New 325G In-Wall Project

LIReefer · 07/24/2004, 04:04 PM

With all of these great projects going on - I thought I would join in on all the fun. I'm in the very early stages of the process and haven't even bought the tank yet - but I'm only days away from doing that. Anyway, I've attached a tank design in hopes of getting a sanity check from everyone. It's an 84x30x30 with an external overflow. I'm planning on a closed loop with an 8-way oceans motion wavemaker. A few things that I'm concerned about are, enough flow, size of the bulkheads, and their placement. I'm planning on using a sequence hammerhead or stingray as the main system pump and a dart for the closed loop.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Acrylics · 07/24/2004, 10:51 PM

You might want to resize the perimeter bracing. As I read it, you have a 3" perimeter brace, considering 3/4" or so material thickness, this leaves a net "lip" of 2.25" - keep in mind a 1" BH requires a 1.75-1.94" hole (depending on type) and a 1.5" BH requires a 2.5" hole - you won't have enough beef in the bracing even with the large radii in the cutouts. BTW I'm referring specifically to the corner bulkheads, the ones in the crossbraces are fine.
Everything else looks dandy to me.

HTH,
James

LIReefer · 07/25/2004, 06:10 AM

James,

Doesn't this tank look familar? You and I have been talking a lot about this build. You know I want to keep the openings as large as possible - so what size should the perimeter bracing be?

Ed

Acrylics · 07/25/2004, 09:10 AM

Hi Ed,

If okay, add some beef to the back brace (inch or two) and maybe a little on the front/ends as well as just use a larger radius in the front corners. In case you weren't aware, the 1" bulkheads have a overall diameter of 2.75-3" so if you've got to add something in there. What size radius were you thinking in the front corners?

James

LIReefer · 07/25/2004, 01:07 PM

James,

I have no specific radius size in mind - I was leaving that up to you. In keeping with the same design - what is the minimum brace width I should have without compromising the structural integrity of the tank? Also, keeping in mind access for cleaning and maximum light penetration.

Ed

valid · 07/25/2004, 02:50 PM

do you really need bulkheads in the top? it's not like you need a watertight seal, is it? why not just run your plumbing through - that way you make smaller holes and save on plumbing fixtures as well.

LIReefer · 07/25/2004, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by valid
do you really need bulkheads in the top? it's not like you need a watertight seal, is it? why not just run your plumbing through - that way you make smaller holes and save on plumbing fixtures as well.

No you probably don't, but I've seen it done on several large tanks, and in any event it will provide real solid support for the piping

Ed

Acrylics · 07/26/2004, 12:22 PM

For 1.5" ells and other fittings, you need a 2.25" hole, a 1.5" bulkhead hole is 2.44 so you don't save much in the way of "meat" for the holes by using bulkheads.

The "plan" I came up with is a 3.5" perimeter flange on the front & ends with 5" on the back with ~3" radius. This leaves a comfortable amount of flange material w/out any significant compromises. Of course if you can go wider - this is always beneficial but you will lose *some* opening space.

As for width on crossbraces, 5-6" minimum IMO.

HTH,
James

LIReefer · 07/26/2004, 01:40 PM

James,

Thanks - I'll update the drawing and shoot you an e-mail.

Thanks - Ed

Julio · 07/26/2004, 05:08 PM

very nice design, how much flow are you planning on having on the tank?

LIReefer · 07/26/2004, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Julio
very nice design, how much flow are you planning on having on the tank?

Julio,

My goal is 5000GPH through the overflows - but I know they can handle more.

Ed

Julio · 07/27/2004, 10:39 AM

Nice, what circulation pump are you planning on using?

LIReefer · 07/27/2004, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Julio
Nice, what circulation pump are you planning on using?

Julio,

A sequence hammerhead or stingray and maybe a dart for the 8-way OM on the closed loop.

Ed

Julio · 07/27/2004, 04:29 PM

what kind of corals are you planning on keeping? or are you just upgrading tanks?

LIReefer · 07/27/2004, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Julio
what kind of corals are you planning on keeping? or are you just upgrading tanks?

