Complex beginner build

[Why-Me]

Sweet build and amazing ambition!
You could fill the void with these, might look really cool under actinics?

 

[MrDellimore]

Impressive!
Have you planned out the rest of the build? Sump, pumps, powerheads, lights, actively cycling rock?
When are you looking to leak test her?

Thanks brother.

I have a loose plan with all the equipment, but so far I have:

A sump gifted to me from a friend. No idea the brand of size. The sump is going in the boiler room with 4 other water heaters so I will see if I need a heater. I might want to use roller mats instead of socks later on.

7 stage RODI

Ghost Overflow

20lb of reefsaver dry rock

If water holds I will be over the moon and purchase these for when I cycle:

Neptune Apex (with sensors)
Neptune auto top off
COR20 return
More dry rock
Two power heads (not settled on this but I am considering the apex power heads. I only want power heads on the rear of the tank since it is a peninsula)


If it doesn’t hold water then all this is just going to be a fancy fantasy lol

 

[MrDellimore]

Sweet build and amazing ambition!
You could fill the void with these, might look really cool under actinics?

Hahah that would be cool! the void is only about 1/2 thick though and if it works I wanted to find a way to aquascape rock onto the entire column so it looks intentional.

 

[MrDellimore]

I am heading to Mayalsia / Borneo for some free diving and catching up with friends.

I will return September 8 and by then I’m sure it will all be fully cured.

September 9 with me the day she gets water
hahaha

I’m really excited either way to see if this crazy idea works. Maybe I will start a poll or something for Leak or No Leak lol

 

[mcdrichj]

Really awesome ambitious project. When I first started to read this I was thinking wow this guy is off his rocker! However, as I see the build progress I see that you have put lots of time and effort into researching and crafting. Every time I had a concern about something it was already addressed in a few posts by the OP. I am extremely interested to see the end result of this build. Thanks for posting! This is a great inspiration!

 

[mcdrichj]

Do you have any updates for us?

 

[kpl_creations]

Super cool, can't wait to see it with water in it.

 

[Otrips]

Whoa.... The sump will be in the boiler room with 4 hot water tanks and the furnace? This will be a CO2/PH nightmare.

 

[Bosco83]

Umm I've been waiting for you to be back from vacation, we need an update ;)

 

[New&no clue]

The anticipation is killing me, does it hold water?

 

[Hall]

This is pretty amazing, I cannot wait to see what has been done since he has been back.

 

[MrDellimore]

Hi everyone! Thanks for your replies I feel so excited about the progress I made and this is the only place I have to share my joy :). Maybe my family will care more once everything is up and running. I've been fighting off some serious jet lag since I have been gone, but I made some time to do a few additions to the tank.

I added Euro bracing to the bottom of the tank and the top. The bottom looks a bit like a lego set or something now, but hopefully it will all be hidden with sand.

I put a 5/8" seal around every corner of the tank especially around the column where the glass meets.

I added an 8" horizontal brace across the top and on the glass column protecting the pole. The remaining part of the pole I coated with epoxy to protect from salt creep.

I did a small water test with about 40 gallons or so.. I lost count going back and forth with a gallon jug last night. So far there are no leaks, but i guess the real test will be when I fill it to the top.

Next I am going to work on plumbing the ghost overflow and sump. First I am going to do more traveling and I am heading to Greece, Morocco, and Spain until October 4th. My father is celebrating his 60th in Marrakesh and I am visiting some travel buddies from my time being a vagabond lol.

So once I am back from another travel adventure I will fill the tank and hopefully start cycling it with rock!

I have been poking around the forums for how people handle flow in tanks like these. I am leaning towards either vortex MP40s or a Gyre. I would love to keep everything all at one side of the tank. Being that the tank is 30" high I am guessing I might have some complexities with the depth and length to allow the flow to circulate adequately.

 

[mcdrichj]

I am very happy for the update! I cant wait to see this full really awesome!

 

[pgravis]

This is amazing. Love the dedication! Was going to say if it doesn’t hold water, do a dart frog vivarium, and add a reef on the other wall, but you look like you know what you’re doing! With this level of detail, can’t wait to see what your finished reef looks like!

 

[MrDellimore]

you look like you know what you’re doing!

Thanks man!!!

Honestly a lot of this project I have had no clue what I am doing and just spend hours on here reading other peoples mistakes and successes.

 

[Bonsai reef]

Awesome build! Following...

 

[pgravis]

Thanks man!!!

Honestly a lot of this project I have had no clue what I am doing and just spend hours on here reading other peoples mistakes and successes.

Anytime I jump into a project without really knowing the process, my wife says it is my arrogant naivety! We’ve accomplished a lot with that approach...along with our fair share of mistakes!
I’m envious of the build and the travel! Enjoy your next trip

 

[samnaz]

This is maybe the most inventive and certainly the most daring first build I've ever seen! wow. ;Nailbiting

ps the stand is a beaut!

 

[MrDellimore]

After another great holiday in Greece, Morocco, and Spain I finally got back home to test the tank holding water. I added water on Friday and it seems to be holding it fine all weekend.

The glass column covering seems to be keeping to pole dry as well. This has been a very tedious and long project but I am very satisfied with the results and excited to finally start reefing! I am trying to find some aqua scapes in 30" high peninsulas that I want to emulate so I can start cycling.

I have looked around for any other testing I can do but all I have found is just add water and see if it holds it.

Is there anything else anyone knows of that would be good to test is structure of the tank?

 

[mcdrichj]

Looks amazing! Your build is very exciting to watch. I wont be able to start mine for a while. You can test the structure of the tank with a straight edge along the glass to check for deflection. If there is some deflection note the amount and test in a few days to make sure the number isn't increasing.