400 Gallon Coral Flat Project

[Northernseacorals]

Thought I would start a small tank journal for a new coral flat and equipment room.

This post is for pleasure viewing; as such I hope you enjoy a few photos here and there.

Tank is 96x48x20 Roughly 400gallons, sump is 180 Rubbermaid ToughTub, skimmer will be EV-2000 with Iwaki 100RTL.

Tank arrived today, here are some shots of the tank, and tomorrow I will take some photos of the new room it's going into.

Enjoy.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0903_zps1318c017.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0902_zps2978316a.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0904_zps43a33a1e.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0905_zps4ec57e79.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0906_zpsbba33320.jpg

Crate was a little smashed because the shipping company first left it at a local building supply centre mistakenly; they kind of crushed the crate with their forklift.

It looks to be in good shape after removing the top and inspecting the glass, I am overall super happy and a little excited to move forward with the project.

Other specs to follow :mrgreen:

[sphelps]

Cool! Following :)

[JDigital]

That tank looks identical to the one that has been sitting at Concept Aquatics for the past month or so...

Same one?

Look forward to seeing this.

[Northernseacorals]

That tank looks identical to the one that has been sitting at Concept Aquatics for the past month or so...

Same one?

Look forward to seeing this.

Same one yes :wink:

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

i have been watching Dave building it:biggrin:
If you see a footstep imprint on the inside glass...its mine (just kidding) this is going to be one crazy build.
I am Following this one.

[Snaz]

Good luck!

[MarkoD]

Wow, that's my dream size!

[Enigma]

Cool! I saw this sitting at Concept. The scale of this tank is something else. I'm really looking forward to seeing how you rig everything up.

I love the centre island overflow. My next tank is definately getting one. :)

[Leah]

:mrgreen:

[Northernseacorals]

Cool! I saw this sitting at Concept. The scale of this tank is something else. I'm really looking forward to seeing how you rig everything up.

I love the centre island overflow. My next tank is definately getting one. :)

I could not be more happy with the service, quality and craftsmanship that Dave pours into his products at Concept Aquatics (http://www.conceptaquatics.ca) I'm sold on his work, and will be a customer for life.

[michika]

Hahaha, I too creeped on your tank while it was at Concept. I thought it would make an excellent top down shallow tank and clearly it will.

This is going to be a great build.

[Enigma]

I kept envisioning how amazing it would look as the focal point of my basement. It would take a backhoe and a great big hole in my foundation to get it in, though. :lol:

[JDigital]

I could have swore this tank was only 16" tall?

[Parker]

Wow, it's sure to be impressive when done.

[Delphinus]

Just so I don't feel left out I feel compelled to say I looked at your tank too. I think a lot of people have been waiting for this thread to start, haha.

Should be an awesome setup. I can't wait to see this one progress!

[Northernseacorals]

I could have swore this tank was only 16" tall?

Heavens yes; I was in such a hurry last night that I mucked up.
You are correct, it's 16 tall.

Sorry :-)

[Northernseacorals]

Just putting a coat of primer on the ceiling right now; taking a quick water break while thinking about lighting...

Anyone thinking how many Ai-Sols should be enough? I was guessing around six...

[Northernseacorals]

Here are some shots of the room I am getting ready, I got new drywall on the ceiling, did some mudding a few days ago and finished sanding it this morning.
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0908_zpsd9c4884a.jpg

Eli I found your footprints !
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0916_zps05d18ed6.jpg

Still have a small area to cover over, also there is the Rubbermaid ToughTub, through the door is the back room, going to setup the filtration ect in the back room.
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0907_zpsb03fa256.jpg

Backroom.... still have some work to do in here.
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0912_zps64ecaa4f.jpg

Shot of the wall I just installed two baseboard on.
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0910_zpsea255ad9.jpg

Going to remove this nasty old heater and clean up the holes in the wall
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0909_zps3241ff6c.jpg

Primer is on the ceiling, now tomorrow I will paint the final colour ( it's a little darker than the primer; and the floor will be painted black.
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0924_zpsbc55c54d.jpg

Looked at one of these ductless Air conditioning units today, I was thinking it would be necessary in the summer, and pretty much year round for keeping the humidity down, found a great deal on this model.
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0899_zps3c1d7200.jpg

Ordered the main pump today, Reeflo Dart Gold 3600 series, and Vertex Puratek Deluxe 200gpd RO/DI and some random plumbing supplies.

Planning on a couple MP40's for flow.... still unsure if this will be enough.

[reefermadness]

Awesome.....is this going to like a frag tank or a display?

[Northernseacorals]

Awesome.....is this going to like a frag tank or a display?

Going to be a frag tank :wink:

[reefwars]

Going to be a frag tank :wink:


nice , i also seen your tank too at the shop lol love the dimensions:)

[Bblinks]

Cool, looks like a great project.

[michika]

Can you comment more on your ductless AC?

Where did you buy it? Why did you go that route, etc.?

[Northernseacorals]

Can you comment more on your ductless AC?

Where did you buy it? Why did you go that route, etc.?

I purchased it from this company http://www.airlux.ca for around $1,200 delivered.

I did choose this route because, I could install it myself and just call an HVAC company to come charge it up for $100 bucks, also it can be used to remove humidity without pumping heat into the space or cold air, the options with this type of machine were overall much better than anything else in the price range.

Cooling in the summertime will be cheaper than using a furnace or floor A/C unit, and it will be removing humidity without having to empty buckets.

The unit is very quiet, inside the building and the compressor outside, overall I was happy with the unit that I seen running on another building.

[Northernseacorals]

nice , i also seen your tank too at the shop lol love the dimensions:)

I hope to have three of these tanks going in this space by next year :wink:

[Ginu]

This looks like one amazing project. Will follow your thread closely.

In regards to there ac units, they are awesome and work very well (my wife's parents use the same thing is Russia and my grandmother uses the same unit in Romania without any issues or hiccups for years).

These ac units are very quiet and they drain outside which is nice as very little to no maintenance is required.

[Northernseacorals]

This looks like one amazing project. Will follow your thread closely.

In regards to there ac units, they are awesome and work very well (my wife's parents use the same thing is Russia and my grandmother uses the same unit in Romania without any issues or hiccups for years).

These ac units are very quiet and they drain outside which is nice as very little to no maintenance is required.

Excellent !

I was planning on running the humidity catch drain into a tub to be run though the RO/DI again.... nothing like a little recycling eh :razz:

[michika]

Excellent !

I was planning on running the humidity catch drain into a tub to be run though the RO/DI again.... nothing like a little recycling eh :razz:

I love this idea!

[Ginu]

Excellent !

I was planning on running the humidity catch drain into a tub to be run though the RO/DI again.... nothing like a little recycling eh :razz:

That's good water for watering a tree down below :) and it works really well. :razz:

[Northernseacorals]

Sorry for the long delay in posting some updates; I promise to get some more photos online of the new fish room; I was in the office today when I received a knock on the door!

( Reef Flo and RO/DI are on backorder )

Skimmer and Iwaki pump arrived,

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0942_zps13db17dc.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0943_zps12c22a71.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0944_zpsb513d779.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0945_zpsa0f32433.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0946_zpsda3bcaca.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0947_zpsf2de399f.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0948_zps8a57ad86.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0949_zps6a22d312.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0950_zps346a568f.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0951_zps5ae8777d.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0952_zps6c1e75bc.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0954_zpsc96e31e4.jpg



I was nice enough to lick up daddy's lawnmower blenny this afternoon
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0690_zpscbf0e927.jpg

[kien]

:pop2:

[Leah]

Soft kitty, fussy kitty....good kitty. :wink:

[Borderjumper]

Soft kitty, fussy kitty....good kitty. :wink:

Pretty kitty!

