New build starting soon :)

Joined
7 May 2007
Posts
1,106
Reaction score
11
Location
Hillcrest
I ordered my new tank today, 1800 x 700 x 700 (thinking of a water level of 650. Stand will be 1000 high. I am going for a side overflow box but I have time to change my mind.
The aim is to get this tank as quiet as possible and my current tank is far off the mark.

I also want to get an inverter for the return pump and a battery backup for the vortech's. I will be taking down my current tanks and using the equipment on the new setup.

Lighting will be provided via three radions (one has the TIR Lens upgrade, the other two will be done shortly.

Flow will be from two MP40s and the OR3500 return pump. I am leaning towards a Waveline because of the lower power consumption.

I may have to get a bigger skimmer, I currently have the Reef Octo 160 XS. It's a really good skimmer though so I would like to get a bigger model.

So that's it for the next two weeks while the tank and stand is being built!
 
I would personally not change that skimmer....more than enough...i run one! If you do wane spend moeny fit the new Diablo DC pump to it...low power and a little upgrade in one go! :)
 
Looking at getting the Tunze 6095 and the 7096 Controller. I would like some different flow in the tank along with the vortechs and I think these are good options. I have not used Tunze for a long time so anyone out there who has used them some input would be appreciated.

Trying to also find a supplier for Opti White glass in Durban. Battling a bit at the moment. The want to do this tank properly from the start and would rather take the time getting what I want than settle with standard glass. The front and right side of the tank are going to be opti white as they are visible sides.

The overflow, after a bit of thinking, is going to be on the left side of the tank and will be 40cm wide. I want to be able to reach it without too much hassle.
 
Look into the bean animal overflow. It works perfectly and totally silent, AOR has it on his side overflow as well so check out his thread.

bean animal 1.jpg


bean animal 2.jpg


bean animal 3.jpg


bean animal 4.jpg


standpipe-back.jpg
 
I am looking at a waveline return pump, the reason I am using the OR3500 is because I have it already :)
 
Collected my Tunze bits yesterday, 2 9095 and the 7096 controller. Easy to set up and very nice flow. I have them set on 30% on my small tank, anything more than that and it is cyclonic in there.
 
Glass arrived today so the tank will be built tomorrow. I will be taking some pictures and doing a little video if anyone is interested.
 
The tank finally arrived and have received and ordered some new equipment. I have ordered a new skimmer the Reef Octopus DCS 200. Received my Waveline 5000 and should be getting my bio pellet reactor.
I have settled with painting the back of the tank blue, I find that black is just too much while the blue gives a nice feel.
 
I wanted to get pictures of the entire build so there are quite a few! Excuse the chap with the cellphones, he was filming this for me.

Base was laid out, supported, cleaned and ready to start.

IMG_6885.jpg


I decided on a floating base so the back panel went on first. Silicone beads were run along the two sides and the base.
IMG_6930.jpg

IMG_6935.jpg

IMG_6939.jpg


The glass is pressed onto the base.
IMG_6944.jpg


Next the side piece is prepared.
IMG_6951.jpg


The side piece of glass is added.
IMG_6955.jpg


The other side is prepared and added.
IMG_6968.jpg

IMG_6981.jpg


Next the bracing for the bottom of the tank is done
IMG_6999.jpg

IMG_7020.jpg


The front bracing is added before the front of the tank is placed.
IMG_7094.jpg


Another tube of silicone later and the front pane is prepared.
IMG_7109.jpg


Glass being added.
IMG_7121.jpg


Bracing being secured and joints cleaned up.

IMG_7151.jpg


All done
IMG_7186.jpg
 
My equipment list is now finalised.
3 Radions (Tank is 180cm so this ought to do it)
2 MP40s
2 Tunze 6095 with 7096 Controller
Waveline DC5000 Return
Reef Octopus DC200 Diablo skimmer
(Reef Octopus)
Two Little Fishies Reactor for GAC
Reef Octopus BPR110 Biopellet reactor
Jager Heater
60 KG Caribsea aragonite and as much live rock as I can afford!

I have also ordered a new sump for this tank it will be 120cm x 55cm x 55cm.
The total water volume with tank and sump excluding rocks and sand is about 1000 litres.
 
@Smithers dude that tank is gonna be epic well played
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks @Fraser W, I am hoping it all turns out well! I have always wanted a big tank and the part that I love the most is the stand height. The stand is a meter tall and with the tank being 70cm deep I can stand there and look into it without having to bend down.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ya that way you can stand there and just lost in the endless structure.

When are you hoping to start filling her up when will the sump be ready and have you got all the bits of equipment or are you still getting something else

I drive down and stay in Kloof a few times a year would dig to come check it out sometime.
 
Last edited:
Ya that way you can stand there and just lost in the endless structure.

When are you hoping to start filling her up when will the sump be ready and have you got all the bits of equipment or are you still getting something else

I drive down and stay in Kloof a few times a year would dig to come check it out sometime.


I am waiting for the sump that should be here in the next few days. The skimmer and aragonite should be here on Wednesday and the bio pellet reactor on Thursday. I have the waveline sitting in a box waiting patiently to be used!
All the other equipment is being used on my current tanks.

I am hoping to start filling the tank next week. Trying to decide if I should use NSW or synthetic or a mix of both. I am leaning towards NSW as I can get a friend of mine to deliver a 1000l (at a cost of course!). Although saying that I managed to get a good price on Red Sea Salt from my LFS yesterday.

You are always welcome to come over, I am just up the road from Kloof.
 
Last edited:
Not a very productive day. Painted the back of the tank just put the second coat on now. I have also glued in some the bits for the overflow.
IMG_7210.jpg


Tried to get a picture of the glass edge. It is done really nicely. Super impressed.
IMG_7211.jpg


And lastly unimpressed kitten, not keen on the paint smell and the camera.
IMG_7209.jpg
 
Glad to see George still doing his thing

Don't think he will ever stop! His tanks and stands are built well, so I will always go back to him. Plus he delivered the tank and stand, he also carried it in. Good service me thinks.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom