Dream tank

[frankyrivera]

Lol, I'm sure the title got your attention but sorry to disappoint this is a thread for doing homework on making a purchase for such a tank not a thread to brag about one cuz one doesn't exist (yet)

Now to the question and purpose of this thread.

I want to eventually buy a 150 gal starphire glass on 3 sides aquarium with the dims of 60x24x24. Who would you order from and what company would you go with to get one made. What overflows would you go with. Reef savvy Ghost overflow or some other kind. Any direction or recommendations would be great.

Fire away gang

[pecan2phat]

Miracles 3-sided Starphire or Coast to Coast 3-sided Starphire both with an external overflow.

[frankyrivera]

Finally after 60 views some one answered. Thanks Warren. That's the kind of input I'm looking for. Anyone else

[pecan2phat]

Your kind off forced to get it custom made anyway. Oceanic use to make this size as a standard dual overflow/center glass brace tank but they are no longer in business.
Also, once you have had an external overflow, you will never go back to internal ones :)

[frankyrivera]

I'll have to talk to you tomorrow as I'm not 100% up to speed on external overflows. I know by moving it out it gives you a clean looking inside and great scape real estate but then there's the question of overflow types. Herbie bean animal full siphon ghost overflow on and on

[kb1094]

Warren has the answer for everything lol.

[Blitzie]

Exactly like Warren said, 3 Sided Starfire with external overflow.

I would also skip the Euro bracing if the manufacturer has the option as its a pain in the ___ to work around

Overflow types
Bean and Herbie are both full siphon systems and they are silent. I run a Bean style and the loudest thing in the room is the MP40. In both setups you install a gate valve on the primary drain (siphon) and dial it back until water just comes out of the secondary pipe and your done. The biggest difference between the two is the Bean adds a 3rd drain to use as an emergency backup emergency backup in case flow gets restricted on the primary.

Here is a Picture of my Bean
The furthermost drain is the primary and the middle is the secondary. If the primary gets blocked the water level rises and covers the air fitting and the middle pipe would become the full siphon and the closest one would be left.

There are some more details to it but these are the basics.
http://www.union-of-saints.net/file/Blitz-UoS-/Tank4.jpg

[Tweaked]

Well if your looking to save a few bucks and not looking for rimless, DSA has some nice tanks.

[frankyrivera]

Well if your looking to save a few bucks and not looking for rimless, DSA has some nice tanks.

Yeah but DSA doesn't have a 150 with those dims I want

[Tweaked]

Nope, not quite. I do like the 21" height though, really unique

[Blitzie]

Franky
Before I found mine I had a quote done by Coast to Coast aquariums in New Jersey. From the research I did at the time they seemed reputable
www.coasttocoastaquariums.com
One thing I did notice when I was researching it was that some of the custom places wanted you to buy a stand (steel frame or finished unit) from them as well or you will get an abbreviated warranty

[frankyrivera]

Nope, not quite. I do like the 21" height though, really unique

I find the 21" height fine when doing rimless because you get an in obstructed look down view. But when adding a canopy. You have to bend down to look in. I want to be able to look straight in which is why I prefer the taller tank and will most likely get a custom stand built higher than the standard stands

[Tweaked]

Canopies are so 1990 lol. That's like before sumps and the likes :lolspin:

kidding for you canopy owners, just messing

[Vinny Kreyling]

Use the Bean overflow design.
Herbies require a dedicated pump for return only or you will have to constantly adjust the valves.

[frankyrivera]

Canopies are so 1990 lol. That's like before sumps and the likes :lolspin:

kidding for you canopy owners, just messing

When I say canopy I mean along the lines of custom cabinetry something like this

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee506/frankymaxrivera/A62BE948-88EE-400E-A395-B5572CE8EDF7_zpsio9slaej.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/frankymaxrivera/media/A62BE948-88EE-400E-A395-B5572CE8EDF7_zpsio9slaej.jpg.html)

[Tweaked]

Yep, that's sweet. Again was only messing.

I always loved this one. Skimmed in concrete for that industrial look.

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/8410700579_50ec8287da_c_zps163d49a8.jpg (http://s1240.photobucket.com/user/TweakedS10/media/8410700579_50ec8287da_c_zps163d49a8.jpg.html)

[LeslieP]

R & J Enterprises in Florida makes 36" stands. I didn't want to have to look down into my tank either so I got a stand from these guys. It also did not invalidate the warantee on the tank as a DIY stand would.

