500G Reef Tank in Puerto Rico - Page 6

Rowdeus · 07/04/2011, 10:33 AM

Man i can't wait to see this up and running.

paola98santana · 07/04/2011, 07:05 PM

Con calma mi amigo, es como te dicen, un tanque a la vez...

My friend just concentrate in one project at the time, nothing is impossible but think and be patience.

Good luck..

JanVelazquez · 07/05/2011, 03:25 PM

I am in the process of designing the plumbing and I have to take this into consideration.

I was thinking of getting a 1hp external pump to run the tank, filters, skimmer, etc. With a seccond 1hp pump as a backup.

As one tank will be below the other on separate floors I have to leave the plumbing set to go down to the first floor.

I won't be installing both at the same time but within the first year I plan to do so. I have to take it apart and bring it up piece by piece and reassemble it so that in itself is a major project.

For the moment I just want to make sure I leave the connections ready so that when I decide to install the seccond one it will be more of a throught out process (plug and play)

The part I'm stuck in is the design of the plumbing and overflow on the first floor.

I'll try to put up a sketch so you can see what I'm planning.

Regards to all

Jan

h2odvl · 07/05/2011, 06:40 PM

Looking good!
When you say on the first floor you mean the floor right below yours are 14 floors down?

Can't wait to see more

JanVelazquez · 07/05/2011, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h2odvl

Looking good!
When you say on the first floor you mean the floor right below yours are 14 floors down?

Can't wait to see more

Correct h2odvl

My apt has two floors, 14 & 15

Just by chance, the only other space available is on the first or (14th) floor between the dinning and living room which happens to be just below the other tank.

I'm thinking of just leaving the plumbing in place. It would be two to four pvc pipes, the diameter would be between 1" and 2".

Hey ... I cant wait either

Thanks

Jan

JanVelazquez · 07/07/2011, 08:09 PM

I was able to find out who setup the aquariums initially in the hotel and he let me know that the glass is both laminated an tempered. Drilling them for bulkheads is not an option.

I now am faced with the limitation of using an external overflow.

At least I didn't find out the hard way.

I am now thinking of using an EcoSystem 7222 sump.

Getting closer to the setup :-)

Regards to all

Jan

cougaran · 07/08/2011, 06:53 PM

Well think of the positive on this, at least you know the glass is stronger than you thought....

JanVelazquez · 07/10/2011, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cougaran

Well think of the positive on this, at least you know the glass is stronger than you thought....

cougaran you are absolutely right.

In adition... It would have been a very costly mistake and I would have been set back months.

I need to figure out using the 1hp pump how much water will the external overflows need to put out.

Thanks

Jan

JanVelazquez · 07/10/2011, 01:45 PM

This is the sump I'm thinking of using:

Pro 7222 - EcoSystem Pro Filter System 7222
- 72"L x 22"W x 20"H ACRYLIC sump for 500-1000 gallon tank,
- 110 lbs. of Miracle Mud, (4) 18 watt PC. Lights, (2) 1" + (2) 1.5" Bulkheads,
- Bioballs & (2) 7" Pre-filter bags (I won't be using the bioballs)- Suggested flow rate of 2000 GPH

I will not be using this skimmer but rather a larger external one.

I will be using an external overflow and a 1hp pump as return.

I'll be needing betweek 10 & 12 of these 10lb pags of mud

I was told at a local shop that using a protein skimmer is not really recommended with miracle mud as it kills the nutrients that Caulerpa feeds on but I see that this model comes with a small skimmer.

Have any of you tried this out?

Regards to all

Jan

Stanley-Reefer · 07/10/2011, 06:08 PM

With the effort and cost in this set up, I'd def go with a large deltec external....I love my SC2560 and they have the externals for your volume too!!!

I love that sump--it's killer to be prefab!

Going to be nice!

markie mark · 07/10/2011, 06:21 PM

I run 50lbs of miracle mud in a 200+ gallon system and have a huge vertex skimmer and it want kill the caulerpa...Be sure to put you a nice skimmer on your tank..I will say that miracle mud is the greatest thing I've ever used..Awesome stuff...

jstuver · 07/11/2011, 12:25 AM

Wow nice! Can't wait for more pics!!

kels · 07/11/2011, 09:52 AM

this is another great build to follow!

nandor · 07/11/2011, 02:10 PM

Hola Jan,
fantastic project and very nice apartment. Congratulations on your tank acquisition. I am looking forward to see the first animals move in.

