To assist with temperature control during Texas summer, I coupled a 55G tank in my living room with 3ooG system Under the Oaks.
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lol this looks like the craziest thing I’ve seen in a while. What exactly are we looking at here?
Very interesting set up for sure! Untill recently, I've never heard of a tank outside. Still haven't seen many, and this is for sure the largest/most elaborate. I bet water changes are an interesting endevour. I like connecting the refugiums indoors for some cooling during extream heat. Depending on your space inside, you may be able to make a stack of frag tanks, to give lots of surface area for indoor evaporation cooling. Similar to what you have already, but could be 4-5 tanks tall.
how much of a differance does the indoor tanks have on the temp of such a large system outside? After having so much set up to manage temperature, would you do it again? or would you go with a more traditional route of an indoor tank? How do you manage tank temp in the winter?
Very creative!
I’m gonna guess there’s not an HOA there.
@Reefs and Geeks
I noticed you are in Pittsburg. If you see Anthony Calfo, tell him his Cajun friend said,
“Laissez la bonne temps roulee”.
With respect to maintaining temperatures in the winter, first & most importantly, strict temperature control is not as important as reef hobbyiest maintain. Talk with divers that collect for Tampa Bay Saltwater or Gulf Coast EcoSystem. In February, I had a long conversation about sponges collected by Russ at live_plants. He was not diving that day with water temperature at 47 degrees. I am a macro algae & zooplankton Farm. I have maintained 10K gallons outdoors for sevenl years, probably before AlgaeBarn existed. Note what AlgaeBarn says about shipping temperature for copepods, between 45-90 degrees.
With Reef Under Oaks, I will pamper somewhat. Ground water well in Middle Trinity Aquifer has a temperature of 78 degrees. With a 5HP pump, I can move 25GPM at 60psi. With 500’ of polyhose submerged in 150G sump, I have a powerful heat source.
Thanks for sharing @Subsea , really facinating to see a dedicated hobbyists at work. One of the best posts I have seen in a while. You could sell tickets to tour those sytems, its like a marine manajorie. I often get a little bored of viewing standerdised aquariums. Its such a shame I am in the UK or I would be round with a few bottles of Yorkshires finest Old Peculier to browse your tanks and chat about your methods. Great work, look forward to reading through some of your posts. Best wishes from across the pond.
This is exactly what my house and back yard would look like if it weren't for my wife reigning me in!
This was an excellent overview of your methods. Thank you.@Reefs and Geeks
I forgot to address water changes, I don’t change water. I have been doing Triton Method for 35 years, the Chinese for 3000 years.
I rely on biofiltration tripod: algae, bacteria & sponges. Nutrient recycling grows my reef. If I need to export nutrients, I frag & sell coral. No skimmers & no socks. I use a reverse light cycle and allow coral & macro to exchange DOC. I do not carbon dose as defined by hobby forums.
To paraphrase Danna Riddle, carbon dioxide combines with carbonate alkalinity to form bicarbonate Alkalinity, which during photosynthesis forms glucose, which is carbon for the reef,
Occasionally, I use granulated activated carbon.