A Reef in the Sky

v1...rotate · 01/01/2010, 06:52 AM

__________________________________________________________

"Moderators, Members and Guests...

Welcome aboard... Please Fasten your seat-belt, make sure your seat is in the upright position and tray table stowed.
The journey ahead should be fun and I look forward to making your reading enjoyable"

__________________________________________________________

Firstly, is it possible to create a beautiful 'Reef in the Sky' similar to this beautiful sunrise??

Not sure... but I will try.

Experience

My name is Andrew and I have been fascinated by aquatic life for many years but have never had the chance to own a reef tank until 2008. I have only been in the hobby just over 1.5 years so there is still a lot to learn but I am looking forward to the challenge(s). My current tank is a Red Sea Max (RSM) 34 Gallon which some of you may have heard of or seen. It is a great tank for a beginner but as predicted... I have caught the bug and want to upgrade.

Goals

All corals are amazing however I have taken a fascination to SPS corals. I came across Zeovit and the concept around 18 months ago and would like to try it. My goals are to have a mainly dominated SPS reef with some marine fish. Besides the contents inside the aquarium I am trying to design a stylish & modern setup which compliments my apartment. Can all this be done up in the sky? Stay on board and time will tell

Current Tank

This is my current tank and the space that I have to work with.

Looking forward to sharing my experiences and progress with all of you

v1...rotate · 01/01/2010, 08:32 AM

Display Tank

Rimless Design
3/4" Low-Iron Glass (sides and front)
66"L x 26"W x 22"H
Clear Silicon

Since I'm limited for space and the tank can not be wider than 26" I've elected for an internal overflow and not an external overflow. I would like the tank to be viewable when I walk through the front door so having an overflow at one end isn't really an option.

A sample of the 3/4" low-iron glass. This tank will be heavy

What it should look like

Sump

Located under the display tank inside the cabinet.

3/8" Normal Glass
42"L x 20.5"W x 16"H
Clear Silicon

v1...rotate · 01/01/2010, 09:10 AM

Stand

I wanted to create a stand that was unique, user friendly and allowed me to fit everything I needed inside so I decided to design one which would allow this. I also wanted the ability to roll the sump in and out when required for cleaning and to incorporate a sliding table to ease maintenance chores.

Stand will be made of 1.5"x1.5" Steel painted white.
66"L x 26"W x 32.5"H

An end view showing where the sump tray will slide in and out.

Sump Tray, Sliding Table... etc

Underneath the sliding tray table will be the electrical area and ATO container. This section will be separated from the sump by a piece of acrylic to minimize salt creep/rust.

stagcrazy · 01/01/2010, 10:34 AM

congrats on the new build!! that stand is sick i love it it is well thought out.

Keyvan S · 01/01/2010, 10:37 AM

great looking project.....

v1...rotate · 01/01/2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stagcrazy

congrats on the new build!! that stand is sick i love it it is well thought out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keyvan S

great looking project.....

Thanks guys. Welcome aboard

v1...rotate · 01/01/2010, 12:10 PM

Cabinet & Features

After much thinking I have decided to go with a light blue colour similar to the picture.

I needed to design the cabinet doors to allow the sump tray and sliding table to be utilized. To achieve this the end doors needed to be removable. Decided to use a 'French Cleat'

How it will look

The front cabinet doors will be rather large and heavy so I needed find good quality stainless steel sliders that can carry the weight of each door. Also needed some that would extend 100% to allow me to access the front adequately. After a search I decided to go with this Japanese brand. Same brand but smaller size will be used on the sliding table.

They will be attached to wood which will be attached to the steel frame.

Finally, the sump will roll out on caster wheels which are rated at 50kg Static and 25kg Dynamic each.

soccerbag · 01/01/2010, 01:47 PM

Hey v1, what program are you using to create these drawings? Really nice design.

hatfielj · 01/01/2010, 02:38 PM

Wow, this is going to be a nice tank! Keep the pics coming!

v1...rotate · 01/01/2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soccerbag

Hey v1, what program are you using to create these drawings? Really nice design.

Cheers... using 'Google sketch' up for drawings and 'Hypershot' for renderings.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatfielj

Wow, this is going to be a nice tank! Keep the pics coming!

