Duke's 375 gallon reef tank build [Archive] - Reef Central Online Community

dukecj

10/16/2013, 09:57 AM

I am in the process of building my dream tank. I always wanted to install a 300 gallon tank as the background for my mini kitchen/ bar area. After I priced the tanks, and measured the area for the tank location, I decided to go with a 220 glass tank instead. It was going to be 72”x 30”x24” wide.

However, I really wanted a 300 gallon tank, so I measured the area again and changed the design to accommodate a tank that was 96”x30”x24” wide. I called a local live fish store (Salt Water Island in St Louis Mo) and priced an acrylic tank instead of glass due to the tanks weight and difficulty moving it to my basement and other factors such as cracking. The LFS told me they had a 180 gallon sump they would sale me for $500.00, which was 72”x24”x24”. I went to look at it, and it was a lot larger than I thought it would be in person. I would have to build my stand to accommodate the sump which presented another challenge.

I built the stand 43” high 35” deep and 96” long, which will be the same height as the bar I’m going to build. I built the stand with 2x4s, 2x8 pressure treated wood and 3 4x6s for rear support. This allowed me to use less studs to support the rear of the tank so I would be able to fit the 180 gallon sump underneath.

After I completed the stand, I measured it and realized that I could accommodate a 30” deep tank. I called the LFS and asked was it too late to increase the tank dimensions? They said it was not too late so my tank size went from the original 220 gallon to 375 gallons. My dream will soon be realized::dance:

worm5406

10/16/2013, 10:11 PM

Nice... I assume we are looking in the fish room area.

What other items are you going to have in there?

Power thoughts?

Humidity thoughts?

I do like the setup, and more the bar on the other side.

What other setups do you have? Just wondering.

dukecj

10/17/2013, 08:03 AM

Worm5406,

Yes, this is the fish room area. I added a 100 amp subpanel to handle the load to this room. The room is sealed from the rest of the basement. Mold tuff green board drywall was used and two pocket doors were installed for easy access. I decided against adding vents/ returns because I did not want humidity introduced into the HVAC system. I also decided against a dehumidifier due to tank water evaporation and energy consumption. Instead I went with a Panasonic FV-15VQ5 Whisper 150 CFM Ceiling Mounted exhaust Fan along with a Panasonic humidity sensor that comes on automatically when the humidity goes above a certain level. It’s really quite, and its energy star rated. My other setup is a 55 gallon reef tank my wife made me do before I was able to get the dream tank.

worm5406

10/17/2013, 09:25 AM

Ahh ok... so you are not a newbie... HAHAHHA.. I was just wondering... and a bit worried at first.

Welcome to Reef Central by the way!!

SO...

Tell us what else you have or have planned... Ask away with questions or ideas, we like to bounce ideas off each other and get opinions.

Quite a few of us like video's and of course pictures. I personally set up a camera and did time lapse of my build/tank placement/ and other views.

dukecj

10/17/2013, 09:42 AM

One of the biggest challenges was to integrate the tank into the bar area and I wanted the maintenance on this tank to be easy. This meant I would have to run new plumbing and electrical. The first challenge was to install a subpanel to accommodate all the new equipment. I did not want to bust my concrete to add new plumbing, so I went with a Zeller utility under sink drain.

In addition, I did not want any sound on the display side so the walls and ceiling were insulated. I did not want the waste and supply pipes running directly over the tank so I decided to frame the room. I had to build a soffit around the waste pipes in order to maximize ceiling height. This was necessary because the tank height is over 6 feet and I needed room for the lights and to get the rock into the tank.

Five recessed lights were installed along with a Panasonic FV-15VQ5 Whisper 150 CFM Ceiling Mounted exhaust Fan along with a Panasonic humidity sensor that comes on automatically when the humidity goes above a certain level.

dukecj

10/17/2013, 11:31 AM

I have purchased the following equipment…

SRO XP5000E protein skimmer

375 gallon acrylic Tank: 96x30x30, with one inch acrylic

180 gallon sump refugium: 72x24x24

HY 7000 Water Blaster return pump

2 VorTech MP60w ES

6 AI SOL Blue LEDs

Two Little Fishies GFO PhosBan Reactor 550

BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor – Jumbo

BRS 5 Stage Drinking & Reef PLUS
RO/DI System - 75GPD

410 LBS of CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand, Fiji Pink

275 LBS of BRS Pukani dry rock

SPotter

10/17/2013, 07:44 PM

off to a nice start!!!! looks great!

s2nhle

10/17/2013, 07:54 PM

tagging along.

