Desk tank in one

[Prariecanuck]

Hi all just ordered my glass today and started to build the stand. It will be approx 220 gallons with a 90 gallon sump. I'm going fowlr and I'm doing this as cheap as possible besides equipment.
Ill post pics as soon as I figure out how

[Prariecanuck]

11745

[Prariecanuck]

That's the top piece of the stand back side is 7 feet long by 27inch on the one side and 48inch on the long side the front is split 4 feet and 3 feet the desk portion will be installed on the 4 foot side of the front to make a complete rectangle

[IanWR]

Interesting! Very curious to see how this turns out. Have you decided on what lighting you will use?

- Ian

[Prariecanuck]

Yeah I got some t8 lights for free and am going to use led strip lighting to add more vibrant colour.

[FishyFishy!]

T8 lights eh? Interesting...

[Prariecanuck]

I know I know t8s are out dated but since this is fowlr I figured why not save some money on fixture and bulbs

[FishyFishy!]

I know I know t8s are out dated but since this is fowlr I figured why not save some money on fixture and bulbs

In my opinion, I would worry about the color temp of the bulbs being low resulting in an unwanted nuissance algae growth (hair algae especially)

Anyone else chime in here with any experience?

[sphelps]

T8s with the right spectrum bulbs could work just fine for FO or even some coral depending. Not that long ago using over driving T8s with larger ballasts was all the rage. However if you're using regular bulbs from hardware stores the results will be poor regardless what you them supplement with.

[sphelps]

The build looks interesting btw, will the top of the desk be a viewing panel? What thickness of glass did you order?

[Prariecanuck]

The build looks interesting btw, will the top of the desk be a viewing panel? What thickness of glass did you order?

The desk portion will be same level as the bottom of the tank so behind the laptop will be tank and on the one side viewing will be the rest if the sides except the 7 foot side that'll be the back.
Glass thickness will be 9mm braced like crazy euro style with a couple cross braces too garf site said I coul use 6mm because of the 18inch depth

[Prariecanuck]

In my opinion, I would worry about the color temp of the bulbs being low resulting in an unwanted nuissance algae growth (hair algae especially)

Anyone else chime in here with any experience?

I was thinking running the blue and other colour bulbs in the t8s and getting some white led strips to get a better k rating then most t8 bulbs put out

[Prariecanuck]

In my opinion, I would worry about the color temp of the bulbs being low resulting in an unwanted nuissance algae growth (hair algae especially)

Anyone else chime in here with any experience?

On the algae problem if this dose accrue I have 3 boys with swimsuits that can jump right in and clean it for me 😊lol

[asylumdown]

A tank built in to a desk... lord, I can barely get any work done with my tank 5 feet from my desk! "man this spreadsheet is bori... wow what was that?" Then all of a sudden 20 minutes has passed and I don't know how I got the the sink with a skimmer cup in my hands.

[sphelps]

The desk portion will be same level as the bottom of the tank so behind the laptop will be tank and on the one side viewing will be the rest if the sides except the 7 foot side that'll be the back.
Glass thickness will be 9mm braced like crazy euro style with a couple cross braces too garf site said I coul use 6mm because of the 18inch depth

Keep in mind that calculator bases thickness on height alone so regardless what you put in whether it's 24" or 96" it spits out the same thickness which isn't correct as it's only accounting for pressure and not bending stress at the seams. Personally I believe 9/10mm is tad light for a 7' span, even at 18" high. It costs nothing to get a quote from a tank builder which will probably tell you what thickness the glass would be, there's even a few around here that I'm sure would gladly tell you what the proper thickness is.

[Prariecanuck]

Keep in mind that calculator bases thickness on height alone so regardless what you put in whether it's 24" or 96" it spits out the same thickness which isn't correct as it's only accounting for pressure and not bending stress at the seams. Personally I believe 9/10mm is tad light for a 7' span, even at 18" high. It costs nothing to get a quote from a tank builder which will probably tell you what thickness the glass would be, there's even a few around here that I'm sure would gladly tell you what the proper thickness is.

