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es355lucille
03-26-2012, 12:48 AM
Scope of Work
To build an oasis where we can relax, drink a beer with friends and family, at the same time view a coral reef including fish. We decided to renovate the basement at the same time and build the aquarium into the wall. We decided to wait until the basement was completed before we completed the tank....so this has been 10 months in the making.

Aquarium Equipment
Tank 130"L x 24"W x 27"H
Capacity - 365 gallons
Overflow at one end

Sump - in the design stages, I would like to utilize the space under the aquarium for this.
Notes: Inlet/Spare area/refuge c/w lighting/live rock

Skimmer
Bubble King 300 external

Lighting
TBD

Closed Loop
TBD

es355lucille
03-26-2012, 12:49 AM
The furnace room had two furnaces and a large hot water tank. The one furnace was ready for replacement and the hot water tank was a close second. We removed the two furnaces and installed one in the back corner (we call him frankenstein!). The hot water heater is now a demand unit installed on the wall. (right hand wall)

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/P1010581.jpg

This is the new hot water tank and we love it.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/P1010584.jpg

Here is a copy of the schematic for the closed loop system.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/bradholes.jpg

es355lucille
03-26-2012, 12:49 AM
Bubble King 300 external....had to clean the gyproc dust off of her today!

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_4331.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_4332.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_4333.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_4335.jpg

es355lucille
03-26-2012, 12:50 AM
Tank Build
Tank Builder: Concept Aquatics (Thanks Dave!)
3/4" glass, beveled edges, starphire front and side glass, euro bracing.
This tank did not take long to build at all. I was so surprised at how fast a large tank can be put together. Damn! I had a picture of Dave inside this tank cleaning the edges and I have misplaced it!!!
Our floors in Cochrane are never level so I had to do some shimming. Once the construction is completed I will shim it up permanently.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_0774.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_0776.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_0775.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_0773.jpg

es355lucille
03-26-2012, 04:07 AM
Ok, I was not very good at taking pictures to document all the changes.....so here we go. We decided the tank would be well accented with: wood and stone. The contractor we used was beyond excellent and he did a great job!
The contractor is "Revision Construction" out of Cochrane. The guys name is Derek Kennedy and he is by far the best contractor we have ever used.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/P1010829.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/P1010827.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/P1010828.jpg

es355lucille
03-26-2012, 04:10 AM
Here are some shots of the tank from different perspectives.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_4342.jpg

I don't have a lot of room between the top of the tank to the roof. My initial thoughts were HQI/T5 lighting because I have some. I may have to re-think LED because of the space and heat factor.
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_4340.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_4339.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_4338.jpg

es355lucille
03-26-2012, 04:14 AM
Here is the almost finished product. Lots of freekin gyproc dust still!! Everything needs a good cleaning.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_4343.jpg

Here is the next phase of the project.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_4344.jpg

I purchased a slab from Black Forest Wood Products in Calgary and my contractor is going to install this along the front of the tank......OH YA, Bar top baby!!!

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/IMG_4345.jpg

wayner
03-26-2012, 04:28 AM
LIKE! - I'd be at the bar all the time - Looks Great!

christyf5
03-26-2012, 04:31 AM
Wow! That tank is spectacular already and it doesn't even have water in it! :eek: :biggrin:

Casey8
03-26-2012, 04:32 AM
I am glad you stopped posting more pictures, if not I will be sitting here for the whole night.

es355lucille
03-26-2012, 04:43 AM
LIKE! - I'd be at the bar all the time - Looks Great!

Thanks Wayner, you will have to come for a beer when its done!

Wow! That tank is spectacular already and it doesn't even have water in it! :eek: :biggrin:

Thanks Christy, we have a ways to go yet.....but we can see the light at the end of the.....uh well..... tank!

I am glad you stopped posting more pictures, if not I will be sitting here for the whole night.

LOL....Casey...no kidding, I had pictures all over hell....it took he a couple of hours to pull everything together. I am done!

