1000 Gallon Reef Build in the Works

[Sdot]

A lot has happened since my last post, but… I’m at it again. Another reef build incoming—and this one will be the pinnacle of my reefing journey (at least, that’s the goal).

The Tank:​

• 1,000+ gallons including supporting fuge...etc.
• Display tank dimensions (96" L x 72" W x 32" H)
• Designed to mimic a Maldivian reef
• Chose these dimensions for max aquascaping depth—critical for the look I want.

Key Equipment:​

• Lighting: 9x Orphek 960 Icon Amazonas (been a huge fan since the original Icons!)
• Flow: Closed-loop system powered by multiple Panta Rhei pumps
• SPS Focus: MRC calcium reactor for stability
• Main Pump: Abyzz A12000
• Cooling: Commercial Pequin split chiller

This isn’t just another upgrade—it’s my endgame build, tied into a new home construction. My current 300-gallon inhabitants (including my giant Magnifica, which now takes up half the tank!) will make the move.

More details to come as things progress. Stay tuned

 

[smitten with ocean life]

sounds fascinating!

 

[Sdot]

sounds fascinating!

Thats the goal...

 

[Euphyllia97]

When I’m talking about upgrades it’s like 75 to 125. I’m so curious to see and follow this build :O I hope I will be able to post the same kind of message in a couple of years!

 

[Sdot]

When I’m talking about upgrades it’s like 75 to 125. I’m so curious to see and follow this build :O I hope I will be able to post the same kind of message in a couple of years!

Thanks my friend... it seems to be a habit of mine... This one will come with a new house though!! But i dont plan upgrading past this... its alot... ROFL

 

[Reign1]

Really loving those dimensions .. Walkaround I presume?
" I love it when a plan comes together"
In

 

[Sdot]

Really loving those dimensions .. Walkaround I presume?
" I love it when a plan comes together"
In

im posting details of the floor plan... it will be a in wall system with a dedicated room

 

[Fish Fan]

Good luck with your project!

 

[Sdot]

The image shows the tank's placement in the room. For context: the slab will be recessed 5 inches with a floor drain. The tank will sit next to the wet bar, which only extends to the window. The blue box indicates the tank's location.

 

[ThisIsTheWay]

Oooh, I love seeing new mega tank builds
Those tank dimensions sound awesome. Are you planning to wade through the tank for maintenance or do you have plans for some sort of system that will allow you to reach the front?

 

[backbayreef]

Amazing— definitely following. I’m a sucker for huge reef builds! Love your choice of equipment, esp the Abyzz 12000 - I’ve never seen one in person though.

Flow: a friend of mine has these ECM63s - super reliable and efficient!

Congrats on the new tank (and house)! Please keep us updated. ;)

 

[TommyF]

Nice seeing you back on R2R! Looking forward to your new build, congratulations!

 

[mmorrison55]

72” wide? Holy cow! How are you going to clean or place corals in the middle?

Definitely will be the centerpiece of any room that it goes in.

Good luck and please post a lot of pics on your journey. Sounds like a build for the ages.

 

[Sdot]

Oooh, I love seeing new mega tank builds
Those tank dimensions sound awesome. Are you planning to wade through the tank for maintenance or do you have plans for some sort of system that will allow you to reach the front?

Great question... i will have something to access the tank from the front

 

[Sdot]

72” wide? Holy cow! How are you going to clean or place corals in the middle?

Definitely will be the centerpiece of any room that it goes in.

Good luck and please post a lot of pics on your journey. Sounds like a build for the ages.

Yes!! She's a big girl.... i wanted the depth for aqua scaping purposes

 

[Sdot]

Amazing— definitely following. I’m a sucker for huge reef builds! Love your choice of equipment, esp the Abyzz 12000 - I’ve never seen one in person though.

Flow: a friend of mine has these ECM63s - super reliable and efficient!

Congrats on the new tank (and house)! Please keep us updated. ;)

Thank you and yes i will...

 

[Sdot]

Nice seeing you back on R2R! Looking forward to your new build, congratulations!

Thank you... im never leaving the hobby... ill take long breaks though... ROFL

 

[Clowning_Around72]

Welcome back? Unless I missed something. I haven't seen you on here in some time

 

[mmorrison55]

Any updates or progress on this monster build?

 

[Sdot]

Hey – yes, I was just getting ready to post an update.

As some of you may already know, this new build is tied directly to the construction of my new home. We just signed the contract on the house (last week)! I know it took forever… changes to floor plan + revisions… lol. This is my first custom home, so it's been a bit more involved than I'm used to.

With that said, I'm now in the early phase of finalizing my equipment list (everything will be ordered together). I've been meeting with the home builder (Partners In Builder) and Aquarium Design Group – I've been buying equipment from Mike for nearly a decade now. Right now we're finalizing the room requirements: ventilation, drainage, and plumbing. I'm also at the preliminary stage of completing the room layout, and I think that will come together over the next few weeks.

I've been using AI to help with layout design, etc. Please see the attached images – just a heads-up, the scale and/or text may not be accurate, but I'll make sure to note that in the post.

I'd love to hear your feedback, as long as no one is offended if I end up going a different direction. This is a long-term build – I'm easily 1.5 years out from getting water in the tank. That said, this is the fun part for me. My equipment list has changed, so if anyone has recommendations, please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

MRC Orca Pro III Skimmer	1
Danner Mag 9.5 (Skimmer feed pump)	1
MRC® CCR-8618 Dual Calcium Reactor	1
Orphek Icon 960	8
Penguin 2 ton split Chiller	1
Danner Mag 36 (Chiller feed pump)	1
FX-STP Continuous Duty Dosing Pump – Kamoer (Calcium reactor feed pump)	1
Panta Rhei HydroTube 63 (Display water movement)	2
Abyzz A1200 (Return pump)	1

Below is a potential layout for close loops on the Panta Rhei's