I looked at lots of sites and did lots of math and they all came in at 9mm with a safety factor over 4 and that was just euro braced without any cross braces which ill be adding too. Now I know the net isn't always right but the glass is already ordered so ill water test outside and hope for the best. I could also do a metal angle brace around the outside at the top if it looks like ill need too. Thanks for the info but I guess we will see if it works or not. Here's hoping it dose😓

[sphelps]

I looked at lots of sites and did lots of math and they all came in at 9mm with a safety factor over 4 and that was just euro braced without any cross braces which ill be adding too. Now I know the net isn't always right but the glass is already ordered so ill water test outside and hope for the best. I could also do a metal angle brace around the outside at the top if it looks like ill need too. Thanks for the info but I guess we will see if it works or not. Here's hoping it dose😓

I've seen worse hold water just fine. The issue really comes down to the seams, only 9mm of contact combined a large bending moment from the span means they'll be stressed to the limit. Will work fine for a while but in time who knows, might be good but might not. If professional builders done't take that kind of risk then a DIY'r really shouldn't either. But that's just my FYI for ya. Looking forward to seeing this one come together... and hopefully staying that way :wink:

[Prariecanuck]

I've seen worse hold water just fine. The issue really comes down to the seams, only 9mm of contact combined a large bending moment from the span means they'll be stressed to the limit. Will work fine for a while but in time who knows, might be good but might not. If professional builders done't take that kind of risk then a DIY'r really shouldn't either. But that's just my FYI for ya. Looking forward to seeing this one come together... and hopefully staying that way :wink:

In your opinion if I use steel angle on the corners would that help?

[Prariecanuck]

11748
The stand all framed where the pink is is where the tanks base the over hang is the working area aka desk. This will primarily be used by my 3 boys for school work. Makes it a lot easier on me to keep an eye on them and make sure the home work is getting done lol

[rickcasa]

A tank built in to a desk... lord, I can barely get any work done with my tank 5 feet from my desk! "man this spreadsheet is bori... wow what was that?" Then all of a sudden 20 minutes has passed and I don't know how I got the the sink with a skimmer cup in my hands.

lol.

It's a great idea but I'd have the fattest fish around...I'd be feeding every 20 mins.

Good luck with the build!

[Prariecanuck]

A tank built in to a desk... lord, I can barely get any work done with my tank 5 feet from my desk! "man this spreadsheet is bori... wow what was that?" Then all of a sudden 20 minutes has passed and I don't know how I got the the sink with a skimmer cup in my hands.

That's awesome. I'm still trying to figure a way to put a tank in my work truck😊 I have a heated garage guess ill just need a good lid and run the truck with either heat or the ac on at all times. But I don't think sgi would insure it 😡

[michika]

11748
The stand all framed where the pink is is where the tanks base the over hang is the working area aka desk. This will primarily be used by my 3 boys for school work. Makes it a lot easier on me to keep an eye on them and make sure the home work is getting done lol

Your boys are spoiled! I hope they enjoy it when its all complete.

[Prariecanuck]

Looking at skimmers today I think I'm going with a curve9 unless anyone has something bad to say about them?

[Prariecanuck]

Well glass didnt show today so Monday it is I moved the stand into the basement and only had to take one door off 😃
I'm gonna build the tank out side let it set then I'm hoping next Friday move it in and start filling.

[Prariecanuck]

Back too the lights dose anyone think I'd be ok with the led par 30 6500k bulbs from Home Depot then add blue led strips or will this cause algae too?

[Prariecanuck]

Glass finally came today only 2 weeks late. Oh well when I pay what I pay for glass can't complain will start the assembly tomorrow hopefully the kids hockey season is started already so that takes a good chunk of dads fun time lol.

[JDigital]

Back too the lights dose anyone think I'd be ok with the led par 30 6500k bulbs from Home Depot then add blue led strips or will this cause algae too?

I wouldn't put anything lighting setup that is less than 10K on a reef tank, personally speaking.

[Prariecanuck]

I wouldn't put anything lighting setup that is less than 10K on a reef tank, personally speaking.

Even if its fowlr?

[Prariecanuck]

http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/prariecanuck/image_zps5d35c068.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/prariecanuck/media/image_zps5d35c068.jpg.html)

[Prariecanuck]

http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/prariecanuck/image_zps5d35c068.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/prariecanuck/media/image_zps5d35c068.jpg.html)

Two shots of the tank being built still need to add euro bracing.

[Prariecanuck]

http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/prariecanuck/image_zps75373ad0.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/prariecanuck/media/image_zps75373ad0.jpg.html)
Sorry posted same pic twice

[baker_jeff]

That is going to be incredible!

[Prariecanuck]

That is going to be incredible!

Thanks I got most of the euro bracing on today but the riders start in 20 min so gotta sit down and put my green on for a bit

Go riders Go

[Prariecanuck]

Building my canopy and decided to go with mh for lighting since I have them already. What I need is a quiet cooling fan I've heard computer ones are good anyone know? And where's the best place to get them?

[Stinktooth]

Staples has cheap computer fans.

[Prariecanuck]

A couple shots of the tank with euro bracing and overflow in place and back painted.
http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/prariecanuck/image_zpsd7a2e3d1.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/prariecanuck/media/image_zpsd7a2e3d1.jpg.html)
http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/prariecanuck/image_zpsee64faf7.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/prariecanuck/media/image_zpsee64faf7.jpg.html)

[Prariecanuck]

Staples has cheap computer fans.

