Double or Nothing... AJ's 405-Gallon Reef Savvy Upgrade

Stylo328 · 10/28/2016, 05:30 AM

Good morning all. Thanks in advance for reading this incredibly long first post! I'd like to use this thread to document our upgrade from a 187-gallon SPS dominated reef to a 405-gallon Reef Savvy tank. My current tank has a build thread on this site in the Large Tank section, but I have not been faithful with updates over the past few years.

The current tank is 60"x30"x24" in 3/4" starfire glass and was a custom build, believed to be built by Oceanic. I purchased the tank used several years ago. I built the stand for the tank fairly tall at 41.25". The setup is bare bottom and consists of a Vectra L1 return pump, two MP60s, an ATB Small skimmer, ATI 8-bulb 48" fixture with a Reefbrite XHO blue strip, Avast marine K2 Kalk stirrer and a Bubble Magus doser. This tank has had its ups and downs, but has been relatively stable recently, with good color and growth.

To support the tank an R/O unit is installed in the garage and plumbed to the tank's location through the attic and walls. We also have a 300-gallon tank in the garage plumbed to a Blueline pump, which also runs through the attic and walls to the tank's location, used for bi-weekly water changes. There is also a drain that runs under the foundation of the house, out to the yard, that facilitates the draining of the tank.

Last year we did some renovation of our home with the plan to upgrade to a large peninsula tank. Several design choices were made to that end. Recently though an opportunity arose to purchase a local reef that included a Reef Savvy tank with the dimensions we wanted. The only downside is the traditional orientation versus our planned peninsula. After taping out both options, the wife and I agreed that this setup might work out even better. We quickly moved to purchase and the tank is now sitting empty in our living room.

The new tank measures 120"x30"x28" with a pair of ghost overflows. It is constructed of 3/4" low iron glass. The tank is in exceptional condition with no scratches, and in true Reef savvy form, amazing silicone work. The current stand is being modified to a height of 43.5" and is being re-finished in white acrylic laminate to match our kitchen cabinets. The canopy will be refinished in the same manner.

We have already acquired all of the equipment which will be used for this build, either as part of the tank package or through subsequent purchases. The tank will be plumbed with two Vectra L1 pumps, to four returns. Each end will have an MP60qd along with an MP40qd, with an MP40qd on the back wall in the center. The skimmer is a Vertex Alpha 250 and supplementation will come via an MTC pro-cal calcium reactor connected to a Carbon Doser electronic Co2 regulator.

The entire system will be controlled via a classic apex along with an Ecotech Reef link. Lighting will consist of a pair of Giesemann 2x48" t5 retro fixtures, followed by a 60" and a 48" ATI 8-bulb t5 fixture, each with a corresponding Reefbrite xho blue strip. There should be plenty of light with the 20 t5 bulbs, totaling a whopping 1056" of t5 lighting and 108" of Reefbrite XHO strip.

I look forward to sharing in this journey with you.

AJ

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Ocean Mang · 10/28/2016, 06:16 AM

Nice! Tagging along, excited to see the build!

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Stylo328 · 10/28/2016, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ocean Mang

Nice! Tagging along, excited to see the build!

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Thanks! Happy to have you.

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Stylo328 · 10/28/2016, 06:33 AM

Here are a few photos of the platform I built Saturday to attach beneath the current stand. Once mounted, the entire stand will be wrapped in white acrylic laminate. All doors will be replaced with panels, attached with magnets, allowing for better access to the sump and equipment.

I considered having a steel stand welded and then having that wrapped, but opted to repurpose what I have instead. Glued and screwed, platform is constructed of 2"x10" boards. Should be plenty sturdy.

Thanks for looking and don't mind the mess in the garage. All of the tank "stuff" has the whole garage out of sorts.

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rovster · 10/28/2016, 06:47 AM

Woohoo!!!!

Stylo328 · 10/28/2016, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rovster

Woohoo!!!!

Thanks bud!

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brians4671 · 10/28/2016, 11:29 AM

That baby is impact resistant nice!

Stylo328 · 10/28/2016, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brians4671

That baby is impact resistant nice!

Thanks. It weighs a ton...

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AquamanE · 10/28/2016, 04:06 PM

Following along also. Is that pice suppose to elevate the stand?

Stylo328 · 10/28/2016, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AquamanE

Following along also. Is that pice suppose to elevate the stand?

Thanks for joining.

Yes, that piece will elevate the stand, and then the entire thing will be wrapped in white acrylic laminate.

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Rogger Castells · 10/28/2016, 11:45 PM

Nice look forward to seeing your build, Congratulations

Narzyzz12 · 10/29/2016, 07:46 AM

Tagging along for the ride.Sounds like it's gonna be an epic build.