Mainly SPS and some softies. Lighting is going to be 400w MH supplemented with actinics.

LIReefer · 08/24/2004, 07:11 PM

Now we've gone from paper to reality. Here are some pics of the tank coming together. Courtesy of James from Envision Acrylics.

Its coming out real nice!

Ed

Loudz34 · 08/25/2004, 04:09 PM

Nice .. cant wait to see the finished prod.....

hmoore · 08/25/2004, 07:00 PM

Looks like a beauty in the making! I've heard that James is the BEST!

LIReefer · 08/25/2004, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hmoore
Looks like a beauty in the making! I've heard that James is the BEST!

Yup!!!! If you want acrylic, he's the guy to go with.

jlehigh · 08/26/2004, 06:02 PM

I have a 72X30X30 with an 8-way. might lend some insight. Here is a thread with more info:
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/...ead.php?t=1848

Most pics are in the latter pages

LIReefer · 08/26/2004, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jlehigh
I have a 72X30X30 with an 8-way. might lend some insight.

jlehigh - Thanks very nice set up.

Here are some more pics of the external overflow being installed

Here's the top

Ed

LIReefer · 08/29/2004, 12:23 PM

Here's a few more shots of the tank almost complete. All that needs to be done now is, some trimming, the install of the overflow screens and removable black side panels.

Can't wait to get this beast!!!!

Ed

kandiru · 08/29/2004, 12:31 PM

that is some beautifully impressive acrylic work

good luck and most of all - enjoy!

Reddhaus · 08/29/2004, 01:14 PM

Looks great!! Can't wait to see it up and running.

DidierC · 08/29/2004, 07:02 PM

Please keep us posting with photos when you set up that monster!!

07/24/2004, 04:04 PM	#1
LIReefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: East Meadow, NY Posts: 458	New 325G In-Wall Project With all of these great projects going on - I thought I would join in on all the fun. I'm in the very early stages of the process and haven't even bought the tank yet - but I'm only days away from doing that. Anyway, I've attached a tank design in hopes of getting a sanity check from everyone. It's an 84x30x30 with an external overflow. I'm planning on a closed loop with an 8-way oceans motion wavemaker. A few things that I'm concerned about are, enough flow, size of the bulkheads, and their placement. I'm planning on using a sequence hammerhead or stingray as the main system pump and a dart for the closed loop. Any help would be greatly appreciated

07/25/2004, 06:10 AM	#3
LIReefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: East Meadow, NY Posts: 458	James, Doesn't this tank look familar? You and I have been talking a lot about this build. You know I want to keep the openings as large as possible - so what size should the perimeter bracing be? Ed __________________ - Ed Current Tank Info: 325 gal in-wall, 200g sump w/refugium

07/25/2004, 01:07 PM	#5
LIReefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: East Meadow, NY Posts: 458	James, I have no specific radius size in mind - I was leaving that up to you. In keeping with the same design - what is the minimum brace width I should have without compromising the structural integrity of the tank? Also, keeping in mind access for cleaning and maximum light penetration. Ed __________________ - Ed Current Tank Info: 325 gal in-wall, 200g sump w/refugium

07/26/2004, 01:40 PM	#9
LIReefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: East Meadow, NY Posts: 458	James, Thanks - I'll update the drawing and shoot you an e-mail. Thanks - Ed __________________ - Ed Current Tank Info: 325 gal in-wall, 200g sump w/refugium

07/26/2004, 05:08 PM	#10
Julio Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: New york Posts: 8,090	very nice design, how much flow are you planning on having on the tank? __________________ Thanks, Have a nice day. Julio Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef w/ 250 watt SE XM10Ks and AP1003, 12 gallon reef, 40 gallon reef

07/24/2004, 10:51 PM	#2
Acrylics Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,081	You might want to resize the perimeter bracing. As I read it, you have a 3" perimeter brace, considering 3/4" or so material thickness, this leaves a net "lip" of 2.25" - keep in mind a 1" BH requires a 1.75-1.94" hole (depending on type) and a 1.5" BH requires a 2.5" hole - you won't have enough beef in the bracing even with the large radii in the cutouts. BTW I'm referring specifically to the corner bulkheads, the ones in the crossbraces are fine. Everything else looks dandy to me. HTH, James

07/25/2004, 09:10 AM	#4
Acrylics Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,081	Hi Ed, If okay, add some beef to the back brace (inch or two) and maybe a little on the front/ends as well as just use a larger radius in the front corners. In case you weren't aware, the 1" bulkheads have a overall diameter of 2.75-3" so if you've got to add something in there. What size radius were you thinking in the front corners? James

07/25/2004, 02:50 PM	#6
valid Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: louisville,ky Posts: 208	do you really need bulkheads in the top? it's not like you need a watertight seal, is it? why not just run your plumbing through - that way you make smaller holes and save on plumbing fixtures as well.

07/26/2004, 12:22 PM	#8
Acrylics Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,081	For 1.5" ells and other fittings, you need a 2.25" hole, a 1.5" bulkhead hole is 2.44 so you don't save much in the way of "meat" for the holes by using bulkheads. The "plan" I came up with is a 3.5" perimeter flange on the front & ends with 5" on the back with ~3" radius. This leaves a comfortable amount of flange material w/out any significant compromises. Of course if you can go wider - this is always beneficial but you will lose some opening space. As for width on crossbraces, 5-6" minimum IMO. HTH, James

07/27/2004, 10:39 AM	#12
Julio Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: New york Posts: 8,090	Nice, what circulation pump are you planning on using? __________________ Thanks, Have a nice day. Julio Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef w/ 250 watt SE XM10Ks and AP1003, 12 gallon reef, 40 gallon reef

07/27/2004, 04:29 PM	#14
Julio Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: New york Posts: 8,090	what kind of corals are you planning on keeping? or are you just upgrading tanks? __________________ Thanks, Have a nice day. Julio Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef w/ 250 watt SE XM10Ks and AP1003, 12 gallon reef, 40 gallon reef

08/24/2004, 07:11 PM	#16
LIReefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: East Meadow, NY Posts: 458	Fabrication Process Now we've gone from paper to reality. Here are some pics of the tank coming together. Courtesy of James from Envision Acrylics. Its coming out real nice! Ed

08/25/2004, 04:09 PM	#17
Loudz34 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Evans/Angola Ny Posts: 1,333	Nice .. cant wait to see the finished prod..... __________________ Dam damsels, Their like devils of the reef tank... Current Tank Info: What tank? Oh you mean my bathtub for now....

08/25/2004, 07:00 PM	#18
hmoore Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 412	Looks like a beauty in the making! I've heard that James is the BEST!

08/26/2004, 06:02 PM	#20
jlehigh Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Seattle Posts: 269	I have a 72X30X30 with an 8-way. might lend some insight. Here is a thread with more info: http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/...ead.php?t=1848 Most pics are in the latter pages

08/29/2004, 12:23 PM	#22
LIReefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: East Meadow, NY Posts: 458	Here's a few more shots of the tank almost complete. All that needs to be done now is, some trimming, the install of the overflow screens and removable black side panels. Can't wait to get this beast!!!! Ed

08/29/2004, 12:31 PM	#23
kandiru Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: new york Posts: 8	that is some beautifully impressive acrylic work good luck and most of all - enjoy!

08/29/2004, 01:14 PM	#24
Reddhaus Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Grand Blanc, MI Posts: 83	Looks great!! Can't wait to see it up and running. __________________ $cott ______________________________ "But of the reeftank of 125 gallons, thou shalt not tap on it: for in the day that thou tappeth thereof thou shalt surely die." Current Tank Info: 125gal AGA with 4" DSB, 3-250watt MH (10k), 160watt VHO x2 (actinic), 22gal refugium with 5.5" DSB with 65watt PC fixture (50/50), 20gal sump with MR-1 Skimmer and Mag 24 return

08/29/2004, 07:02 PM	#25
DidierC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 27	Please keep us posting with photos when you set up that monster!! __________________ "And the Sea will bring each Man new Hope as Sleep brings dream of home..." Current Tank Info: 180g tank + 70g sump