How would you spend 10k for a 8'lx2'wx3'h Setup

rdnicolas · #1 01-23-2008, 08:44 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm planning in building an in wall tank as part of my basement development and I'm looking for some feedback as to what kind of equipment I should budget for. I currently own a 77 gallon tank with 100lbs of lr which will be eventually be moved into the larger tank. I'm looking to get an 8 footer since I want to use my existing 4' coralife pro hood in the new tank and just pick up a second one.

shopping around, It appears that the tank I'm looking for will be in the 4-5 k range with starphire glass. I'm also budgeting up to 1k for used rocks and sand from fellow reefers.
This leaves 5-6k for everything else.

I have attached a layout of my development plans. one question I have is whether i've have made adequate space provisions for this system. Any suggestions?

Thx in advance

Reggie

TRIX · #2 01-23-2008, 01:07 PM

I would extend your fish room a bit. It doesn't look like you have much room bettween the furnace and the tank.

Der_Iron_Chef · #3 01-23-2008, 01:50 PM

Am I reading that right? 36" high? Wowsers! I hope you have long arms

I would look at spending the rest of your money on a top notch skimmer (Bubble King Deluxe 200/250 perhaps?), a calcium reactor and zeovit system. What about designing a convenient/practical water change system in the room behind? Do you already have an RO/DI unit?

You may also want to consider a chiller, considering you're going to be running some hot lights combined with the furnace/water heater behind, etc. And...ventilation/dehumidification might be a consideration, too.

mark · #4 01-23-2008, 02:19 PM

Like TRIX said it does look tight.

Could place items such as water mixing barrel, shelf for test kits, ro/di units, salt buckets in drawing to help.

36" you'll need room to get in. Think how you'll be mounting your lights, will they be on rails so they can slide out of the way and if so do you have room (furnace).

Though with the pool table close might be taking a chance but consider being able to view from side as well (corner tank idea or port hole). Some of the best tanks (I think) is when you have that large front to back depth. Or even consider different dimensions.

Here's links to tanks that give the depth perspective:
http://www.oregonreef.com/sub_aquascaping.htm
http://216.187.96.54/vbulletin/showt...&highlight=400
http://216.187.96.54/vbulletin/showt...hlight=plywood

Should also consider a laundry sink.

Whatever you do, need build pictures.

Doug · #5 01-23-2008, 02:26 PM

Welcome to Canreef Reggie. Looks like a great project. I will move this thread to the reef forum for a better response.

Reefer Rob · #6 01-23-2008, 04:01 PM

Yup, it looks too tight. If this is a fish only system the tank dimensions would be good. If you are planning on a reef I would go with 8'L X 24"D X 36"W. It'll be easier to work on, better light for the corals, and look way cooler.

mseepman · #7 01-23-2008, 04:22 PM

I agree with everyone that your room is probably a little too tight for the size of tank that you are hoping to have. A 36" deep tank will need some type of ladder or catwalk to reach into it and that will take some signifcant space from you.

Also, I was wondering why you put your sump as far away from the tank as you have. This just involves more plumbing, bigger pumps and more opportunities for problems.

Here is a good build thread for you to look at which shows some of the things you should look at.
http://www.reeflounge.com/showthread.php?t=24425

Otherwise, sounds great! By the way, how often do you have 24 people over to watch a movie? lol

Joe Reefer · #8 01-23-2008, 04:29 PM

Wow thats going to be a sweet pad. Look foward to pics.

untamed · #9 01-23-2008, 04:55 PM

Plan for RO/DI water storage somewhere in the fish room. You also need a sink and room for an additional tank for saltwater mixing.

I like that the sump is not squished under the tank, but I would try to find room for a longer sump as opposed the square one you have in drawing.

I also think that exposing the corner of the tank to the pool room is a 1st class idea.

sharuq1 · #10 01-23-2008, 08:20 PM

I would go insane trying to reach down 3'. Knowing me everything would fall down just where I couldn't get it with arm or grabber thingie. (Note: buy grabber thingie, lol)

A big sink I agree would be a great addition. Everyone has chimed in with some great ideas already. If you could vent to the outside that would also cut down on heat and humidity. The addition of an auto water change system would be an enormous plus for a tank that size. Make sure you put in lots of GFCI outlets.