Elements of a custom tank

[kf2008]

Soliciting thoughts/recommendations:

If you were to order a custom rimless tank, what specifically would be considered must haves?</em>

- at least 3 sides, low-iron/starphire glass
- height dependent, but at least 3/8" to 1/2" thickness
- blackened rear glass and PVC bottom?
- overflow box - external or internal?
- coast to coast bean animal style?
- bulkhead or pre-drilled hole sizes?
- ????

Thanks!

 

[elfloyd]

<ul>
<li>at least 3 sides, low-iron/starphire glass</li>
<li>

YES / Maybe, sides depend on location of tank.​

</li>
<li>height dependent, but at least 3/8" to 1/2" thickness</li>
<li>

Maybe, could be influenced by glass/acrylic, or type of bracing used.​

</li>
<li>blackened rear glass and PVC bottom?</li>
<li>

Maybe. Could be DIY black paint. PVC bottom nice addition but not mandatory​

</li>
<li>overflow box - external or internal?</li>
<li>

Depends on cosmetic goals and room behind tank. (I prefer external)​

</li>
<li>coast to coast bean animal style?</li>
<li>

Depends on cosmetic goals and room behind tank. (I prefer external)​

</li>
<li>bulkhead or pre-drilled hole sizes?</li>
<li>

Not sure of the question. Bulkhead and pre-drilled holes go together.​

</li>
</ul>


I would add one more... Black silicon. Again, depends on cosmetic goals.

 

[kf2008]

Thanks for the response. As it relates to pre-drilled holes, I'm wondering what's the ideal size.

 

[sewer urchin]

I think a lot of the answers are subjective to flow of the tank and to a lesser degree to the size of the tank. A 2 inch bulk head on a biocube 14 doesn't work to well ( It may but I've never tried it)

Sound like you are starting to look at doing a new build what size are you looking at? What's the whole picture... are you going for a specific biotope, Will it be a NPS, SPS LPS system, sump, skimmer, reactors.

Looking back now, kinda wished I picked a specific design and equipment for that design rather then just grabbing what ever I could find.

 

[kf2008]

Sewer Urchin;831121 wrote:
Sound like you are starting to look at doing a new build what size are you looking at? What's the whole picture... are you going for a specific biotope, Will it be a NPS, SPS LPS system, sump, skimmer, reactors.

Yes, I am exploring ideas on a tank build. Not looking for anything big, perhaps rimless setup at 60 to 80 gallon range, sump, skimmer and reactor setup.

While it is very preferential, I wanted to get thoughts on setup. Specifically, if you have to do it all over again, what would you do differently from a reef tank setup standpoint?

Btw, it'll be a mixed reef setup though SPS dominant. I have an active setup now but looking to upgrade.

 

[fidofence]

Do the 1/2" thick glass for sure, it is much nicer on the rimless and PVC bottom, and bump size to the 90 range, it sucks when you run out of real estate, I hear some fans of the bean but I haven't owned one, and mrc can build you a sump so pretty you don't want to close the door on the cabinent

 

[rdnelson]

Can't say enough good stuff about the Bean Animal Overflow. Given a choice I will never have anything but.

 

[ripped tide]

Tom, you gonna bite the bullet and finally do it?

 

[fidofence]

He's all talk and no action until he proves us otherwise.lol

 

[ripped tide]

Bahahaha! Tom, sounds like you're being challenged.


I'll second what Chris said.

 

[kf2008]

LOL!! With friends like you guys.........brutal.

Yes, I have capitulated to the upgrade bug. Attached are pics of my current tank, which is out of room. Been giving someone (you know who you are) my corals to make room and I recently bought a few cool pieces online.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend>

>

class="gc-images" title="ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1358818811.894643.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1358818825.934268.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1358818838.580771.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1358818850.812920.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a> </fieldset>

 

[ripped tide]

That tank is looking GREAT! Nice job.

 

[kf2008]

Ripped Tide;831205 wrote: That tank is looking GREAT! Nice job.

Thanks man......been fighting aiptasia and I'm currently on the losing end.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[rdnelson]

Tank looks fantastic. Love that Scoly. . But yeah time to go bigger. Hehehehe

 

[kf2008]

Fidofence;831176 wrote: Do the 1/2" thick glass for sure, it is much nicer on the rimless and PVC bottom, and bump size to the 90 range, it sucks when you run out of real estate, I hear some fans of the bean but I haven't owned one, and mrc can build you a sump so pretty you don't want to close the door on the cabinent

Would 3/8" thickness be ok for 20" height? I'm getting mixed signals from fabricators.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[ripped tide]

kf2008;831207 wrote: Thanks man......been fighting aiptasia and I'm currently on the losing end.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

That is one thing I haven't had to deal with in my tank. The copperband (coming up on one year) keeps an aiptasia free tank.

 

[kf2008]

rdnelson99;831208 wrote: Tank looks fantastic. Love that Scoly. . But yeah time to go bigger. Hehehehe

Hehe......thanks. My bro has your scoly, I think and I've been trying to "steal" it from him. He has a big dog.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[rdnelson]

kf2008;831209 wrote: Would 3/8" thickness be ok for 20" height? I'm getting mixed signals from fabricators.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Just for reference. My tank is 72" long x 24" tall. When the center brace failed it bowed e ought to convince me to fabricate a new center brace. If you have the chance, I would go thicker unless weight is an issue.

LOL on the big dog.

 

[rdnelson]

leveldrummer;831223 wrote: i would want an external overflow with 3 holes for a bean animal drain, im running a bean animal now, they are super silent, and 2 back up emergency drains really means you dont worry as much about an issue with overflow.

i would have 2 return holes drilled on either side of the overflow with a SQWD or something silmilar to add a little random flow pattern to the mix.

as others have said, black back, pvc bottom. black silicone.

+1000000 on silent.

Tom, if you want to see just how silent come on over and check mine out. You will be amazed. Of course if you happen to drop that Scoly in my tank at the same time I won't complain much. Hehehehe

 

[fidofence]

Tom, after looking at your tank you might need a 120, it looks good but the corals are as tight as high rises in Manhatten