Mysticalknight

10/17/2013, 07:58 PM

Looking great so far

dukecj

10/18/2013, 07:36 AM

The fish room has been taped, mudded, skim coated, and primed. The utility sink has been installed, and final GFCI electrical connections have been made. The tank stand has been routed, sanded and primed, and the AI Sol rail and lights have been installed and tested. At this point I was just waiting on the tank, which had been delayed. The delay gave me more time to do research on how to make this build as maintenance free and as energy efficient as possible.

dukecj

10/18/2013, 07:42 AM

I would like to thank you all for welcoming me to Reef Central. Your comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. I will really need help from you alls vast knowledge and experience when it is time to make fish and coral selections. I still consider myself new to the hobby.

worm5406

10/18/2013, 07:50 AM

Very nice... things are definitely moving right in line.

dukecj

10/18/2013, 08:19 AM

The tank and sump finally arrived. The sides of the tank will be painted black. The back of the tank will be left clear so the tank will be viewable from both sides. This will also make easier to keep the back of the tank free of algae. The back wall of the fish room will be painted blue instead in order to give the illusion of a much deeper tank.

worm5406

10/18/2013, 11:44 AM

So what are your stocking plans?

Oceanblu

10/18/2013, 09:05 PM

Looks great so far, congrats!

dukecj

10/21/2013, 06:58 AM

So what are your stocking plans?

I have not come up with a total stocking list yet. That will be happening over this week.

dukecj

10/21/2013, 06:58 AM

Looks great so far, congrats!

Thanks!

dukecj

10/21/2013, 07:19 AM

I ordered 250 pounds of Pukani dry rock from BRS after researching the pros and cons of the rock. The pros were the rocks’ looks, and the main con was phosphate leaching problems. The possible solutions were bleach soaking, vinegar soaking, muriatic acid bath, lanthanum chloride, or GFO. I originally did not want to do the muriatic acid bath, however, when I placed the rock in the bleach solution there were roaches jumping off the rock. I assume they were feeding off the decaying matter on the rock.

I soaked the rock for 3 days in bleach. I removed them from the bleach, thoroughly power washed them, and allowed them to dry in the sun.

dukecj

10/21/2013, 07:37 AM

The next step was the muriatic acid bath. As you can see, a lot of nasty stuff came off the rock. I also removed many decaying creatures off the rock. After the acid bath the rocks were power washed again. I inspected each rock and allowed them the dry in the sun for a few hours.

dukecj

10/21/2013, 08:04 AM

After the acid bath I soaked the rock in heated saltwater. Two days later I tested the phosphates with my API test kit, and it measured 0 PPM. I did not trust the results so I ordered a Hanna UL phosphorus checker. After soaking for a week I tested the water with the Hanna checker and it measured 200 PPB or 6.132 PPM, which is as high as the Hanna goes. I ordered a bottle of Kem-Tek 265-6 Pool and Spa Phosphate Remover (Lanthanum chloride) off Amazon for $16.99. I did a 100% water change and took the nuke’em approach. Three days later the Hanna checker read 48 PPB, or 0.14. At this point I felt it was good enough to remove them to start shaping the rock.

Ken10364

10/21/2013, 08:52 AM

Tagging along. Looking at building a 225--300 myself.

dukecj

10/21/2013, 09:18 AM

The next step was to shape the rock. I carved a few caves. Actually I got cave happy. I also used my hacksaw to make even bases so I could stand some rocks up.

dukecj

10/21/2013, 09:30 AM

I filled the tank and added the sand a few weeks earlier. I started the tank cycling process while I figured the rock/ phosphate issue out. It took five days to fill the tank and sump with the 75 gallon a day RO/DI system. I put 300 Lbs of live sand in the display tank. I mixed the salt in the tank and let the MP60s did the mixing before the sand was added.

dukecj

10/21/2013, 09:48 AM

I decided to put the rock into the tank. I bought a PhosBan 550 to handle any phosphate issues. The challenge was to first get the rock into the tank because of the limited clearance. I had to remove the lighting and the rail in order for the rocks to make it into the tank.

I used the pictures as a reference, and my wife directed me from the other side of the tank as to where to place the rock. The Tank is 30” deep which presented another challenge because I could not reach pass 8” from the bottom of the tank.

Here is a picture of the first rock that made it into the tank.

dukecj

10/21/2013, 09:52 AM

The final placement of the rock, and the leftover rock went into the sump.

dukecj

10/21/2013, 10:04 AM

The tank water can be removed by turning this valve which drains into the utility sink located next to the tank. It is hooked to the return pump, and it works because I had to use it when I snapped a bulkhead on my sump. It drained around 60 gallons in less than two minutes. This helped me to avoid a disaster. The RO/DI also drains into the sink.

Adamc1303

10/21/2013, 01:04 PM

Awesome setup!

leveldrummer

10/21/2013, 02:56 PM

great build, Im so jealous of the fish room, even just having the sink! man I wish I had a utility sink that close to my tank.

dmaynard2

10/21/2013, 03:12 PM

you can recycle the failed water from your RO system into your hot water heater to save money, just a thought....

dukecj

10/21/2013, 06:14 PM

you can recycle the failed water from your RO system into your hot water heater to save money, just a thought....

