This Is What I Got So Far

[SENSIREEF]

Ok here is the deal, I am setting up a 1000G+ aquarium, that is an Arch Way, I will include all of the information below, and comments or information would be of great help. The way this tank is set up, I do not want to do a closed system. So with that said, here goes. The bottom of this tank is drilled, with 1 1/2" lines on both sides originally, and it also has 3 returns up top on one side, as this was an existing system and was a CL. I want to get away from the CL and go with a sump and external skimmer. Here is what I got so far.

SKIMMER:
EURO REEF RC 1000 with SEQUENCE DART and Iwaki WMD 40RLXT as a feed pump.

FLOW is going to consist of TZTS48 kit, which has 4 6101's with the 7095 controller. I will also have 2 extra 6060's as well. Four of the pumps will be put in the rock scape with the Tunze Deco rocks and on the upper parts of the tank, I will have 2 that are open flow.

RETURN PUMP: This is still up in the air, I want good slow flow thought the 72/24/24 acrylic sump that is going to be located 5 feet away in the garage. I was looking at the SEQUENCE Reeflo Hammerhead, however any input on this would be great, I’m looking to set up a refugium and grow out area in this sump, so any help would be great on setting up the proper pump for what I am trying to do.

I will be using a Korallin Calcium Reactor 4002 and everything will be controlled with a NEPTUNES AQUA PRO 3.

I will also throw on a 40W Aqua UV as well.

Lighting consist of TWO 400W SE and TWO 250W SE as well.

ATO has already been implemented into the system, along with salt mixing systems.

Looking to mostly be a mixed reef, and large fish.

Any recommendations or advice would be great, I know you guys have a lot of experience with large tanks, so fill me in..

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[Redbellyjx]

Interesting!

[CaveManNOhio]

That's a nice looking tank. That will be cool to see set up and running.
It would appear that you have put a lot of good thought into it so far. All the equipment you have listed is some of the best equipment out there. (IMO)
I am using Hammer Heads for my CL, I had one on my main return but it really wasn't strong enough or the right pump for what I was wanting it to do.
How ever I think it should be fine for your application. I don't you want to do a CL. I wouldn't want the pumps in my tank, even with hiding them. They will be a heat source. You could hook up the CL and put it on a WavySea sys, or a Ocean Motions system. I think those create the most natural water movement. They are also very easy to control. Don't get me wrong I do like the Tunze Pumps, but I think you can do better and probably even save some money.
You could probably get away with using the Hammer Head to feed your skimmer as well. Or use one of the tank drains to feed the skimmer.

[SENSIREEF]

Thank you for your advice. How would you set up the CL on tihs setup, I dont want to hear any noise coming from pumps, so that was the real main reason for concern. Would you say that the Hammerhead with the Spider Manifold would be best to do the CL and just drill 6 holes...

[CaveManNOhio]

I think a Hammer Head is a good choice for the CL as well. Mine are about 7' away from the tank and I have real nice flow from them.
You could set it up that way with drilling 6 holes. Or run a return line up to the tank then T it off drill two holes run them into the tank and do some thing like I have done.
All of the little ports on the bottom are the CL. There are 8 ports on one side and 7 on the other side.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/CaveNReef/240%20Stuff/mini-P4210072.jpg

This picture gives you a better view of what I'm getting at. I ended up getting rid of the tall one that has the 4 way on the top of it. It didn't work the way I wanted it to.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/578/86936mini-PA080074.JPG

[SENSIREEF]

I see, I really like this idea, and I have given this alot of thought, I am going to use a CL on the bottom regions of the tank, becasue I am not fond trying to maintance TUNZE pumps in the lower regions of this tank. I am 6'0 and I can stand up in one side of the tank with my arms streched. The picture does not do justice. Thank you for your ideas and imput.. I will keep you posted.

[jnarowe]

Very interesting tank. It doesn't appear to be 1000g but the picture could be disguising the size. Whatever the case, it will be extremely diificult to aquascape and get good flow.

As far as closed loops go, the Hammerhead would be OK but I would consider going with a pressure rated pump so you have more options open, like being able to run Penductors. I use a Hamerhead for my return, and it is very quiet. Your skimmer will make more noise than any single Sequence Reeflo pump IMO.

The real question should be, what is your aquascaping plan? That is going to dictate how you do your in-tank flow. One thing I did was to have a line popping up in the center of my tank with a cap on it. The pipe is vertical and the cap has a small hole drilled in the top, as well as two slots cut in the sides to orient the flow downward. This keeps the center of my tank bottom clean, but you must be able to easily remove it to clean out the coraline buildup.

I think this tank shape could benefit from a couple of WavySeas with 45 deg. outputs in the top ends. Everything you do will be experimental, but one thing you will have to conquer is detritus gathering in the center section.

[jnarowe]

And BTW, 40W UV on that size of a tank will not cut it. if youare going to install UV, you should do more research. I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that you need about a 400W UV.

[cpl40475]

thats is an awesome looking tank as it sets now. Cant wait to see it up and running with fih and corals every where deff gonna subscribe to this one

[purebullet417]

wow i love this tank. if had the tank this is what i would do. first you cant use the two holes on each side as drains because they are not at the top. you would have to build standpipes all the way up. i would use the 3 holes at the top for drains to your sump with external durso. drill another hole for a cl intake and use those two holes at the bottom as outputs. also add some more outputs on the top. bring your returns from the top as well. as for aquascaping get some marco rock and some acrylic rods and build some huge pillars. it would looks sweet. btw can you post the dimensions of each section. thanks

[CaveManNOhio]

purebullet417 is on the right track for sure. If you use the drains that are on each side and go with standpipes you could drill a hole through the rock and use the standpipe to hold the rocks up in their pillar form.

[Kemo484]

Just wanted to say great looking tank. I really like the concept.

[Nanook]

Wow, you have your work cut out for you with this tank design...should be fun watching it come together.

[SENSIREEF]

All of your guy's advice and compliments have been greatly appreciated. I want to make it clear this is not my personal tank, I have been obligated to set it up for a client of mine. I have done many installations in the past, and this one by far is the most intricate one I have done. To answer a few questions which were previously stated, this is in fact a true 1000g as hard as it is to believe. I didn't believe it myself, but when I was invited over to do a quote and detailed inspection, I was blown away by the sheer size of this tank. I have come to the conclusion the install a CL system on the lower sections of both corners due to the fact that this will provide easy access in case any failures of pumps may arise as well as the maintenance necessary to keep the system running properly. These CL systems will be equipped with pre filter baskets to protect the pumps as well. The CL will not only have different angles of flow, it will be equipped with a "pressure rated pump", as recommended by jnarowe. It will be equipped with an intricate plumbing system that will allow "blow off sessions", as well as general flow in the lower corners of the tank as well the upper regions of the columns. Like what was stated, this is going to consist of many test runs to dial in the flow rates and angles, to achieve the proper flow and Blow Off sessions, to suspend the detritus to be picked up by the skimmer. In the upper regions and top of the tank I have decided to go with a Tunze Multi Controller and 4 6201's as well as return lines that will provide flow at the top of the tank. This is still up in the air, as I am considering 'Wavy Seas" as well. I will need to speak with my client, to see what he thinks is best for his needs not only for use and maintenance but for aesthetics as well.

Stand pipes will be rigged, on both sides of the tank, as I have been planning this the past couple of hours..

I will look into rigging up a larger UV sterilizer however when I was looking at the specs of the Aqua UV 40W it says it is well equipped to handle a 1000g salt with no problems, however I can see how this could be overrated, as many skimmers are as well. More research will be done on this aspect of the aquarium.

The rocks will be supported at the base by the CL system up to the mid region, anything higher will actually be epoxied. This is going to be a fun task, as the true artist comes to play, to shape and design a rock scape that will not only provide ample light penetration to the lower regions, it will also represent a true reef shelf " or as realistic as possible, on both sides.

I have a great contact for acquiring these rocks, however he is currently low on stock of shelf and base rocks "dried". Any links or recommendations to rock suppliers would be helpful as well. However these rocks have to be as specific size, as there is only a small gap between the tank and the ceiling, not only is this going to be fun climbing in and out of the tank, as well as getting rocks in is going to be a task alone, so any links or info on rock suppliers would be of great assistance. I am in So Cal, just for any of those who might have any local recommendations for suppliers of dried rock.

