If you built your own tank, what would be key?

[motorslave]

Well I priced a tank built the way I want and have decided to build my own. My Father in Law has worked with acrylic before and has all the application tips even. Were going to start with the sump first using 1/4 inch. The dimensions will be 27x27x13 high. Havent got it designed yet.
The tank will be 60x24x24 with a coast to coast overflow.
Im thinking about two CLSs, one of wich will be a spray bar/ rock support.

So what kind of things/feateures would you all build into a tank? The sump?
What thickness acrylic should I use for the tank?
Load me me up with ideas!!!

Robert

[Doug1]

Robert, having seen the Mojo Beast in person I am a fan of coast to coast overflows, but a thought I have had for a long time. Give the 2x2x5' dimension you are looking at, why not consider adding a foot to the length, putting the overflow front to bad on the ends and the returns for the closed loop below, maybe four returns with pointable outlets. My dream tank would have this setup on both ends with the intakes located on the opposite ends with a motorized ball valve switching them back and forth. the advantage to this setup is that its on the ends, leaving the back wall uncluttered, and having seen the setup you used on your 55, the end design you used on that one is readily adaptable to this idea, and would really set it off nicely

[motorslave]

Doug, Im interested but after two weeks of overnights and 18 hour days my brain is not connecting so Im not sure if Im understanding you completely. Diagram? If Im understanding you right, that would work pretty good.

Robert

[wharyat]

I came across this file a little while ago, it will you figure out the exact thickness that you need. Luckily I kept a hold of it!

It's an excel document.

[motorslave]

Cant open it.

[wharyat]

Do you have microsoft excel?

I typed in your numbers and got .72" minimum.

[skeety]

Originally Posted by motorslave

Cant open it.

Neither can I. Winzip opens it, but it's empty.

[wanareef]

Since you are going 24" high - you can stick with 1/2" thick acrylic. I would add another foot to the tank as Doug mentioned but put the overflow on the "outside" an external weir. Just gotta plan for the extra bump sticking out on the back.

Use black acrylic for the back so you won't see through.

Acrylic sheets come over size - so two sheets will work for ya with a little to spare for the weir. 50 x 100 usually and also come in 5', 6' widths

[motorslave]

Well I cant add another foot since the stand is built. But I did think about having the overflow built onto the back. I am plannijng on using black for the back. I am also thinking of a large ampmaster to run the spray bar and CLS. I will have two 850 gph Gen-X pumps from my curent set up and plan to use one as a return and use my Euroreef and "other" skimmer both in the sump.
Will two MHs give even coverage in a 60 inch tank or will I need three? I will use my current lighting setup ( two ARO VHO ballasts) to run my actinic suplimentation.
I am going to use $1000 from our tax return to get this project started but it will still take time finacialy so there is no hurry.
Right now my 55 is basicaly a FOWLR and a Candycane.
One other factor that is important is noise. I want to limit the number of pumps if thats what it takes to eliminate the sound of a swimming p[ool in my living room.

Robert

[wanareef]

There went that idea of an extra foot I would use a Sequence instead of that AMP - if you don't already have it. The seals are better iMO and I have two of them just sitting here waiting for me to finish my honey - do - list and then I can start building our next in-wall. I'm keeping the height to 24" (short arms ) and will be using four sheets of 1/2" acrylic - it's 36" deep (front to back) with the back being black acrylic.

I have just two MH's over a 72" tank and the spread is great, just the very ends are a little shaded and that's because of the LR.

Oh forgot - use the pins method when gluing up the tank - allows more saturation time for the glue to soften the area to be joined. James aka acrylics on RC has a thread on building a tank - same technique - and there is an order in which you assemble the front,sides and bottom and top.

[motorslave]

Two lights will simplify and save money, thats good to hear! Going to look around local for places to get the tank materials today.

Robert

[wanareef]

Make sure you ask for "cast" don't want to make it out of extruded - you'll have a problem on your floor after you fill it up Cast machines nicely, no build up but extruded is nasty to work with. Cost more than extruded.

[motorslave]

Oh and this is going to be a BB mixed reef with mostly SPS and clams.

Robert

[motorslave]

Cast it is!

Robert

[wanareef]

While you are checking for the cast material find out about that "cutting" board material" HD?? or "starboard" if you want to go that way. Get it at the same place, somtimes. 1/4" or even the 1/8" would keep the bottom from getting scratched in case of a land slide.