270g In-wall Tank Design

[jacob30]

I am upgrading (maybe pending approval) from a 110 g acrylic to a 270 gallon glass in-wall. These are the design features I am considering:


72"long x 36"wide x 24"high
Starfire front pane
external overflow
closed loop
Eurobraced
painted back and sides (black)

Here is a schematic of the tank that I am considering.



I am going to keep a mixed reef (SPS, LPS and a few softies).

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I am hoping to not miss any design feature that I will want later.

Thanks,

Jacob

[jacob30]

One question I have is about the center brace depicted in the diagram. I would rather not have it. What does this depend on? Glass thickness?

Thanks

[jacob30]

Another quick question to add to my growing list: Do you recommend a tempered bottom?

Thanks

[HOZERTHEBONEFISH]

jacob30

That is almost the identical tank that I just ordered. Mine is 72 X36X25 inches tall. I have a external overflow but no holes on the tank itself(only on the eurobrace) Your design looks solid IMO

From my conversation with a number of tank builders because I am no tank expert, you do not need the center brace if you have sturdy enough eurobrace and appropriate glass thickness.

Who is building your tank or are you still shopping around?

Henry

[jacob30]

Still shoping around but am considering Ocean Image or Miracles in Glass. I will be able to pick up the Ocean Image so that will cut down on costs if I go with them.

Thanks for the feedback!

jacob

[Black71gp]

i am shopping around as well.. keep us updated with what you find..

[reefboy1]

Jacob,

Congrats on the upgrade.

A few of things stand out.

1. The closed loop intake looks like it may be pretty hard to get too when you need to clean it (and you will). If you have to get to it from the back, it looks like the overflow may get in the way. If from the front, your live rock will get in the way and it's a long reach with a 36" wide tank.

2. The drawing doens't look like it's to scale. How tall is that external overflow? If the tank is only 24" tall (which means about ~21-22" viewable). So is the overflow 10" tall? Does that leave enough room to do any work below it? It looks like you have a few CL output ports located underneath the overflow.

3. How is your sump return going to enter the tank?

4. Is this barebottom? If so then your short height may be ok. Otherwise you may want to thinking about making a bit taller.

5. Do you plan to have more flow than the 1 closed loop? Have you considered Tunze streams? Otherwise you may want to think about adding a second closed loop.

Good luck. I'm just about finished with a 1 year long upgrade where I did most of the construction myself. After awhile these large projects can become pretty tiresome, but it's definitely worth it in the end.

Art

[tigershark4]

why are you switching from acrylic to glass?

[jacob30]

Reefboy thanks for the reply with some good ideas.

1. The closed loop intake would be hard to get to but I plan on having an island for aquascaping so cleaning is easier. Nothing will be within six inches of the sides.

2. drawing is not to scale. The photoeditor I placed the pdf file into distorted it. A few of the CL output ports will be beneath the overflow box. I am not sure of the size of the overflow box yet.

3. Not sure yet for the returns.

4. It will not be barebottom. I will go with a SSB or a faux sandbed. A bit taller may be a good idea (like 27")

5. One closed loop so far. I may add a few hidden tunzes also.

Thanks for the input!

Jacob

[jacob30]

Tigershark4,

As far as acrylic or glass:

I like the look of acrylic and the ease of moving it if necessary.

I do not like the scratches or bracing of acylic.

Also I had my acrylic tank crack on the back and top brace on my Tenecor. They said it was due to MH lights and that it voids their warranty (of course they do not disclose this on their web site and will only tell you this after the fact and try to sell you a new tank).

The biggest factor is the ease of cleaning the glass compared to acrylic

Still I am not 100% decided yet.

Thanks

[reefboy1]

Originally posted by jacob30

5. One closed loop so far. I may add a few hidden tunzes also.

Do you have room on the sides of the tank? One suggestion to hide the tunzes is to put external compartments on the side of the tank with a port opening into the tank to stick the nozzle into and slots allow water to flow into the compartment. I've done this on my new 375 gal tank and it works wonderfully.

I've found that Tunze streams are hard to "hide" if they are in the display due to the power cord. With that said, I have one in my 215gal and it doesn't bother me at all (but it is noticable).

As far as the height, remember that the tank will be similar to a piece of art work in the wall. A ratio of about 2:1 (length to height) of viewable area is normally considered pleasing to the eye.

Also, my newest tank is acrylic and I wish it was starfire glass...

Good luck,

Art

[REEF-DADDY]

You'll love the dimensions!

[jacob30]

Good news the budget has been approved by the boss!

I will begin to order parts in March and the tank around June/July.

How is this for the CL pump:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...1158&ast=&key=

and maybe one of these for the return:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=IK1135

[Black71gp]

i currently have a hammerhead on the CL for my 190.. and i iwaki 100 return with eductors.. may want to look into thouse.. hammerhead is a great pump... looks like a nice set up

[jacob30]

Picked up this baby today for the new tank

[LawGirl]

Well, Jacob, in my opinion, whoever approved your new in wall tank must be an angel sent directly from heaven. Sounds like you've got quite a backer there. I love the new deltec, that is amazing. Also, I understand you have new dimensions, 72 , 40, 28. Sounds nice. Since the wall you are using is fairly small, it should be a nice attractive proportion. Looks like your budget is going quickly though, especially with that monster Deltec sitting there. (nice) Do you think you can get a discount on your glass tank from the guy in PA, Ocean Images is think it's called?? If you have any trouble doing any negotiating maybe we can hook up and I can help you. You know Valentine's Day is tomorrow, maybe if you play your cards right, maybe your wife will give a little more on that budget of yours. You know some favors go a long way with women. You give out some of those "work" coupons along with a really nice gift, she might be handing out money. You know "I will cook dinner three nights a week for a month" "10 free back rubs lasting at least 20 minutes" I think that the reef forum here would agree, it's worth it!!! Oh and you have to clean up after you cook.

I think your tank ideas are first rate, I think your wife is pretty cool for loving your hobby as much as you do and supporting your tearing out a wall of your house you two just bought, to put this monster tank in the wall. Do a good job, keep a nice thread going on the construction and the equipment.

Love you lots, Your wife

ps, don't try to "hide" the Tunze streams, I will find them!! Go with the seaswirl in your closed loop system.

[john37]

hahahahahhahaha, i like the line on "hiding the tunze streams" freaking funny wife.