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I don't have any projects lined up so it's about time I do this! I've been putting it off for some time now anticipating a change in residence, but it looks like that will take at least 2-3 years. (still in planning/designing phase) So 2-3 years of enjoyment before having to leave it is good enough for me!
I want to cover this build IN DEPTH. In the past with my first TRT tank build and my LED build I have provided lots of pictures and felt that I did a pretty good job of this. But I think more is better in this aspect. I will attempt to post lots of videos of the entire process. This build will involve some pretty custom work, and I know there is a lot of folks out there that would love to see the build in detail. But I will say this early on….the videos may come in spurts with several at a time, spaced out more than desirable. This is in anticipation of editing time that will be needed. But I don't have much else going on so hopefully I will stay diligent.
Budget: what a dirty word these days…
The build will go in 5 phases as outlined below:
1) Design
2) Build Stand
3) Floor Removal
4) Install Tank and Plumbing
5) Skin Stand and Finishing exterior touches.
I don't have tank dimensions yet but will get those posted soon. I have to do some math on paper. My initial guess is 250-400 gallons.
Since my current 180 gallon is stocked pretty well with coral and I want to keep equipment clutter/heat to a minimum, this will be a fish-only tank. Currently leaning towards fake coral, no live rock. I know a lot of people hate fake coral. If you are at my house, simply turn your head and you can see all the live coral you want. I believe fake coral has a place and application and this is it for me.
A local acrylic manufacturer will build the tank itself. They don't specialize in tank building, but he has done some before on a much larger scale. My aunt works for this guy and I have picked up enough plastic in the past to see their work.
The overflow will be located in the center of the tank. The plan is to successfully disguise the center overflow and create a "reef shelf" that is at the top of the tank. Hard to explain now, will get back to that another time.
As far as the stock that will go into the tank, my wife and I are looking at a more aggressive tank. There are so many beautiful fish we cannot keep in our reef! In particular…..trigger fish. There will be at least 6 different types of triggers. What we put with the triggers, is still to be determined. I was thinking maybe some parrot fish, lion fish, and others. The key here is visibility! This is a 360 degree view tank, I will only stock it with gregarious species. Suggestions are welcome.
Having said that…..the only time I have even attempted a fish-only tank without live rock was 13 years ago…I think I was 13 or 14 (I'm 27, save the math
) and it was not successful to say the least. So, your input would be greatly appreciated in certain aspects of this build. What I'll do is make a note at the end of a post like this that will summarize what I would like to discuss or get advice on, that way it may be a little more organized in the long run.
Before we get to the design video, let's talk equipment.
Skimmer/Filtration
I will use filter socks and I think I have decided on the brand/model of skimmer, but not size just yet. Here is my top choice as of right now.
Skimmer Choice
I am open to suggestions on this but from the research I have done it's the best bang for the buck. A good skimmer is at the top of my list since I am anticipating messy tenants.
Wet/Dry too? Overkill? Or just extremely heavy skimming?
Sump
This will be a pretty standard sump. There will be center bracing under the main display so the sump will take an "L" shape to provide more space and volume.
Lighting
Lighting will be done with LEDs. The main reason for this is heat! I won't even be using the 3watt leds for this tank. I want almost no heat produced in this closed system. Since the fish don't care about the wavelength, I have ample options out there for LED modules. Suggestions welcome.
The design and tank you will be watching come to life…..
PHASE #1
I know I left out a lot so let some questions come in and it will help me think of some more details.
Suggestions/Discussion Topics:
- General equipment needs for a FO
- LED module choice
- Filtration suggestions
- Fish suggestions
- UV or Not?
- Any comments outside of this are welcome as well
I want to cover this build IN DEPTH. In the past with my first TRT tank build and my LED build I have provided lots of pictures and felt that I did a pretty good job of this. But I think more is better in this aspect. I will attempt to post lots of videos of the entire process. This build will involve some pretty custom work, and I know there is a lot of folks out there that would love to see the build in detail. But I will say this early on….the videos may come in spurts with several at a time, spaced out more than desirable. This is in anticipation of editing time that will be needed. But I don't have much else going on so hopefully I will stay diligent.
Budget: what a dirty word these days…
The build will go in 5 phases as outlined below:
1) Design
2) Build Stand
3) Floor Removal
4) Install Tank and Plumbing
5) Skin Stand and Finishing exterior touches.
I don't have tank dimensions yet but will get those posted soon. I have to do some math on paper. My initial guess is 250-400 gallons.
Since my current 180 gallon is stocked pretty well with coral and I want to keep equipment clutter/heat to a minimum, this will be a fish-only tank. Currently leaning towards fake coral, no live rock. I know a lot of people hate fake coral. If you are at my house, simply turn your head and you can see all the live coral you want. I believe fake coral has a place and application and this is it for me.
A local acrylic manufacturer will build the tank itself. They don't specialize in tank building, but he has done some before on a much larger scale. My aunt works for this guy and I have picked up enough plastic in the past to see their work.
The overflow will be located in the center of the tank. The plan is to successfully disguise the center overflow and create a "reef shelf" that is at the top of the tank. Hard to explain now, will get back to that another time.
As far as the stock that will go into the tank, my wife and I are looking at a more aggressive tank. There are so many beautiful fish we cannot keep in our reef! In particular…..trigger fish. There will be at least 6 different types of triggers. What we put with the triggers, is still to be determined. I was thinking maybe some parrot fish, lion fish, and others. The key here is visibility! This is a 360 degree view tank, I will only stock it with gregarious species. Suggestions are welcome.
Having said that…..the only time I have even attempted a fish-only tank without live rock was 13 years ago…I think I was 13 or 14 (I'm 27, save the math
) and it was not successful to say the least. So, your input would be greatly appreciated in certain aspects of this build. What I'll do is make a note at the end of a post like this that will summarize what I would like to discuss or get advice on, that way it may be a little more organized in the long run.Before we get to the design video, let's talk equipment.
Skimmer/Filtration
I will use filter socks and I think I have decided on the brand/model of skimmer, but not size just yet. Here is my top choice as of right now.
Skimmer Choice
I am open to suggestions on this but from the research I have done it's the best bang for the buck. A good skimmer is at the top of my list since I am anticipating messy tenants.
Wet/Dry too? Overkill? Or just extremely heavy skimming?
Sump
This will be a pretty standard sump. There will be center bracing under the main display so the sump will take an "L" shape to provide more space and volume.
Lighting
Lighting will be done with LEDs. The main reason for this is heat! I won't even be using the 3watt leds for this tank. I want almost no heat produced in this closed system. Since the fish don't care about the wavelength, I have ample options out there for LED modules. Suggestions welcome.
The design and tank you will be watching come to life…..
PHASE #1
I know I left out a lot so let some questions come in and it will help me think of some more details.
Suggestions/Discussion Topics:
- General equipment needs for a FO
- LED module choice
- Filtration suggestions
- Fish suggestions
- UV or Not?
- Any comments outside of this are welcome as well