Just some first thoughts:

- Vortech MP60: I saw them running since already some time at a distributor in Europe. Nice flow but some noise to them. Even the distributor said he is a little bit worried about the noise and would rather go for more MP 40s. I would not run them in an in-house reef

- I understand that you are planning to cover the tank behind a false wall. However I prefer the open look it has now; only MHO

- Second tank I would do not before some time of the first build. New ideas will come up like AZOO, Species Tank or so; same is true for my build: I would like to incorporate a second tank on the lower floor but my wife thinks I am nuts

; time will work for me on this

Please keep posting

Hannes

Barebucta · 07/11/2011, 02:32 PM

now that is quite a sump.....do it! do it! do it! I'm vicariously living through you right now

JanVelazquez · 07/12/2011, 08:40 AM

Hi everyone

Just an update on the progress of the rock cleaning.

It's been two weeks in a 1:20 solution with Clorox, it looks very clean except for one or two pieces I had laying around that came from another supplier.

Last weekend I drained the whole tank and it will stay empty for a few days. Next weekend I will pressure wash and afterwards leave the rocks with a declorinator running with plain water.

I took these pictures with my phone and there was not such good lighting but they came out looking great.

Thanks for your comments and reccomendations. They are all welcome.

Best regards

Jan

JanVelazquez · 07/12/2011, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stanley-Reefer

With the effort and cost in this set up, I'd def go with a large deltec external....I love my SC2560 and they have the externals for your volume too!!!

I love that sump--it's killer to be prefab!

Going to be nice!

Stanley-Reefer

I am trying to get one for a volume of minimum of 1000 gal but preferably 1500/2000 gal as I will be setting up later on my second 500gal tank and joining both in the same system.
I do like the self-cleaning head of the Deltec.

Thanks

Jan

JanVelazquez · 07/12/2011, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markie mark

I run 50lbs of miracle mud in a 200+ gallon system and have a huge vertex skimmer and it want kill the caulerpa...Be sure to put you a nice skimmer on your tank..I will say that miracle mud is the greatest thing I've ever used..Awesome stuff...

markie mark

I was thinking of putting ~100lbs in the sump and the biggest skimmer possible. Up to 2000gal capacity.

In your experience using a skimmer...
Does the Caulerpa grow at all?
How about lighting for the sump?
How many hours do you run the skimmer a day?

I've only heard good things about the Miracle Mud and it's been recommended to me by several LFS and from what I've been researching.

Thanks for the Info

Jan

JanVelazquez · 07/12/2011, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstuver

Wow nice! Can't wait for more pics!!

Thanks jstuver, I just posted some up as requested

Regards

Jan

xaliax · 07/12/2011, 12:26 PM

Diablo mi pana, buena compra. I wish I would have a tank like that, currently setting up a 30gal FOWLR. Saludos desde Mayagüez.

JanVelazquez · 07/12/2011, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kels

this is another great build to follow!

kels... Thanks for tagging along. Keep checking periodically as I hope to be makeing more progress in the near future.

JanVelazquez · 07/12/2011, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nandor

Hola Jan,
fantastic project and very nice apartment. Congratulations on your tank acquisition. I am looking forward to see the first animals move in.

Just some first thoughts:

- Vortech MP60: I saw them running since already some time at a distributor in Europe. Nice flow but some noise to them. Even the distributor said he is a little bit worried about the noise and would rather go for more MP 40s. I would not run them in an in-house reef

- I understand that you are planning to cover the tank behind a false wall. However I prefer the open look it has now; only MHO

- Second tank I would do not before some time of the first build. New ideas will come up like AZOO, Species Tank or so; same is true for my build: I would like to incorporate a second tank on the lower floor but my wife thinks I am nuts

; time will work for me on this

Please keep posting

Hannes

nandor

Hannes.. Thanks for the visit once again and for your comments

Regarding the Vortech's ... I was thinking of using a couple of MP60's and combining them with the Tunze wave boxes. Since I don't want to have a closed loop I have limited options. My glass is 3/4" so the MP40 could also work. Not sure, I would like to see & hear them in person.

The aquarium is located in the family room and I dont want to let anyone see the equipment and filtration. It will be using this room as a family/tv room so noise/smell/humidity might be an issue. That's why I decided to enclose it as an "in-wall" installation. My only issue that I have not been able to solve is to cover the front glass while watching TV without turning off the lights.

I'm open to ideas.

I have the same problem with my girlfriend. She is against the seccond tank as she thinks is "too much" but as you say "time will work for me on this"

The seccond one would be a room divider with only the two large sides exposed.

