500 gallon reef system with basement fish room

[Rcs_12]

This is a cool build - the hydrotube pumps on the closed loops are of particular interest to me. What are they rated for in terms of raw throughput and

Also - what size are the inlets coming of your closed loops? They look to be 1.25 or 1.5in PVC

Thanks! You guys are awesome. I'm planning on sticking your RFGs on my returns.

These are the hydrotube 42s. They are rated for 3000 gph each and are plumbed using 2 inch pipe. Panta rhei offers a few larger sizes including the 63 (12,000 gph) and the 75 (40,000 gph )

 

[Rcs_12]

Awesome start! Love the use of the Panta Rhei's!

Any plans for an Apex? Or how will you control everything?

I plan on going with hydros to control the tank when the time comes. I have an apex on another tank and want to switch it up with this build. I really like the x10 and the IV from hydros for salinity and alkalinity testing

 

[Raul-7]

I plan on going with hydros to control the tank when the time comes. I have an apex on another tank and want to switch it up with this build. I really like the x10 and the IV from hydros for salinity and alkalinity testing

Is the aquarium a hybrid - like PVC bottom and Acrylic Eurobrace?

 

[Rcs_12]

Is the aquarium a hybrid - like PVC bottom and Acrylic Eurobrace?

Yup. You are correct

 

[zhenya]

Is there an advantage to using 3 materials? Does mixing up PVC, acrylic, and low iron glass result in cost saving? Loving the build

 

[Rcs_12]

Is there an advantage to using 3 materials? Does mixing up PVC, acrylic, and low iron glass result in cost saving? Loving the build

Ya know...I don't have a good answer for that. I would guess strength more than cost. The bottom pvc has a channel routed around it that is filled with glue and then the glass is dropped in so there is silicone on 3 sides of the glass instead of just in the corner. I would guess the eurobrace is made from Acrylic because it's easier and cheaper than glass. These are pure speculation on my part as I never thought to ask the manufacturer the reasoning behind the construction choices

 

[Raul-7]

Is there an advantage to using 3 materials? Does mixing up PVC, acrylic, and low iron glass result in cost saving? Loving the build

I can think of a number of benefits-
1. Saves weight
2. PVC can withstand a lot more force than glass and won't shatter [eg. drop a piece of liverock while the aquarium is empty]
3. PVC will absorb pressure points better than glass and won't crack [eg. stand is not completely level]

As for the acrylic brace-
1. Stronger than glass
2. Less weight
3. Easier on the arms when working inside the aquarium
4. Transmits more light compared to glass

 

[Rcs_12]

I can think of a number of benefits-
1. Saves weight
2. PVC can withstand a lot more force than glass and won't shatter [eg. drop a piece of liverock while the aquarium is empty]
3. PVC will absorb pressure points better than glass and won't crack [eg. stand is not completely level]

As for the acrylic brace-
1. Stronger than glass
2. Less weight
3. Easier on the arms when working inside the aquarium
4. Transmits more light compared to glass

Yeah all of those make sense. Thanks for pointing those out

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Thanks! You guys are awesome. I'm planning on sticking your RFGs on my returns.

These are the hydrotube 42s. They are rated for 3000 gph each and are plumbed using 2 inch pipe. Panta rhei offers a few larger sizes including the 63 (12,000 gph) and the 75 (40,000 gph )

Awesome - can what to see that. the 2in RFG will rock this tank a those flow rates

We just updated our 2in Random Flow Generator® Nozzles to our new Flex material, and it now includes a Multidapter fitting, making it directly compatible with 2in Bulkhead and pipe sockets .

I dont yet have photos of the updated 2in RFG, but this is what the updated 1.5in RFG looks like - that can basically, flush-mount direct to a slip-bulkhead

 

[Rcs_12]

Awesome - can what to see that. the 2in RFG will rock this tank a those flow rates

We just updated our 2in Random Flow Generator® Nozzles to our new Flex material, and it now includes a Multidapter fitting, making it directly compatible with 2in Bulkhead and pipe sockets .

I dont yet have photos of the updated 2in RFG, but this is what the updated 1.5in RFG looks like - that can basically, flush-mount direct to a slip-bulkhead

Those look great! I wonder how they would do when the pumps reverse though. Panta rhei has developed a slip on cover for bulkheads that direct the waterflow as well as serve as a screen that protects the opening from fish and inverts. I'm definitely sticking a couple rfgs on the end of my loc line returns though

 

[Rcs_12]

This video explains the covers I was talking about.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Those look great! I wonder how they would do when the pumps reverse though. Panta rhei has developed a slip on cover for bulkheads that direct the waterflow as well as serve as a screen that protects the opening from fish and inverts. I'm definitely sticking a couple rfgs on the end of my loc line returns though

I Didn't realize they would revers - if that's the case, they wouldn't do much good in reverse, although they, they probably would still keep most fish out at least as effective as a nozzle/screen combo

 

[Raul-7]

That pump is gorgeous and brilliant at the same time!

Good luck, I love how you don't skimp on equipment.

 

[mdrobc13]

Awesome build. You are my new hero! LOL. Seriously looks great!

 

[blaxsun]

Wow. Just... WOW! Would that be super nerdy if I said I was more excited about the extruded aluminium equipment stand, setup and gear in your fish room?

 

[Rcs_12]

Wow. Just... WOW! Would that be super nerdy if I said I was more excited about the extruded aluminium equipment stand, setup and gear in your fish room?

No because I feel the exact same way.

 

[lubeck]

Any updates on the tank?

 

[Rcs_12]

Any updates on the tank?

Hey sorry for the lack of updates. I've been out of town for most of the last two weeks. I'm back now and I'm right in the middle of building my Aquascape. I'm hoping to get it done this week so I can get the tank filled. As it stands right now I have 400 pounds of sand from Tampa Bay saltwater scheduled to be delivered on 10/23. I might have to push this back if I don't get the scape done before then.

 

[Rcs_12]

This is what the scape looks like right now. It looks like crap right now but it's a work in progress. Not to mention these things never photograph well. The over all plan for the scape is to try and make two long kind of skinny rock formations that run the length of the tank with a large open channel in the middle. The one in the back will be taller on the left side while sloping down on the right. The front formation will be the opposite. Taller on the left while sloping down on the right. So far I've only been working on the one in the back. The rocks in the front of the tank are just staked in there for easy access as I build

 

[blaxsun]

Looks interesting so far! I saw a cool rock scape on a very large tank in The Netherlands (a bit larger than yours).