Bengeeee’s 5 Tank, 1 Sump, 500 + Gallon Build!

[bengeeee]

Bengeeee’s 5 Tank, 1 Sump, 500 + Gallon Build!

 

First of all, let me say this build is long overdue but I will be taking my time with this.  It will likely be 6 months before completion.  I’ve chosen to place my build on WAMAS because of the incredible support I’ve received in the few months since I joined.  I already feel a strong sense of camaraderie here.  You get that on the bigger international boards as well to an extent, but WAMAS feels more like a club than a message board.  In fact I’ve already received tremendous help from people like Monkiboy, Swimmate, Miggs76, AlanM, the Avast Captains, and numerous others during my brief tenure here.  Not only have you all saved me money and frustration, but I finally feel like I’m getting to know local people with a shared passion for the hobby. 

 

But back to my build.  For a little background on me and why it has taken so long to get to this point see my intro thread here…. 

http://wamas.org/forums/topic/60675-newbie-here/

A quick recap:  I’ve been in the hobby for about 10 years, but work, school, injuries, and other financial obligations kept me from devoting enough time and funds to a true project like this.  One thing I have discovered over the years is that no matter how much time I have on my hands I will still find ways to not spend it doing the dirty tedious maintenance that so many of us put off.  For this reason I plan to automate as much as possible utilizing my RKE Net, a bunch of reactors, dosers, perhaps an automated water change system, and tons of cool Avast gear.  I also hope to design everything to be maintenance friendly.  I know the risks of tying everything into one central sump, but I also know myself and feel strongly that maintaining one system is my key to success.

 

Existing Equipment / Tanks in operation:

 

PICTURE OF 40 G Breeder w/ 20 g sump courtesy of Monkiboy (Temporary radion pro)

 

 

46 G bow front w/ 20 g sump.  This was my quarantine but when I got lucky with a tank break down purchase I temporarily retasked it's purpose

 (needs obvious maintenance).  Once my build is back up I'll redisignate this as a quarantine.

 

 

180 G Oceanic Display with 2* improvised waterfall 20g Rubbermaid sumps

 

 

Has the following additional equipment:

 

54 Watt UV, ASM G3 Skimmer w/ Sedra 5000 (currently awaiting parts so I have an old nautilus TE filling in), 3 * korallia pumps as wave makers, JBJ auto top off, 3 * Tao Tronics blue/white LEDs (Similar if not nearly identical to non-dimmable evergrows from what I've seen), 150 – 200 pounds LR, and a Reef Keeper Elite Net (need to set up Net module). 

 

I also have a 75 GPD The Filter Guys Ocean Reef +2, 6 Stage RODI System w/ Auto shut off and 55 Gallon reservoirs (AKA Rubbermaid trash cans).

 

Now for the master plan (ie new additions and old incorporations)!!!!!!!!!

 

I'm going to move the 180 about 20 feet to this wall.  Sorry for the mess things are starting to get chaotic down there...

 

 

 

Because I have to practically break the entire tank down to move it, I plan to switch around a bunch of things like the LR, finally get a background in place, re task pumps, and lighting for improved aesthetics, utility, and fish room.  Though I plan to link it to the sump with everything else, I plan to make this tank a FOWLR set up.  I also plan to run it in a hypo salinity state for a few months to weed out any problems.  Over the years I’ve learned true LR might be cool, but may not be the best if one wants to avoid introducing hitch hikers.  Instead I plan to start fresh with rock containing only bacteria.  I know I will lose cool things like feather dusters, sponges, and small crustaceans but after losing a bunch of SPS to unknown predators I think this is the right path.  The plumbing will eventually run back to the fish room.

 

I’m contemplating whether I should try to plumb it behind the drywall for a better look or outside the drywall with some type of covering, or I may even just leave it out if I think it will look ok.  The wall the tank is going on is a basement concrete wall so rear access behind it is not possible unless I dig up a few tons of my backyard.

 

I recently purchased this 110 Gallon 48 by 18 by 30 XH tank (you can see part of it in the above photo):

 

The owner claimed it would be cleaned, was an oceanic 4 sided star fire tank with the sticker to prove it, had no scratches, and was in like new condition, blah blah blah.  When I got there it was in the above condition in a poorly lit car shelter.  The sticker he claimed to have was missing, and it was dirty so I couldn’t really inspect it well.  Still, the price combined with the drive I already made, made it worth the risk so I loaded it up and took it home.

Of course upon inspection after a thorough cleaning I found several scratches.  I am trying to decide if I can live with them.  Here is the tank after an initial cleaning, and while filling up:

 

 

 

 

(filled with a broken T5 fixture over it.  Only 4 bulbs firing.  2 actinic and 2 12ks.