Hope you get started soon so I can watch some pictures as well.

Saludos

Jan

cougaran · 07/12/2011, 08:11 PM

Pro 7222 - EcoSystem Pro Filter System 7222

Looks nice but i'm just wondering how handy are you? I've seen guys make similiar sumps from older fish tanks that are readily available for little cost. I have a 300 gal rubbermaid stock barrel that I was able to get from a reefer getting out of the hobby, thats going to be my sump in some combination with a small fish tank. http://home-and-garden.become.com/sh...b=102&nofilter

something like this reefers tank-- http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...1838572&page=4

on the other hand if you have the money and want mostly plug and play then go for the sump you like.

JanVelazquez · 07/12/2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cougaran

Pro 7222 - EcoSystem Pro Filter System 7222

Looks nice but i'm just wondering how handy are you? I've seen guys make similiar sumps from older fish tanks that are readily available for little cost. I have a 300 gal rubbermaid stock barrel that I was able to get from a reefer getting out of the hobby, thats going to be my sump in some combination with a small fish tank. http://home-and-garden.become.com/sh...b=102&nofilter

something like this reefers tank-- http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...1838572&page=4

on the other hand if you have the money and want mostly plug and play then go for the sump you like.

cougaran

Actually I do have two very large sumps (I'll put up a picture later) but it's a wet/dry system and even though I can use them or modify them they are too high. I went by an acrylic manufacturer to compare prices as I can get the mud anywhere and have something custom made. I should get a quote this week.

Since I need to make a couple of separate tanks (fuge, QT, overflow) etc... I might just get the custom one.

The lamps of the EcoSystem 7222 are metal halide amd those I can get from anywhere.

What's important is the Miracle Mud

Thanks again for your comments, they are more than welcome

Jan

JanVelazquez · 07/13/2011, 07:45 AM

This is the Wet/Dry filter that I have. It is not functional for my purposes as the dimenssions do not work with the type of filtrartion I am trying to acomplish.

Specs: (48" - long) x (24" - high) x (14" - deep)

07/08/2011, 06:53 PM	#132
cougaran Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Western Mass Posts: 666	Well think of the positive on this, at least you know the glass is stronger than you thought.... __________________ Countless years exp SW & FW(in other words I've given up a few times over 30 years, but always come back for more punishment) Current Tank Info: 90 Gal w/ 20 Gal Refugium(setup since 2005), 38 & 29 QT. 300 Gal marineland setup in progress.

07/12/2011, 08:11 PM	#148
cougaran Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Western Mass Posts: 666	Pro 7222 - EcoSystem Pro Filter System 7222 Looks nice but i'm just wondering how handy are you? I've seen guys make similiar sumps from older fish tanks that are readily available for little cost. I have a 300 gal rubbermaid stock barrel that I was able to get from a reefer getting out of the hobby, thats going to be my sump in some combination with a small fish tank. http://home-and-garden.become.com/sh...b=102&nofilter something like this reefers tank-- http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...1838572&page=4 on the other hand if you have the money and want mostly plug and play then go for the sump you like. __________________ Countless years exp SW & FW(in other words I've given up a few times over 30 years, but always come back for more punishment) Current Tank Info: 90 Gal w/ 20 Gal Refugium(setup since 2005), 38 & 29 QT. 300 Gal marineland setup in progress.

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07/04/2011, 10:33 AM	#126
Rowdeus Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 114	Man i can't wait to see this up and running.

07/04/2011, 07:05 PM	#127
paola98santana Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 93	Con calma mi amigo, es como te dicen, un tanque a la vez... My friend just concentrate in one project at the time, nothing is impossible but think and be patience. Good luck..

07/05/2011, 03:25 PM	#128
JanVelazquez Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Puerto Rico, USA Posts: 129	I am in the process of designing the plumbing and I have to take this into consideration. I was thinking of getting a 1hp external pump to run the tank, filters, skimmer, etc. With a seccond 1hp pump as a backup. As one tank will be below the other on separate floors I have to leave the plumbing set to go down to the first floor. I won't be installing both at the same time but within the first year I plan to do so. I have to take it apart and bring it up piece by piece and reassemble it so that in itself is a major project. For the moment I just want to make sure I leave the connections ready so that when I decide to install the seccond one it will be more of a throught out process (plug and play) The part I'm stuck in is the design of the plumbing and overflow on the first floor. I'll try to put up a sketch so you can see what I'm planning. Regards to all Jan