[frankyrivera]

But I do like the rimless with the floating canopy look too

[seagull18]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyPGJ4ndxV0[/URL]

BRSTv MACNA 2013 Reef Savvy w/ Ghost Overflow. (On You Tube)

Highlights a 60x30x22 tank w/Ghost Overflow
Obviously you can get a tank with your specific dimensions.

[frankyrivera]

The only issue with the external overflow is the unsightly pipes on the outer back wall. I would ask if they can cover them maybe a faux panel on the sides smoked out so I don't see them in passing on the sides.

[seagull18]

I suppose if you have enough $$$, they can make anything for you. If you have a clear view from the sides, even having a cover will only make it a little better visually. I suppose if you have the room you could buy some type of furniture to cover the sides. Boy it sounds like this tank with an external overflow is going to cost you a bundle. There goes your retirement funds.

[james30ct]

Check out this "canopy"
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2427018
I love this setup

[frankyrivera]

I don't plan on retiring lol

[frankyrivera]

Check out this "canopy"
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2427018
I love this setup

I saw that I'm subscribed to that thread lol

[frankyrivera]

That's why it's called a dream tank lol

[frankyrivera]

How about flow as much as I like my vortech pumps there's something about that dry side sticking out on the side that drives me nuts. Plus the cable and sometimes the whining sound. So would tunzes tucked away in the upper rear do. Or go closed loop

[james30ct]

If i did my 155 over i think i would go closed loop. Even with minimal rock work I still have a good amount of dead spots. I've been debating upsizing my return pump and adding some type of spray bars.

[frankyrivera]

A few questions?

1. About how far do most external flows stick and how far from the wall would you leave it

2. Would 4 mp-40's on the back wall set to alternating anti sync work

3. Would they stick if the back wall is black

4. Would u place piece of acrylic or other plastic like layer to bottom of tank before adding rocks to prevent touching glass or causing pressure points on bottom

5. Could you get away with a 48" ATI fixture in a 60" tank. That would leave a 6" dark spot on both sides but I don't plan on going edge to edge with rockscape or corals as I want to keep it open free swim space and away from glass

[Tweaked]

So I assume you haven't been following along on all the buzz around the new gyre gizmo coming out. I own a ton of mp pumps, but can't wait for the official release of this pump.

[frankyrivera]

Yes I have seen the traveling tootbrush holder pump lol. Looks interesting

[Collinrb]

Yes I have seen the traveling tootbrush holder pump lol. Looks interesting

Closed loop Closed loop!!

But seriously, I'll never go back to powerheads. My 1" SCWD($30) has been going without issue for over a year now. Its run by a Dolphin AmpMaster at about 3600gph

[frankyrivera]

Lol i want a Clean look which is why I was considering closed loop but not 100% convinced yet possible leak points extra pump to consider etc

[Tweaked]

Again with the 1990's technology. Closed loop is ugly, one dimensional, prone to leaks, and if your pump goes down, all of your flow does. Not to mention my mp's are DC powered.

The new Gyre will change everything :crazy1:

[Krazy_Karl]

Again with the 1990's technology. Closed loop is ugly, one dimensional, prone to leaks, and if your pump goes down, all of your flow does. Not to mention my mp's are DC powered.

The new Gyre will change everything :crazy1:

You also have to remember all the pipes on the back of your tank, but I guess if you have external overflow no biggie.

[frankyrivera]

You also have to remember all the pipes on the back of your tank, but I guess if you have external overflow no biggie.

Not worried about pipes on the back as I would have a false wall on the side either smoked glass or jus an extension of the cabinetry with an access panel

[frankyrivera]

Again with the 1990's technology. Closed loop is ugly, one dimensional, prone to leaks, and if your pump goes down, all of your flow does. Not to mention my mp's are DC powered.

The new Gyre will change everything :crazy1:

Lol yeah not sold on the closed loop just threw out to cover all options. I like the fact that the gyre is up high and out of sight and in tank so it's quiet too

[Collinrb]

You also have to remember all the pipes on the back of your tank, but I guess if you have external overflow no biggie.

Put the holes in the bottom of the tank, and run the pipes up through the rockwork. Secure rock, and hidden pipe in one shot.

