Customized Oceanic 58g Starphire - Please help!!

[Kinetic]

I'm thinking of getting a customized Oceanic 58g tank. There are a whole bunch of things I'd like out of the customization, and I was hoping people with experience with oceanic could help me determine exactly what I need.

Tank
Oceanic 58 Gallon Reef Ready 36.5 x 18 x 21
3 Sides Starphire
Black Silicon
Black Trim
Braceless (no trim either at top)

Overflow
Overflow Drain upped to 1.5" with sched 80 1.5" bulkhead.
Return is increased to 1"

Stand
Oceanic Cherry Oak
Drilled with bigger holes for piping

[Kinetic]

First set of questions:

1. Will Oceanic do black silicon for me? I know the oceanic 30g cube has black silicon. IMO it looks cleaner

2. Is it possible to get Oceanic Braceless / Rimless tanks? I guess I'd need to up the glass thickness considerably.

3. How much flow does the stock MegaFlow allow? I'm thinking of pushing about 1000gph or so through the overflow. If it can't handle that, I will probably increase the overflow drain size.

4. How big is the stock megaflow return? I'm going to use a Quiet One 5000 return, so I'll probably want to increase the size to 1" return.

5. Do they make custom stands? Do they make them taller? I want something more 36" than just their standard 32" tall stands.

Thanks!

[guilford]

I currently have a custom Oceanic stand, canopy and aquarium on order. It's a 58 just like you are thinking about. I don't have answers to all of your questions, but I can help with a few of them:

3) I don't think the standard overflow can handle 1000 gph - I think the limit is less than that (maybe somewhere between 650-850 gph, but I'm guessing). Also, I understand from Oceanic that the limiting factor is the size of the overflow and the teeth spacing. I think you would need a larger overflow to do 1000gph, not just larger drains inside the overflow.

4) In a standard Oceanic megaflow, both the drain and the return hole are the same size. The drain is fitted with a normal 1" bulkhead, and the return is fitted with a special bulkhead that fits the 1" hole but reduces to connect to 3/4" connections, so you could replace that with a normal 1" bulkhead and have both the drain and the return be the same. In my tank I plan to fit them both with 1" bulkheads and use them both for drains, one for the main and one for an emergency backup.

5) They can customize stands, but it is not cheap. They can make them taller than the standard 32" if you need that. I'm having them modify a 6 foot long 125/135 stand to hold the 58 in the center so I have plenty of room for equipment underneath. I think their current stands just have perimeter support. Their older stand used to have a piece of wood all across the top, but now they just have perimeter support, more like the All-Glass stands. Since it's just perimeter, I don't think you have to worry about having the stand altered for larger piping.

Let me know if there is anything else I might be able to help with.

[Kinetic]

Thanks for the help so far! I have a few more questions =)

Originally posted by guilford
3) I don't think the standard overflow can handle 1000 gph - I think the limit is less than that (maybe somewhere between 650-850 gph, but I'm guessing). Also, I understand from Oceanic that the limiting factor is the size of the overflow and the teeth spacing. I think you would need a larger overflow to do 1000gph, not just larger drains inside the overflow.

The limiting factor definately seems like the drain size. You say it's about 1", which is probably not enough or pushing it for 1000gph. The overflow teeth seem more than adequate for the amount of flow, though I may be wrong?

Originally posted by guilford
4) In a standard Oceanic megaflow, both the drain and the return hole are the same size. The drain is fitted with a normal 1" bulkhead, and the return is fitted with a special bulkhead that fits the 1" hole but reduces to connect to 3/4" connections, so you could replace that with a normal 1" bulkhead and have both the drain and the return be the same. In my tank I plan to fit them both with 1" bulkheads and use them both for drains, one for the main and one for an emergency backup.

Two 1" drains would work very well, especially to support more GPH. I'm almost tempted to have them just ship the tank with drilled holes and to make my own overflow box.

Originally posted by guilford
5) They can customize stands, but it is not cheap. They can make them taller than the standard 32" if you need that. I'm having them modify a 6 foot long 125/135 stand to hold the 58 in the center so I have plenty of room for equipment underneath. I think their current stands just have perimeter support. Their older stand used to have a piece of wood all across the top, but now they just have perimeter support, more like the All-Glass stands. Since it's just perimeter, I don't think you have to worry about having the stand altered for larger piping.

I'll consider getting a custom made stand elsewhere if it becomes amazingly expensive. Do they have those High Contrast stands for the 36x18 footprint?

Originally posted by guilford
Let me know if there is anything else I might be able to help with.

Thanks so much!

[MacnReef]

Not sure how custom Oceanic will go. You might have to go with a builder. But man, talk about expensive!!! I love my Oceanic 58, no center brace, thick glass and well made.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Mike

[Kinetic]

Originally posted by MacnReef
Not sure how custom Oceanic will go. You might have to go with a builder. But man, talk about expensive!!! I love my Oceanic 58, no center brace, thick glass and well made.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Mike

Thanks Mike for the help so far. I will keep you guys updated!

