12ft Tank Build Planning

[gms1234]

Hi All,

Looking at planning a 12ft tank build towards the end of the year.
Would be getting a custom built tank - 12ft x 3ft x 2.5ft High.
It would fit nicely in a recessed area of my living room, approx 1ft in the recess.

Currently I have a 6ft SPS dom heavy fish stocking, with full apex automation doing the reef moonshiners method.
I would be transferring across the fish and coral. I would have plan to increase the coral load but leave the fish more or less the same.
This new tank would have below tank sump, external to the sump would be ATO and Chiller (outside).

My plan so far is:
2x overflows weirs, one in each corner unless 1 is enough.
4x return lines - 2x return pumps. 1x chiller return and 1x uv return.

I am thinking a 6-8ft sump with large part (3-4ft) dedicated to a refugium and small section for some frags.
I am considering going for a triton style to remove the need for filter rollers as I can imagine on a tank this size I would be replacing them non stop. However am open to suggestions.

Flow,
Currently thinking of using wave makers. MP60's on each end and on the backwall. ?6 Maybe some gyros as well ?4x xf350's.
I am reluctant to use a close loop due to the fear of leaks with holes on the bottom of the tank. However it may make more sense. Unless I create a couple overflows dedicated to the close loop where the weir goes lower down the water level and pump back straight back out.

Skimmer.
Reef octopus Regal 300 or SRO6000 external

Pumps
2x Abyzz A200 for returns or may look at other idea's of similar flow. (10,000 GPH total). Duel pumps for redundancy.
Neptune COR20 for chiller (Already Own)
Neptune COR20 for UV (Already Own)

Lighting
?8x XR30's (I currently have 4 G6 Blues) I'd like to look at the PRO's this time and will likely start with a mix.

Chiller
Teco tk9000
or maybe look at swimming pool chillers as might be a more economical option
I currently have a tk2000 on my 6ft with 800L total volume and it works hard. tk1000 didn't keep up on hotter days.
i'd like to consider 2x chillers but my current back up option is to run the house AC.

Heating
Maybe via the chiller.
Or 2x 1000w heaters. Should be ample for the weather where I am .

UV
Thinking a Pentair 150w would suffice,
I currently have a 57w but I think that will be too small.

Dosing
Currently have deltec 1500 calcium reactor. would keep that for now and once I hit the limit of it then upgrade to the bigger model
Kalk reactor.
5x Neptune DOS - 8 for reef moonshiners , 1x NOPOX and 1 line dedicated to pumping out my skimmate

ATO
Remote in garage and plumbed through roof,
Auto refill via apex and RODI unit.
Plumbed into kalk reactor.

Neptune
Apex
Trident
5x dose
Flow sensors for return, uv, chiller,
optical sensors for ATO, sump levels, skimmer full,
usual sensors.

Refugium
2x AI Fuge light = would need another or more to service a 3-4ft refugium (currently have 1x servicing a 1.5x1.5ft fuge)

Power
Have dedicated line for the current tank. would consider a second. Depending on power requirements. Easy enough to do.
Have Solar with 40kw batteries and generator in case of power outage.

Humidity
I'm not anticipating too much issue with humidity.
We have doors and windows open all day in a fairly open plan house. We rarely use aircon unless above 30c.
Average humidity would be around 70%.

I am interested in feedback and ideas.

 

[Tatted Reefer]

Hi All,

Looking at planning a 12ft tank build towards the end of the year.
Would be getting a custom built tank - 12ft x 3ft x 2.5ft High.
It would fit nicely in a recessed area of my living room, approx 1ft in the recess.

Currently I have a 6ft SPS dom heavy fish stocking, with full apex automation doing the reef moonshiners method.
I would be transferring across the fish and coral. I would have plan to increase the coral load but leave the fish more or less the same.
This new tank would have below tank sump, external to the sump would be ATO and Chiller (outside).

My plan so far is:
2x overflows weirs, one in each corner unless 1 is enough.
4x return lines - 2x return pumps. 1x chiller return and 1x uv return.

I am thinking a 6-8ft sump with large part (3-4ft) dedicated to a refugium and small section for some frags.
I am considering going for a triton style to remove the need for filter rollers as I can imagine on a tank this size I would be replacing them non stop. However am open to suggestions.

Flow,
Currently thinking of using wave makers. MP60's on each end and on the backwall. ?6 Maybe some gyros as well ?4x xf350's.
I am reluctant to use a close loop due to the fear of leaks with holes on the bottom of the tank. However it may make more sense. Unless I create a couple overflows dedicated to the close loop where the weir goes lower down the water level and pump back straight back out.