Stylo328 · 10/29/2016, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogger Castells

Nice look forward to seeing your build, Congratulations

Thanks Rogger!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Narzyzz12

Tagging along for the ride.Sounds like it's gonna be an epic build.

Thank you very much.

Nice to have you both along for the ride.

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McGee10 · 10/30/2016, 08:16 AM

Wow, that a big tank! Tagging along.

Stylo328 · 10/30/2016, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McGee10

Wow, that a big tank! Tagging along.

Thanks for joining. I have to admit, the size is a bit intimidating. Our largest tank to date is the current 187. Here's praying it all works out...

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Stylo328 · 10/30/2016, 05:52 PM

Had the opportunity to work on the tank after church. First order of business was to remove the fans and the Giesenann retro fixtures from the canopy. The cabinet guy is picking it up on Tuesday to re-skin.

From there, moved to cleaning out the sump and the inside of the stand, along with removing all of the stand doors. I am pleased with the access I will have with the new magnetic panels. Happy not to have any doors in the way.

Here are some close ups of the sump. It is a Synergy Reef Systems custom sump (no top brace, not sure why). Dimensions are 70x20x16 with a total capacity of around 97 gallons.

This is where the ghost overflows enter the sump, followed by a shelf for filter floss, and then the refugium.

Next is the skimmer chamber.

And finally the return section with R/O float valve. Note all of the industrial Velcro that was SO DIFFICULT to remove!

A few closeup of those classy Synergy touches...

And finally the clean product with all Velcro removed.

Plan is to try and get the stand mounted on the platform this week while the canopy is being skinned so that the cabinet guy can skin the stand next week and then plumbing can begin.

Thanks for checking in.

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McGee10 · 10/31/2016, 05:26 AM

Looks great

Stylo328 · 10/31/2016, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McGee10

Looks great

Thank you!

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Ocean Mang · 10/31/2016, 06:22 AM

Wow, Nice weekend accomplishments!!!

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Stylo328 · 10/31/2016, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ocean Mang

Wow, Nice weekend accomplishments!!!

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Thanks. Happy with the progress, but I must confess that I've procrastinated a bit because I am uncharacteristically intimidated by the size of the tank.

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Stylo328 · 11/01/2016, 08:05 PM

A little bummed today. Tuesday came and went and the cabinet guy was a no-show. He called late in the afternoon to reschedule for tomorrow. I hope this isn't an indication that he will be delayed with the work itself...

I am having second thoughts on the white acrylic laminate and so is my wife. She is thinking navy blue and I am thinking light grey. The white would match perfectly with our new kitchen, but with a potential move in the not-to-distant future, she is concerned with how the white might look in a new home with more traditional fixtures and finishes.

This is the kitchen we are matching in this house.

This is the laminate that will be used.

The nice thing about this laminate is that there is no brown or other base color in the corners. It truly is acrylic with a white backing. It can be buffed and polished like any other acrylic, and the edges are color-matched pvc, making the install very clean and finished.

This material is also available in Ferrari red or black, neither of which would match our decor.

I'm open to suggestions on using traditional laminate in other colors, or pressing on with the white acrylic.

Thanks in advance.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stylo328 · 11/02/2016, 06:12 PM

Today was a good day!

The cabinet guy came over to pick up the canopy as well as the platform. He took all of the requisite measurements and expects to be ready to mount and wrap the stand as early as Saturday. We chose to go with white after all. This is equal parts exciting and unnerving. I really hope it turns out well. (Fingers crossed).

Here is what the platform looked like in front of the tank. It's about a 1/4" taller than the dollies the tank is resting on. I like the overall height!

Hopefully I will be posting pictures of the finished stand and canopy soon.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stylo328 · 11/06/2016, 06:19 PM

Good evening.

I currently have 1/2" of white styrofoam under the sump. I don't like the way it looks or the quality of the original install. I am considering replacing it with 1/4" recycled tire matting. Actually, thinking of ordering this one:

Rubber Cal Recycled Floor Mat, Black, 1/4-Inch x 4 x 3-Feet [url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V7JBRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_De8hyb4QFDY65]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V7JBRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_De8hyb4QFDY65

Was hoping to get your thoughts as I can only find a few references for its use under a tank or stand online. Primary purpose is for vibration dampening and noise reduction as the stand floor is flat.

Thanks in advance.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

jonnyu · 11/06/2016, 09:20 PM

I would use neoprene . BRS sells it and come in black.
Very sharp looking tank.

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Stylo328 · 11/06/2016, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnyu

I would use neoprene . BRS sells it and come in black.
Very sharp looking tank.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the advice and the compliment.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10/28/2016, 05:30 AM	#1
Stylo328 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,970	Double or Nothing... AJ's 405-Gallon Reef Savvy Upgrade Good morning all. Thanks in advance for reading this incredibly long first post! I'd like to use this thread to document our upgrade from a 187-gallon SPS dominated reef to a 405-gallon Reef Savvy tank. My current tank has a build thread on this site in the Large Tank section, but I have not been faithful with updates over the past few years. The current tank is 60"x30"x24" in 3/4" starfire glass and was a custom build, believed to be built by Oceanic. I purchased the tank used several years ago. I built the stand for the tank fairly tall at 41.25". The setup is bare bottom and consists of a Vectra L1 return pump, two MP60s, an ATB Small skimmer, ATI 8-bulb 48" fixture with a Reefbrite XHO blue strip, Avast marine K2 Kalk stirrer and a Bubble Magus doser. This tank has had its ups and downs, but has been relatively stable recently, with good color and growth. To support the tank an R/O unit is installed in the garage and plumbed to the tank's location through the attic and walls. We also have a 300-gallon tank in the garage plumbed to a Blueline pump, which also runs through the attic and walls to the tank's location, used for bi-weekly water changes. There is also a drain that runs under the foundation of the house, out to the yard, that facilitates the draining of the tank. Last year we did some renovation of our home with the plan to upgrade to a large peninsula tank. Several design choices were made to that end. Recently though an opportunity arose to purchase a local reef that included a Reef Savvy tank with the dimensions we wanted. The only downside is the traditional orientation versus our planned peninsula. After taping out both options, the wife and I agreed that this setup might work out even better. We quickly moved to purchase and the tank is now sitting empty in our living room. The new tank measures 120"x30"x28" with a pair of ghost overflows. It is constructed of 3/4" low iron glass. The tank is in exceptional condition with no scratches, and in true Reef savvy form, amazing silicone work. The current stand is being modified to a height of 43.5" and is being re-finished in white acrylic laminate to match our kitchen cabinets. The canopy will be refinished in the same manner. We have already acquired all of the equipment which will be used for this build, either as part of the tank package or through subsequent purchases. The tank will be plumbed with two Vectra L1 pumps, to four returns. Each end will have an MP60qd along with an MP40qd, with an MP40qd on the back wall in the center. The skimmer is a Vertex Alpha 250 and supplementation will come via an MTC pro-cal calcium reactor connected to a Carbon Doser electronic Co2 regulator. The entire system will be controlled via a classic apex along with an Ecotech Reef link. Lighting will consist of a pair of Giesemann 2x48" t5 retro fixtures, followed by a 60" and a 48" ATI 8-bulb t5 fixture, each with a corresponding Reefbrite xho blue strip. There should be plenty of light with the 20 t5 bulbs, totaling a whopping 1056" of t5 lighting and 108" of Reefbrite XHO strip. I look forward to sharing in this journey with you. AJ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10/28/2016, 04:06 PM	#9
AquamanE Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 6,544	Following along also. Is that pice suppose to elevate the stand? __________________ Eddie Soler FMAS BOD Member MACNA 2013 Chairman "I'd rather die living than live to die" Current Tank Info: 200G mixed reef with 60G sump, Radion LED’s , Bubble King skimmer, blah blah blah.

10/29/2016, 07:46 AM	#12
Narzyzz12 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Naples Posts: 88	Tagging along for the ride.Sounds like it's gonna be an epic build. __________________ Follow on IG Narzyzz_12 Current Tank Info: Corallife Biocube 29 and Nuvo 8

10/30/2016, 08:16 AM	#14
McGee10 Ex FMAS board member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 580	Wow, that a big tank! Tagging along. __________________ When a child gives you a gift, even if it is a rock they just picked up, exude gratitude. It might the only thing they have to give, and they have chosen to give it to you. Dean Jackson Current Tank Info: 180 Gal DT, Trigger Systems Emerald 39 - sump, Apex, 2 x AI Hydra's+5 x Hydra 52's,Apex WAV, SRO 3000, MTC Pro Cal

10/31/2016, 05:26 AM	#17
McGee10 Ex FMAS board member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 580	Looks great __________________ When a child gives you a gift, even if it is a rock they just picked up, exude gratitude. It might the only thing they have to give, and they have chosen to give it to you. Dean Jackson Current Tank Info: 180 Gal DT, Trigger Systems Emerald 39 - sump, Apex, 2 x AI Hydra's+5 x Hydra 52's,Apex WAV, SRO 3000, MTC Pro Cal