Again with the 1990's technology. Closed loop is ugly, one dimensional, prone to leaks, and if your pump goes down, all of your flow does. Not to mention my mp's are DC powered.

Aren't you one of the guys sticking to halides? How can it be ugly if you can't see it? You can put holes on any 5 sides of the tank. Leaks will only come from very old fittings or poor plumbing from the start.

Check out this thread
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1333184

[Tweaked]

Actually yes, I have all of the technologies in my one fixture. I think every type of bulb/led etc. has it's place. I just like how my clams and sps do under halides, but I guess that makes me old school lol.

[frankyrivera]

Actually yes, I have all of the technologies in my one fixture. I think every type of bulb/led etc. has it's place. I just like how my clams and sps do under halides, but I guess that makes me old school lol.

90's man maybe even 80's

[frankyrivera]

A few questions?

1. About how far do most external flows stick and how far from the wall would you leave it

2. Would 4 mp-40's on the back wall set to alternating anti sync work

3. Would they stick if the back wall is black

4. Would u place piece of acrylic or other plastic like layer to bottom of tank before adding rocks to prevent touching glass or causing pressure points on bottom

5. Could you get away with a 48" ATI fixture in a 60" tank. That would leave a 6" dark spot on both sides but I don't plan on going edge to edge with rockscape or corals as I want to keep it open free swim space and away from glass

Anyone?

[pecan2phat]

You ask too many questions :D
I've seen externals ranging from 4" to 6".
Don't see why the combination of four MP40s in any mode wouldn't work. You can do 1 master & 3 slaves or 2 & 2.
They should hold on a black wall. I have them holding with a piece of black acrylic siliconed to one of my back walls. The only problem in the past were issues with the Oceanic Tech Series tank that they were 50/50 on those black back walls.
If your worried about pressure points on the glass, you can place a 1/4" starboard on the bottom then your rock work, then your sand before filling the tank. I have tanks with just rock on the bottom glass, rock on 1/2" starboard & rock on sand. So whatever works for you.
I personally believe a 48" fixture will work for a 60" tank. I use a few 36" T5 supplements in my 48" tank just to get a little more light in the front & back of the tank. It'll actually cause less film algae on the side panels if the fixture is a bit shorter then the actual tank.

[Blitzie]

A few Answers Maybe?

1. About how far do most external flows stick and how far from the wall would you leave it
Mine are out just over 4"


2. Would 4 mp-40's on the back wall set to alternating anti sync work
I think it would work but you may want one on a side as well
Also I would wait for the Gyre to be released before deciding. I like the flexibility they seem to offer


3. Would they stick if the back wall is black
They stick Magnetically so color wont matter

4. Would u place piece of acrylic or other plastic like layer to bottom of tank before adding rocks to prevent touching glass or causing pressure points on bottom
So people say to and it seems to make sense. I would give it a shot what could it hurt

5. Could you get away with a 48" ATI fixture in a 60" tank. That would leave a 6" dark spot on both sides but I don't plan on going edge to edge with rockscape or corals as I want to keep it open free swim space and away from glass
No Comment I am an LED Guy and would say run Radions
[/QUOTE]

[Useful_Idiot]

I think 4 mp40's on the back wall would make aquascaping tough especially when things grow out. I had a mp40 on my back wall and a milli a foot in front of it. As the milli grew taller and into the flow it blew the flesh off of it. Maybe you'd be better off with tunzes placed in the dark edges your not gonna light? Personally I'm more concerned with a full build thread from you and your canopy being built to move out of the way so you can get some top down shots.

[frankyrivera]

Lol thanks Patrick. You make it sound like this is happening soon. This is my research and development thread lol

[frankyrivera]

Blitzie

1.thank you
2. Yes waiting on gyre
3. Ok
4. Thanks again

[frankyrivera]

Oh and 5. LEDs no thanks I'm stuck on T5's

[BfishLpond78]

Did you say you are running a canopy or floating canopy?

[frankyrivera]

Regular tank mounted canopy

[Tweaked]

Blitzie

1.thank you
2. Yes waiting on gyre
3. Ok
4. Thanks again

Gyre is in stock and shipping. The 50w model btw.

[Collinrb]

Gyre is in stock and shipping. The 50w model btw.
So many expletives that I won't try to type to explain the envy. Can't wait to see

[BfishLpond78]

Come and get it big boy...