Lets Drop the Bomb... 1000g (display) Elos. *Build Thread*

[eisaiasjr]

Hello:
I guess some people kinda-know that Jesse and myself have been working on something BIG. I figured that today would be the perfect day to show my fellow "Eloistas" exactly what it is that Jesse, myself and the Elos Italy crew have been working on for the last 6 months.

I want to start by showing the blueprints and setting the scenario of where the tank will be placed. For starters this is not going in a home... that would just make it too way easy... instead its going in a high rise building that will be finished February of 2009 and is located in the Miami design district.

This new apartment will be a loft building and therefore will have double and triple ceiling heights. The height of the room where the tank will be placed will be 20' in one area and 30' in the other.
The new apartment is 4 stories total, top floor will be bedrooms (not shown), the third will be guest room, my studio and the wine cellar (not shown), the second will be a lounge/game area and a theater room; and finally the first will be the entrance where the kitchen, living room and fish tank will be located.

Here is a pic of the blueprints of the first floor, the blueprint doesn't have measurements however the total length of the apartment is 45' by 39'

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/5thFloor.jpg

And here is the pic of the blueprints of the second floor

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/2ndfloor.jpg

Now, you will notice that the second floor is only a half floor, this is done so that the left side of the living room has 20' ceilings and the right side of the ceiling will be 30'. The way the 30' ceiling was accomplished was by making the third floor also a half floor but instead of being left to right like the second floor its top to bottom, this obviously creates a double height at the lounge/game area.

Enough about the apartment... let's move on to the reason why we are all here :)
When I first spoke to Jesse I set forth a list or requirements that the fish tank had to have:
- Must be rimless (of course)
- Must be "crystal" glass
- Must have color changing lights, I have the suncolor and now I can never go back...
- Must be see viewable from all sides and therefore overflows must be as small as possible.
- Must have an automated water changing system, even if its operator assisted.
- Must have automated dosing, feeding and whatever else that can be automated, must be automated.
- Must have a Frag tank, a coral quarantine tank and a fish quarantine tank. These tanks must have the ability to merge or separate via valves from the main tank.
- Must have a large sump area in order to host the live rock so that the display is almost-rock-free
- Must be completely and 100% micro bubble free, not even 1 little micro bubble will be tolerated!

After going back and forth with Jesse and my general contractor (since he needed to figure out how support 15,000 pounds of weight in the equivalent of the 11th floor) we came to the following dimensions:
The tank would be "L" shaped since the maximum pane length for crystal glass is 144" (I wanted to go 228" but it was impossible) by 51" wide and 25" high on the long side, and 91" long and 48" wide on the short side.

Here is an early version of the tank drawings, Jesse has the latest ones and I am sure he will post them when he gets a chance.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/tank1.jpg

My brain is starting to hurt from the hangover... I will leave you guys with this for now. Soon to return with more good info :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Regards,

Estefano

[fishnerd]

I was wondering when you were going to drop the bomb !! You have to get the pictures when the crane lifts the 144" glass panes to the 5th floor (right?!).

Let me be the first to nominate for TOTM.

Happy Hangover!!

Bryan

[ReefWreak]

Insanity... Can't wait to see this come together :D

Thanks for letting us know!

[spectrascott]

Sweet can not wait to see actual pics of the tank. Hate to say it but once it gets rolling Bricky wont be the big boy on the block:lol:

[Bricky]

I guess I'll just have to step up and make my current tank the sump for something bigger (much much bigger).

I, like many others, are excited to see this tank come together. You mentioned limiting the rock in the tank. What are your plans for animals and aquascaping?

[spectrascott]

I wanted bigger and told Jesse that I will use my 70 for a sump when I can have a bigger place to put one:lol:


Just giving you a hard time Bricky as we all know that tank of yours is sweet looking.

[Bricky]

I think that this tank would be special anyway, but taking it to Elos to have them design it inside out just makes it a work of art. Any of us that are lucky enough to own an Elos tank know how special these tanks really are.

