Rainbow Archipelago

[naterealbig]

Hi everyone, this will be my official journal for my 180 gallon tank build. I would like to use this thread as a tool to document my progress, a sounding board for my ideas, as well as a place to discuss the methodology I will use for what will hopefully one day will be a spectacular reef tank.

I have begun the planning process, but other than a medium piece of live rock, I have purchased nothing for this tank.

Here is a truncated list of what I have in-store for this build.

Tank: 180 gallon 48x36x24(h) Display by Reef Savvy
Stand: European Style Tank Stand, completely enclosed, with recessed LED lighting.
Sump: Rimless by Reef Savvy (Not sure of dimensions yet)
Lighting: 2 x Radion XR30W Pro (Gen 3) By Ecotech Marine
Flow: 2 x MP60WES By Ecotech Marine
Substrate: Barebottom: 1" HDPE
Supplementation: Calcium, Alkalinity, & Magnesium via Spectrapure Dosing Pump
Return: 2 x Eheim Compact 5000
Control: Apex By Neptune Aquatics
Skimmer: Supermarin 200 By Royal Exclusive
Overflow: External, Herbie style w/ Two Returns

[naterealbig]

Most will find very little about this aquarium unique, and I must admit, as an engineer by trade and an artist by talent, I find this idea to be a little disappointing :( . This aquarium and the methodology behind its systems are combinations of true front-runners in this The process of developing and maintaining a beautiful reef is a very fine combination of art and science, and the most stunning tanks have owners who have an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the biology encompassing this hobby. In addition to this (and just as importantly), they have sense of art, combinations of colors and shapes, and the vision and patience to help nature paint the canvas we call an aquarium. I would like to take just a moment to recognize some of the people and tanks that have been and continue to be an inspiration; not just in regards to this build, but to me.

Something that you will find in all of the builds below, is a simplistic approach; using the minimum amount of equipment and harnessing the power of biology. These tanks are not only beautiful to my eye as an artist, but appealing from technical aspects. Albert Einstein said it best: "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction."


Read more: http://www.quoteworld.org/quotes/4168#ixzz3C6sctE1s


My Brother Danny and his beautiful 110 gallon aquarium (dantdodge):

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r225/naterealbig/Dannys%20110/WP_20131002_18_21_59_Pro_zps1a37fb59.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/naterealbig/media/Dannys%20110/WP_20131002_18_21_59_Pro_zps1a37fb59.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r225/naterealbig/Dannys%20110/WP_20131002_18_21_54_Pro_zps3631f127.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/naterealbig/media/Dannys%20110/WP_20131002_18_21_54_Pro_zps3631f127.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r225/naterealbig/Dannys%20110/WP_20131002_18_21_45_Pro_zpsd7493298.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/naterealbig/media/Dannys%20110/WP_20131002_18_21_45_Pro_zpsd7493298.jpg.html)



Denadai's Beautiful Rimless Bare Bottom

http://denadaireef.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/01.jpg?w=1400&h=


Ormet's "Lazy Reef"

http://orm.nu/upload/aqua/forum/fts_140418800.jpg



littlewhite's 300 Gallon Barebottom

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=181421&d=1331518662

[naterealbig]

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r225/naterealbig/Rainbow%20Archipelago/Assem3a_zps019e1415.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/naterealbig/media/Rainbow%20Archipelago/Assem3a_zps019e1415.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r225/naterealbig/Rainbow%20Archipelago/Assem3_zps926c2a75.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/naterealbig/media/Rainbow%20Archipelago/Assem3_zps926c2a75.jpg.html)

[dtum]

Good luck, this should be great.