Thanks... will do

Walter Costa · 01/01/2010, 07:26 PM

nice planing! Will tag along

Sardaukar · 01/01/2010, 07:43 PM

Might be missing something, but what exactly is the point of a slide out sump? That seems like a lot of extra planning and headache for some greater ease when working on the tank.

igotdibs · 01/01/2010, 07:47 PM

Yeah, I have to agree, really nice job!! Im amazed at how involved some get in the planning phase, and I love it. Wish I knew how to do some of these renderings. I usually just roll with it. Can't wait to see the real thing. Awesome.

v1...rotate · 01/01/2010, 08:07 PM

Room Layout & Background

Checking the tank measurements will fit the room

The next challenge was to decide what background colour to have?

Black, Blue or nothing? Much thought went into this as the tank will only be 26" deep and I wanted to achieve a perception of "depth" and it must not clash with the cabinet colour. I therefore elected to go with blue, but with a 'twist'.

This is what I came up with.

Next was to see how it looked on the tank whether it would look acceptable with the blue cabinet.

The end result.

The background will be custom built but I have recently been having some trouble finding someone who can make it. It will be a lot harder than I thought.

nicknguyen · 01/01/2010, 08:11 PM

tagging along for this one. gona be nice.

v1...rotate · 01/01/2010, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walter Costa

nice planing! Will tag along

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicknguyen

tagging along for this one. gona be nice.

Thanks guys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sardaukar

Might be missing something, but what exactly is the point of a slide out sump? That seems like a lot of extra planning and headache for some greater ease when working on the tank.

True... it has been a lot of extra planning but has been fun. No real point of having the roll out, just something different. The idea originated when I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to remove the skimmer for cleaning as there wasn't much clearance. Didn't really want to make the stand taller so this was the next option.

Quote:

Originally Posted by igotdibs

Yeah, I have to agree, really nice job!! Im amazed at how involved some get in the planning phase, and I love it. Wish I knew how to do some of these renderings. I usually just roll with it. Can't wait to see the real thing. Awesome.

Thanks, I tend to plan too much... as you will see. Hopefully it will all work

I saw others were using sketch-up for their plans so I started practicing. Very useful tool but can take some time learn

hatfielj · 01/01/2010, 09:20 PM

I would go with an all black background. Blue will take away from the corals.

Boundless · 01/01/2010, 09:31 PM

I wonder if black background will make the coral colors pop or not...

rxx2 · 01/01/2010, 09:35 PM

It'd be sweet if you could get an overflow cover that matches the background.
I remember a thread a few years back of a guy I think who was in the Sacramento, CA area that did a similar background. It looked really nice, weatherson I believe was his RC name. I'll look for his thread.

v1...rotate · 01/01/2010, 09:39 PM

Electric Light Lifter

To make maintenance easier I have designed an electric light lifter. This will be the first item installed before the tank and stand arrive.

An older drawing showing how it will hopefully look above the tank

Top view

A video I took showing the lifter unit in operation. I was amazed how smoothly and quiet it operates. You can program the heights/distances you want it to stop as to avoid accidentally pulling the plugs out, etc...

Completed. It will be installed in the next two weeks.

soccerbag · 01/01/2010, 09:42 PM

Okay...I need one of those now! Loving your "tech-savy" plans.

rxx2 · 01/01/2010, 09:50 PM

Here's a link to his thread:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...236668&page=18

v1...rotate · 01/01/2010, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatfielj

I would go with an all black background. Blue will take away from the corals.

This is the dilemma I've been facing. I'm having a sample back ground made up and if I'm not happy with the transitions of blue I may just go with black.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boundless

I wonder if black background will make the coral colors pop or not...

From my research, black seems to make corals POP more than blue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rxx2

It'd be sweet if you could get an overflow cover that matches the background.
I remember a thread a few years back of a guy I think who was in the Sacramento, CA area that did a similar background. It looked really nice, weatherson I believe was his RC name. I'll look for his thread.

True, this is also another dilemma. I'm hoping to have some rock structure in front of the overflow (more on that shortly) and let the corals grow out with time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by soccerbag

Okay...I need one of those now! Loving your "tech-savy" plans.