I love the idea of the Elos Suncolors on this tank. It looks like you'll also be using Epowers too. Are you planning on 400 watt bulbs or 250 watt in the fixtures? So many questions, but I'll let you just fill us in when you have time.

[eisaiasjr]

Bricky:

I have to start by saying that your tank has been inspirational towards this tank, it's really beautiful to see it grow and figure out what works and what doesn't. 2 Quotes that I live by are "Good artists copy, great artists steal" and "The simplest answer is most often the correct answer".

I agree whole heartedly, giving ELOS creative freedom to make the tank however they see fit is probably the single best decision I made while engaging in this project. They have brilliant engineers that see things in a completely different way than I do, most often, simpler yet more efficient and more functional.

Let's start with the lighting, I know that this is going to be a big topic... HOWEVER... we can't talk about the lighting at this time...

I don't want to sound like a tease, but I am under an oath of secrecy with ELOS Italy and ELOS USA not to reveal the fixtures that are being placed on top of this tank. They are new technology lighting that ELOS has yet to release to the public and this aquarium will be the first aquarium to have these lights.

I think it's quite obvious where the aquarium lighting technology is going and the big push that ELOS is making towards LEDs; so it is safe to assume that this new pendant will be somewhat like the pendant shown on the "Elos e-power pendants with optional e-lite LED's" thread, it will be a combination of e-powers and e-lites. These pendant will be revealed sooner rather than later.
Changing the topic to sump design...

When I sat down with Nick and Jesse 2 weeks ago during Jesse's visit to Miami they revealed to me their plans of making this tank "rock less" and I thought it was completely brilliant. There will be no more rock in the display than there needs to be in order to hold however many corals will be placed inside.

The design that was shown to me called for 2 120XL sumps which would be connected in order to do the biological filtration and 2 additional smaller sumps in order to do mechanical. The 120XLs would have live rock and a deep sand bed in easily changeable trays and the mechanical sumps would host DUAL skimmers in order to be able to skim dry and wet at the same time. I dont know at this time how all these sumps will be connected since plumbing was not discussed during our meeting.

That is all the info I have for you guys now, I will post some pics of the apartment so that you guys can see the space once I get to my office since I don't have them with me at home.

Regards,
Estefano

[KRASHPD]

That is going to be an amazing looking tank when you are done. Cant wait to see the progress pics.

[boozeman]

FINALLY !!!!
congratulations, and thank you for starting this thread. I've been hearing about this project for so long now, I was beginning to wonder if it ever was going to start :)

[SuperR*]

WOW! That is just crazy! This is one build no one will want to miss! Is the tank being built now?

[eisaiasjr]

SuperR:

I think Italians take extended holidays during these times... Nick (ELOS Italy) mentioned to me that we are against time on this build. Just to cure the tank it will take anywhere between 30 and 45 days... I know that the panes were ordered a while ago but I don't know if they have been put together yet.

My guess is that they will start (or continue) to work on this first thing Monday morning :)

I will request build pictures of the tank as it gets processed by ELOS Italy. I am personally very interested to see how massive it looks when an Italian tank builder is standing next to it :)

Regards,

Estefano

[steelersfan]

Congrats on the beautiful tank Estefano. :thumbsup:
Have you made a decision on the stand yet?

[eisaiasjr]

Steelersfan:

The stand will be either 30" or 32" high with identical dimension to the tank, it will have the exact look of an Elos stand, however it will be made from stainless steel and it will be finished with the same paneling as my kitchen so that it looks seamless with the rest of the apartment.

Regards,

Estefano

[eisaiasjr]

Hello:

I have some new renders for everyone :P

The fist Pic is show a nice perspective of the tank. You can see the QT area (shelf of glass tanks) and the skimmers behind it.
The big glass cube on the ground is part of the water changing system but it will be relocated to a different area.

