Reef Tank Project Update - Build Starting Very Soon!
When I decided to start this blog, it was going to be centered mainly around my aquarium project, but I’ve since expanded the scope significantly and have really been enjoying posting and blogging.
The aquarium project is still real, and is just about to kick off. I will be documenting the build exhaustively and sharing progress and photos as things evolve.
In mid March I placed the order for all the components:
- 180 Gallon glass tank (6 x 2 x 2 feet) with 2 cornerflows (681 liters - 183 x 61 x 61 cm)
- 72″ Aqualight Pro Retrofit Kit with timer
- Hardwood cabinet and canopy
- Pro Clear Flex 300
- 2 300W Heaters
- Bermuda 5C Protein Skimmer
- Oceans Motions 4 way flow regulator
- Mag Drive 9.5 Pond Pump
- Reeflo Dart Pump 3600 GPH
- 320 lbs of Atlantic Coral / Aragonite Sand (145 kg)
- 150 lbs of Bali Alor Live Rock (68 kg)
The tank is currently being custom drilled, and is expected to be ready for delivery in mid April. My aquarium designer, Sean, is drilling custom holes for the circulation of water to be done via the pump and Oceans Motions using PVC piping from the bottom of the aquarium, rather than using powerheads in the tank. This is not only a ‘cleaner’ look, putting less clutter in the tank, but also reduces the need to clean and maintain the powerheads to prevent buildup and clogging. In addition, with the Oceans Motions regulator the current and flow varies as the sequencing of intakes changes ports.
When everything installed this monster set up will weigh in at approx 2200 lbs. ( 1000 Kg - A TON, literally!). So needless to say my wife and I are a little concerned with the weight of a small car being on a small section of our living room!
I’ve contacted a Structural Engineer who will be visiting our house to ensure the proper support is installed in the basement and ensure that the floor will withstand the stress without suffering any structural damage.
In addition, I will be hiring an electrician to run a dedicated 20 amp circuit breaker to the outlets where all the equipment will be connected.
As things get going I will be posting more frequent updates. I’m very excited to begin this build!
- Stumble it!
