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T.I.B.E.T (The Incredibly Big Expensive Tank)

Time to pull that trigger!

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4 Comments
by
michika
, 09-30-2010 at 12:52 PM (1805 Views)
I got the final OK to re-quote the tanks (sump and display). So now I'm starting on the process of approaching each and every company on my list for a new quote for the tanks. The goal is to have both tanks in the house before the holidays, so we're leaving a lot of lead time to get those panes of 10.5ft glass. I have 5 places to get quotes from now; all glass, and there is now even a guy who I've heard (through the grapevine so it needs to be confirmed) that will warranty his work!

I'm putting up this image from March of this year. I want to feel 100% confident in my design, and I only feel like 90% there so far. So please comment, critique, ask questions.

A couple things that aren't properly described in the drawing;
1) There will also be front to back bracing, probably two stripes.
2) The intention was to use Ocean Motions for return flow with all those holes.
3) Tank will be lit for a couple of years with a MH & T5 combination while we wait for either LEDs to be a reasonable options, or for Kevin to build us reasonable option LEDs.

I am worried about the number of holes and if the placement will be acceptable in the long term?

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Categories
‎ Tank Entry , ‎ NEED HELP STAT! , ‎ Plumbing , ‎ DIY projects , ‎ Questions - Need some input

Comments

  1. mledford's Avatar
    First... Cool design!

    (IMO) if my calculations are correct, you have sketched out a main display tank of approximately 63 cubic ft or 472 gallons. My concern with your main tank is the single overflow. I would recommend at least two possibly three. Not counting the water for the sump, you're looking at needing to flow approximately 2,900 to 4,720 GPH. That's using the 6 to 10 times rule. I have friends that even flow total gallons by 12...I recently assisted installing a tank which was 12 ft long and 600 gallons, it had 3 overflow's...

    Of coarse, your back panel sketch with all the bulkheads laid out may be considering this, I just can't make out what their uses are since they are not labeled...

    BTW, Google Sketch up is free, and an awesome program that's easy to use for projects such as this. Makes it easy...

    Just my initial thoughts
  2. DETANE's Avatar
    If your by the L.A. area I have Direct contact with the owner of PFI. They make all the High End tanks for Museums and Mansions in the Southern California area. I can get u a custom Acrylic tank for about the same price as glass. W/ warranty. email me: detane@detane1.com
  3. michika's Avatar
    Mledford,

    Yes, your calculations are correct the tank will be about 472g. The reason for the single overflow was (because I'm still open to changes) to allow for all the returns on the back and side panel. All the returns will be fed by 2x4-way Oceans Motions. Prior to the sketch you see above we had the overflow covering the complete left side. I'm trying for a minimal number of extra powerheads or other various equipment in the display. Would you suggest I go back to exploring the one sided overflow? Or if not how would you adjust the single overflow into multiples?

    Detane,

    Thanks for the offer. I'm actually not even in the US, I'm way up north in Canada! Although I have friends that love to make giant road trips to California, I have to have Tibet built on site in my basement due to the set up of my house.
  4. mledford's Avatar
    Would you suggest I go back to exploring the one sided overflow? Or if not how would you adjust the single overflow into multiples
    Actually, I prefer balance in my reef. I would prefer if I was designing a tank with side overflows, I would have them on both sides rather than one. I'm "assuming" from the sketch, your tank is not a walk around install. With that being said, if your mind is set with a single overflow, ensure the size is capable of flowing your required GPH X 2. Also, I prefer my overflows on the back wall of the tank. (personal preference) Additionally, the last thing you want is figuring out that your flow through the overflow is not enough, and spending the money on a pump strong enough to turn the required amount of water and having it cavitate. I've actually seen pumps cavitate because they could not get enough water flow.... Don't let my preferences of opinions sway your thoughts, just ensure your designs are capable of performing to your expectations. A good builder will alert you to any problems in the design. However they rarely understand the flow requirements and will build it to spec.

    Just my .02