[guilford]

Kinetic,
Regarding the overflow, when I called the Oceanic custom shop to find out if they could do what I wanted, the custom shop guy I talked to and I discussed overflows in detail. He said you could cut out all of the glass inside the overflow so that it was completely open on the bottom inside the overflow and the limit would still be the overflow itself. He said the overflow is THE limiting factor. Now, they could probably do one with two corner overflows or something, but the flow limit on the overflow is the overflow itself, not the drains, at least according to the guy at the Oceanic custom shop. Making your own overflow box would probably be way cheaper for you. I don't even know if Oceanic can do an overflow that is not the standard megaflow or the standard corner one - I didn't discuss that with them.

The stand I ordered is the regular modern oak. I've also seen a shaker style stand for a 58, but I don't know about the high contrast. I would imagine that they do, but I'm not sure. And I can tell you that the stand WILL get amazingly expensive if you want it taller than the standard 32". I don't have my written notes here, but I believe the stand was approximately 1.7 times the normal price if you want 36" instead of 32". That's approaching double the price for an extra four inches, and that's why my stand is the standard 32".

[Kinetic]

Some updates on the plans:

Tank
Oceanic 58 Gallon Reef Ready 36.5 x 18 x 21
3 Sides Starphire
Black Silicon
Black Trim

Overflow
1.5" Sched 80 Drain
1" Sched 80 Return

Stand
Custom SoCalCreations
36" x 18" x 42"
Two Shelves
Bottom Shelf: 26" Tall
Top Shelf: 16" Tall

Sump
Custom SoCalCreations
20" x 16" x 12"
Fuge chamber included

Lighting
Maristar T5/250watt MH Combo w/ Phoenix 14K Lamp
4x White CurrentUSA Moonlights

Flow
Quiet One 5000 Return Pump
2x Tunze 6045 Nano Streams

Filtration
AquaC Urchin w/ Drain Fitting
Tunze Nano DOC Skimmer
Tunze Nano Filter (Carbon / RowaPhos)
5gal Remote Deep Sand Bed

Temp
AquaLogic 1/6hp Chiller
2x Eheim Jager 150watt Heaters

Controller
Neptune AquaController III w/ DC8
ReefFanatic Level Controller w/ 2 sensors (ATO)

Calcium
My Reef Creations Nano Ca Reactor
Gen-X Regulator / Solenoid
5lb Co2 Tank
MaxiJet 900
Neptune pH Probe

[Kinetic]

Originally posted by guilford
Kinetic,
Regarding the overflow, when I called the Oceanic custom shop to find out if they could do what I wanted, the custom shop guy I talked to and I discussed overflows in detail. He said you could cut out all of the glass inside the overflow so that it was completely open on the bottom inside the overflow and the limit would still be the overflow itself. He said the overflow is THE limiting factor. Now, they could probably do one with two corner overflows or something, but the flow limit on the overflow is the overflow itself, not the drains, at least according to the guy at the Oceanic custom shop. Making your own overflow box would probably be way cheaper for you. I don't even know if Oceanic can do an overflow that is not the standard megaflow or the standard corner one - I didn't discuss that with them.

The stand I ordered is the regular modern oak. I've also seen a shaker style stand for a 58, but I don't know about the high contrast. I would imagine that they do, but I'm not sure. And I can tell you that the stand WILL get amazingly expensive if you want it taller than the standard 32". I don't have my written notes here, but I believe the stand was approximately 1.7 times the normal price if you want 36" instead of 32". That's approaching double the price for an extra four inches, and that's why my stand is the standard 32".

Awesome thank you for the information!

I am tempted to just have them predrill the tank and make my own overflow (or have an acrylic builder make a simple one for me). I know that mike (MacnReef) uses a Quiet One 5000 and still thinks the sucker can take more flow. I may just stick to the original design it comes with =/

What does their corner overflow look like? That may be better than the huge center megaflow.

How much did your 32" stand cost you? Maybe I'll go that route as well, and build my own tall stand myself or have socalcreations put one together.

Thanks!

[dschieff36]

What I would do if I were you is first find a distributor near you that you plan to purchase the tank from, as Oceanic doesn't sell directly to the public. Then call them and pose these same questions to them. They are usually very helpful in accessing your desires and fitting a tank to meet them. If the distributor you speak with is not helpful, find another distributor. A good distributor will help you along step-by-step through the buying process. I recently purchased a custom 110 gallon Oceanic with Starfire glass on three sides similar to what you are referring to, and I had a very good experience with a dealer out of Pennsylvania.

If you go with the corner overflows, I would highly reconsider whether you want to spend the extra money to have Starfire glass on the side panels. It is a HUGE upgrade in expense and the corner overflows will detract from viewing pleasure as you will see several pipes on each side. Just food for thought.

[TheMcs]

We do a lot of custom tanks with Oceanic. Here's some advice;

First off, don't be in a hurry. Oceanic has shut down production (across the board) while they move from Dallas to Wisconsin. You'll be lucky to get a custom tank before November. This also means the prices are going to be somewhat higher. How higher, no one knows. Without production up, they've yet to let us know the increase.

Oceanic can build you anything you want. Best bet is to find a dealer that has a history with Oceanic custom tanks, you'll get worked through the line faster.