[Northernseacorals]

Finally finished the second coat of paint, tomorrow I will apply a third and possibly a 4th.... not super happy with the paint Canadian Tire recommended for use, I love the colour I picked; however the coverage is terrible.

Will also finish up the trim touchups :wink:

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0965.jpg

This is the back room where the sump, skimmer, RODI ect.. will be setup; right now there is a small server farm in there; I would like to leave the servers as this room will have it's own dehumidifier, still undecided if I want to relocate all of that stuff.

Going to remove this door and the kick-plate, put it back in level with the floor, most likely paint it as well.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0966.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0967.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0968.jpg

Worked on the tank stand today, it will be finished tomorrow... here are a couple of shots.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0961.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0962.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0963.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0964.jpg

More to follow tomorrow

[Northernseacorals]

Finished up the stand, built these small saddles to screw castor wheels to the bottom to roll the tank into the next room; I will remove the saddle's and wheels once in place.
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0978.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0980.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0983.jpg

Got the hole cut, now planning the best options for plumbing.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0986.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0987.jpg

Lifted the tank with the tractor, backed into the large shop, rolled the tank stand out in front and slid it from the pallet to the stand in a couple seconds.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0988.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0990.jpg

Floor is painted black, it's very tacky today and there is a little touching up left to do once I can walk in there again.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0982.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0981.jpg

[Ginu]

That stand looks awesome and I'm sure with the tank in the room, the black floor will not look so tacky.

What was the cost of the stand? I'd like to build my own one day, however my woodworking skills are subpar in my opinion.

[Northernseacorals]

That stand looks awesome and I'm sure with the tank in the room, the black floor will not look so tacky.

What was the cost of the stand? I'd like to build my own one day, however my woodworking skills are subpar in my opinion.

Price of the stand was just a few cents shy of $280 ( + a case of diet coke ) I'm no Mike Homes myself; however I'm pretty happy with how it looks :wink:

[Jason McK]

Very cool so far. Keep the pics coming
BTW I think you will be able to park a train on that stand LO
J

[Northernseacorals]

Very cool so far. Keep the pics coming
BTW I think you will be able to park a train on that stand LO
J

We just had that house shaker here couple days ago, I did not want to take any chances :lol:

[Northernseacorals]

Moved the tank in tonight because the floor is finally dry :wink:

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0993.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0994.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0995.jpg

I plan on building two stands on either side with three 60 gallon tanks each, plumbing will run along the back wall; I'm going to use the hole-saw to cut into the next room running the plumbing for everything to a central location out of the way.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_0996.jpg

Hopefully I have time tomorrow to finish touching up the floor; also going to start working on the equipment room....

Waiting on bulkheads..... and someone to get back to me about custom led lighting :wink:

[The Grizz]

I think most of us seen that tank at Concepts!

But I have to ask, just because it's me :biggrin: I see a Miller Mig welder in the pic of the stand build & just have to know......why wood & not metal for the stand?

Can't wait to see more!!!

[Northernseacorals]

I think most of us seen that tank at Concepts!

But I have to ask, just because it's me :biggrin: I see a Miller Mig welder in the pic of the stand build & just have to know......why wood & not metal for the stand?

Can't wait to see more!!!

Honestly it was cheaper to build out of wood, most likely going to weld the stands for the other six aquariums :wink:

[Zoaelite]

Sorry if I missed it but what sort of coral will be occupying the coral flat?















Cmoonnnnnnnnn ALL zoanthids!!!

[Northernseacorals]

Sorry if I missed it but what sort of coral will be occupying the coral flat?

Cmoonnnnnnnnn ALL zoanthids!!!

Going to be mainly SPS in this one; planning on another coral flat for LPS and one for softies.

[The Grizz]

Honestly it was cheaper to build out of wood, most likely going to weld the stands for the other six aquariums :wink:

Ah I see, for me metal is cheap the wood being in the industry & able to get whole sale pricing.

[Duker]

:pop2::pop2:

[Northernseacorals]

Ah I see, for me metal is cheap the wood being in the industry & able to get whole sale pricing.

