Hello fellow reefers
Build details are in the second post
Update picture 10/25/24 (fish and corals from the nano tank have been added)
Update picture 10/8/24 (tank is wet and cycle has started)
Update picture 9/20/24 (final leak test)
Update picture 8/23/24 (Tank arrived)
Update picture 7/16/24
I’m starting this thread to track the latest stages of a 30+ year journey. I can’t remember the number of different reef tanks I have kept since the late 80’s when my aunt helped me setup a 29g saltwater tank with damsels a pair of clowns and Condylactis anemones. I remember both MACNAs in Cleveland 2 & 5 I believe and I have partaken in almost every fad over that time. Over all that time I have never had a reef with more than 150 gallons of water volume (15 years of living in an apartment was a big reason). Well me and my wife bought a house 3 years ago and the time has come to built the tank I have dreamed about for decades.
The goals:
- 6+ feet so I can keep larger schools of fish and tangs (I have kept plenty of tangs in smaller tanks but that was all in the past)
- SPS dominant: this tank will be acro colonies and montis. I have never had the space to grow out across the way I have liked. My goal are a few species with huge colonies with accent colonies in between (I have some nice colonies starting in my current system)
- minimum 30” depth so I can aquascape and not have a wall like look.
- it will be the centerpiece of our great room so it needs to look like furniture.
To meet the above goals I am looking at a Planet Aquarium Mega Matrix tank. My initial thoughts are 84” x 30.5” deeps x 25” tall. I’m planning to place the order in the next week or two. I have looked at the 72” and 96” versions and I keep gravitating to the 84” as it seems to be the right length for the depth and height. I’m looking at it sitting on a 36-42” stand with filtration next to it built into a bench with a lift top (I want a large sump so I’m looking at a 72” synergy as well as a couple other brands). There will be a lagoon style tank on the far side of the bench so I can display my large mangrove upstairs. I like my lights high above the water so I’m most likely going with Orpheks (I have atlantiks on my current tank and my try the OR3’s and OSIX controller).
Here are some pictures of the spot it will go with a frame the size of the tank so I can decide on the exact size. The large terrarium will be moved to the other side of the fireplace and the short wall will be removed.
42” high
36” high
The full tank 7’ size sitting in front of the spot
I have both 6’ and 7’ marked and the table is 8’ for reference.
The cabinets will be floor to ceiling and I’ll be building them myself. I found this picture which is close to the look I’m going for except it will go to the ceiling. The idea is to ensure no extra light spill since it is right next to the TV
Thanks for coming along for the ride as I plan this out then install it. If anyone has suggestions and tips please post them. While this may be my first large reef build a year ago I built a 4000g walk in vivarium that is fully automated so I am use to the complexities of larger projects.
Build details are in the second post
Update picture 10/25/24 (fish and corals from the nano tank have been added)
Update picture 10/8/24 (tank is wet and cycle has started)
Update picture 9/20/24 (final leak test)
Update picture 8/23/24 (Tank arrived)
Update picture 7/16/24
I’m starting this thread to track the latest stages of a 30+ year journey. I can’t remember the number of different reef tanks I have kept since the late 80’s when my aunt helped me setup a 29g saltwater tank with damsels a pair of clowns and Condylactis anemones. I remember both MACNAs in Cleveland 2 & 5 I believe and I have partaken in almost every fad over that time. Over all that time I have never had a reef with more than 150 gallons of water volume (15 years of living in an apartment was a big reason). Well me and my wife bought a house 3 years ago and the time has come to built the tank I have dreamed about for decades.
The goals:
- 6+ feet so I can keep larger schools of fish and tangs (I have kept plenty of tangs in smaller tanks but that was all in the past)
- SPS dominant: this tank will be acro colonies and montis. I have never had the space to grow out across the way I have liked. My goal are a few species with huge colonies with accent colonies in between (I have some nice colonies starting in my current system)
- minimum 30” depth so I can aquascape and not have a wall like look.
- it will be the centerpiece of our great room so it needs to look like furniture.
To meet the above goals I am looking at a Planet Aquarium Mega Matrix tank. My initial thoughts are 84” x 30.5” deeps x 25” tall. I’m planning to place the order in the next week or two. I have looked at the 72” and 96” versions and I keep gravitating to the 84” as it seems to be the right length for the depth and height. I’m looking at it sitting on a 36-42” stand with filtration next to it built into a bench with a lift top (I want a large sump so I’m looking at a 72” synergy as well as a couple other brands). There will be a lagoon style tank on the far side of the bench so I can display my large mangrove upstairs. I like my lights high above the water so I’m most likely going with Orpheks (I have atlantiks on my current tank and my try the OR3’s and OSIX controller).
Here are some pictures of the spot it will go with a frame the size of the tank so I can decide on the exact size. The large terrarium will be moved to the other side of the fireplace and the short wall will be removed.
42” high
36” high
The full tank 7’ size sitting in front of the spot
I have both 6’ and 7’ marked and the table is 8’ for reference.
The cabinets will be floor to ceiling and I’ll be building them myself. I found this picture which is close to the look I’m going for except it will go to the ceiling. The idea is to ensure no extra light spill since it is right next to the TV
Thanks for coming along for the ride as I plan this out then install it. If anyone has suggestions and tips please post them. While this may be my first large reef build a year ago I built a 4000g walk in vivarium that is fully automated so I am use to the complexities of larger projects.
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