07/05/2011, 06:40 PM	#129
h2odvl Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eugene, Or Posts: 34	Looking good! When you say on the first floor you mean the floor right below yours are 14 floors down? Can't wait to see more

07/07/2011, 08:09 PM	#131
JanVelazquez Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Puerto Rico, USA Posts: 129	I was able to find out who setup the aquariums initially in the hotel and he let me know that the glass is both laminated an tempered. Drilling them for bulkheads is not an option. I now am faced with the limitation of using an external overflow. At least I didn't find out the hard way. I am now thinking of using an EcoSystem 7222 sump. Getting closer to the setup :-) Regards to all Jan

07/10/2011, 01:45 PM	#134
JanVelazquez Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Puerto Rico, USA Posts: 129	This is the sump I'm thinking of using: Pro 7222 - EcoSystem Pro Filter System 7222 - 72"L x 22"W x 20"H ACRYLIC sump for 500-1000 gallon tank, - 110 lbs. of Miracle Mud, (4) 18 watt PC. Lights, (2) 1" + (2) 1.5" Bulkheads, - Bioballs & (2) 7" Pre-filter bags (I won't be using the bioballs)- Suggested flow rate of 2000 GPH I will not be using this skimmer but rather a larger external one. I will be using an external overflow and a 1hp pump as return. I'll be needing betweek 10 & 12 of these 10lb pags of mud I was told at a local shop that using a protein skimmer is not really recommended with miracle mud as it kills the nutrients that Caulerpa feeds on but I see that this model comes with a small skimmer. Have any of you tried this out? Regards to all Jan

07/10/2011, 06:08 PM	#135
Stanley-Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Stanley, NC Posts: 1,933	With the effort and cost in this set up, I'd def go with a large deltec external....I love my SC2560 and they have the externals for your volume too!!! I love that sump--it's killer to be prefab! Going to be nice!

07/10/2011, 06:21 PM	#136
markie mark Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: trussville,al Posts: 184	I run 50lbs of miracle mud in a 200+ gallon system and have a huge vertex skimmer and it want kill the caulerpa...Be sure to put you a nice skimmer on your tank..I will say that miracle mud is the greatest thing I've ever used..Awesome stuff...

07/11/2011, 12:25 AM	#137
jstuver Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Provo, Utah Posts: 64	Wow nice! Can't wait for more pics!!

07/11/2011, 09:52 AM	#138
kels Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 51	this is another great build to follow!

07/11/2011, 02:10 PM	#139
nandor Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Munich Posts: 43	Hola Jan, fantastic project and very nice apartment. Congratulations on your tank acquisition. I am looking forward to see the first animals move in. Just some first thoughts: - Vortech MP60: I saw them running since already some time at a distributor in Europe. Nice flow but some noise to them. Even the distributor said he is a little bit worried about the noise and would rather go for more MP 40s. I would not run them in an in-house reef - I understand that you are planning to cover the tank behind a false wall. However I prefer the open look it has now; only MHO - Second tank I would do not before some time of the first build. New ideas will come up like AZOO, Species Tank or so; same is true for my build: I would like to incorporate a second tank on the lower floor but my wife thinks I am nuts ; time will work for me on this Please keep posting Hannes

07/11/2011, 02:32 PM	#140
Barebucta Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 29	now that is quite a sump.....do it! do it! do it! I'm vicariously living through you right now

07/12/2011, 08:40 AM	#141
JanVelazquez Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Puerto Rico, USA Posts: 129	Hi everyone Just an update on the progress of the rock cleaning. It's been two weeks in a 1:20 solution with Clorox, it looks very clean except for one or two pieces I had laying around that came from another supplier. Last weekend I drained the whole tank and it will stay empty for a few days. Next weekend I will pressure wash and afterwards leave the rocks with a declorinator running with plain water. I took these pictures with my phone and there was not such good lighting but they came out looking great. Thanks for your comments and reccomendations. They are all welcome. Best regards Jan

07/12/2011, 12:26 PM	#145
xaliax Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 2	Diablo mi pana, buena compra. I wish I would have a tank like that, currently setting up a 30gal FOWLR. Saludos desde Mayagüez.

07/13/2011, 07:45 AM	#150
JanVelazquez Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Puerto Rico, USA Posts: 129	This is the Wet/Dry filter that I have. It is not functional for my purposes as the dimenssions do not work with the type of filtrartion I am trying to acomplish. Specs: (48" - long) x (24" - high) x (14" - deep)