Need help with a massive tank.

[Glseye]

Okay, first let me start by saying kudo's for such a smart site. Now to the heart of the matter.

I'm planning on incorperating a huge saltwater aqaurium into my new house. I'm thinking around 540 gallon. A couple of years ago I had a 180 gallon tank and was REALLY happy with it.

Does anyone know were i would start with something that large? I seriously doubt the average pump and skimmer is going to suffice. Also, I would like to keep as hands off as possible. Furthermore, I believe that mimicking the fishes natural enviroment as closely as possibly is the healthiest thing for them. With that being said, I'll probably incorperate a 2 to 1 live rock mixture and a line of live sand.

Any Ideas are welcome. Please feel free to drop me a line.

It'll be close to six months before l start since I'm currently in Iraq, but I figured if I posted this as ealry as possible I'd generate alot of ideas.

Thanks
Glseye

[carpenterwrasse]

let me be the first tto welcome you here to our home....Greg(graphixx) is in the process of a 400 gal. tank so he's your best bet..I guess your in the military I hope you are well and get home soon.

George

[graphixx]

Glseye, yup I am in the process of my 400 gallon. the hard part is over. and its got water in it and is in the process of cycling. The first thing I would say is FIRST make sure where you want it and make sure that its gonna look good there. that was my problem. and most of all make sure the floor will support it. you have to realize that tank is gonna weigh over 2 tons when its up and full.
that is the first thing I would do and then research on pumps. I wold recomend doing a manifold system.
I would start there. PM me if yo have any questions

[Glseye]

Top notch work Graphixx,

That is a Really REALLY phenominal!! I will definately be speaking with you when the time comes!!

Glseye

[graphixx]

good to hear buddy and when you get around to setting that sucker up make sure and take lots and lots of pics. I am sooo excited for my tank. I am gonna have A LOT of room to play with!!!!

[graphixx]

http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=3857 http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=3961 These are the the 2 threads of my 400 gallon adventure. think of the first thread as a "what not to do" thread. the second thread has a much happier ending :D

[Sweetpea]

Welcome to Captive Reefing! :)
We've all learned a lot following graphixx's progress with his 400 gallon, and I know we'll all enjoy learning along with you on your "massive" tank! This is a great site with lots of friendly people... people who really care and want to help and know what's going on in the journeys of other reefers. Just FYI... (when the time comes) we LOVE photos!!! ;)

[melev]

Some things to consider:

Tank temperature
In-wall or out in the general living area?
Humidity factors
Sump configuration
Water storage / Water mixing / Water changes
Low voltage equipment - Tunze / VorTech provide the flow for pennies
Dual skimmers rather than one huge one
Lighting & Penetration
Back up plan / generator
Money ;)

[tileman]

Lots of Money. lol

[graphixx]

TONS OF MONEY!!!!!

[carpenterwrasse]

and when you think its enough theres always a need for more money

[lReef lMlaster-old]

It'll be close to six months before l start since I'm currently in Iraq, but I figured if I posted this as ealry as possible I'd generate alot of ideas.

Thanks
Glseye


In my first post on this site let me say this to you ....... THANK YOU !! if not for people like you, we may not have the freedom to enjoy this great hobby. i salute you and everyone else over there doing what you do so we CAN enjoy this fasinating lifestyle that we have chosen !!

[Reptoreef]

... THANK YOU !! if not for people like you, we may not have the freedom to enjoy this great hobby. i salute you and everyone else over there doing what you do so we CAN enjoy this fasinating lifestyle that we have chosen !!

I couldn't of said it better... I served during Desert Storm and can only imagine the difference from then to today. Kudos to you and all of the troops protecting freedom!!! What branch are you serving? Me... a combat field medic("Born to kill, trained to heal")HOOORAH!!!

Jason