 

Well at least it holds water!!!!  Day 2 of the leak test and so far so good.  Now I have to decide if I want to re silicone it or not if I decide to keep it.  I already ordered some Black Dow Silicone 795 in case that’s what I decide (thanks AlanM and Monkiboy for recommending this in your threads).  On one hand the tank holds water, the silicone will not be that visible as it is going in wall, and I may not want to mess with it since it is currently sealed.  On the other hand, some of the silicone is chewed up and I’d rather re do it now than have to rip down a leaking in wall setup later.  I’ll have to think on this.

 

 

I am still not sold that it is star fire either, but at this point I’ll probably  use the tank anyways.  It will be going into this wall once the 180 is moved.  The wall is about 6 foot:

 

 

I Plan to incorporate a bar into it.  Something like this but more simplistic with drywall and a deeper bar:

 

 

 

This is the small  63 by 67 closet that will be my fish room (and that the tank will be installed in).  Space is at a premium, so I’ll have to get creative here.  Obviously the room needs more prepping like removal of the closet hardware, some of the drywall, and carpet etc:

 

 

 

Here is some of the rock I purchased from BRS sitting in the 150 G Rubbermaid I plan to use as a Sump.  They are huge pieces of their Pukani rock.  I’m pretty excited to get this stuff cycling.  As you can also see, the closet didn't stay empty for long and I'll soon have to pull everything out again:

 

 

 

 

I also acquired a 48 by 18 by 13 acrylic dual zone tank from DC Reefer that I may try breeding clowns with later.  It needs some work so it will be a later project.  Since I’ll be using it for breeding, I probably won’t incorporate it into the main system unless I decide to use it for frags or something… 

 

I will also have 2 additional 20 gallon tanks set up as jails, species, or frag tanks.  Thanks again to Monkiboy for selling them to me.

 

For filtration I will be using about 400 or so pounds of LR in the sump and tanks, tons of live sand, an ASM G4XX powered by either two Sedra 9000s or 1 Sedra 15000 (I haven’t decided yet).  I may upgrade the skimmer later on but for now that’s my plan as that's what I already have and I'm not quite ready to spend a grand on a skimmer.  I also have a swabbi and skimmate locker for the ASM so we'll see how that works out.   I’ll be using the following additional Avast products:

 

3 Avast MR 10 Media Reactors for bioballs, carbon, and GFO.  I will also be running Ozone with an Avast reactor, and Iikely incorporate The UV I already have into the tank somehow.  I know this is overkill, but I’m going to play with all my option once it’s up and running and see what I like. I hope to get everything on a manifold and power the entire system by no more than 2 external pumps. 

 

I also have 4 BRS dosing pumps and the BRS two part solution.  A little early for that I know, but it's there when I'm ready.

 

Lighting for the new tank will likely be provided by two Radion Pros I’ve recently Acquired.  I should have waited a few months until I’m ready, but I saw some good prices around the 750 new and shipped mark and jumped on them.  Of course, a few weeks after purchasing mine Ecotech lowered the price to 750 each (doh), but at least I didn’t lose money on them.

 

My main challenges are still time, funds, space, and a bad shoulder that necessitates I delegate certain construction tasks to my involuntary anti reefing friends, fiancé, and father.  That’s it for now.  Updates will be slow but I’ll do best to chime in with new progress as it comes.  Feel free to comment with any criticism or suggestions.  I have thick skin  .

 

Ben

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Shoelace]

Wow, this is going to be quite exciting.  I will be tagging along.  My head is spinning just thinking about how you're going to integrate everything into this system.

[steveoutlaw]

Nice.......following along.  Not sure where you got the rock, but I would avoid BRS rock.  Too many folks have had issues with it.  If you find some nice pieces, just dry them and bleach them.  That will take care of any hitchhikers.

 

Since you are looking for automation / backups, I would also suggest going with multiple return pumps and multiple skimmers.  That way if one ever goes down you at least have some pumping/skimming going on.

 

Good luck and let us know if you need anything!!

[AlanM]

I might say you have a real problem, but I think it's amazing. It's hard to picture what all the words mean and how the tanks will tie together without having seen where they all are and where they will end up. 

 

I aspire to having tanks spread throughout the house.  In a few years when this current reef is doing well maybe I will put a large fish only downstairs and get some non-reef non-invert safe fish in it. 

[bengeeee]

Wow, this is going to be quite exciting.  I will be tagging along.  My head is spinning just thinking about how you're going to integrate everything into this system.

 

Thanks hopefully the below photos help bring clarity.  I'm actually glad I did this now as seeing these things on paper helps a lot.

 

I might say you have a real problem, but I think it's amazing. It's hard to picture what all the words mean and how the tanks will tie together without having seen where they all are and where they will end up. 

 

I aspire to having tanks spread throughout the house.  In a few years when this current reef is doing well maybe I will put a large fish only downstairs and get some non-reef non-invert safe fish in it. 

 

Haha thanks Alan.  As I explained to your wife, finding a supportive spouse is hard to come by.  Mine might be too supportive but I wouldn't have it any other way.  None of this would be possible without her patience and shared interest.   