Thanks I looked in store here and these none but online they do but they don't state the noise level on them.

[Stinktooth]

The sound they give off doesn't bother me.

[Prariecanuck]

What size did you go with the 4 inch ones I have cheap princess auto ones on my 90 gallon and they drive me nuts there so loud what would u compare the noise level too?

[mseepman]

Go to newegg.ca and pick up some of the larger quieter fans from there. All list their dba and there are lots to choose from.

[sphelps]

OTV in Saskatoon should have a good selection of quiet computer fans.

[Prariecanuck]

http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/prariecanuck/image_zps46fef855.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/prariecanuck/media/image_zps46fef855.jpg.html)
Test filled tonight no leaks so far but I'm gonna let it sit a few days just to make sure

[Prariecanuck]

So I haven't had much time to work on the tank thanks to minor hockey starting. But I finally got it salty yesterday and added my livestock and live rock. I'm using my old light system till I have time to finish the new canopy and wire all lights in place. So far everything is doing great and the fish love the extra space.

[lastlight]

interesting build but wow i'd never get anything done sitting there!

as for the seam thicknesses you could add vertical cleats but might be a bit ugly.

[Prariecanuck]

http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/prariecanuck/image_zps641f7436.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/prariecanuck/media/image_zps641f7436.jpg.html)
This is the tank last night after the love still cloudy but it cleared up. I changed my mind on the sand I want so ill be adding that later. Should be fun lol

[Prariecanuck]

http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/prariecanuck/image_zps2cf8567a.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/prariecanuck/media/image_zps2cf8567a.jpg.html)
http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/prariecanuck/image_zps92e41871.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/prariecanuck/media/image_zps92e41871.jpg.html)
http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/prariecanuck/image_zpsa9dd1db3.jpg (http://s923.photobucket.com/user/prariecanuck/media/image_zpsa9dd1db3.jpg.html)
Temporary lighting but you get the idea

[Prariecanuck]

I'm thinking of adding some macros to the display since I'm not gonna be adding much else in the way of corals. My question is which ones will tangs and angels leave alone?

[Prariecanuck]

Added some sugar sand now I've got a diatom bloom as expected. Stopped at bay side today and got a yellow eye kole to join the family. So far so good but I'm watching closely to see if I need to divide the him from the pbt and the regal.

[Prariecanuck]

Everything is going good so far. I got some free glass from a job site 2 10x6 pieces(nerve wrecking ride home) so this weekend ill be cutting it to make my sump it'll be around 135 gallons or so and then ill add a curve 9 skimmer but as for return pump I'm undecided and any recommendations would be great for both flow and brand

[asylumdown]

Holy crap man! As others have said, you're concentration skills must rival that of a monk if you're going to able to get any work done at that desk!

You've made incredible progress, it's looking outstanding. Question - why don't you want other corals? That would make a sweeeeeet reef.

As for your macro question... I'm afraid that you're probably out of luck with those tangs in there. There probably aren't many in existence that they won't at least nibble. Trapped in a box with them, that would likely spell doom for most macros that you'd actually want to keep (it's always the algae you don't want that tangs won't touch).

[Prariecanuck]

Holy crap man! As others have said, you're concentration skills must rival that of a monk if you're going to able to get any work done at that desk!

You've made incredible progress, it's looking outstanding. Question - why don't you want other corals? That would make a sweeeeeet reef.

As for your macro question... I'm afraid that you're probably out of luck with those tangs in there. There probably aren't many in existence that they won't at least nibble. Trapped in a box with them, that would likely spell doom for most macros that you'd actually want to keep (it's always the algae you don't want that tangs won't touch).

The reason no other corals is I'm wanting angels(got 1 this week) and maybe a butterfly or two so corals are out.
As for the macros I was kinda thinking that, ill be setting up a refugium in the sump anyways
Thanks

[asylumdown]

With a tank that size I bet you could get away with it. I've seen tons of 'award winning' level reef tanks (with both SPS and LPS) that have been stocked with angels and butterflies of various species. The trick I think is to have enough coral for no one colony to get overly harassed.

Whatever you do, it's going to be awesome.

[Prariecanuck]

Been a while since an update. Tanks going good i added a few new fish and have a bit of red slime algae I think it's because of the new sand added.
I have one thing I'd like opinions on and that is that I have a coral beauty about 3 inches long and I'd like to add more dwarf I'd like a flame, bi colour and a elibi what are people's thoughs on aggression will this work or will it be ww3 in there.