I have been trying to come up with ways to conserve water and energy. How would I go about doing that? That sounds like a good ideal. I never thought of that.

dukecj

10/21/2013, 06:30 PM

great build, Im so jealous of the fish room, even just having the sink! man I wish I had a utility sink that close to my tank.

Thanks!

I used a Zoeller laundry sump pump to handle drainage for the sink. It drains up into my waste pipes. The supply lines run right above the fish tank so making that connection was easy. The setup is really convenient. I wanted it to be as functional as possible. I bought the sink and drain on Amazon.

dukecj

11/13/2013, 10:05 AM

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131011_055027_201_zps886e472e.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131011_055027_201_zps886e472e.jpg.html)

dukecj

11/13/2013, 10:20 AM

The tank has finished cycling and I added some fish from my 55 gallon tank. I just purchased the wood to start building my wet bar, and I will start the build tonight. The blue painters tape was used to determine the tank and future cabinet placement. The wife is happy and that is all that matters.

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131111_183625_885_zps0a58aad9.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131111_183625_885_zps0a58aad9.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131111_183722_369_zps7b2f461a.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131111_183722_369_zps7b2f461a.jpg.html)

TravelerBob

12/20/2013, 11:24 AM

The tank looks great! I am in Belleville, right between Belleville and Freeburg and am thinking of doing something very similar to yours in my basement. Would love to see your tank and learn more about your setup, etc. Thanks! Bob

tbone28

12/20/2013, 11:37 AM

that's a great location

535freak

12/20/2013, 02:42 PM

how about pics of the equipment?

worm5406

12/22/2013, 11:46 AM

Good work.. I can not wait to see the wet bar... OOPS.. I mean more of the tank.

dukecj

12/31/2013, 10:57 AM

It’s been a while since I have posted. I have been letting my tank mature a little before adding any livestock besides what I transferred from my 55 gallon. I have been spending this time working on my wet bar. I am building all of the cabinetry myself, which will keep me occupied and will prevent me from moving too fast with the tank. Here are some pictures of some of the progress I have made so far…..

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131119_053125_082.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131119_053125_082.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131119_053245_364-1.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131119_053245_364-1.jpg.html)

This is the frame for the bar the sink will go in the cabinet against thw wall.

dukecj

12/31/2013, 01:10 PM

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131228_161936_001.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131228_161936_001.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131228_162011_168.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131228_162011_168.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131230_061424_043.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131230_061424_043.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131230_061509_762.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131230_061509_762.jpg.html)

dukecj

12/31/2013, 01:47 PM

The tank is viewable from both sides. Here are some pictures from the fish room...

Here is the front of the tank with the lights on in the fish room.
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131228_162051_397.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131228_162051_397.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131228_162112_119.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131228_162112_119.jpg.html)

Here is a picture with the lights out in the fish room...
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131228_162201_827.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131228_162201_827.jpg.html)

From inside the fish room..

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131228_162233_047.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131228_162233_047.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131228_162256_491.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131228_162256_491.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131228_162303_752.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131228_162303_752.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131230_061758_875.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131230_061758_875.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131230_061719_804.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131230_061719_804.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20131228_162606_148.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20131228_162606_148.jpg.html)

lluv24

12/31/2013, 08:41 PM

Looks great man!!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!!

I luv this hobby

dukecj

03/01/2014, 11:56 AM

Thanks lluv24!

dukecj

03/01/2014, 01:30 PM

My wife had to go away for job training for two months, so I have been playing Mr. Mom for my one year old, and my 16 year old son. As a result, I had to delay my project. In the mean time, I have been allowing my tank to mature and balance out. I have also added a few items..

6" Reef Octopus skimmer waste collector

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20140219_172350_487.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20140219_172350_487.jpg.html)

dukecj

03/01/2014, 02:48 PM

Neptune Apex with lab grade PH Probe.

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20140218_173608_939.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20140218_173608_939.jpg.html)

WXM Module to control MP60s

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20140218_173903_789.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20140218_173903_789.jpg.html)

Neptune ALD for leak detection

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20140218_173953_402.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20140218_173953_402.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20140218_173757_656.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20140218_173757_656.jpg.html)

Reef Octopus CR5000D calcium reactor

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/curtisduke/IMG_20140227_174641_953.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/curtisduke/media/IMG_20140227_174641_953.jpg.html)

muttley000

03/01/2014, 07:09 PM

Very nice! Now that the rock has been in the tank how are the phosphates measuring?

kmu

03/02/2014, 12:46 PM

Arnel0387

03/02/2014, 03:34 PM

"The wife is happy and that is all that matters." Happy Wife, Happy Life! Btw, this is an awesome build!! :)

Though if I were to change the aquasape, I would create more negative space, hence more swimming room. Since you have two large overflow boxes, you can have two big islands, one on each corner, shaped like a right triangle and maybe a smaller island, maybe an arch or a bonsai-type, on the middle.