BowieReefer84

I am not able to "do it myself" due to lack of abilities. I dont plan on having a very large tank, and would get 2 tall and 1 short of those columns. I already have a tank that has been running for about 3 years with 50lbs of critter free liverock. I would use that in the sump. I really hate diy, especially when it gets messy like I am sure this type of work does. haha.

If you don't have access to the other side of the wall. (like in an apartment and the other tenant doesn't want their wall torn down) I am assuming you are going with a shaftwall assembly? Just curious.

It does cost alot more, but if you are doing say a 12 or 16 foot wall it would only be a limited amount of board. Also, you could build a thinner wall for a larger room. There are pro's and con's to both scenerios. I get your point and the price is a little hard to accept. On a side note, I have seen some new insulations out there that are made out of old denim jeans or something. The R-value was ridiculously high based on the thickness (I want to say it was like 3 1/2"). Not sure of the brand, but may be helpful in trying to get the highest STC rated wall possible. Not sure if you have enough space, but you could build a double studded offset wall similiar to this: http://www.your-home...d_Stud_Wall.jpg Although, I would use metal studs at 24" OC. Metal is better than wood for STC ratings. Not sure what height the wall will be but just confirm on your limiting heights tables the best option. If you could do 20ga at 16"oc and need something like 18ga for 24" oc I would go with the 18ga. I would use 6" track with 3.5/8" studs wrapping the insulation around them like a snake. Also, make sure to stagger your joints at the head of the wall, and use putty pads behind any outlets. The last job I was on was NCE right off 95, and the spec's were insane. Goodluck! ps: Always use a bead of acoustical caulk at the top and bottom of the wall!!!!!

To anyone who is thinking of creating an in-wall tank, and want to avoid the sounds from the pumps ect I would reccommend this product: http://www.nationalgypsum.com/literature/111029.pdf I used to work as a project manager for a subcontractor, and we used it on certain projects. The difference it makes is simply amazing. I have been looking at a lot of threads on here lately that involve construction, but no mention of what type of drywall is being used. I know that Capitol Building Supply carries or can get this product. With using this board there is no need to even bother with insulation. If you do decide to insulate I would go with a fsk backed paper. You cannot legally leave regular foil backed or paper exposed by code. Or you can drywall both sides with whatever insulation in the middle you should choose. If you are going to drywall both sides I would reccommend using mineral wool for the insulation, rather than fiberglass (it won't make you itch). The products I have talked about do cost more money, but when you are likely only doing a small section of wall it is well worth the expense. If you go with regular drywall and no insulation and decide it is to loud, it would be a pain to go back.... I am not planning on an inwall tank, but hope this information is able to help anyone that is in the planning stages themselves.

Wow. Don't think I will ever be on that level. Not that I wouldn't like to, but that must have costs lots of thousands. Plus to fill something like that with livestock . . . Very nicely done.

Rob, Although I never knew any kids who drowned by being sucked down to the bottom of a pool, I do agree with you on the rest of your statement. I am not going to go any larger than a 90 gallon on my next setup. I was under the impression closed loop had something to do with filtration. Now that I realize it just circulates the water I will likely do power heads. If I use those column rocks I posted previously in another thread I do not see there being any issues with flow. Thank you for your comments. I hear that pet place sends out coupons every so often to be used during the week. One of my good friends is a teacher and does nothing in the summer. If I get one, maybe he will make a weekday trip up there (only about 1.1/2 hours from him). Those MP series pumps cost soo much.

Thank you for that detailed drawing. Makes sense.

Please explain how a closed loop system works assuming I know nothing about them. Everything I am able to find assumes you have some knowledge on the subject, which I do not. Do you hook it into your overflow? Is it separate from the sump? How many pumps? I know nothing . . . .I plan on doing some SPS, and I hear this whole closed loop thing is nice. Thanks in advance. If anyone has pictures, diagrams, or links to build threads that would be great.

Not trying to change the topic on you guys . . . but, can I put Cheato in my display tank if I don't have a sump or hob refugium? Will it be good / bad / indifferent? I could do a hang inside or something with eggcrate in a corner....