You can also see the 120XLs under the main display tank.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/Tank2.jpg

This is the same point of view with the stand covers on, as you can see they sit perfectly on the same line as the tank.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/tank3.jpg

This image has a better view of the equipment room, the big cube is part of the 5%-10% water changing system, which will be relocated to another area.
Left to right you see the QT rack, they will all have eLites. The sump under the QT is in order to be able to run the QT system independent of the of the tank, with its own skimmer, etc. However each independent QT will also have a filtration system inside of the tank.
On the right side of the pics you see the heat exchanger for the chiller up top and then the 2 skimmer sumps, once the water is skimmed the water will drop to the sump below.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/tank4.jpg

And here is another pic of the tank from a different angle.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/tank6.jpg

Regards,

Estefano

[Nuuze]

Freakin' cool! 120xl's as sumps?! :smokin:

[boozeman]

pimpin :bum:

[raddogz]

OMG - this is going to one heck of a tank!

[SuperR*]

Rimless! What is the thickness of the glass going to be?

[elosusa]

Yep rimless.

[SuperR*]

3/4" crystal glass?
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14073626#post14073626 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by elosusa
Yep rimless.

[eisaiasjr]

SuperR:

The glass will be 19mm glass, which is pretty much 3/4" glass.

19mm = Thickness
25.4mm = 1 Inch
19/25.4 = 0.748 inches

Regards,

Estefano

[loweryster]

I'm going to need to come by and see this thing.

[Cadu]

wow ! this will be a sick tank ! tagging along

[SuperR*]

This is going to need a BIG shipping crate coming in from Italy! looking forward to this build!

[Bricky]

Crate? I think he'll have his own container!

[LCN]

If I recall correctly, the tank builder is coming to him. Must be nice.

[elosusa]

Originally we were going to build it on site but now it will be shipped in a container ready to go.

[europa]

Estefano,
I love the way you have shown the project. I've enjoyed every single minute of my visit to Miami. Let me thanks again you for the great hospitality, the wonderful food, the sightseeing, and the beautiful....
But even more let me thanks for your approval of our ideas. I'm sure, your apartment (not just the tank) will be unique!

Nick
Elos Europe

[SuperR*]

Is this tank going to have external overflow?

[eisaiasjr]

SuperR:

The final overflows are yet to be defined... however at this point we are looking to do corner angled overflows on the back sides of each of the long sides of the tank

Regards,

Estefano

[SuperR*]

I'm sure it will be a Fantastic set up once its up and going.

[Adamc1303]

Must tag along for this. What is the time frame for delivery? I can't wait I don't know how you's able too!

[Ed Reef]

This definitely be the tank thread to subscribed to for 2009...

[SuperR*]

Any pics of this pimped condo that will hold the king Elos display

[Bernie21]

I can not wait, Im excited to see this thing, this sounds like a crazy monster project, its not even the size, its everything, I cant wait to see this thing... Im so glad I live in Miami, Im going to have to see this thing one day!!

[Bernie21]

Im sorry I dont think it has been asked, but if the tank is viewable from all sides and rimless, etc... what are you going to do for flow and how?

[gasman059]

Estefano I was wondering where was this tank that Jesse mentioned a while back!

good luck buddy.

[eisaiasjr]

Gasman059:

Its been a long time in the making... just defining the tank took us 6 months of going back and forth between Jesse and myself... to Jesse's credit I must say he is a very good sales person... He talked me into (or helped me talk myself into) going from a 400 gal to this monster :P

First I wanted it to be 6-8 feet long, then 16 feet long, then we figured out that it was impossible in crystal glass, had to reduce it to 12 feet long and came up with the "L" shape idea. Then we wanted the tank to be 22" high (for visibility) by 36" wide, then it was 24"... and then 25" high and then we went to 51" wide... back and forth, 1 hour per day on the phone. hundreds of hours marking up in SketchUp...

And there are still many things that need to be defined, for example the overflows :)

At this point its 2 corner angled overflows on the back parts of the 144" and 91" sections with 1 movement box in the joining part of the "L"... then again, this might change a week from now...

Water movement is very important for me because of the type of fish that I want to keep (more on this later), and its also good for the SPS corals that will be in the tank, very large, very rare SPS corals...

Stay tuned :)

Regards,

E

[Fish2reef]

This is described as healthy insanity. I will follow for sure and don't hold back at out expense LOL

I have a lot of questions some already posted but part of the fun will be waiting for the answer to be revealed.

Best of luck on the new year and the build.

[MikePowell]

STUNNING!!! Absolutely stunning!!!

[gasman059]

purfect E- if the guys in Europe are as good as Jesse this should have been tons of fun.

I will keep my eyes open for this one thx.

[drpo21]

jeez, looking forward to this one. amazing

[lisaFL]

amazing.

[this is me]

Can't wait to see this tank all set up!

[STEVEBEAM]

How are you planning on airconditioning the apartment? Does your building have a condenser water system for heat pumps or are they planning on split systems with the condensing units on the roof? If they are going to utilize the first method it would be nice to utilize the condenser water with a water cooled chiller. If they are going to be using split systems then maybe you can get them to run additional refrigerant piping to the roof for a split system chiller. There are also some fancy variable refrigerant systems that a heat exchanger can be integrated into to cool your tank.

Sorry for all the rambling.

Steve

[Rogger Castells]

Very nice project, when is the ETA? I look forward to have your tank in one of the FMAS future tank hops. Sounds like you have very experienced advisors already, let me know if you need any help with your project. Good Luck!

Rogger

[mcliffy2]

Wow, now I have envy. I'm not sure what I'm more jealous of tho, the tank or the condo :) And I thought I was daring installing a 390g system on a 6th floor loft....

The plans look meticulous - the only thing I at all wonder about is the overflow selection, why not do an external? I understand that all sides should be viewable, but it looks there will be some area in the back (next to where the frag tank, etc. are) where you could install an external overflow.

[Billionzz]

With a tank this large and nice everything should be external.
Make it look natural where you don't see any equipment or plumbing.

[magnoliarichj]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14113712#post14113712 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Billionzz
With a tank this large and nice everything should be external.
Make it look natural where you don't see any equipment or plumbing.

+1

[Bricky]

I'm going to have to disagree with the external idea. Keep the clean lines on the outside of the tank. You can hide the corner overflows with rock work. You can't hide an unsightly box without cabinetry which can be big and bulky.

[David - Miami]

Looking forward to how this turns out. Best of luck to you and all if your downstairs neighbors. Hee Hee.

[stunreefer]

WOWA WEEWA!

Congrats man... this is the system of dreams!

If you build it, they will swim...

[TandN]

Wow talk about upgrade lol talked about a 400+ to a 1000g lol

[walmart]

Tagging along for this build!

[DiverJohn101]

Likewise tagging along.. this is looking to be a great build...

[Phillybean]

Tagging along as well.

I would hate to be the guys moving this thing to the 11th floor...does your building have a freight elevator or will it be done by crane thru a removed window? I don't see how this monster would fit up stairs and/or in a normal elevator.

[eisaiasjr]

Phillybean:

The tank is going into the apartment via a crane from the outside, while its the equivalent height of an 11th floor, its only actually the 5th floor of the building since each floor is double height (20 feet tall)

We will remove 2 sets of sliding doors in order to crane it in, this will create a 12' opening into the apartment.

I know I promised some pics of the apartment a while ago however I just got back from my Vegas trip so I will post some pics tomorrow (also some renders)

Regards,

Estefano

[Phillybean]

Ahh Ok that makes sense. Looking forward to see pictures of the crane moving this tank, going to be awesome :)

[SuperR*]

Wow, can't wait too see this!

[eisaiasjr]

Hello:

I promised some pics and renders of the new place... so here they are :)

The kitchen has always been a very important part of a home so I spared no expense on mine...

Here is a pic of the space where the kitchen will be located...

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/L1030214.jpg

You can see from the above pic that 3 levels are viable from where the pic was taken, here is a render of how it will look.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/image011.jpg

and here is a render of the kitchen with the proper applied finishes

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/image001.jpg

Here is a pic of the space as you enter the apartment. The fish tank would be located on the left hand side as you enter.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/L1030211.jpg

And here are a couple of renders from the other side of the room... both looking towards the tank.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/image003.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/image004.jpg

[espenlg]

Christ what a cool apartment! I just love the mix of concrete, metal, glass and dark wood. You kinda made me forget the tank for a while there! Just amazing! I wish you all the best with this project, I'm tagging along! Please post pictures daily ;-)

[Phanman1]

damn.... that house is going to be so freakin sick

[Phanman1]

damn.... that house is going to be so freakin cool...

[David - Miami]

I agree. The apartment kind of steals some thunder from the amazing tank.
Also - Let me know if you ever need a CFO or just a Finance person. Judging by the apartment you must be a heck of an entrepreneur.
Congrats and good luck with the progress!

[André Silvestre]

Hi Estefano,

I must say that, for such good taste for aesthethics, you couldn´t have chosen better company to set up your tank. No doubt that you are in excellent hands. Your apartment and ELOS are the ultimate state of the art when it comes to combine nature and style, Italian one all the way.

Hats taken for such an amazing project. This is certainly a great thread to follow. Please, keep the pics coming. :thumbsup:


Regards,
André Silvestre

[smchais]

Estafano, just wanted to say a few things. First, WOW, the idea of the ELOS tank is amazing, then the sheer size of it is even more amazing.

Second, your apartment is going to be absolutely incredible without the tank, but add the tank and system, and you have a dream house. You are going to have what most people only dream of having in any of the several factors. The dream pad, the dream tank company, the dream size and last the combination is more than any words can describe.

Living in Miami, I hope that I can one day see the modern day monster!!!

[SuperR*]

Estafano, Your condo is pure class! Love the concrete look, how many sq. ft. is the condo?

And to think there is going to be a 1000 gallon elos display! Nicest build on RC I have seen to date

[GSMguy]

I think that tv is too small... ;)

JK

[daniloronchi]

I'm absolutely without words on my mouth...

Astounding!

I love it!

[boozeman]

beautiful !
I hope that you allow yourself the time to sit back and enjoy it all ;)
what are your plans/choices for the AV equipment?

[garbelao]

Congratulations.
Are you going to use any LFS for corals, water, fish????
Any one you like in Miami???

[Bernie21]

Wow, just... WOW!!!!!

[summer6]

What fun it's going to be to see the progression of your house/tank. I think I should call-up HGTV.

[stunreefer]

DUDE!

Sooo nice, congrats!

Even the rendered pics are outstanding!

[Shekki]

What's the wall covering going to be?

[THEUNION1]

OMG...

[FishyBiz]

Its OK......

















:lol:
Actually, its freekin" amazing.

[143gadgets]

ummm.... I really don't know what to say....


Can I PLEASE come live wit you? I'll pay rent, stock, clean, and maintain the tank free of charge. I SWEAR!!!! :D

[Robb in Austin]

This is gonna be sweet! Heck, it already is and it's not even close to being done.

I'll raise 143gadgets bet: live in nurse, hot sauce maker, BBQ'er, decent photo taker, tank maintenance. Will have to bring family though. :)

[julioperez01]

the tank and its home are going to be amazing!!!
I love the Zebrawood paneling against the white and concrete also (or is it wenge wood)?

[xenon]

What program did you use to render such realistic images?

[TellyFish]

*#$@!

Thank you for sharing! Subscribe...

[Ken250]

wow... not sure what else to say...

[gasman059]

E- all is looking like its supposed to. UUUUUM keep us posted~!

[erics3000]

Wow ....My new favorite dimensions..Everything is like a dream coming true..Congrats and thanks for sharing.

[Robb in Austin]

Update?!

[ppsthlm]

First of all, thank you SO SO MUCH for sharing :)
This project is absolutely gorgeous and I can´t wait to see the development of it. Do you have a webpage for your apartment with lots of pictures?? If so, please post a link.
An absolutely gorgeous aquarium and a gorgeous apartment as well. Please update as often as possible...

