combining the systems together or keeping them running separate. Looking for plus and minus of it.

I'll have to get some more photo's up soon as well!

I use to race BMX, and my hemet and titanium bike were pink and white, you have good taste. Gotta love a tough chick that represents in PINK! And, ps being passed by a chick in pink has to suck! Can't wait to see more of the tank. What are you going to have in it??????

 

[rockworm]

My system consists of 4 tanks all tied together to a common sump/fuge in the basement. Three of the tanks are coral tanks and are in the same room side by side. (180g with 54g corner bowfront booked tanks) The fourth is a FOWLR in another room. I set up the single system for economies of scale. I run a hammerhead to feed the tanks and a reeflo Orca 250 with upgrades to skim. I much prefer the single system due to some of the reasons expressed earlier:

save money by not having two or more of one thing. Larger water volume provides greater stability. I have over 700g in my system with a display of 288g. Easier maintenance, etc.

HOWEVER, I set up my plumbing with a number of tees and valves. All drains are divided to run into both the sump and the fuge. Further the sump and fuge are joined by the return pump. In other words, the pump is fed by both. Each feed has a ball valve. I gave a lot of thought to the setup. I designed the system to run as one, but basically, I can separate the combined system into 2 by closing a set of ball valves. I would have to add a return pump, and additional skimmer, but I can get these on short notice. The original reason I did this was to allow me to take either the sump or fuge offline for maintenance. However, late in the plan I added the FO, so wanted to ensure that I could separate them if I needed to.

I am very happy with the setup. My suggestion would nbe to use a single system, but plumb it such that separation can be achieved with minimal effort. There is a greater up front cost for plumbing, but the flexibility is worth it, IMO.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13708279#post13708279 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaraB

I'm also hoping to get some more feedback on combining the systems together or keeping them running separate. Looking for plus and minus of it.

 

[spsboy]

Looks like it's going to be real nice.
Can't wait to see the "real" livestock.
Drew

 

[nattydread]

NIce progress !

Question; your stairwell. What did you figure the largest size tank would make it down into the basement through it?

Im trying to figure the same out for myself. I want 36", but I have a turn to make as well, and am skepticaL.

 

[customcolor]

thats looking like one hell of a nice third try. im liking the size and the fact that the tank doesnt look like it goes through the wall, but it does.

 

[BenjieC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13708296#post13708296 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by raen
I use to race BMX, and my hemet and titanium bike were pink and white, you have good taste. Gotta love a tough chick that represents in PINK! And, ps being passed by a chick in pink has to suck! Can't wait to see more of the tank. What are you going to have in it??????

Not sure I'd call Sara a tough chick. LOL! Maybe the opposite of that.

 

[Mr. Brooks]

I'm going to run two seperate systems, a 225 and a 180. I'm doing this because I have no other choice (no basement). I was going to run the 180 as a fish only with minimal equipment to save money. After much thought and consideration I decided to set it up so that I could keep SPS corals in the future. This way I can have a back up frag of everything in my main tank in case it crashes.

 

[Dave]

Lets keep this on the first page.
Dave

 

[Dave]

Lets keep this on the first page.
Dave

 

[SaraB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13709538#post13709538 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nattydread
NIce progress !

Question; your stairwell. What did you figure the largest size tank would make it down into the basement through it?

Im trying to figure the same out for myself. I want 36", but I have a turn to make as well, and am skepticaL.

I have to thank a friend for urging that I build a mock-up of the tank out of 2x4’s to see if I could take it down the staircase. I started with that 8’ x 3’ and 3 cuts later it was down to the 7.5’ x 2.5’ I ended up ordering. You can't just measure the area for height and width as you will need to pivot the tank as well as tilt it to move to the next set of stairs after the landing, so a mock-up of the tank built out of something rigid is what you need. Some have even used PVC instead of wood. I also left my mock-up in tact so that when it came time to move the actual tank, we could do a trial run with the helpers so they knew how to take the tank down without taking out my walls!

 

[SaraB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13709662#post13709662 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BenjieC
Not sure I'd call Sara a tough chick. LOL! Maybe the opposite of that.

I've been waiting for you to post sunshine :smokin:

Just because I dont' plug stuff in or do plumbing doesn't mean I'm a girly girl, trust me! :rollface:

 

[SaraB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13709609#post13709609 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by customcolor
thats looking like one hell of a nice third try. im liking the size and the fact that the tank doesnt look like it goes through the wall, but it does.

Thanks! I personally don't like inwall tanks because I like to be able to look into the side of the tank as well as the front. With this build I have 4" set into the wall and 26" left on the sides to look into. Just a personal choice I guess!


Oh, and some day I'll learn how to do multi-quotes rather than single ones ... sorry!


I'm also thinking I will eventually plumb the systems together when I put my new tank in to replace the 92 gallon on the first floor. I would like to leave a sump like tank between the upstairs tank and the 112G Tamco Sump that could be shut off with a Ball-valve if needed to stop the connection and continue to have a bulkhead and union where I could again move my 2nd return pump on to and run separate if needed. Hope that makes sense!