They can do custom overflows as well.

One of the changes they are making is that all tanks from the new facility will be low iron glass and not tempered.

I'm sure there's other stuff I'm forgetting, biggest thing is that now is not the time to be jonesing for an Oceanic tank.

[Kinetic]

Originally posted by TheMcs
We do a lot of custom tanks with Oceanic. Here's some advice;

First off, don't be in a hurry. Oceanic has shut down production (across the board) while they move from Dallas to Wisconsin. You'll be lucky to get a custom tank before November. This also means the prices are going to be somewhat higher. How higher, no one knows. Without production up, they've yet to let us know the increase.

Oceanic can build you anything you want. Best bet is to find a dealer that has a history with Oceanic custom tanks, you'll get worked through the line faster.

They can do custom overflows as well.

One of the changes they are making is that all tanks from the new facility will be low iron glass and not tempered.

I'm sure there's other stuff I'm forgetting, biggest thing is that now is not the time to be jonesing for an Oceanic tank.

Thanks for the suggestions!

I talked to two LFS's, and one said it would take awhile, and the other didn't really mention anything, but already got me a quote from Oceanic within a couple of hours.

I'm in no hurry, just planning things as they come, but I'm pretty excited so I'm also actively researching. I've also been working on an ELOS system, though the distributor here in California has been awfully busy =(

WHen you say the new tanks will be low iron (starphire) do you mean that even their regular 58g will be low iron and not the regular FLOAT glass?

[Kinetic]

Also, I think I"m going with a single corner overflow. Do you think I should just get the front piece starphire? How big of a difference is it once you add water and turn on the halide when comparing regular glass to starphire?

[TheMcs]

Oceanic & All Glass are now owned by the same company (Central Garden & Pet). All Glass is assuming the bread & butter role while Oceanic moves back to higher end aquariums & cabinetry. According to our Oceanic sales rep, all Oceanic tanks out of the new facility will be low iron (a step below Starfire) and non-tempered. I believe Starfire will still be an option.
We've been able to get pricing sporadically, plus there are various items from the Dallas facility still in warehouses that are available. I'm hoping they move faster than anticipated.
BTW, have fun with the project. The 58 is a great size aquarium for a manageable reef.

[TheMcs]

The only difference Starfire makes to me is viewing through the glass indirectly. For instance, if you are standing directly in front of your tank looking down into it, standard glass may appear somewhat distorted. Low iron glass won't. Look down the edge of a standard aquarium, it looks green. Starfire looks clear.Not worth adding ~60% in my opinion.

[Kinetic]

3 sides starphire is about $210 more than non starphire. Maybe I should just ask for the front piece to be starphire? Any ideas?

[Kinetic]

Front Starphire $600
Corner Overflow 9" x 6"
1.5" Drain and 1" Return (w/ sched 80 bulkheads)
Black Silicon
Cherry Oak Stand $400
25 Gallon Sump w/ 3 chambers $250

$1250 a fair price for this?
$1320 for 3 sides starphire.

I went through Mermaid Aquarium in Fremont to get the quote. I will probably order from them, they're extremely helpful. The tank build would start at the end of September once Oceanic's move is complete.

[tangreef68]

If it is just one hundred dollars more, i would just get all three side starphire.

[Kinetic]

hmm, it's actually only $70 more. I might as well get all 3 sides starphire.

[woodstock '69]

Just curious and none of my business ----- why would you're list include so many top of the line expensive parts (tunze stream, high end custom tank, calcium reactor, nice maristar light, etc) and have an AquaC Urchin skimmer?

Why wouldn't you get a Deltec, or Euroreef, or something of that caliber. I mean after all that nice expensive stuff, why not spend another couple of hundred on a top of the line skimmer.

I hope I haven't made you feel like you need to defend your decision - which of course you don't.

Just thought that you don't want to short change yourself (especially in such an important area) since you are going for such an awsome system. I am sure whatever you chooze your tank will be really cool.

Michael

(I know......mind my own business) I just thought I might be helping?

[Kinetic]

isn't the AquaC a good skimmer? The deltec and euroreefs might not fit my sump =( I had an ASM G3 but I sold that ( brand new too for less than $200), I actualy regret selling that item. Should have kept it for this system.

[MacnReef]

Yeah, I would ditch the AquaC idea and get an ASM G1X...that is what I have on my 58 and it is doing a fantastic job.

Mike

[TitansFan]

The good thing about deltecs is they don't have to fit your sump. You can plumb them outside your sump and feed them via your overflow. I am curious why are you trying to push so much flow through your sump?

[Kinetic]

Originally posted by TitansFan
The good thing about deltecs is they don't have to fit your sump. You can plumb them outside your sump and feed them via your overflow. I am curious why are you trying to push so much flow through your sump?

Hmm, my sump might be too big to have anything other than the Ca reactor sitting outside the sump.

I want that much flow mainly because I like how it raises the water level in the tank. I *could* modify the teeth such that the water has to go higher before draining out, but it's also nice to increase the flow of the tank to a certain extent.

[Kinetic]

how much flow do you think I should be pushign through the sump? I could probably mess with my overflow teeth to raise the water level =/