Finally Dove in to the F8 World!

[420Coupe]

Very nice this beast will be great when you finish. How much £££ do you think this will set you back? Any pics of the frame? I wish i could get a monster tank.

I actually have one version but was not happy with it as i had overlooked some key aspects that i needed, that above was the first version. I wanted to add a frame that went up along the entire sides, 4' side, in order to hold lighting and build the rack above and not have to anchor from the roof. ill have the redesign shortly and get actual pics up soon. $$$ wise i've only spend 300$ and this includes all the Glass and all the lumber and silicone needed. Pretty decent IMO. although i KNOW salt and sand will kill me as i will need over 1000lbs combined

[Flutter]

I think it would be a good idea to start a new thread for this tank so we can see it progress. A new thread with an appropriate title will help people do searches (once we move to the new server) and know what the thread contains

[420Coupe]

my debate is now is to either cut back on actual tank length by 2 feet on each side and go back to orignal design or just build the racks separate and unattached to the main tank frame besides by bolts

[420Coupe]

I think it would be a good idea to start a new thread for this tank so we can see it progress. A new thread with an appropriate title will help people do searches (once we move to the new server) and know what the thread contains

haha will more than gladly even do a DIY write up for it!

although definitely leaning more towards just building the racks separate and bolting them on as the extra 4x4 adds an extra 360g to the tank.

[bertie 83]

You could put heaters in tubes with through flow to provide hidden heat

[420Coupe]

ok so i've somewhat screwed myself into a corner design wise. I want a 12'x12' but do not know what to do with these sumps unless i build an intricate plywood sump underneath using all the support beams and eliminate the extra on the side, although dont know how well/easy it will be to coat every with pond armor. maybe my only choice to have clean hidden sumps. definitely will be even harder to clean. Hhmm any ideas anyone ?

[bertie 83]

If you go s/w and your sumps have l/ r in them with lots of interesting critters etc in there is no reason they all have to be hidden.

[420Coupe]

If you go s/w and your sumps have l/ r in them with lots of interesting critters etc in there is no reason they all have to be hidden.

personal preference dont want the sump showing.

[bertie 83]

That is certainly your prerogative, just throwin an idea down lol

[420Coupe]

That is certainly your prerogative, just throwin an idea down lol

haha I know although pluming wise on the tank it might make sense to use the matrix below to create the sump as well as filtration and heating and emergency water reserve in case of power outages. as it will hold slightly over 1200g which is almost the entire tank above! haha should be fine in emergencies.

[420Coupe]

a little design update still dont have the sumps all figured out but once im done you'll be able to take piping and all from this including filtration, hooking up to water heater, how to run everything, with emergency valves etc.

[420Coupe]

once again total redesign LOL at least i've not started construction and still getting everything perfect in 'theory' before i attempt it. On to the pictures.

Bottom

Top before plywood bottom

Top with plywood as bottom of tank

Sides




Isometric View

[420Coupe]

here i've highlighted where i plan to make the reservoir/sump/filtration system for the tank, not sure if it's any clearer but maybe it will help some out.

[420Coupe]

Can i go and get coral/live rock from the ocean and just add it to the tank ? this is my plan as i do not plan to buy ANY coral or live rock as it is so over priced everywhere. Is there any certain type of coral i dont want or thats bad for the tank ?

[bertie 83]

You certainly can. Keep it in water as much as poss. Check the law in your area first though