Cheers Craig

Quote:

Originally Posted by rxx2

Here's a link to his thread:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...236668&page=18

Excellent... thanks for the link. I hadn't seen his thread. Fortunately I've still got time to make adjustments to the back ground if required. Thanks again.

nicknguyen · 01/01/2010, 09:59 PM

are you planning on building the tank yourself? if so, please add pics and details.

love the electric retractable lights.

Reefaddict79 · 01/01/2010, 10:01 PM

Looking great. You guys on the other side of the world dont fool around when it comes to reef tanks! Will the structure the casters are fasten to be steel or wood contruction?

01/01/2010, 06:52 AM	#1
v1...rotate A Reef In The Sky Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 718	A Reef in the Sky __________________________________________________________ "Moderators, Members and Guests... Welcome aboard... Please Fasten your seat-belt, make sure your seat is in the upright position and tray table stowed. The journey ahead should be fun and I look forward to making your reading enjoyable" __________________________________________________________ Firstly, is it possible to create a beautiful 'Reef in the Sky' similar to this beautiful sunrise?? Not sure... but I will try. Experience My name is Andrew and I have been fascinated by aquatic life for many years but have never had the chance to own a reef tank until 2008. I have only been in the hobby just over 1.5 years so there is still a lot to learn but I am looking forward to the challenge(s). My current tank is a Red Sea Max (RSM) 34 Gallon which some of you may have heard of or seen. It is a great tank for a beginner but as predicted... I have caught the bug and want to upgrade. Goals All corals are amazing however I have taken a fascination to SPS corals. I came across Zeovit and the concept around 18 months ago and would like to try it. My goals are to have a mainly dominated SPS reef with some marine fish. Besides the contents inside the aquarium I am trying to design a stylish & modern setup which compliments my apartment. Can all this be done up in the sky? Stay on board and time will tell Current Tank This is my current tank and the space that I have to work with. Looking forward to sharing my experiences and progress with all of you

01/01/2010, 01:47 PM	#8
soccerbag Chalices did this to me.. Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 970	Hey v1, what program are you using to create these drawings? Really nice design. __________________ Craig Royal Exclusiv Skimmer Club The Undisputed, Heavyweight Champion of "Can't leave well-enough alone" Please check out my Reef Website! Current Tank Info: 246g Display, 39g Frag Tank, Sfiligoi XR6, Royal Exclusiv AC 300, 2 x MP60ES Vortech's, 2-part with LMIII, Apex.

01/01/2010, 07:43 PM	#12
Sardaukar Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 1,439	Might be missing something, but what exactly is the point of a slide out sump? That seems like a lot of extra planning and headache for some greater ease when working on the tank. __________________ Currently tank-less :(

01/01/2010, 09:42 PM	#21
soccerbag Chalices did this to me.. Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 970	Okay...I need one of those now! Loving your "tech-savy" plans. __________________ Craig Royal Exclusiv Skimmer Club The Undisputed, Heavyweight Champion of "Can't leave well-enough alone" Please check out my Reef Website! Current Tank Info: 246g Display, 39g Frag Tank, Sfiligoi XR6, Royal Exclusiv AC 300, 2 x MP60ES Vortech's, 2-part with LMIII, Apex.

01/01/2010, 08:32 AM	#2
v1...rotate A Reef In The Sky Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 718	Display Tank Rimless Design 3/4" Low-Iron Glass (sides and front) 66"L x 26"W x 22"H Clear Silicon Since I'm limited for space and the tank can not be wider than 26" I've elected for an internal overflow and not an external overflow. I would like the tank to be viewable when I walk through the front door so having an overflow at one end isn't really an option. A sample of the 3/4" low-iron glass. This tank will be heavy What it should look like Sump Located under the display tank inside the cabinet. 3/8" Normal Glass 42"L x 20.5"W x 16"H Clear Silicon

01/01/2010, 09:10 AM	#3
v1...rotate A Reef In The Sky Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 718	Stand I wanted to create a stand that was unique, user friendly and allowed me to fit everything I needed inside so I decided to design one which would allow this. I also wanted the ability to roll the sump in and out when required for cleaning and to incorporate a sliding table to ease maintenance chores. Stand will be made of 1.5"x1.5" Steel painted white. 66"L x 26"W x 32.5"H An end view showing where the sump tray will slide in and out. Sump Tray, Sliding Table... etc Underneath the sliding tray table will be the electrical area and ATO container. This section will be separated from the sump by a piece of acrylic to minimize salt creep/rust.