[Robb in Austin]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg230/Robb_in_Austin/Stuff/benstein.jpg

Anyone? Anyone?

[chem-e]

Now that is what i call modern living. I can't wait to see the end product.

PS: I like your designer

[carlosngloria]

when is the estimated completion date?

[ppsthlm]

...PLEASE give us an update on this amazing setup - even if you have no pictures at the moment. Is the tank delivered yet? Is the apartment ready?...

[rob020880]

From what I see on the rendering of your amazing home on the rendering with Leonardo on the plasma. I notice that there seems to be a thin stainless light fixture above the tank. Might this be the coolest light fixture ever? A thin form factor custom led fixture by Elos? Oh, I sure hope so, and can't wait to find out.

[roblack]

INCREDIBLE! What are you gonna stock that baby with? I'll have some frags for you, lmk when you are ready.

[hansmatt]

I think a frag for this tank would be a show-sized piece in almost any other tank.

[flfireman1]

No updated pics since Jan????

[Robb in Austin]

Maybe the economy caught up to him?

[dieselab]

If anyone would know, it would be Jesse. So what's the update?

[moondoggy4]

I feel like I am resorting when I look at his build, it will be a great ride! Thanks for sharing. PS what is the white counter top made of?

[elosusa]

This project has moved to a new location, new aquarium (likely just a bit larger), so no updates until a lot more is decided about the new house.

[chippy70]

Ha Ha Ha classic, all that time and money and nothing. What the go with that

[ppsthlm]

...it would have been a really nice one though...
hope the next project will turn out just as good:)
good luck

[ReefClownMIA]

Was this project ever continued ?

[elosusa]

This project has moved to a new location, new aquarium (likely just a bit larger), so no updates until a lot more is decided about the new house.

[eisaiasjr]

Hello:

I know that everyone (specially me) had been very excited about seeing this project come to life... unfortunately because of unforeseen circumstances the project had be be canceled...

The really short version of this catastrophe is that the building where my new apartment was going to be located (and aquarium) got canceled while at 80% completion.

The bank decided that they could not continue to fund the project and pulled the financing, needless to say I was extremely upset at the developer and the bank.

The good news is that I managed to get all of my deposit back + interest!

The better news is that I got to walk away from an apartment where when I signed the pre-construction contract the price per square foot was $450 in 2006. Needless to say all real estate in south florida collapsed and you are now able to get very comparable properties in the $200-$250 range.

The even better news is that I FINALLY (after almost 1.5 years of looking around and negotiations) have managed to find an amazing water front lot in Miami Beach where my new house will be built. I bought the property in February of this year and have started working with architects on the blueprints.

When Jesse said that the project was moving, he wasn't lying... (maybe he was lying on the "bit larger" part)

I dont want to disclose too much (just yet) about the project, however I will give you a quick glimpse of the proposed equipment that will be used in this aquarium...

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/Platformplan051.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/eisaiasjr/Platformelevation050.jpg

Best Regards,

Estefano

[Ed Reef]

Holy cow....!! 4 tanks?? Now that's an 'upgrade'.

With it so close to the ocean, are you planning to link it directly for WC and all??

[eisaiasjr]

Ed:

Those tanks are just reservoir tanks for RO/DI and saltwater, etc.

But to answer your question, no I dont think that its in the plan to use ocean water since there is no way to control the quality that you get from it, too many boats close by...

[eisaiasjr]

Sorry guys, had to remove the pics since they are not finals.

Either way, I hope we can put this thread to rest and look forward to a new thread with more information on the new and vastly improved setup!

[David - Miami]

Good news on the real estate front. You dodged a bullet.
I hope everything else is going well and please do not forget to add the link to the new thread once you start it up again.

[boozeman]

Very hapy to see this project underway once again, hope you have better luck this time around ! :clink:

[moondoggy4]

Good news, glad to see you back. Looking forward to resorting on your project.