Lance
03-26-2012, 04:55 AM
:thumb::thumb::thumb:
Beautiful tank! I love what you've done so far.

es355lucille
03-26-2012, 05:01 AM
:thumb::thumb::thumb:
Beautiful tank! I love what you've done so far.

Thanks Lance. It's getting more and more exciting as we get closer to getting water in the tank.

Delphinus
03-26-2012, 06:07 AM
Holy mackerel what a beast! That is some awesome finishing work too. Can't wait to see what goes IN the tank! :)

Foxface
03-26-2012, 06:48 AM
That is a great looking tank!!! Can't wait to see it when it is finished!

fishoholic
03-26-2012, 01:03 PM
Beautiful job so far, can't wait to see it finished :biggrin:

soaptray
03-26-2012, 04:40 PM
Are you freaking kidding me? This is gorgeous!! I might "borrow" some ideas here when I do my basement tank.

lastlight
03-26-2012, 04:49 PM
Holy crap that looks incredible I love it! Your choice of finishes and colors look amazing together.

Doc_Polit
03-26-2012, 04:51 PM
Amazing project thus far. :cool:

Can't wait to see fish in it.

Skimmerking
03-26-2012, 05:13 PM
that tank is sick love the stand and canopy too

reefgirl189
03-26-2012, 05:46 PM
I LOVE the bar top! What a cool idea.:biggrin:

This looks great and I can't wait to see it wet.

bauder1986
03-26-2012, 05:57 PM
Wow

fishytime
03-26-2012, 11:10 PM
The guys name is Derek Kennedy and he is by far the best contractor we have ever used.


hey!!!!:sad:


this is one sweet looking tank Brad.....I spent a good hour trying to figure out a way to sneek it out of your house while you were away:razz:

Ross
03-27-2012, 01:09 AM
10'-10" Long...
Thats not a tank, but a lap pool!

Great build!

sphelps
03-27-2012, 01:14 AM
Very nice!

Not sure if you considered it but you can use an enhancer on that stone to darken it up a little, you can test the effect with water before you commit.

es355lucille
03-27-2012, 02:00 AM
Holy mackerel what a beast! That is some awesome finishing work too. Can't wait to see what goes IN the tank! :)

Thanks for the assistance in allowing me access to finish my journal. I am done now. Thanks for the comments!

That is a great looking tank!!! Can't wait to see it when it is finished!

Quite a bit more work now behind the wall......but I am looking forward to it.

Beautiful job so far, can't wait to see it finished :biggrin:

Hi Laurie, thanks!

es355lucille
03-27-2012, 02:06 AM
Are you freaking kidding me? This is gorgeous!! I might "borrow" some ideas here when I do my basement tank.

By all means......Thanks for the nice comments!

Holy crap that looks incredible I love it! Your choice of finishes and colors look amazing together.

Thanks!......I have been thinking about this build for a year now....it took a while to get the combinations together that I wanted.

Amazing project thus far. :cool:
Can't wait to see fish in it.

Me either Doc.....but I want to take my time with the fish room and see if I can get that right. No clue at this point what I am doing completely. Thanks for the comments.

es355lucille
03-27-2012, 02:09 AM
that tank is sick love the stand and canopy too

I LOVE the bar top! What a cool idea.:biggrin:
This looks great and I can't wait to see it wet.

Wow

Thanks for the comments guys and gals! I am looking forward to getting the back room together...

Coralgurl
03-27-2012, 02:11 AM
Can't say anything that hasn't already been said, but WOW! This is such a beautiful build! congrats on a job well done! Can't wait to see how this progresses!

es355lucille
03-27-2012, 02:14 AM
hey!!!!:sad:

this is one sweet looking tank Brad.....I spent a good hour trying to figure out a way to sneek it out of your house while you were away:razz:

I have to appologize and make a correction. Doug is the best "Contractor" that we ever hired! And we have a dining room hardwood floor to prove it. Sorry Buddy! Also thanks for the tank sitting! We really appreciate that!

es355lucille
03-27-2012, 02:20 AM
10'-10" Long...
Thats not a tank, but a lap pool!
Great build!