01/01/2010, 10:34 AM	#4
stagcrazy Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: hialeah Posts: 1,493	congrats on the new build!! that stand is sick i love it it is well thought out.

01/01/2010, 10:37 AM	#5
Keyvan S Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Grand Bay, NB,Canada Posts: 155	great looking project.....

01/01/2010, 12:10 PM	#7
v1...rotate A Reef In The Sky Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 718	Cabinet & Features After much thinking I have decided to go with a light blue colour similar to the picture. I needed to design the cabinet doors to allow the sump tray and sliding table to be utilized. To achieve this the end doors needed to be removable. Decided to use a 'French Cleat' How it will look The front cabinet doors will be rather large and heavy so I needed find good quality stainless steel sliders that can carry the weight of each door. Also needed some that would extend 100% to allow me to access the front adequately. After a search I decided to go with this Japanese brand. Same brand but smaller size will be used on the sliding table. They will be attached to wood which will be attached to the steel frame. Finally, the sump will roll out on caster wheels which are rated at 50kg Static and 25kg Dynamic each.

01/01/2010, 02:38 PM	#9
hatfielj Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,234	Wow, this is going to be a nice tank! Keep the pics coming!

01/01/2010, 07:26 PM	#11
Walter Costa Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rio de Janeiro- Brazil Posts: 80	nice planing! Will tag along

01/01/2010, 07:47 PM	#13
igotdibs Moved On Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 14	Yeah, I have to agree, really nice job!! Im amazed at how involved some get in the planning phase, and I love it. Wish I knew how to do some of these renderings. I usually just roll with it. Can't wait to see the real thing. Awesome.

01/01/2010, 08:07 PM	#14
v1...rotate A Reef In The Sky Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 718	Room Layout & Background Checking the tank measurements will fit the room The next challenge was to decide what background colour to have? Black, Blue or nothing? Much thought went into this as the tank will only be 26" deep and I wanted to achieve a perception of "depth" and it must not clash with the cabinet colour. I therefore elected to go with blue, but with a 'twist'. This is what I came up with. Next was to see how it looked on the tank whether it would look acceptable with the blue cabinet. The end result. The background will be custom built but I have recently been having some trouble finding someone who can make it. It will be a lot harder than I thought.

01/01/2010, 08:11 PM	#15
nicknguyen Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: katy, Tx Posts: 134	tagging along for this one. gona be nice.

01/01/2010, 09:20 PM	#17
hatfielj Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,234	I would go with an all black background. Blue will take away from the corals.

01/01/2010, 09:31 PM	#18
Boundless Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Richardson,Texas Posts: 140	I wonder if black background will make the coral colors pop or not...

01/01/2010, 09:35 PM	#19
rxx2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 1,092	It'd be sweet if you could get an overflow cover that matches the background. I remember a thread a few years back of a guy I think who was in the Sacramento, CA area that did a similar background. It looked really nice, weatherson I believe was his RC name. I'll look for his thread.

01/01/2010, 09:39 PM	#20
v1...rotate A Reef In The Sky Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 718	Electric Light Lifter To make maintenance easier I have designed an electric light lifter. This will be the first item installed before the tank and stand arrive. An older drawing showing how it will hopefully look above the tank Top view A video I took showing the lifter unit in operation. I was amazed how smoothly and quiet it operates. You can program the heights/distances you want it to stop as to avoid accidentally pulling the plugs out, etc... Completed. It will be installed in the next two weeks.

01/01/2010, 09:50 PM	#22
rxx2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 1,092	Here's a link to his thread: http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...236668&page=18

01/01/2010, 09:59 PM	#24
nicknguyen Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: katy, Tx Posts: 134	are you planning on building the tank yourself? if so, please add pics and details. love the electric retractable lights.

01/01/2010, 10:01 PM	#25
Reefaddict79 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: texas Posts: 73	Looking great. You guys on the other side of the world dont fool around when it comes to reef tanks! Will the structure the casters are fasten to be steel or wood contruction?