 

Nice.......following along.  Not sure where you got the rock, but I would avoid BRS rock.  Too many folks have had issues with it.  If you find some nice pieces, just dry them and bleach them.  That will take care of any hitchhikers.

 

Since you are looking for automation / backups, I would also suggest going with multiple return pumps and multiple skimmers.  That way if one ever goes down you at least have some pumping/skimming going on.

 

Good luck and let us know if you need anything!!

 

The rock I got from BRS is their dead Pukani.  I'll be sure to clean it well before I start cycling.  Hopefully I don't have the crazy phosphate problems I've read about some others having with other BRS rock.  I'll have tons of filtration and flow in all the tanks and sump to help combat that.  I guess we'll have to wait and see.  As far as redundancy, maybe I will throw in my ASM G3 and run a few tanks off mag drives.  Thanks for the advice.

 

Here is a quick diagram of what I am shooting for.  The dimensions are a little off and it looks way better here than it will for a long time but here ya go:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 4, 2013 by bengeeee

[Shoelace]

Eh gawd. Way cool. The fragrant smell of PVC cement shall be wafting through you house for ages!

[YHSublime]

And I thought I had a problem, that looks like a mock up of my apartment, without the in wall option! Following along!

[AlanM]

I didnt get that they were all on the same level with the sump. I will be really impressed if you can really plumb it all in with that shallow of a vertical drop and such long horizontal distances.

[miggs76]

Ben--I'd like to see this in person when you complete it!!!  This is going to be cool.

[bengeeee]

Eh gawd. Way cool. The fragrant smell of PVC cement shall be wafting through you house for ages!

Yes, I'm sure that will be one of the many stages that my better half does not appreciate

 

And I thought I had a problem, that looks like a mock up of my apartment, without the in wall option! Following along!

 

Ha yeah the tanks have already taken over half the basement. I promised myself I would keep everything on the basement level. While people like Alan and Monkiboy may be successful with their multi level tanks I just know I would regret it. Its partly to avoid floods and partly to avoid having to maintain / feed on multiple levels. I may change my mind though who knows.

 

I didnt get that they were all on the same level with the sump. I will be really impressed if you can really plumb it all in with that shallow of a vertical drop and such long horizontal distances.

I won't lie this will be a challenge but I figure if the Romans can make water flow up hill so can I! Ha jk of course. The two 20s will be on elevated shelves actually higher than depicted, and the 40 may be the closest not the furthest. The 180 may be tough but I think I can make it work. Edited November 4, 2013 by bengeeee

[bengeeee]

Ben--I'd like to see this in person when you complete it!!!  This is going to be cool.

Your welcome anytime.

[DCReefer1964]

Hey, Where is the WAMAS Members guest room? 

[monkiboy]

ben, when you explained it to me initially i did not envision this. the graphics are an awesome touch and i'm sure we'll help you as you plan this out. you seem very patient and that will help break this project down into smaller tasks that i'm sure you'll conquer successfully. i forget right now whatever it was you were going to pick up at my place, but i'll be delivering it to you so i can visit and take this into perspective and maybe we can help each other out with ideas. i'm trying to figure out a couple last few things of my build too.

 

getting it all tied into one system will be a huge bonus with one sump. i'm crazy eager to see this come together. i'm also curious about water storage and your changing station or plans. thanks for starting a build thread. only took me nagging you for a few months to get it done keep the updates coming!

[bengeeee]

Hey, Where is the WAMAS Members guest room? 

 

There may be room in the 180 if your willing to do some maintenance while your there

ben, when you explained it to me initially i did not envision this. the graphics are an awesome touch and i'm sure we'll help you as you plan this out. you seem very patient and that will help break this project down into smaller tasks that i'm sure you'll conquer successfully. i forget right now whatever it was you were going to pick up at my place, but i'll be delivering it to you so i can visit and take this into perspective and maybe we can help each other out with ideas. i'm trying to figure out a couple last few things of my build too.

 

getting it all tied into one system will be a huge bonus with one sump. i'm crazy eager to see this come together. i'm also curious about water storage and your changing station or plans. thanks for starting a build thread. only took me nagging you for a few months to get it done keep the updates coming!

 

Not sure what I have to offer in the way of ideas but your welcome to come check things out.  If anything I think I'm stealing ideas from you.  I was going to snag the eductors, but I'm really in no rush at all so if I grab them in a few weeks or your bring them in a few months it really wont matter.  I know where you live after all  .  As far as the changing station, right now its just two trash cans.  One for RO, and one for mixed SW.  I haven't done anything with pumps or automated changing yet, with the exception of running a 30 foot ATO hose to my RODI reservoir.  I do plan to do more automation with changing, but that RENEW has me tempted with it's redundancy and accuracy.  Looks like it would be perfect minus the 1K price tag.

[scott711]

very nice!