Not a typical doctor's waiting room... 450 gallon reef

KingfishJohn · 01/11/2007, 07:21 PM

Hi all,

First I'd like to introduce myself. My name is John and I own and operate a saltwater maintenance business in Austin, Texas with my business partner Brian. I've been keeping saltwater tanks for going on five years now and it has become my life's passion.

Austin is getting a new children's hospital this year (Dell Children's) and one of my very good friends (Mike aka Dudester on RC) commisioned us to build a 450 gallon reef tank into the Pediatric Surgery waiting room. This thread will document the building process of the tank in hopes that it helps others down the road.

On to the specs!

KingfishJohn · 01/11/2007, 07:42 PM

Tank:

Manufactured by Acrylic and Glass Exhibits out of Dallas, Texas.
www.acrylicandglassexhibits.com

96"L x 36"W x 30"H

The tank will just into the waiting room as a divider and will be viewable from three side. The fourth side has an external weir type overflow and will back into a small tank room. The tank's bottom is constructed out of Sch. 80 PVC.

Stand:

Custom steel stand and cabinetry.

Circulation:

Return - Sequence Dart (3600 gph)

This pump will be cranked down to probably 2000 gph but Sequence pumps can be ramped down and consume less electricity.

Closed Loop - Sequence Hammerhead (5800 gph)

Wavemaker - Tunze Wavebox and Extension

Sump:

Custom 150-180 gallon acrylic sump/fuge.

Support Equipment:

Skimmer - Deltec AP902

Kalk Reactor - Deltec KM500

Calcium Reactor - Deltec PF601 (with Rowalith C+)

Rowaphos Reactor - Deltec FR509

Auto topoff - Tunze Osmolator 3155

Controller - Reefkeeper 2 (w/ expansion socket and PH probe)

RO/DI unit - Aqua FX Mako

On site saltwater mixing reservoir for waterchanges.

Lighting

(3) 400w Coralvue Reeflux 10k bulbs on Coralvue Ballasts

(4) 72" URI True Actinic VHO's on Icecap 660's

Pictures of the tank as the silicon cures should be up soon, followed by pictures of the space and eventually installation.

Thanks for looking!

John

KingfishJohn · 01/11/2007, 07:48 PM

Mike's original thread documenting his tank can be found here if anyone is interested.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=4

gkarshens · 01/11/2007, 07:55 PM

Sweet. can't wait to see pics!

ret25yo · 01/11/2007, 08:12 PM

i'm also trying to get ahold of that manufacturer for my 270g... its tough..

KingfishJohn · 01/11/2007, 08:20 PM

Acrylic and Glass Exhibits does not sell directly to the public.

Hope that helps,

John

invincible569 · 01/11/2007, 09:28 PM

John, cant wait to see some pics. Do you guys have a public store in Austin?

Prince Dakkar · 01/12/2007, 12:37 AM

can't wait to see pics.Great project

Dudester · 01/12/2007, 01:17 AM

John, thanks for starting this thread. I'm glad I didn't start it months ago when we only had drawings and a bunch of ideas - now you have to host it

.

invincible569 - John and Brian have a shop here in Austin called Kingfish Aquariums. It hasn't been open for very long but already it has a large following and they've distinguished themselves by stocking and selling top of the line equipment and dry goods, healthy fish and inverts, and premium live rock. They're both extremely knowledgable and they have different strengths which complement each other. This makes for an ideal LFS, and I feel lucky to live in a city where so much experienced help is available to me.

Now on to the tank. I, too, can't wait to see pics!!

divecj5 · 01/12/2007, 07:40 AM

Sounds awesome John and Brian. Just making my way over here after following Dudester's thread for a long time. Can't wait to see the pics.

Adam

bcoons · 01/12/2007, 09:19 PM

Hey, I'm here! Looking forward to following this one. I'll have to get down to Austin one of these weekends to go visit Kingfish.

EnFuego · 01/12/2007, 10:43 PM

Hey guys, this is mburton from ARC. Looking forward to see how this thing shapes up. John/Brian, have you guys opened the shop up? I knew you had livestock in, but wasn't sure if you were actually open to the public yet.

thor32766 · 01/13/2007, 04:06 PM

wow, sounds like the kids are going to love seeing this thing!

thor32766 · 01/13/2007, 04:06 PM

wow, sounds like the kids are going to love seeing this thing!

makoJ · 01/14/2007, 06:23 PM

looking forward to the pictures!!

KingfishJohn · 01/15/2007, 11:11 PM

Ok finally got some pics! Originally the tank was going to come in tomoprrow but with the ice in Texas, it will probably be later this week. On to the pics!

