Melev's new 280g Starfire tank thread

melev · #1 07/20/2004, 05:00 PM

Hey guys, I'm about to upgrade to a huge 280g Starfire in the next couple of weeks. I'm buying it used from a club member, and will be adding to this thread as things progress.

Here are a few images to set the stage. First, the tank is going where my 55g is currently located, but it'll go in-wall:

The new tank will face the living room, but the right side will be visible too, so this corner will be cut out so I can view the tank from the end.

This is the other side of the garage, as you can see it is nowhere near ready. YET.

And this is a shot of the tank I'm getting:

Currently, the tank is on a 40" welded steel stand, which is too tall. The tank is 36" tall as far as I know, but I'm going to remeasure it.

Lighting is 3x400w 10,000K MH, and 2x(6' long) actinic VHO. What is that wattage, btw?

Return pump is an Ampmaster 3000, and the tank is drilled in the back - halfway down- for a closed loop. It has dual overflow boxes in the rear corners.

Two Tunze Stream pumps will move help keep the current random. A Lifereef Protein Skimmer and Calcium Reactor will handle those needs, and of course I'll be using RO/DI water as always.

The livestock from my 29g and my 55g will end up in this tank, along with all the LR I have. I believe I have 200 lbs worth currently.

Inside the garage, I'm going to build two interior walls, and insulate them from the heat of summer / cold of winter. It'll be my little fish room.

I do have to move the water heater, but will have access to water and a drain. That allows me to put an RO/DI unit in the same room as the tank. I'll keep my other RO/DI unit in the utility room as we like to make our own drinking water and it is handy.

My plan is to add an A/C duct to the ceiling of the fish room, and a vent fan (similar to those used in a bathroom). I may set up that fan on a thermo-sensor. Another idea is a window unit to cool the room, and create a plenum that would vent all the hot air of the window A/C right up into the attic area. I don't really like that option, because window units are not very energy efficient.

Access will be from the fishroom, but also from the front. Currently, I have no plans to access the lower section from the front. I need to remeasure the tank again so I can design the new platform/stand and make sure it is strong enough.

I hope all these details didn't bore you to death, and feel free to make suggestions, ask questions, and share your own experiences.

melev · #2 07/20/2004, 05:02 PM

Btw, no need to "tag along", just click on "Subscribe to this thread" at the bottom of this page.

TippyToeX · #3 07/20/2004, 05:03 PM

awwww yeah..!

I'm so happy for you Marc.

Better get it up and running before MACNA.

melev · #4 07/20/2004, 05:07 PM

It'll be up and running in approximately 14 days. None of this "my thread is 50 pages and still not a drop of water in it" discussions.

Bomber · #5 07/20/2004, 05:07 PM

cause taggin drives him crazy. LOL

I'm excited Marc!

PS. when you get ready for clean up critters let me know.

Bomber · #6 07/20/2004, 05:08 PM

14 DAYS!

melev · #7 07/20/2004, 05:13 PM

Thanks Bomber, I'll do that. What is wrong with 14 days? It isn't a dry tank, and I'm reusing most of the water in it. I'll make sure all is well with the plumbing, and then it'll be time to acclimate all my reeflings to their new home.

Bomber · #8 07/20/2004, 06:03 PM

I was thinking - knock a hole in the wall, finish it out, build a stand in the garage, plumbing, etc - all in 14 days!

BnG · #9 07/20/2004, 06:12 PM

I guess that garage door is going to open into the fish room?

I'll move that phone and alarm panel for you if you need help with it.

14 days man you do not mess around!!

Brandon

TippyToeX · #10 07/20/2004, 06:25 PM

To add to Bombers list you need to move a water heater, add an A/C duct to the ceiling , and build two interior walls.

14 days eh?

If anyone could do it, it would be you.

Bamm Bamm · #11 07/20/2004, 06:36 PM

That is going to be an awesome setup!!!!!

Azurel · #12 07/20/2004, 06:36 PM

Thats one busy 14 days....a case of red bull, a little determination and some 24 hour nights and you will be done......congrats keep us posted with picks as you progress.

dedfish · #13 07/20/2004, 06:40 PM

Marc, I think you should of titled this thread 'Monster Aquarium'. 14 days to do all of that! I'm starting the countdown!

Good luck! I am sure it will turn out fantastic!!

danellis06460 · #14 07/20/2004, 06:45 PM

Marc,

Thats awesome, I can't wait to see it done, 14 days and counting .................

needyreefer · #15 07/20/2004, 07:10 PM

looks like its going to be an awesome setup........ are you going to be moving your live stock in the 55 and 29 into the new tank?

peterlin98 · #16 07/20/2004, 07:25 PM

Sounds like alot of work. Good luck. It will be great.

melev · #17 07/20/2004, 07:31 PM

Thanks guys.

I just got back and the tank is 72" long x 30" wide x 30" tall. I'm really glad it isn't 36" tall. There is maybe 1" of sand in the tank currently, so it can be siphoned out and reused without issue.

Adding the interior walls is nothing. Cutting the hole isn't a big deal. Wiring and plumbing will take some time, and the ductwork can be added a bit later.

Yes, the livestock of the 29g and the 55g will go in this tank.

Brandon, if you want to help move the alarm panel, that would be great. On the other side of the wall, there is some type of alarm sensor, probably for the keyfob. I need to move it as well, so it will be outside the fish room. There is actually another phone jack just to the right of that door for some reason, so I'll just get a new phone and mount it on the wall.

When the garage door opens, it will just have a small room in the rear corner. I'm planning on adding another door in the new wall so that I can go through the fish room from the garage to the house.

Hopefully I can get the new area ready this Saturday. Final woodwork (trim) will come later, but for now I just want to get it in place.

reefnewbee · #18 07/20/2004, 07:33 PM

Quit postin' and get to work!...Just kidding. Good Luck

RGibson · #19 07/20/2004, 07:46 PM

Melev- how old is the 280 gal tank?

pi · #20 07/20/2004, 07:51 PM

Looks like a great tank! I bet it will be awesome. As for the 14 days, hell I saw a show the other night where they built an entire house with a pool in 7, no worries!

BTW, I have always wondered.... Are you really a stripper? Must pay great if you are in this hobby.

melev · #21 07/20/2004, 07:54 PM

The tank is probably about 6 months old.

pi, here are a few sample pictures of my work.

reefnewbee · #22 07/20/2004, 07:56 PM

hehe

thewuf · #23 07/20/2004, 07:58 PM

14 Days????

What's taking you so long? I think you can have it done by this weekend!

prafferty · #24 07/20/2004, 08:00 PM

This will be one to watch as you provide sooooo much info. Good Luck!

Blindmelonbob · #25 07/20/2004, 08:21 PM

Awesome upgrade. Gonna get more rock or have more open space? I'm jealous.