Sure will. I was even thinking cut the bottom of the columns completely flat (not sure how) and paint the underside of the bottom of the tank black. No sand in the tank with a remote DSB. Put some superglue gel to hold them in place. I want a CLEAN setup. Current tank holds all equipment since I do not have a sump and it really bothers me sometimes.

I think it would be a lot easier to get good flow in the entire tank with the columns. I am constantly battling poor flow behind my "wall." Also, the spacing of the different "levels" allows for light penetration to all ledges of the rock. These will definately be on my list of things for a future tank. I am thinking man made rock, LED lights, and ORA/aquacultured frags. Would be both environmentally and economically efficient.

This should be tank of the month before it is broken down. Get someone who knows how to take some great pictures to go over and put together a nice photo shoot for this person. A tank like this is very rare, and it would be great to have some memories.

Old age perhaps? I don't think 84 for a day could have killed him.

You could auction off certain high value items one at a time. You may get more than you were expecting, and would not have to get rid of your system. Sorry to hear about losing your job. Good luck.

I have discovered these ceramic rocks on aquarium specialty, http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=146_237_258 I like how tall they are, and that they can go to the top of the tank and remain sturdy. I also like how they do not require any pvc, epoxy, or zip ties. I know they are expensive. Also, they have the plates that can be easily moved around to different heights. I am a big fan of open aquascaping, as opposed to rock walls on the back of tanks. I realize I would still need to seed the tank with live rock, and would do so by putting a bunch of live rock / rubble pieces in the sump. If anyone has any first hand experience with these products please give me your insight. I have not been able to find any reviews. Thanks.

We need a group buy for nice camera's. It is hard to compete with an Iphone . . . Wonder if this is possible?

How did you get an octopus back from Guam?!?! That's awesome! How big did it get?

They only live like a year . . . .They usually have one or two in stock at House of Tropicals. They also HIDE all day . . .not telling you not to get one, but I don't see the satisfaction in it.

Off topic, I just received an LED flashlight I ordered off of Amazon. Wow. Only has 1 LED (not sure the wattage or brand) and it is insane. Makes me want LED's over my tank even more now lol. Here is the light, http://www.amazon.com/Dorcy-41-4750-180-Lumen-Cyber-Flashlight/dp/B002OOZERY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1276282453&sr=1-1 Anyone who needs a flashlight will not regret this purchase . . . unless they look straight at the bulb as you will be temporarily blinded. They should make reflectors like the ones in this flashlight instead of optics.

Good question? lol. I have no idea.

Is it possible to use nitrogen tanks like for paintball guns? They hold a lot more air. Not sure if the CO2 is just supplying air or what not. I know nothing about reactors.

Thank you all for the helpful information. I have a question: What fixture would be better between these two? https://www.reefledlights.com/products-page/premimum-xr-e-q5-led-kits/48-cree-xr-e-q5-kit/ with dimmable drivers + $160 and with my own heatsink estimated at $50 = total of $575 OR http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/247689/i/1/product.web = $615 (without any coupons) The Panorama has a total of 72 led's versus the 48 led's of the diy. I figure it will take me a WHILE to put that thing together so I don't think an extra 40 is a big deal. Plus I wouldn't need to build a hood with the Panorama. I am just trying to get the good / bad comparison. I am sure there are things I do not know that should be considered. Thanks again for all the comments and useful links!!!

Why don't you not feed your tank a day or two, and on the third get a decent size net like 6"x6" to go at him with? Might get a couple extra fish in the process, but seems like it might be a worthy idea. I would put the net in the water first, then food, then lift. AND VOLA! Haha. Turn the pumps off so the food is literaly in one place . . .

How do you get on your email list? What type of emails do you send?

I fight low PH as well and have used Seachem marine buffer with good results. http://www.seachem.c...rineBuffer.html Doesn't fix the source of the problem, but seems to help myself when needed. Here is a good article http://www.seachem.com/Library/Articles/Marine_Water_pH_Control.pdf Obviously they are pitching their product, so take it with a grain of salt.