You know Ross.......when you stand at one end and look down into the tank.....thats exactly what I thought when it was first built....Thanks!

Very nice!
Not sure if you considered it but you can use an enhancer on that stone to darken it up a little, you can test the effect with water before you commit.

Thanks sphelps, I will definatley consider what you are saying. I used that same product on the tile flooring that we did as well. Right now this wall is full of gyproc dust, so I am going to use a stiff brush first and it will brighten up quite a bit.......if not enough I will use the enhancer.

Can't say anything that hasn't already been said, but WOW! This is such a beautiful build! congrats on a job well done! Can't wait to see how this progresses!

Thanks Coralgurl!

subman
03-27-2012, 12:56 PM
Amazing setup so far. would love to have a pint at that bar!!

As for lights your only choice should be leds. After recently switching I can say this is the future, my tank has never looked better and the whole room doesn't dim when the halides fire up lol.

es355lucille
03-27-2012, 10:39 PM
Amazing setup so far. would love to have a pint at that bar!!

As for lights your only choice should be leds. After recently switching I can say this is the future, my tank has never looked better and the whole room doesn't dim when the halides fire up lol.

Thanks subman, we shall! I am always glad to hear the comments regarding LED's....I know everyone has their opinions on favorite brand name.....which brand did you go with?

KissMyWrasse
03-27-2012, 10:44 PM
LIKE! - I'd be at the bar all the time - Looks Great!

Thats the plan!!!:biggrin:

KissMyWrasse
03-27-2012, 10:51 PM
I have to appologize and make a correction. Doug is the best "Contractor" that we ever hired! And we have a dining room hardwood floor to prove it. Sorry Buddy! Also thanks for the tank sitting! We really appreciate that!

Yes thanks again for fishysitting!!! Let's pick a night when we can take you and Laurie out for supper. Also we will let you two know when the BAR IS OPEN!!!!

Sharon

KissMyWrasse
03-27-2012, 10:52 PM
Thanks for the comments guys and gals! I am looking forward to getting the back room together...

And I am looking forward to getting my KITCHEN BACK!!!!!:twised:

subman
03-27-2012, 11:22 PM
Thanks subman, we shall! I am always glad to hear the comments regarding LED's....I know everyone has their opinions on favorite brand name.....which brand did you go with?

I have radions over my main display and love them. I also have a sol for over my frag tank, but haven't set it up yet so no hope there lol.

fishoholic
03-28-2012, 12:31 AM
Yes thanks again for fishysitting!!! Let's pick a night when we can take you and Laurie out for supper. Also we will let you two know when the BAR IS OPEN!!!!

Sharon

Not sure when I'll be in town again but it would be great to go out together and I'd love to stop by and see that beautiful tank in person :biggrin:

padrino
03-28-2012, 02:37 AM
Ok, I was not very good at taking pictures to document all the changes.....so here we go. We decided the tank would be well accented with: wood and stone. The contractor we used was beyond excellent and he did a great job!
The contractor is "Revision Construction" out of Cochrane. The guys name is Derek Kennedy and he is by far the best contractor we have ever used.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/P1010829.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/P1010827.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/P1010828.jpg


Sweet job! Your build and my build on RC share a lot of the same designs and practices. Good to see others thinking the the same drift. I was planning on using the darker cultured stone from the same manufacturer.

Keep up the good work!
Rob

es355lucille
03-28-2012, 03:47 AM
Sweet job! Your build and my build on RC share a lot of the same designs and practices. Good to see others thinking the the same drift. I was planning on using the darker cultured stone from the same manufacturer.

