AV99's custom 600g Reef Savvy on site build-Lots of pictures

aquavista99

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It has been a few years in the making, but when my wife and I decided to move to our forever house in the Summer of 2013, we encountered a small problem...the only way I could fit my dream reef aquarium into our new house was to build the entire project on site in my basement. Somehow I was able to convince Reef Savvy to close up shop for two weeks and fly up to Ohio from Miami, Fla. to build my dream tank.

I would like to start off this journey by thanking all the people/businesses who played such an important role in the process, including, but not limited to the following:

Felix Bordon and the entire Reef Savvy team (Miami, FL);
Raymond from ReefTop Aquariums (Miami, FL);
Chris Benner of Sticks N Stones/Benner's Woodworking (Lebanon, OH);
Jeff Macare of Reef Dynamics (Phoenix, AZ);
Brian Harnisch of Titan Aquatic Exhibits (Phoenix, AZ);
George Weber of Geo's Reef (Newark, OH);
Joe Reno of Marine Solutions (Waynesville, OH);
Jenn & Jeremy Embry of Aquarium Artisans (Cincinnati, OH).

Measuring 96″L X 48″W X 30″H, this Reef Savvy tank was delivered sheet by sheet and pieced together on top of the stand which was built and assembled on site by Chris Benner. Once all was said and done, the 600-gallon tank featured three sides of low iron glass, a double Phantom bottom, black powder coated aluminum bracing around the top and bottom, and a dual 24″ Ghost Overflows.

600gallon_zpsdc0419c6.jpg


The tank is still not fully set up and loaded with SPS corals just yet, but my frag tank growout system is literally bursting at the seams. When complete, my new system will have a total water volume of around 1,000 gallons, SPS dominant all the way.
 
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josh4107

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Wow this is going to be amazing!! I've bought stuff off of you at frag swaps the last few years (kuhny11) and you always have top quality stuff so I'm sure this tank will be no different. Can't wait to see this thing up and running. Good luck and look forward to more pics!
 
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aquavista99

aquavista99

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Part 1- Building the foundation. Everything must first fit through a small drywall cut whole in my basement wall!!!

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Part 2- The stand. First built at the factory by Chris Benner, then assembled in my basement, piece by piece with attention to detail every step of the way.



stand1_zps66fd7146.jpg
stand2_zps326e2f21.jpg
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stand5.jpg
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aquavista99

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Part 3- The beginning stages of my custom built tank. Starts off with the black powder-coated aluminum frame.

1reefsavvy8_zpsd1286477.jpg



Next stop, shipping all the glass from Miami, FL. to Ohio!!!

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5reefsavvybox5_zps97c84ed8.jpg
 
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hybridazn

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About time Tim! I'm glad you decided to post this epic build here, of course if you need any help just drop me a line!
 
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aquavista99

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Thank you very much and glad to share my journey with you.

Wow this is going to be amazing!! I've bought stuff off of you at frag swaps the last few years (kuhny11) and you always have top quality stuff so I'm sure this tank will be no different. Can't wait to see this thing up and running. Good luck and look forward to more pics!
 
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aquavista99

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Glad to have you along for the ride and yes, Chris Benner and Felix Bordon do amazing work...and the best in the industry in my opinion.

Following along... Amazing wood work and the tank is a masterpiece!
 
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aquavista99

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Oh yes, one of the final pieces of the puzzle is almost complete and pictures will follow when the light rack system is installed.

Nice to see this one is coming together. I heard the lighting system is going to be nothing short of epic. Any previews of those you can share?
 
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aquavista99

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Thanks, Adam! I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. This build has been in the works for a long time!

Awesome Tim!, I think a lot of us have been anxious to see this one! Amazing stuff
 

Polyp polynomial: How many heads do you start with when buying zoas?

  • One head is enough to get started.

    Votes: 27 10.6%
  • 2 to 4 heads.

    Votes: 145 57.1%
  • 5 heads or more.

    Votes: 65 25.6%
  • Full colony.

    Votes: 10 3.9%
  • Other.

    Votes: 7 2.8%
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