Skimmer.
Reef octopus Regal 300 or SRO6000 external

Pumps
2x Abyzz A200 for returns or may look at other idea's of similar flow. (10,000 GPH total). Duel pumps for redundancy.
Neptune COR20 for chiller (Already Own)
Neptune COR20 for UV (Already Own)

Lighting
?8x XR30's (I currently have 4 G6 Blues) I'd like to look at the PRO's this time and will likely start with a mix.

Chiller
Teco tk9000
or maybe look at swimming pool chillers as might be a more economical option
I currently have a tk2000 on my 6ft with 800L total volume and it works hard. tk1000 didn't keep up on hotter days.
i'd like to consider 2x chillers but my current back up option is to run the house AC.

Heating
Maybe via the chiller.
Or 2x 1000w heaters. Should be ample for the weather where I am .

UV
Thinking a Pentair 150w would suffice,
I currently have a 57w but I think that will be too small.

Dosing
Currently have deltec 1500 calcium reactor. would keep that for now and once I hit the limit of it then upgrade to the bigger model
Kalk reactor.
5x Neptune DOS - 8 for reef moonshiners , 1x NOPOX and 1 line dedicated to pumping out my skimmate

ATO
Remote in garage and plumbed through roof,
Auto refill via apex and RODI unit.
Plumbed into kalk reactor.

Neptune
Apex
Trident
5x dose
Flow sensors for return, uv, chiller,
optical sensors for ATO, sump levels, skimmer full,
usual sensors.

Refugium
2x AI Fuge light = would need another or more to service a 3-4ft refugium (currently have 1x servicing a 1.5x1.5ft fuge)

Power
Have dedicated line for the current tank. would consider a second. Depending on power requirements. Easy enough to do.
Have Solar with 40kw batteries and generator in case of power outage.

Humidity
I'm not anticipating too much issue with humidity.
We have doors and windows open all day in a fairly open plan house. We rarely use aircon unless above 30c.
Average humidity would be around 70%.

I am interested in feedback and ideas.

You're basically building my dream tank! Please update us as you move along. This is something I'd love to do when I retire. Do you know who you plan to use for the tank yet? I've been watching some good stuff from GlassCages lately.

 

[gms1234]

You're basically building my dream tank! Please update us as you move along. This is something I'd love to do when I retire. Do you know who you plan to use for the tank yet? I've been watching some good stuff from GlassCages lately.

No plans on tank builder yet. Working out some rough costs to make sure it's feasible. Will be built in Australia so will need to find a tank builder here. Preferably local.

 

[Tatted Reefer]

No plans on tank builder yet. Working out some rough costs to make sure it's feasible. Will be built in Australia so will need to find a tank builder here. Preferably local.

either way, looking forward to following along

 

[gms1234]

Alright. With some more measuring and talking to some tank builders. Ill be looking more towards at a 10x4x2.5 tank. 12ft would be good but maybe bit ambitus interims of maintenance. Going from 12ft wide to 10ft will leave about 1.5ft each side that will be able to slip next to the tank and access some part way down the back.


While intention is for a triton style filtration to remove the need for replacing filter rolls regularly, I will be looking for options if I decide to go to a filter roller option. My backup option I am thinking of is 3-4x redsea 1200 or bubble magnus L. I'm open to other ideas, however I am in Australia so that can be limiting to be able to access some products in an economical way.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I can't offer any comments at this time... suffering immediate jealousy. Happens every time I hear of a 12' tank build!!

 

[Damage12]

I think you’re going to need more flow. MP60’s won’t cut it in a 10 foot tank. I’m in the process of planning a 9 foot tank and bought a Panta Rhei ECM62 for end to end flow. Probably run it at 60-70%. I’m gonna use 4 Tunze streams on the back wall likely as well.

 

[gms1234]

I think you’re going to need more flow. MP60’s won’t cut it in a 10 foot tank. I’m in the process of planning a 9 foot tank and bought a Panta Rhei ECM62 for end to end flow. Probably run it at 60-70%. I’m gonna use 4 Tunze streams on the back wall likely as well.

That's a good point. I think end to end flow will be lacking. I'll have a look at the panta rhei, doesn't look available in Australia but might be able to import from Europe.

 

[PPBlimpy]

Sounds like a fun build. I have dream plans of something similar.