Yes I bet you get a fantastic deal on metal man.

[Northernseacorals]

Quick update,

Some goodies arrived a while ago and I've only just now had the time to get at it.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1021.jpg

Excellent packaging

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1022.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1025.jpg

Few plumbing supplies
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1026.jpg

RODI
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1028.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1030.jpg

Sump room still needed a little love
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1035.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1047.jpg

Finished up all the plumbing ( 24hrs ago ) decided to have run a little water though the system and pressure test some fittings.
** no leaks **
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1050.jpg

I am going to change the way the skimmer draws water from the sump tomorrow, I forgot a coupler as I am going to draw from the other side of the sump... however still could not help myself to test things out :twised:

Got the water system all hooked up, works like a charm, trying to source two blu drums, have a couple of float switches and JG bulkheads on the way.
still have not decided what to use for an ATO.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1051.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1049.jpg

Test run with creek water

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1052.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1053.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1055.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1058.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1059.jpg

[mseepman]

Those black pipes...are they ABS instead of PVC? There is a running debate as to whether there is bad leaching from ABS...Google it and check it out for yourself.

[Northernseacorals]

Those black pipes...are they ABS instead of PVC? There is a running debate as to whether there is bad leaching from ABS...Google it and check it out for yourself.

There is a mix of both, I've had no problems in the past; however I do share your interest in the subject, thank you for sharing :wink:

[gregzz4]

Lookin' awesome with all that space
If you haven't decided yet, I love my Tunze ATO
It can pump as much as 250-350ml per cycle and, if that isn't enough for you, you can add the external pump adapter and run whatever pump you desire on 110-120vdc
I wouldn't trade it for any other ATO controller I've seen yet
I even have one on my 20g QT :wink:

[lastlight]

viewing your coral in that thing is going to be so much fun! looking good so far!

[Northernseacorals]

Lookin' awesome with all that space
If you haven't decided yet, I love my Tunze ATO
It can pump as much as 250-350ml per cycle and, if that isn't enough for you, you can add the external pump adapter and run whatever pump you desire on 110-120vdc
I wouldn't trade it for any other ATO controller I've seen yet
I even have one on my 20g QT :wink:

I will read up some about the Tunze model, thanks :)

Its good to see passionate words like "I wouldn't trade it for any other"

[sphelps]

There is a running debate as to whether there is bad leaching from ABS...Google it and check it out for yourself.

It's a bunch of garbage and a complete myth that will never die. ABS plastic is not only completely safe but actually used for most plastic parts you already find in your aquarium like bulkheads, power heads and those reeflow pump housings. ABS plastic is also superior against chemical exposure and is a thermoset plastic so it won't deform with heat, realistically it's better for our application hence its popularity in products designed for aquarium use. ABS pipe from your plumbing store was manufactured for one purpose and it's not going to meet regulations for residential potable water sources as it's not made for pressure applications. As a result many warnings regarding ABS pipe not being suitable for potable water applications exist but these are in place for obvious reasons that relate to the prevention of installing ABS pipe in your home source waterlines.

The latest buzz on this is the use of mildew inhibitors on ABS pipe, not sure where it came from but there is zero evidence of this and simply not true. ABS pipe is designed with a smoother surface on the inside which promotes better flow for drainage applications and it also reduces mildew and mold growth as there is less surface area. Perhaps this is the source of the inhibitor myth.

In reality, ABS pipe is cheaper than PVC, promotes better flow with smoother pipe and larger radius fittings, more available in larger sizes, resists chemicals better, and is easier to glue. People should really conclude it's better for our application but as long as there are people with keyboards there will always be a stream of misinformation to follow.

Anyway build is looking good bud!

[kien]

^we should make that a sticky! :biggrin:

[Northernseacorals]

^we should make that a sticky! :biggrin:

I agree totally; I did indulge in a little google search last night and pretty much came to the conclusion there is much BS about ABS as I've not had a problem in the past 15 years using it; and the search actually had me second guessing my decision to plumb with it once more.