Keep up the good work!
Rob

Thanks Rob! I will be checking our your build on the RC.

sharkbait
04-12-2012, 10:42 PM
This is an incredible build! I love the incorporation of the stone. Can't wait to see it filled and running!

es355lucille
05-02-2012, 02:03 AM
I used the actual inside measurements of the tank for this calculation.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/New%20365%20Gallon%20Aqurium/NewTankVolume.gif

es355lucille
05-05-2012, 07:15 PM
Something that I have learned from my 140g system is that I don't have enough sump space for water changes, so I have to move a small pump from one side of the sump to the other to do a proper water change on my old system. So I was thinking about having the overflows from the new tank go into a reservoir tank (RT) and then dump into the sump from one end run to the other end and then return to the main tank. (Skimmer hooked to RT) So I went out looking on all the reef sites to see what other people were doing and I found this setup.(**pic below is not my system**) This is the same concept that I have thinking about except I would have my skimmer hooked into the overflow or this RT. The water would then dump into the main sump and travel through baffling/live rock/sand/return. The fuge may be the first section of the main sump with variable flow control, or a section in the RT....internal glass box with circulating holes?/1 led light........too much to think about at this point.

If anyone has this type of setup or if you have any ideas please throw them out here as this is a perfect time as I am designing this as you read this. The main thing is that I would like a RT that is large enough to do a quick water change. 1.5" valve on side/bottom of the tank to the sewer for dropping the water.....well you get what I mean. Thanks!:idea:


http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/sumpplumbing.jpg

gregzz4
05-05-2012, 07:59 PM
Of, course, Dave is one person to look to for ideas :wink:

es355lucille
06-09-2013, 11:37 PM
Excited to be back. Job took me in different directions over the past while. Still busy with work and not home much....but ready to get this moving again. Parts found that I purchased last year!!! big smile on my face like a little kid finding presents under the tree at Christmas!!

I need a sump!!!! (Dave call me ASAP!!)

Happy to get time to read some posts. I see some new people and some old standards! nice to see. Hi to you all!!

Picture is recent. I have one spot that I need to add a piece of rock on the side of the bar area (far left of picture)...then outside is complete. This has all be completed for some time now.

Fish Room: I removed both furnaces and moved a new one to the corner. Removed the hot water tank and installed a tankless on the wall. So more room in the fish room!!

***Anyone convinced that LED's are the way to go yet? What brands? Models?

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/es355lucille/DSC_0829_zpsa52a81f7.jpg (http://s655.photobucket.com/user/es355lucille/media/DSC_0829_zpsa52a81f7.jpg.html)

es355lucille
06-10-2013, 11:28 PM
Guys and Gals,
I require your opinion on LED lighting.

I am running a 48" Sunbrite unit on my 140g at the moment. The only thing I am growing in the tank at this time are mushrooms. So the light works well for that..... and is programmable through my iPad.(another nice to have)

Now, I have a need to light my new tank which is 11' of tank x 26"D.

I need some help in deciding what lights to use. I have not researched this too much at this point, but I do know there are a few name brands out there to choose from. My first impression of LED lighting was "it looks nice" but did not work worth a Sh$t. I have seen comments of being too bright and not bright enough.

My goal is to find out more information from guys/gals using the LED lighting, in turn helping me to decide what will work in this large tank to support LPS and SPS corals.

**note: I do not require every sq inch to be illuminated perfectly, if there are a few areas of lower light intensity it will allow for a species that has a lower light requirement.

What would you recommend? Make/model? How many for 10'? thanks in advance.

Brad

ensquire
06-11-2013, 12:03 AM
I have Radion GEN 1 and they have worked very well for me for the last year and a half.. The set up is relatively easy and have had no major issues with either of them. It is also nice if you have Vortech powerheads..
If I was buying now and could afford them I would look at the Mitras and the New Radion .

es355lucille
06-11-2013, 12:46 AM
I have Radion GEN 1 and they have worked very well for me for the last year and a half.. The set up is relatively easy and have had no major issues with either of them. It is also nice if you have Vortech powerheads..
If I was buying now and could afford them I would look at the Mitras and the New Radion .

thanks for the info: I had to search for the Mitras......made by GHL correct? same guys who made my doser.