10/28/2016, 06:16 AM	#2
Ocean Mang Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 2,416	Nice! Tagging along, excited to see the build! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10/28/2016, 06:33 AM	#4
Stylo328 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,970	Here are a few photos of the platform I built Saturday to attach beneath the current stand. Once mounted, the entire stand will be wrapped in white acrylic laminate. All doors will be replaced with panels, attached with magnets, allowing for better access to the sump and equipment. I considered having a steel stand welded and then having that wrapped, but opted to repurpose what I have instead. Glued and screwed, platform is constructed of 2"x10" boards. Should be plenty sturdy. Thanks for looking and don't mind the mess in the garage. All of the tank "stuff" has the whole garage out of sorts. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10/28/2016, 06:47 AM	#5
rovster Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 7,518	Woohoo!!!!

10/28/2016, 11:29 AM	#7
brians4671 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: miami fl Posts: 2,088	That baby is impact resistant nice!

10/28/2016, 11:45 PM	#11
Rogger Castells Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Weston, FL Posts: 7,495	Nice look forward to seeing your build, Congratulations

10/30/2016, 05:52 PM	#16
Stylo328 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,970	Had the opportunity to work on the tank after church. First order of business was to remove the fans and the Giesenann retro fixtures from the canopy. The cabinet guy is picking it up on Tuesday to re-skin. From there, moved to cleaning out the sump and the inside of the stand, along with removing all of the stand doors. I am pleased with the access I will have with the new magnetic panels. Happy not to have any doors in the way. Here are some close ups of the sump. It is a Synergy Reef Systems custom sump (no top brace, not sure why). Dimensions are 70x20x16 with a total capacity of around 97 gallons. This is where the ghost overflows enter the sump, followed by a shelf for filter floss, and then the refugium. Next is the skimmer chamber. And finally the return section with R/O float valve. Note all of the industrial Velcro that was SO DIFFICULT to remove! A few closeup of those classy Synergy touches... And finally the clean product with all Velcro removed. Plan is to try and get the stand mounted on the platform this week while the canopy is being skinned so that the cabinet guy can skin the stand next week and then plumbing can begin. Thanks for checking in. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10/31/2016, 06:22 AM	#19
Ocean Mang Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 2,416	Wow, Nice weekend accomplishments!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11/01/2016, 08:05 PM	#21
Stylo328 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,970	Double or Nothing... AJ's 405-Gallon Reef Savvy Upgrade A little bummed today. Tuesday came and went and the cabinet guy was a no-show. He called late in the afternoon to reschedule for tomorrow. I hope this isn't an indication that he will be delayed with the work itself... I am having second thoughts on the white acrylic laminate and so is my wife. She is thinking navy blue and I am thinking light grey. The white would match perfectly with our new kitchen, but with a potential move in the not-to-distant future, she is concerned with how the white might look in a new home with more traditional fixtures and finishes. This is the kitchen we are matching in this house. This is the laminate that will be used. The nice thing about this laminate is that there is no brown or other base color in the corners. It truly is acrylic with a white backing. It can be buffed and polished like any other acrylic, and the edges are color-matched pvc, making the install very clean and finished. This material is also available in Ferrari red or black, neither of which would match our decor. I'm open to suggestions on using traditional laminate in other colors, or pressing on with the white acrylic. Thanks in advance. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11/02/2016, 06:12 PM	#22
Stylo328 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,970	Double or Nothing... AJ's 405-Gallon Reef Savvy Upgrade Today was a good day! The cabinet guy came over to pick up the canopy as well as the platform. He took all of the requisite measurements and expects to be ready to mount and wrap the stand as early as Saturday. We chose to go with white after all. This is equal parts exciting and unnerving. I really hope it turns out well. (Fingers crossed). Here is what the platform looked like in front of the tank. It's about a 1/4" taller than the dollies the tank is resting on. I like the overall height! Hopefully I will be posting pictures of the finished stand and canopy soon. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11/06/2016, 06:19 PM	#23
Stylo328 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,970	Good evening. I currently have 1/2" of white styrofoam under the sump. I don't like the way it looks or the quality of the original install. I am considering replacing it with 1/4" recycled tire matting. Actually, thinking of ordering this one: Rubber Cal Recycled Floor Mat, Black, 1/4-Inch x 4 x 3-Feet [url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V7JBRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_De8hyb4QFDY65]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V7JBRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_De8hyb4QFDY65 Was hoping to get your thoughts as I can only find a few references for its use under a tank or stand online. Primary purpose is for vibration dampening and noise reduction as the stand floor is flat. Thanks in advance. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11/06/2016, 09:20 PM	#24
jonnyu Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 2,038	I would use neoprene . BRS sells it and come in black. Very sharp looking tank. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk