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 Posted 7/31/2006 5:38:01 PM |
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Hi Anthony and all,
I just got started on my 150 gallon in wall reef aquarium.
I thought it would be educational for all to see the progress.
I'll take the project from framing partition walls to completion. l'll refrain from two much conversation. I'll let you guys do that.
First picts. will follow tomorrow. Comments are welcome, just go easy on me, this is my first in wall aquarium.
Thanks,
Tom C.
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| Posted 7/31/2006 5:49:40 PM |
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Sounds cool! For my first comment, I personally think anything under 800g is a waste to put in a wall!!! 
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| Posted 7/31/2006 9:22:23 PM |
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| Okay it's tomorrow. Where are the pics? lol Anyway I can't wait to see. My tank will be inwall too. My husband is going to start building the actual tank tomorrow (plywood) so I am very excited. Right now the hole in the wall is framed out, an exhaust fan is installed in the ceiling of the fish room above the tank, a floor drain is right below the tank, two 20 amp circuits are dedicated to the tank and three Suntunnels are installed above the tank. Since I had a change of heart and decided to go with high light corals (and a bigger tank) the Suntunnels will no longer be the primary source of lighting, however I think they will aid in the dusk/dawn effect as well as adding natural moonlight. What have you planned for your tank so far? Are you interested in doing a biotope?
Amanda-
20+ years tropical fish experience, 6 years saltwater, 3 years reef
Current tanks: 47 gal extra tall reef, 30 gal anemone tank, prop system under construction
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| Posted 8/1/2006 6:47:41 PM |
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Hi all,
Here's the start of my in wall project. The front and forward side will be viewing areas.
The room will be small but will have all I need in it. I'll also be cutting in a window in the back corner.
Tom
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| Posted 8/2/2006 7:06:55 AM |
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just checking to be sure that you will be venting this area? A small fan (like the ones for venting moist are from your bathroom) will be critical here. Vent out that back window you are planning in fact. This will be critical unless you want to be able to grow orchids on any wall in the house 
.Anthony Calfo
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| Posted 8/2/2006 8:50:34 AM |
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Anthony Calfo (8/2/2006)
just checking to be sure that you will be venting this area? A small fan (like the ones for venting moist are from your bathroom) will be critical here.
Hi Anthony,
Yes, I was planning a larger bathroom fan venting out the ceiling. Either down the rafters and out the sofet, or straight out to the roof. I like out the roof better, shorter distance because of the cathedral ceiling and more direct for air and heat flow from my MH lighting. I'll also be air conditioning in the summer monthes and have a chiller also.
Thanks for your input, keep it coming. 
Tom
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| Posted 8/4/2006 6:21:49 PM |
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Here's an update on the construction of the fish room.
The stand in the backround will hold a 55 gallon refugium upstream and gravity feed into
the 150 gallon below. The shelf half way down will hold the CL pumps for the 150. The shelf is measured so it falls about 12 inches below water level of the main display. Add 3 inches for the pump inlet height and the pvc bulkheads will fall about 8 inches below water level. The cantlevered 2x4 in the middle section of the picture, and one I will build on the left of the 150 gallon tank, will allow me to build the top wall so I can have 2 viewing points without obstruction (front and side). I was hanging from the one shown just before I took the picture, it didnt' budge. I weigh in at 180lbs. :-)
Hmmm? I think thats it.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Tom
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| Posted 8/4/2006 6:26:47 PM |
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| and the Cl pumps will be plumbed directly into the tank, right? No elbows or extended runs/turns? And no reductions. If anything... increase the pipe diameter a bit. Be sure to use a ball valve off the tank... then true (slip) union... then pump... then off pump to union again... then valve again? Did you read the cavitation thread recently? Need to know before you start plumbing
. Anthony Calfo
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| Posted 8/4/2006 6:37:13 PM |
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Hi Anthony,
Thanks for the input. It will serve as a great review for me to here from you. I've been reading your threads and books/articles for about six months now and loving it. I did read some posts here on cavitation. You seem to conclude that placement is critical. I've got that down. I'll place the pumps about 6 inches "straight" away from the display and use valves you suggest. I'm only doing this once! It really is appreciated to here from you like this each step of the way. Gives me a boost of confidence. Your the man!
Thanks again,
Tom C
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| Posted 8/4/2006 8:04:07 PM |
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you are very welcome my friend... and this pump placement issue is big. Rather ironic too that for so many years we struggled with finding quiet, affordale pumps that could replace the barrage of powerheads that dominated reef tanks through the 90's... but then the tank and sump mfgs did not drill the vessels large enough to handle the pumps, or in the case of the most modern water pumps... they are amazingly powerful and will hold you to proper plumbing reqs
.Anthony Calfo
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