lukegroundrunner
New Member
Trying to get ahead of my move across country and get some design ideas for my new build. I always end up planning for what feels like ages but would like to build my new tank asap once settled so planning now. Quick background... Moving from NJ to AZ, will be living in an apartment for at least one year. I will be bringing some current tank inhabitants, mated pair of ocellaris clownfish, Royal Gramma, probably one lyertail anthias, and hopefully my yellow eye kole tang. I'm not sure on tank dimensions because I'm not sure if the space I will have yet. The goal is a tank that is as self contained on its stand as possible while still maintaining a classic sump layout. The tank will be run by my current apex and hopefully house my latest addition of a 2kwh backup battery that should be able to run the tank for at least 6 hours and possibly much more depending on heat and light demand.
On to the fun stuff.... The tank dimensions as of now would be 34 long 22 deep and 14 tall filled to about 12 inches, roughly 45 gallons. Most likely 3/8 low iron glass with a 2 inch eurobrace, I might go 1/4 if the cost difference is significant. The plan is to be 4 side viewable so all plumbing through the bottom. One 2 inch bulkhead will do both the siphon drain as well as the trickle over with no plan for an emergency drain, I've always had one and never needed one so hopefully that trend continues. This will work by nesting a 1 inch drain inside the 2 inch using a wye and reducing bushing, it's not my idea, I've read about it on forums before but never actually seen one done. This would leave another 3/4 return bulkhead and 2 more bulkheads of an unknown size for intake and return on a closed loop. I'm open to suggestions on the closed loop design. I think I would prefer one large diameter pipe for both ends on a controllable dc pump so I can get random very large movements rather than small jets in many directions. Maybe even use a pump controlled by the apex that is way over powered but only on briefly. I'm not sure... But I'm definitely looking forward to input on a new interesting way to have no power heads and get flow similar to the old school surge devices.
The stand will likely be split 60/40 leaving the smaller side for electronics and battery backup and larger side for sump and ato. There is a good chance the stand will be tall since the tank is shallow meaning that the ato should be able to fit under the sump and have plenty of access. It will be on leveling feet casters so if furniture changes it can be moved fairly easy with just removing some of the water. I want it to be a very nice setup because there is a good chance it will be my tank for the next 5 -10 years. I hope my tank after this one is in my forever home and in the monster tank category and the build alone for that will be measured in years.
Mostly just discussion and theorizing for now the build won't be for a few months. Please comment, ask questions, and give advice. Attached are rough design drawings. The one with stacked sump is actually a very old design I made but never built. I like the idea of using the brace for mounting lights to hide a surge device, that might be a better way to go than closed loop
On to the fun stuff.... The tank dimensions as of now would be 34 long 22 deep and 14 tall filled to about 12 inches, roughly 45 gallons. Most likely 3/8 low iron glass with a 2 inch eurobrace, I might go 1/4 if the cost difference is significant. The plan is to be 4 side viewable so all plumbing through the bottom. One 2 inch bulkhead will do both the siphon drain as well as the trickle over with no plan for an emergency drain, I've always had one and never needed one so hopefully that trend continues. This will work by nesting a 1 inch drain inside the 2 inch using a wye and reducing bushing, it's not my idea, I've read about it on forums before but never actually seen one done. This would leave another 3/4 return bulkhead and 2 more bulkheads of an unknown size for intake and return on a closed loop. I'm open to suggestions on the closed loop design. I think I would prefer one large diameter pipe for both ends on a controllable dc pump so I can get random very large movements rather than small jets in many directions. Maybe even use a pump controlled by the apex that is way over powered but only on briefly. I'm not sure... But I'm definitely looking forward to input on a new interesting way to have no power heads and get flow similar to the old school surge devices.
The stand will likely be split 60/40 leaving the smaller side for electronics and battery backup and larger side for sump and ato. There is a good chance the stand will be tall since the tank is shallow meaning that the ato should be able to fit under the sump and have plenty of access. It will be on leveling feet casters so if furniture changes it can be moved fairly easy with just removing some of the water. I want it to be a very nice setup because there is a good chance it will be my tank for the next 5 -10 years. I hope my tank after this one is in my forever home and in the monster tank category and the build alone for that will be measured in years.
Mostly just discussion and theorizing for now the build won't be for a few months. Please comment, ask questions, and give advice. Attached are rough design drawings. The one with stacked sump is actually a very old design I made but never built. I like the idea of using the brace for mounting lights to hide a surge device, that might be a better way to go than closed loop
