Wanting to do some future planning for a large aquarium

[WVReefJunkie]

I have currently been running a 220 gallon mixed reef for three years. My wife and I want a bigger tank for more fish stocking plus corals. I have looked at a couple of tank manufactures online (Reef Savvy, Tropical Aquariums) but you can't see much off their sites. We were thinking of a 400-500 gallon peninsula style tank with a room divider. Should we go acrylic or glass? Is there a website that has pics of this style tank, price? What sump manufacture to recommend for this size tank? Where to purchase holding barrels for RO/DI and Pre mix salt? Looking for ideas. Thanks, reefers!

 

[DLHDesign]

Should we go acrylic or glass?

Pros/cons to both. I think glass is better, myself - far less likely to scratch during cleanings and such.

Is there a website that has pics of this style tank, price?

You're pretty much talking a custom tank build-out. Odds are good that you won't find many examples of such and will need to talk to the various builders directly to get a price. Things like the location and size of any pre-drilled holes, tempered glass or not, quality of glass, thickness of acrylic, type of bracing, ... Lots to consider; and nearly everything carries some kind of custom cost at that size.

What sump manufacture to recommend for this size tank?

Likely the same person making your tank - I don't know of many (any, really) off-the-shelf options for a tank that size.

Where to purchase holding barrels for RO/DI and Pre mix salt?

Look to farm-supply stores. Just as an example; here.

 

[AlexG]

I have currently been running a 220 gallon mixed reef for three years. My wife and I want a bigger tank for more fish stocking plus corals. I have looked at a couple of tank manufactures online (Reef Savvy, Tropical Aquariums) but you can't see much off their sites. We were thinking of a 400-500 gallon peninsula style tank with a room divider. Should we go acrylic or glass? Is there a website that has pics of this style tank, price? What sump manufacture to recommend for this size tank? Where to purchase holding barrels for RO/DI and Pre mix salt? Looking for ideas. Thanks, reefers!

Best advice I can give you is take your time in planning. If I were to pick one or the other I would go with glass. There are some advantages in not being easily scratched. When you get into this size tank pricing can vary and you should get some direct quotes. Ask yourself some important questions. What tank dimensions do you want or need for the space? Always think about tank and equipment access. Can the tank be brought into the house assembled or does it need onsite assembly? It might not be easy to locate pictures of exactly what you are looking for but a good manufacturer should have some photos of their work to share of similar tanks also search R2R I am sure there are some pics of close examples around. Sump style depends on where it is going. Under the tank or in a separate room? I would go as big as you can for the sump to get extra water volume. Water containers I would go with new HDPE containers plasticmart and amazon are a good place to look. HDPE containers can also be used for sump tanks depending on your space and requirements.

Other considerations

• A radiant heating solution
  
• Backup generator and transfer switch (manual/automatic) if you don't already have one
  
• Humidity control system to ensure the humidity generated from the aquarium does not damage the house or create a breeding ground for mold
  
• Minimum 2 20amp electrical circuits with GFCI (AFCI optional)
• Determine if your floor can support the weight of a 400-500 gallon tank.

 

[WVReefJunkie]

Thanks reefers for the quick response. ALEXG I already have a whole house generator, but I never thought of a humidity system. I have a 42 in crawlspace that I braced for my 220 system. I was going to build a room onto my house for the future t Ann. I was going to have a room divider, where I c an put the filtration in a room for better access.