I will keep you guys updated on the status of this tank. I just want you guys to know I really appreciate all the feed back and help you have provided so far. Any recommendations on this system are welcome, I am open ears...

[SENSIREEF]

The sump has been estimated and planned to be a 72X24X24 with 1/2 acrylic, this still needs to be revised and laid out to fit the necessary layout and should be done this upcoming week made by Casco. Updates will be provided as well as installation.

[jnarowe]

Steve Weast uses a 400W UV on his 800g tank on a reverse cycle. It does look tight at the top, and that is going to make maintenance a nightmare. But I have to give props for someone actually trying this. I just don't have the nads I guess. :lol:

It's going to be really hard not scratching the tank as well. Mighty Magnets makes a scratch removal kit that may come in handy. So much planning and prep is needed for this kind of install. Very challenging to say the least!

It seems to me that as a FOWLR this tank would be OK, but as a reef tank, I would be concerned that coraline will coat the glass in visible areas that cannot be easily cleaned. Any thoughts on this?

[i2ik]

wow this is going to be A NICE Unique tank!

[purebullet417]

i just thought about that. should be intresting. as for base rock you can try marcorocks.com if you order some big sizes they usually let you hand pick from pics they send you. then you can use acrylic rods and drill the rocks and put them on the rods so you dont need epoxy

[WWodyz]

NEAT! tagging along for the pics...

[TandN]

WOW this will be amazing and yeah the maintenance is gonna be a PIA !!!

[EWC88]

WOW that is huge! I like it alot keep us updated!

[SENSIREEF]

Thanks for all the replies so far, I figured that if the algae gets out of hand, that some one will just have to man up and put on some trunks and a snorkle and go to town, IMO

[Elliott]

very interesting and very difficult setup for a reef, better as a FOWLR. Flow, lighting and cleaning will be difficult. Also, viewing corals from below are not all that attractive. If you want corals, I would go with softies. Large fish swimming back and forth would be awesome.

[sasscuba]

WOW!!

[THE GIMP]

My first thought was FO and a fake wall of painted corals on the two outer most walls. Perhaps you could ask who designed it and what where their thoughts and intentions?


On another note: Nice Droids........ Program one to get at the coralline algae!




"These are not the Droids you re looking for"..........

[sasscuba]

Is that R2-D2 on the right side behind the tank?

[SENSIREEF]

It is and hes about 36" tall atleast, classic. haha

[sasscuba]

Are you in George Lucas's house?......LOL.

[big400g]

That tank is very cool looking, you have your work cut out for you. I can not wait to see photos of it once you complete the reef wall.

[clevername]

I dont get it, such a great idea but no pics?

Any details on how you thought of the idea? Any Problems that arose building the tank? What size glass is that? Where did you get your design from? Is this tested elsewhere....

Patiently waiting for the exciting news!

[SENSIREEF]

Hello Clevername, what don’t you get? I’m not sure if you read the following info, but this is not my tank, this is a tank that I am in the process of setting up for a client of mine. This aquarium is not glass; this is 1" acrylic which leads me to think you have not read any of the details, only skimmed through to see pictures. The concept and design has been done before, and as to where the idea actually came from that information is still not available but I will ask my client as to why he proposed such an idea. There are no more pictures yet, as this is not a finished project. Ground Breaking day, is coming here shortly in the upcoming weeks, so more pictures will be available soon on behalf of the setup and break in. There are many problems that have arose and will continue to do so, and the biggest one which almost everyone has listed and who has so kindly tuned in, is the fact of cleaning the actual tank and maintain proper flow rates to sustain a reef. Stay tuned more info and pictures to come here in the next few weeks. Thanks for your interest in this thread.

Big400g Thank you for your post, I will keep you updated on the status of this thread and the pictures as they come. Your interest is greatly appreciated.

[Jeremy Blaze]

Very cool. Fear the coralline!

[big400g]

I was just thinking, it could be cool if there was a way to arch the rock inside the arch. If you had some faux rock made to span from one of your columns over to the other side, it would add some interest, and may be a good way to hide a spraybar. It would also reduce the amount of light under the arch which could be good or bad.
My idea would be suspending the rock in the middle and not resting on the Acrylic so the fish would be swimming under the rock. The width would be half to 2/3rds of the depth of the arch. Most likely you would want the water to flow from the middle of the arch out to the sides, even better would be using something like a Ocean Motions device to help keep random flow and detritus from settling (depending on budget and everything).

