Servo's 850 gallon Upgrade

Servo · Jun 17, 2012

For those reading along, I'm considering a surge system instead of a closed loop system. I'm considering a cone tank as a possible storage tank option for a surge system with this tank.

I think this would give me the best possible options for emptying the entire volume. I would elevate it above the tank and hook it up to an actuated ball valve for the surge. THe Ball valve would be set on a timer based upon how long the return would take to fill up the tank. I plan on using 2 sequence Hammerheads for the return, with a tee off to the Surge. I'll plumb it so I can shunt flow away from the surge system incase there are significant micro bubbles. I'll be able to shut this off with company. I'm still debating the pros and cons, but this would prevent me from using a closed loop. I hated my last one so much.

Feedback?

Poseidon · Jun 17, 2012

I have seen a very innovative bubble less surge before, not that volume though. The bubble less surge used a "table" above the drain to prevent the vortex that draws the bubble into the drain. If your holding tank is large enough, you could simple have the valve close earlier, meaning more water stays in the surge tank, less bubbles in the main tank.

What type of ceiling height are you working with in the fish room? How are you going to control humidity?

_Alex_ · Jun 17, 2012

very cool build idea going here! cant wait to see it come together!

my father does HVAC and he has been talking ot me abouta split system that has the one big coil outside then has a unit in each room you want to controll the temp in. depending on the size unit you get you can put one in like up to 12-20 different rooms and control the temp in each room individually heat or AC. then the compressor regulates the size it runs at for the load it calling for, for example they can run down as low as a 1ton unit or up to as big as a 18ton unit all with the same system, just varies by what temps are being called for. and like you mentioned geo thermal is another good way, and if i can get the house were trying to get in i will probably put one in since it has a well.

Servo · Jun 21, 2012

Poseidon said:
I have seen a very innovative bubble less surge before, not that volume though. The bubble less surge used a "table" above the drain to prevent the vortex that draws the bubble into the drain. If your holding tank is large enough, you could simple have the valve close earlier, meaning more water stays in the surge tank, less bubbles in the main tank.

What type of ceiling height are you working with in the fish room? How are you going to control humidity?

Exactly! If you can prevent the entire volume from dumping into the tank, you won't end up with bubbles. I could always plan the design with built in drains above the overflow filter teeth so if the the increased volume of water pushes too much volume, I can have it dump back into the sump.

I'm designing the house, so I can choose the height that I need.

Humidity is my big concern. I'll likely get a over engineered fan to pull out the air to the outside of the room/house.

Servo · Jun 21, 2012

_Alex_ said:
very cool build idea going here! cant wait to see it come together!

my father does HVAC and he has been talking ot me abouta split system that has the one big coil outside then has a unit in each room you want to controll the temp in. depending on the size unit you get you can put one in like up to 12-20 different rooms and control the temp in each room individually heat or AC. then the compressor regulates the size it runs at for the load it calling for, for example they can run down as low as a 1ton unit or up to as big as a 18ton unit all with the same system, just varies by what temps are being called for. and like you mentioned geo thermal is another good way, and if i can get the house were trying to get in i will probably put one in since it has a well.

I've already decided on using the Carrier infinity zoned HVAC system. Great product! Thanks for the recommendation.

Servo · Jun 23, 2012

Servo said:
I've already decided on using the Carrier infinity zoned HVAC system. Great product! Thanks for the recommendation.

Well, if I go geothermal, I won't even need that. Here is the space on paper!

I'm going to discuss placement of a couple of the objects with some friends tonight!

jaesong · Jun 23, 2012

Haha, that looks amazing.

Servo · Oct 21, 2012

Ok, a little upgrade, and by little, I mean just that. I have decided to go with a fiberglass tank. After discussing the project with some very respected and experienced hobbyists, in order to quell my fears about losing $$$$$$ of dollars in livestock and mature coral from a busted seam, I'm best off with a public aquaria style set up. The downside, is that I won't have a viewable back wall, but I think I can live with that. At least at this point in time, I think I can live with that. I'm going to start more serious planning in the next couple of weeks, but I've finalized a tank size of 10 foot by 5 foot by 2.5 feet tall.

Servo · Dec 23, 2013

Well we have finally stared the work on our foundation. I am going to join the fiberglass tank club. There is a reason why public aquariums don't have glass tanks and it's not maintenance. I decided going that route to avoid any possible leaks. With that stated, I may go taller than I intended once I start to get some design sketches. The good news is this project is sprouting legs.