KingfishJohn · 01/15/2007, 11:12 PM

I'll work on getting some pictures of the equipment and live rock next!

gkarshens · 01/15/2007, 11:24 PM

That thing is a beast!

scaryperson27 · 01/15/2007, 11:58 PM

8'.

Really nice.. I like

melev · 01/16/2007, 01:08 AM

I'm

with your tank!

Dudester · 01/16/2007, 01:11 AM

I dunno John, I think we should have gone BIGGER

.

JayS · 01/16/2007, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ret25yo
i'm also trying to get ahold of that manufacturer for my 270g... its tough..

After talking to them direct and then one of their "retailers in Houston" it took 5 weeks for them to get me a quote. I followed up with them atleast 3 times and they kept giving me over to different people to talk with. I ended up going with Aquarium Obsessed and was very happy.

KingfishJohn · 01/16/2007, 02:31 AM

My experience couldn't have been farther from yours. Tom answers my calls and emails very quickly and has been extremely informative during every tank build.

My experience with AO was that it took 2 or 3 weeks to get quoted, then at least 12 to get the tank built. The last tank we got from AO (while beautiful) took about 15 weeks to get to Texas.

Mike,

Haha this one looks heavy enough to me!

drummereef · 01/16/2007, 02:38 AM

That tank is sick. Very nice.

EnFuego · 01/17/2007, 02:22 AM

wow, that thing looks great. If you all need any help with the move, give me a PM and I will send over my number.

01/11/2007, 07:21 PM	#1
KingfishJohn Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 577	Not a typical doctor's waiting room... 450 gallon reef Hi all, First I'd like to introduce myself. My name is John and I own and operate a saltwater maintenance business in Austin, Texas with my business partner Brian. I've been keeping saltwater tanks for going on five years now and it has become my life's passion. Austin is getting a new children's hospital this year (Dell Children's) and one of my very good friends (Mike aka Dudester on RC) commisioned us to build a 450 gallon reef tank into the Pediatric Surgery waiting room. This thread will document the building process of the tank in hopes that it helps others down the road. On to the specs! Last edited by KingfishJohn; 01/11/2007 at 07:44 PM.

01/11/2007, 07:55 PM	#4
gkarshens Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,382	Sweet. can't wait to see pics! __________________ Gabriel It's about time! Current Tank Info: Setting up an 84g cube

01/11/2007, 08:12 PM	#5
ret25yo Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 104	i'm also trying to get ahold of that manufacturer for my 270g... its tough.. __________________ Thanks Clear Fabrications! (Seattle) 72x36x24 w 125g sump Thank a wounded veteran ..would ya Current Tank Info: 270g custom

01/12/2007, 01:17 AM	#9
Dudester Team RC Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,308	John, thanks for starting this thread. I'm glad I didn't start it months ago when we only had drawings and a bunch of ideas - now you have to host it . invincible569 - John and Brian have a shop here in Austin called Kingfish Aquariums. It hasn't been open for very long but already it has a large following and they've distinguished themselves by stocking and selling top of the line equipment and dry goods, healthy fish and inverts, and premium live rock. They're both extremely knowledgable and they have different strengths which complement each other. This makes for an ideal LFS, and I feel lucky to live in a city where so much experienced help is available to me. Now on to the tank. I, too, can't wait to see pics!! __________________ The Dude abides Current Tank Info: building a new home tank l 450g office tank with Deltec everything

01/12/2007, 07:40 AM	#10
divecj5 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 702	Sounds awesome John and Brian. Just making my way over here after following Dudester's thread for a long time. Can't wait to see the pics. Adam __________________ "I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted" - George Best Current Tank Info: 20H, Vortech MP20, Aquatinics TX5, SPS Only Tank

01/11/2007, 07:42 PM	#2
KingfishJohn Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 577	Tank: Manufactured by Acrylic and Glass Exhibits out of Dallas, Texas. www.acrylicandglassexhibits.com 96"L x 36"W x 30"H The tank will just into the waiting room as a divider and will be viewable from three side. The fourth side has an external weir type overflow and will back into a small tank room. The tank's bottom is constructed out of Sch. 80 PVC. Stand: Custom steel stand and cabinetry. Circulation: Return - Sequence Dart (3600 gph) This pump will be cranked down to probably 2000 gph but Sequence pumps can be ramped down and consume less electricity. Closed Loop - Sequence Hammerhead (5800 gph) Wavemaker - Tunze Wavebox and Extension Sump: Custom 150-180 gallon acrylic sump/fuge. Support Equipment: Skimmer - Deltec AP902 Kalk Reactor - Deltec KM500 Calcium Reactor - Deltec PF601 (with Rowalith C+) Rowaphos Reactor - Deltec FR509 Auto topoff - Tunze Osmolator 3155 Controller - Reefkeeper 2 (w/ expansion socket and PH probe) RO/DI unit - Aqua FX Mako On site saltwater mixing reservoir for waterchanges. Lighting (3) 400w Coralvue Reeflux 10k bulbs on Coralvue Ballasts (4) 72" URI True Actinic VHO's on Icecap 660's Pictures of the tank as the silicon cures should be up soon, followed by pictures of the space and eventually installation. Thanks for looking! John

