The Start Of A 470 Gallon Reef

[steve68]

Sweet !

 

[Blutowski]

My dream tank manifested. It is great to see all the ideas I have had about how I would do my ultimate tank right before my eyes, right down to the center overflow. Now I can see all the details in place that I know I would have overlooked if I ever have an oportunity to put something like this together.

Please keep the pics comming.

 

[juststartingout]

bump, for an update?

 

[Vamp1975]

I've been getting all the humidity issues worked out, just had the mini split installed last week. The fuge, frag tank & sump all came in last week and were set up on the racking. I'm probably gonna start plumbing this weekend if all my plumbing stuff arrives on schedule! I'll get some shots!

 

[Vamp1975]

Well here are some shots of the skimmer plumbed & running, it's a MRC MR-7, I've got about 150lbs of LR in the tank now and another 200lbs on the way. I will work on some more pics later just been very busy. I will be working on the light rack this weekend.

 

[Goodwin9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8033604#post8033604 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Vamp1975
I've been getting all the humidity issues worked out, just had the mini split installed last week. The fuge, frag tank & sump all came in last week and were set up on the racking. I'm probably gonna start plumbing this weekend if all my plumbing stuff arrives on schedule! I'll get some shots!

I am curious what size and model of mini split you went with. Ventilation people have been trying to sell me on the idea and you are the first that I have read that has used one. I am wondering if it has worked out and done the job for you?

 

[calvin415]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7731603#post7731603 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Vamp1975
The acrylic is 1-1/4" thick and it weighs just over 600lbs.

Why so thick??? It's only 24" tall right?

 

[alien9168]

NICE!!!! I live the skimmer.

 

[scaryperson27]

I like the skimmer also. How are you planning on lighting the thing?

 

[Nick A]

Nice setup. I can't wait for the pics.

 

[Vamp1975]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8224561#post8224561 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by calvin415
Why so thick??? It's only 24" tall right?

3/4" still bows!!! Why play with possible future issues when we are talking about pennies between the sizes!!!

Also by using the thicker acrylic I was able to minimize the size of the eurobracing allowing me more & easier access to the tank!

 

[Vamp1975]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8227216#post8227216 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
I like the skimmer also. How are you planning on lighting the thing?

Lighting will consist of:
2 - 400 Radiums on Icecap Ballasts w/ Lumenarc Reflectors
2 - 250 Radiums on Icecap Ballasts w/ Lumenarc Reflectors
8 - T5's

 

[Vamp1975]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8222770#post8222770 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Goodwin9
I am curious what size and model of mini split you went with. Ventilation people have been trying to sell me on the idea and you are the first that I have read that has used one. I am wondering if it has worked out and done the job for you?

It's a Mitsubishi, I will have to check on the model/size for you. It seems to be working very well, I'm also going to put in a industrial fart fan hooked to a humidistat just for some extra precaution.

 

[Wind Seeker]

Vamp, are you modifying the reactor for the small particle size associated with Purigen? I want to try the same thing but have read that the fine particle size is problematic. I am interested in your results. TIA.

 

[Vamp1975]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8267166#post8267166 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Wind Seeker
Vamp, are you modifying the reactor for the small particle size associated with Purigen? I want to try the same thing but have read that the fine particle size is problematic. I am interested in your results. TIA.

I actually scrapped that idea and will be starting up an Ultralith System with a 14L reactor very shortly.

Sorry I won't be able to help with the purigen question.

I do now have 2 FMC 627 6" x 24" Chamber, 27" total height fluidized reactors from My Reef Creations if anyone is interested, PM me. I'm asking $200 a piece or $375 for both plus shipping.

 

[Vamp1975]

Well finally made quite a bit of progress this weekend

 

[stlouisguy]

Sorry if I missed it in your thread, but how did you attach your lights so that you can move them for access to the tank. I have a cube that my next thing on the list is to build a light rack that can move so I can clean the tank.

Thanks for any input. Your tank looks fantastic so far, cant wait to see it stocked!

 

[Vamp1975]

I actually used a garage storage system from Sears & made my own rack for it. It works on a pully system and allows me to raise & lower the lights for working purposes.

 

[JenDub]

I'd spring for the ballast boxes or at least some sort of heatsink. The ballasts won't last as long without them =)

I can't believe this thing is coming together, seems like just yesterday that we were designing this!

BTW- have you considered running an inline fan to pull the heat out of those hoods? Elicent makes the best ones FYI =)

 

[Vamp1975]

Tell me about it, this thing has been crazy I just want it done. I'm in the home strech now!

I already made some heat sinks at work out of 1/2" aluminum so I should be good there and I'll look into the fans.

Jee when I finish this I have another 600gal in troughs to set up...

I haven't forgot about you guys either, I owe you a care package. I have just lost my mind with everything...