The potential problem I see would be if the arch height is not enough, the large fish may not be able to pass... which could be good or bad again if there are some who do not get along this could provide a interesting barrier.

[clevername]

Oh i did not get the impression that this is a clients fish tank, that explains the lack of pics/details.

Im interested in how this turns out. Although i imagine on paper this looks like a good setup but in the long run will be a MAJOR pain.

[Kentanner11]

I actually dont think it will be that bad, I think the cool-ness factor outweighs the "pain"
My idea is similar to big400g's I would somehow use the two holes on either side plumbed up to the top with a bar going across (kinda like an upside U where you could have locline- or a spraybar, and you could fit the rock around this which I think would look very cool. Good Luck! PS where is this tank at?

[SENSIREEF]

I agree, no matter what the painstaking maintenance will entail, the value of gratification of having such a reef, will outweigh the hit and miss nightmares of maintenance.

Big 400 and Kentanner11
I also agree, I am going to propose the idea to him of this suspended reef in the center column. That is a great idea, and this is why I am here, look at all the useful info and concepts come from such hobbyist like Big 400. Thank you all once again. I will have more info to come shortly.

[HarrsCars]

In looking at the tank it reminds me of the ones they have at the entrances to the Rainforest cafes in our area. All of theres are arches and tall like your clients. In all of thier tanks they utilize the fake coral plugs and walls. They are nice looking with all the problem fish in a reef (angels,big puffers,leopard grouper,triggers and the like) and none of the live stuff (rock,corals). In looking at the tank I cant imagine having only durso's at the top for intakes. I think a lower and a midpoint intake may also have to be employed just due to the fact your columns will half to swirl detritus up to the top level to get surface skimmed out of the tank. Maybe a overflow box on one side of the tank (the end side) where you could employ the entire width of the tank to skim out. 2 hammerheads on closed loops one on each column with a circular water pattern on a ocean motions 8-way so that as your drum turns the next spray level sends the waste further up the column. Even at that we are at 11 times turnover total tank production. Which is low in a reef type tank. If your outputs on the return pump were also put into the columns you could employ your return water to get more fluid dynamics going in the tank.

Even so lighting in the column with adequate levels of light penetrating to the lower levels for reef/coral growth will be a whole other seperate challenge. 2 400 metal halides per column angled at the top for reduced light on column walls for slower algea growth but strong enough for reef/coral growth at lower levels. Maybe even three per column for proper lighting.

Skimmer the size of a (Tornado Skimmer) so as to skim all overflow water coming out of the tank.

A daunting task worthy of new ground breaking ideas and items we dont have to employ in our rectangular boxes. Of which follows a path no one has written this book on yet. My two cents worth take it for what its worth. Wishing you the best in this endevour. You may not have another one like this thats for sure.

[Kentanner11]

Before I was reading your post I was exactly thinking of rainforest cafe. Personally I dont like the fake center column look, but to "normal" (non-reefing) customers I am sure it looks really cool.

[StunnaShadez]

nice looking tank. there was a tank like that being sold here on CL around sacramento this past year. anyways, like everyone said, its going to be hard aquascapin in that. good luck and keep us updated

[big400g]

Are there any updates?

Instead of fighting to get the light to the bottom you could incorporate different coral types dependant on their light requirements. Also placing more filter type feeders at the bottom to catch the detritus instead of trying to get it to the top and out.

I am always scared of an actual drain at the bottom of a tank, I reserve those for a CL. I would not want the call from the client asking why the tank had no water, and that everything is dead... To get around this you could drain out from the lower section run the pipe to the top of the tank then down so you would not lose water below a specific level. This would need a lot of thought to make work, the pipe would drain at the top if the pumps were stopped and hopefully need priming to get going.

Your best bet is to keep it simple, the tank is complex enough.

[zaireguy]

very nice tank.how cool to walk under your fish

[thor32766]

looks awesome, as someone mentioned reminds me a lot of the rain forest setup.

[Jeepman3sk]

What an amazing tank. That is something close to what I want to do when I stop renting. I'm going to tag along to see how this all works out. Once again amazing tank.