01/11/2007, 07:48 PM	#3
KingfishJohn Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 577	Mike's original thread documenting his tank can be found here if anyone is interested. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=4

01/11/2007, 08:20 PM	#6
KingfishJohn Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 577	Acrylic and Glass Exhibits does not sell directly to the public. Hope that helps, John

01/11/2007, 09:28 PM	#7
invincible569 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 7,187	John, cant wait to see some pics. Do you guys have a public store in Austin?

01/12/2007, 12:37 AM	#8
Prince Dakkar Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nautilus Posts: 13	can't wait to see pics.Great project

01/12/2007, 09:19 PM	#11
bcoons Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central Texas Posts: 169	Hey, I'm here! Looking forward to following this one. I'll have to get down to Austin one of these weekends to go visit Kingfish.

01/12/2007, 10:43 PM	#12
EnFuego Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 447	Hey guys, this is mburton from ARC. Looking forward to see how this thing shapes up. John/Brian, have you guys opened the shop up? I knew you had livestock in, but wasn't sure if you were actually open to the public yet.

01/13/2007, 04:06 PM	#13
thor32766 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Chuluota, FL Posts: 5,947	wow, sounds like the kids are going to love seeing this thing! __________________ "Live your life so no one has to lie about who you were at your funeral" click on my red house to see my tang compound! Current Tank Info: 29 gallon in Wall!

01/14/2007, 06:23 PM	#15
makoJ Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 1,471	looking forward to the pictures!! __________________ TOTM March 2008 It takes a strong man to cry, but it takes an even stronger man to laugh at that man. 300Gal SPS tank Current Tank Info: 300Gal SPS::Sequence Hammerhead closed loop w/OM 4way,2 Tunze Streams 6100's, Deltec AP902, Deltec PF1001, 80 watts UV, 1hp chiller 4-10k 400watt MH's, , 4-72" VHO's and 8-24" VHO's

01/15/2007, 11:11 PM	#16
KingfishJohn Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 577	Ok finally got some pics! Originally the tank was going to come in tomoprrow but with the ice in Texas, it will probably be later this week. On to the pics!

01/15/2007, 11:12 PM	#17
KingfishJohn Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 577	I'll work on getting some pictures of the equipment and live rock next!

01/15/2007, 11:24 PM	#18
gkarshens Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,382	That thing is a beast! __________________ Gabriel It's about time! Current Tank Info: Setting up an 84g cube

01/15/2007, 11:58 PM	#19
scaryperson27 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cape Coral, F.L. Posts: 2,046	8'. Really nice.. I like __________________ 26", 24"w 22"T Rimless Starphire Click the little red house. Current Tank Info: scurvy.

01/16/2007, 01:08 AM	#20
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,798	I'm with your tank!

01/16/2007, 01:11 AM	#21
Dudester Team RC Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,308	I dunno John, I think we should have gone BIGGER . __________________ The Dude abides Current Tank Info: building a new home tank l 450g office tank with Deltec everything

01/16/2007, 02:31 AM	#23
KingfishJohn Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 577	My experience couldn't have been farther from yours. Tom answers my calls and emails very quickly and has been extremely informative during every tank build. My experience with AO was that it took 2 or 3 weeks to get quoted, then at least 12 to get the tank built. The last tank we got from AO (while beautiful) took about 15 weeks to get to Texas. Mike, Haha this one looks heavy enough to me!

01/16/2007, 02:38 AM	#24
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 12,457	That tank is sick. Very nice. __________________ -Brett 180g Starfire In-Wall, Vortech MP40W, MSX250A, Lumen Bright Mini, Galaxy Select-A-Watt, 250w Radium, Dart Return, NextReef Reactors, and some fish. Click My Homepage To See The Build.

01/17/2007, 02:22 AM	#25
EnFuego Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 447	wow, that thing looks great. If you all need any help with the move, give me a PM and I will send over my number.