Razor
06-11-2013, 03:32 AM
I have Radion GEN 1 and they have worked very well for me for the last year and a half.. The set up is relatively easy and have had no major issues with either of them. It is also nice if you have Vortech powerheads..
If I was buying now and could afford them I would look at the Mitras and the New Radion .

I'm going with the Radions(G2) and a cpl of Vortechs with my new 180.

Spyd
06-11-2013, 11:57 AM
I still say, if you want to grow SPS and have it colour up nice, T5 lighting is the way to go! I know know the hydro bill would take a hit but there's no comparison IMO when it comes to growth and colour.

Saying that, I think T5 with some Royal Blue supplemental LED lighting is even better! Gives that extra pop and shimmer that T5's can't provide.

If money is no object on this build, the new ATI Hybrid fixtures with LED and T5 lighting look freakin awesome!!!!

http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-store/ATI-48-3x75W-LED-and-8x54W-LED-T5-Hybrid-Powermodule.html

By the way, your build is AMAZING! The finishing work is off the charts!!!

rhody605
06-11-2013, 03:58 PM
I have seen a few tanks with ghl mitras on them and they look fantastic. Subman has them and he has tried almost every big name led light and prefers them.

FishyFishy!
06-11-2013, 06:25 PM
I have seen a few tanks with ghl mitras on them and they look fantastic. Subman has them and he has tried almost every big name led light and prefers them.


Yup from everything I have read and seen, if you can pay the insane price of the GHL is the bees knees!

es355lucille
06-12-2013, 02:27 AM
I still say, if you want to grow SPS and have it colour up nice, T5 lighting is the way to go! I know know the hydro bill would take a hit but there's no comparison IMO when it comes to growth and colour.

Saying that, I think T5 with some Royal Blue supplemental LED lighting is even better! Gives that extra pop and shimmer that T5's can't provide.

If money is no object on this build, the new ATI Hybrid fixtures with LED and T5 lighting look freakin awesome!!!!

http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-store/ATI-48-3x75W-LED-and-8x54W-LED-T5-Hybrid-Powermodule.html

By the way, your build is AMAZING! The finishing work is off the charts!!!

You know I was waiting for someone to say T5's. I still remember Fishytime / Lobsterboy's tanks were amazing. I have only seen pictures of Doug's new tank. He looks to be having success with the LED's as well. But then I think Doug could grow sps with a light bulb!!
Thanks for the comments I like the T5 idea! The cost with dealing with bulb changes is the only drawback for me. Lower heat than the HQs.

es355lucille
06-12-2013, 02:30 AM
Yup from everything I have read and seen, if you can pay the insane price of the GHL is the bees knees!

Everything I have read on the GHL's comes out positive. I am hearing that they cover a lot more area of the tank. So maybe I can get away with fewer units? Maybe 3. Whereas the Radions I may need to have more of them.

Wow what a confusing decision. I think I will check out the RC and see what the lighting talk is.

Thanks for the comments!

es355lucille
06-12-2013, 03:49 AM
I am just documenting what each of the units looks like and their specifications. I have some threads from other websites below just in case someone is looking at all the pretty lights like I am :crazy::


GHL Mitras (there's a Mitras club thread, on the RC!)
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2219805

AquaIllumination Vegas
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/the-first-look-at-the-new-aquaillumination-vega-color

EchoTech Marine Radion XR30w G2
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2230060&highlight=radion+xr30w+g2

ATI 48" 3x75W LED & 8x54W LED T5 Hybrid
http://www.atinorthamerica.com/powermodule.php


The real test to all of these will be, whom is using them and are you growing corals? If you are running any of these at this time please let me know. Thanks in advance.

rhody605
06-12-2013, 04:30 AM
Check out submans build thread. He has documented some of the lights side by side. A good read.

es355lucille
06-12-2013, 04:31 PM
Check out submans build thread. He has documented some of the lights side by side. A good read.

Thank You, I will check it out.