Sphelps had a sound answer in my opinion, I think it should be placed somewhere to help remove the confusion and worry from people new to the hobby, and a few old salties too.

[lastlight]

it would cut down on the number of people trying to paint their pvc too lol.

[Northernseacorals]

Flipped on the RO system a few hours ago.... ( going to take a while ! )

The Vertex Puratek 100 GPD system is actually making water at a rate of 5g every 27-30 minutes, so it's working much faster than advertised, the source water is room temperature and that does help somewhat for sure.

Ordered roughly 900lbs of dry rock ( will be plumbing another 180 ToughTub in for the rock), salt and 2x 1000w JbJ True Temp systems, Apex with 4 of 8 slot power-bars.

Thinking about going this direction for ATO... anyone familiar with this model?
http://www.genesisreefsystems.com/proddetail.php?prod=01-000156-02

I emailed the company with a couple of questions, however still not committed :wink:

Next I am at a toss up over calcium reactor or dosing, I've never used dosing pump method before; however quite familiar with CA reactor and I would be interested to hear from people whom have switched from one to the other or back.

[gregzz4]

If you don't mind some more input ...
That ATO unit seems kinda pricey considering it only comes with float switches and no pump
I own no shares in Tunze :smile: but I'd say they don't compare
The Osmolator uses 1 float for backup and a sensor eye for the pump trigger. Plus it comes with a pump, and the latest models have an adjustment pot ( internal ) that controls the DC output to the 12v pump

PM me if you want some user feedback/install tips

[Northernseacorals]

If you don't mind some more input ...
That ATO unit seems kinda pricey considering it only comes with float switches and no pump
I own no shares in Tunze :smile: but I'd say they don't compare
The Osmolator uses 1 float for backup and a sensor eye for the pump trigger. Plus it comes with a pump, and the latest models have an adjustment pot ( internal ) that controls the DC output to the 12v pump

PM me if you want some user feedback/install tips

Quite right you are about the pump, and I do fancy the idea of the sensor eye system, well seems I've been on the fence about what system to use, I think I'm sold on the Tunze.

Will get one up on order tonight, when I receive it I might take you up on the installation tips mate.

Thanks.

[mseepman]

Not to question Tunze...cause their stuff is excellent...but you could also look at the Elos Osmolator. It is also a very good ATO...available at J&L.

[gregzz4]

I'll wait and see if the OP wants some feedback about the Elos before I clutter up his build thread more :smile:

[Northernseacorals]

I'll wait and see if the OP wants some feedback about the Elos before I clutter up his build thread more :smile:

Please, the more the merrier !

[Skimmerking]

Those black pipes...are they ABS instead of PVC? There is a running debate as to whether there is bad leaching from ABS...Google it and check it out for yourself.
At least he has water in his Tank :lol:

[gregzz4]

Please, the more the merrier !
OK then ...
I've looked at the Elos ATO and see some issues vs buying the Tunze ....
The Elos doesn't appear to come with hose, or a hose mounting system, and correct me if I'm wrong but I also don't see any kind of backup float or sensor for overfilling/high level

The only thing I see of note that the Elos has over the Tunze is the manual button for adding water, but the Tunze performs a pump cycle every time you plug it in, so that's covered
As stated earlier, there are tricks for setting up the Tunze, so I'll cover that if the OP PMs me, or wants to see it here :wink:

The Tunze has it all

Maybe some Elos users will chime in

[Northernseacorals]

Here is the suction modification for the skimmer so it will draw from the dirty water side.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1067.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/NorthernSeaCorals/IMG_1066.jpg

Going to play around with some baffle ideas possibly until the other Tough Tub is plumbed in.

[mseepman]

At least he has water in his Tank :lol:

Ouch!! Haha...way to go for the jugular! A point well taken though.

[Northernseacorals]

Ouch!! Haha...way to go for the jugular! A point well taken though.

Well it was dirty creek water :wink: