rds85
New member
First, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share recommendations an inputs about equipment, tank manufactures, dimensions, ect. A big shout out goes to those apart of the Arizona reefing community.
Background:
I am one of the very few reefers located here in Flagstaff, Arizona. For those of you who do not know, Flagstaff is at 7,000 ft and we a ski resort, so its not like the rest of the state. My ability to access any reefing related items is pretty much non existent, especially being a SPS type of reefer. Most of my livestock is obtained from Phoenix LFS's or online vendors. This build will be a SPS dominate build.
Now for the tank:
I decided to have custom built eurobraced glass tank. The tank dimensions are 84"L x 30"W x 24"H with the front three panels starphire glass and a black back. There is one center overflow with 5 drilled holes (2 returns, 3 drains).
I decided to go with Crystal Dyanmics (new leemar) as the builder. Trenton Smith is the CEO of the company and the person I have been communicating with. I don't have enough kind words to say about him and his company. For example he is even going to personally deliver the system to my house with the company truck. I would recommend this company to anyone looking into a new system ( I do not have the tank yet so it is subject to change, but I highly doubt it). The customer service is excellent. Please refer to the attached photos for the current build photos of the tank.
For the Stand & Canopy:
I once again went with Crystal Dyanmics to build my custom stand. I am receiving a 42" tall steel stand with a non removable wood skin. The stand will also have a 5" lip around the base of the tank for use as an arm rest or mini bar. Please refer to the attached stand photo for an example Crystal Dynamics did that is similar. I am one who loves the 42" versus the 36" tall stands. ( Can't stand bending over for hours on end)
For the Sump:
For the third time I went to Crystal Dynamics for a 60"x 18" x 18" custom glass sump. For this build, my sump will actually be located in my garage and not under the tank. Please refer to the attached photo for the sump design. I made one modification from the rendering. I made the last baffle 0.5" shorter.
For the Equipment:
The only thing that has been decided is the return pump, the power heads, the lights. The return pump will be a Fluval SP6. Power heads will me Vortech MP 40's, 4 of them. The lighting will be Radions, 4 of them as well.
I will be updating this thread on a regular basis throughout the build process. I am hoping the build will only take 4 months, but no one really knows. I am on my 4th reef tank, so I know everything I would like to change from previous builds.
I hope you all enjoy. Please feel free to add your recommendations throughout the process. I do not mind a healthy challenge! I also don't mind any questions you might have.
Thanks,
Ryan
Background:
I am one of the very few reefers located here in Flagstaff, Arizona. For those of you who do not know, Flagstaff is at 7,000 ft and we a ski resort, so its not like the rest of the state. My ability to access any reefing related items is pretty much non existent, especially being a SPS type of reefer. Most of my livestock is obtained from Phoenix LFS's or online vendors. This build will be a SPS dominate build.
Now for the tank:
I decided to have custom built eurobraced glass tank. The tank dimensions are 84"L x 30"W x 24"H with the front three panels starphire glass and a black back. There is one center overflow with 5 drilled holes (2 returns, 3 drains).
I decided to go with Crystal Dyanmics (new leemar) as the builder. Trenton Smith is the CEO of the company and the person I have been communicating with. I don't have enough kind words to say about him and his company. For example he is even going to personally deliver the system to my house with the company truck. I would recommend this company to anyone looking into a new system ( I do not have the tank yet so it is subject to change, but I highly doubt it). The customer service is excellent. Please refer to the attached photos for the current build photos of the tank.
For the Stand & Canopy:
I once again went with Crystal Dyanmics to build my custom stand. I am receiving a 42" tall steel stand with a non removable wood skin. The stand will also have a 5" lip around the base of the tank for use as an arm rest or mini bar. Please refer to the attached stand photo for an example Crystal Dynamics did that is similar. I am one who loves the 42" versus the 36" tall stands. ( Can't stand bending over for hours on end)
For the Sump:
For the third time I went to Crystal Dynamics for a 60"x 18" x 18" custom glass sump. For this build, my sump will actually be located in my garage and not under the tank. Please refer to the attached photo for the sump design. I made one modification from the rendering. I made the last baffle 0.5" shorter.
For the Equipment:
The only thing that has been decided is the return pump, the power heads, the lights. The return pump will be a Fluval SP6. Power heads will me Vortech MP 40's, 4 of them. The lighting will be Radions, 4 of them as well.
I will be updating this thread on a regular basis throughout the build process. I am hoping the build will only take 4 months, but no one really knows. I am on my 4th reef tank, so I know everything I would like to change from previous builds.
I hope you all enjoy. Please feel free to add your recommendations throughout the process. I do not mind a healthy challenge! I also don't mind any questions you might have.
Thanks,
Ryan
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