What are you doing above the tank?

In my dream tank, similar to that size you could do it as a Faux built in, ad a swing/ slide out cabinet on each side to access the tank and ad wall above. If i had a recess like that and was doing a built in i would see how it would look shifted to one side to make room for a utility side if possible.

Have the top 4- 6" of the tank covered by the wall, only 24-26" of the front panel viewable and Run a closed loop thru the top of the tank. Put the lights on a slide so they can be pushed toward the back wall and build a catwalk the length of the tank that also is on slides that you can climb on top of and lay down to reach into the tank from the top. 48" front to back would take a lot of tools to reach everything.

Access to the sump thru cabinet doors from the front.

I really want to use solar tubes w/ LED supplemental for my next build - for summer months
then for winter I would still have the solar tubes but supplement with halides / LED ( would also help heat the house)

Following!

 

[gms1234]

Sounds like a fun build. I have dream plans of something similar.

What are you doing above the tank?

In my dream tank, similar to that size you could do it as a Faux built in, ad a swing/ slide out cabinet on each side to access the tank and ad wall above. If i had a recess like that and was doing a built in i would see how it would look shifted to one side to make room for a utility side if possible.

Have the top 4- 6" of the tank covered by the wall, only 24-26" of the front panel viewable and Run a closed loop thru the top of the tank. Put the lights on a slide so they can be pushed toward the back wall and build a catwalk the length of the tank that also is on slides that you can climb on top of and lay down to reach into the tank from the top. 48" front to back would take a lot of tools to reach everything.

Access to the sump thru cabinet doors from the front.

I really want to use solar tubes w/ LED supplemental for my next build - for summer months
then for winter I would still have the solar tubes but supplement with halides / LED ( would also help heat the house)

Following!

At the moment will probably do a open frame for the sump to start with T slot. Eventually would probably be covered with magnetic sheets of acrylic.
For the top I like the look of hanging lights on rails. However may consider some enclosure in the future.
Solar tubes sound awesome, I'll have a look and see if I can do that. The roof space is quite low and has solar panels in it so may not be able to get a good source of light.
I would like to a cupboard but don't think it would work with the window either side.

The gap wall to wall in recessed area is 4m wide. ?13.5ft and 400mm deep ?1.5ft.

Here is a old picture of the area. The tank would be centred where the Tv is now. My aim is going to be to have everything underneath the stand and the chiller plumbed out side. I think I'll have some challenges with a skimmer. I don't think I can use an external under the stand and am under the impression that the output cannot be uphill into the sump and unlikely to have enough height under the stand to raise it up. I'd like to keep the sides clear.

 

[PPBlimpy]

The windows definitely make things more complicated. Sounds like a solid plan.

 

[jsmkmavity]

Curious to see what thickness of glass they use, and how many eurobraces. That will be a really nice tank. You are going to need an army to haul it in!!!

 

[gms1234]

Curious to see what thickness of glass they use, and how many eurobraces. That will be a really nice tank. You are going to need an army to haul it in!!!

Got quotes for tanks being built
750mm high 12-15mm thick
850mm high 19mm thick
Not sure on the brace department.
Have to line up some other things first before accepting a quote.
I'll be paying for someone to put it on its stand, that's for sure. My 6ft took 5 of us and was a nightmare.

 

[lubeck]

Following

 

[BubbleAlgaeFarmer]

I think you should mock it up with cardboard or something similar. You may find that the dimensions make maintenance a real sonofa. There may be areas of the tank, that you just can’t get to.

 

[albano]

That's a good point. I think end to end flow will be lacking.

You mentioned putting the pumps on the back wall.., the flow from back to front should be fine… that’s what I did with my 6’x5’x27” 500g tank.
I’d also suggest researching acrylic tanks.

 

[gms1234]

I think you should mock it up with cardboard or something similar. You may find that the dimensions make maintenance a real sonofa. There may be areas of the tank, that you just can’t get to.

You mentioned putting the pumps on the back wall.., the flow from back to front should be fine… that’s what I did with my 6’x5’x27” 500g tank.
I’d also suggest researching acrylic tanks.

Thanks. Thats reassuring. I have seen people hang gyros from cross braces so that could be good option too.

 

[gms1234]

I think you should mock it up with cardboard or something similar. You may find that the dimensions make maintenance a real sonofa. There may be areas of the tank, that you just can’t get to.

Back centre would certainly be tricky. Might be a case of strategic empty spaces there