Help Design the 32' Monster reef

[fishon]

I am In the process of designing a 32' reef tank. Not sure how many gallons but it will be 3 tanks 130 x 30 x 30 end to end looking for info on some other systems that are compareable. Planing on going all the way (acros), I dont' have a unlimited budget but a pretty large one, I might have to cut some corners but not to many. It will be going in a casino. I have a 190g and a 90 reef tank that has been up and running for about 6 years so I have some experience with smaller tanks but just want to see how other people have set-up the larger ones any info would be appreciated.

[myreef]

Each tank is 506 gallons...will it be a common sump or separate sumps?

[josenestor]

Here are a few facts to get you started.

There are 7.48 gallons in every cubic foot of water.
Each cubic foot of saltwater weighs approx. 64 lbs.

Best of luck with this very ambitious project. Keep us up to date with some pics.

[fishon]

That will probally be one of the cost cutting factors with one sump I can have one of every thing (skimmer, CR , tanks for sumps, octapus, chillers ext.) instead of 3 but open for options.

[Clay]

Ha, some poor tang is going kill himself smashing into the tank wall when it thinks it has another 12 feet of reef to explore. That should be funny.

[getwet]

Now that's funny!

[JAH]

Wow, are you sure that is big enough?

[KenT]

I think you will need a sump and return pump for each tank. Might be difficult to balance the drain and returns.

[Cody M]

Sounds like a awsome project, we'll count on you to post pictures every step of the way! You can also find tons of info at www.wetwebmedia.com.
Good luck,
Cody

[AquariaUSA]

Originally posted by fishon
I am In the process of designing a 32' reef tank. Not sure how many gallons but it will be 3 tanks 130 x 30 x 30 end to end looking for info on some other systems that are compareable. Planing on going all the way (acros), I dont' have a unlimited budget but a pretty large one, I might have to cut some corners but not to many. It will be going in a casino. I have a 190g and a 90 reef tank that has been up and running for about 6 years so I have some experience with smaller tanks but just want to see how other people have set-up the larger ones any info would be appreciated.

Hi fishon!
Sounds like a nice sized project with the three tanks, but I have a few questions :)

1. Is this tank for you, or for a client? You mentioned a casino, so I am guessing it is for a client? If so, seems like obtaining high dollar General Liability coverage should be your first investment with the "large " budget if any corners are to be cut. Will you be doing this project, or having someone do it for you?

2. All the way with "acros"... This will kill the budget right here, unless we are over $50K, and/or captive bred acros will be utilized. The tank costs alone will be pretty hefty, unless labor is free. Lighting is going to be a massive endeavor, especially the costs to run 10-12 hours per day, 365. Then you have circulation. With pumps come lots of watts, potential heat reduction, and for the size of the systems in question...redundancy and power backup is a necessity. If the casino is willing to give you a minimum 100-200 amp panel that runs on its own backup, great. If not be careful.

3. Size of material?

4. Why only 30" deep?

5. Dealing with larger tanks is a whole different ballgame compared to the smallish ones (<200 gallons). Various factors can come into play, and could take up another entire post. :)