Shaun's 2000 Litre (530 USG) Living Reef & Red Sea Max S 650 LED Design & Build

Collo

Well-Known Member
thank you - out of interest, any reason why you don't use the Hanna for calcium?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: SPR

SPR

Well-Known Member
thank you - out of interest, any reason why you don't use the Hanna for calcium?
Have you seen the Hanna Calcium test kit?

If your a mad scientist go for it, as soon as I opened the box it went back closed and returned to the shop. Let’s just say it’s not like the others!
 

SPR

Well-Known Member
I’ve found a local aquarium builder close to me who has given me a quote for a display 3700mm x 700mm x 750mm.......... they are on recommendation and seem very good.

Just awaiting the price for the stand and sump etc and then I can decide and fine tune everything

The dimensions seem a nice size for being able to reach everything inside but I’ll give it some more serious thought before proceeding once I get the figures

I haven’t had the quote from the London based company yet, but the figures they were talking did seem very high, probably because it’s London. The sort of figures that would make me winse a little! The quote I’ve just had didn’t! Lol

If I do this I don’t want to make any alterations to my home other than moving my large TV from a stand onto a wall. So if I ever get fed up it can all be removed easily without affecting my man cave.

The current intention would be to keep and run the S650 separately as it doesn’t require much maintenance these days.

So let’s see......
 
Last edited:

Pancho75

Well-Known Member
I will say:
74dfdf52eb141bf554859097aa40b5b9.jpg

Come on! Money does not matter!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

SPR

Well-Known Member
Some more thoughts are it’s just like my tank but bigger and needs more powerful equipment and I probably will need a more automated water change/management system, but that’s fairly simple to put into place with some large water containers probably on the wall outside. The tank will go down one entire end wall in my man cave were there is currently a patio door onto the garden, which would be covered effectively.

I’ve already been looking at some equipment, like the Abyzz A400 return pump, MP60’s etc.

If anybody has any ideas on powerful return pumps feel free to share them. The display is around 2000 litres (528 USG) so at a turnover of say x 10 I need a powerful pump, although I guess slightly less than 10 is fine as we will get plenty of water movement with the MP60’s

The Abyzz has a titanium impeller and comes with a 10 year warranty, made in Germany, although it’s not cheap. I’m then thinking Vectra L2 as a redundancy system with battery backups just in case of failure or for maintenance and I could also use it as part of the water change system to pump out water, and then just open a valve to refill. From an outside container

I haven’t made the final decision yet, I’m getting older and I think it’s change, but I’m fairly sure it will be going ahead.

I actually think it would be easier to maintain than the S650 because things are bigger and easier to get to. Something simple like an MP60 on each end of the tank, which just pull off, rather than the 4 rear circulation pumps buried in the back of the S650 (and I hate cleaning those!)

The thought of having a living reef of that magnitude would be quiet breathtaking.
 

Nobbygas

Well-Known Member
Some more thoughts are it’s just like my tank but bigger and needs more powerful equipment and I probably will need a more automated water change/management system, but that’s fairly simple to put into place with some large water containers probably on the wall outside. The tank will go down one entire end wall in my man cave were there is currently a patio door onto the garden, which would be covered effectively.

I’ve already been looking at some equipment, like the Abyzz A400 return pump, MP60’s etc.

If anybody has any ideas on powerful return pumps feel free to share them. The display is around 2000 litres (528 USG) so at a turnover of say x 10 I need a powerful pump, although I guess slightly less than 10 is fine as we will get plenty of water movement with the MP60’s

The Abyzz has a titanium impeller and comes with a 10 year warranty, made in Germany, although it’s not cheap. I’m then thinking Vectra L2 as a redundancy system with battery backups just in case of failure or for maintenance and I could also use it as part of the water change system to pump out water, and then just open a valve to refill. From an outside container

I haven’t made the final decision yet, I’m getting older and I think it’s change, but I’m fairly sure it will be going ahead.

I actually think it would be easier to maintain than the S650 because things are bigger and easier to get to. Something simple like an MP60 on each end of the tank, which just pull off, rather than the 4 rear circulation pumps buried in the back of the S650 (and I hate cleaning those!)

The thought of having a living reef of that magnitude would be quiet breathtaking.
Sounds excellent! I have never had any experience with anything other than my S-650, so I'm just throwing things into the mix.
Instead of just one powerful Return Pump, could you not have two (not so powerful) pumps therefore giving you two return nozzles which will help with water circulation? Just a thought.
 

SPR

Well-Known Member
Sounds excellent! I have never had any experience with anything other than my S-650, so I'm just throwing things into the mix.
Instead of just one powerful Return Pump, could you not have two (not so powerful) pumps therefore giving you two return nozzles which will help with water circulation? Just a thought.

Yes that's another option and this is what i need ideas.

2 or even 3 Vectra L2's returns would be a good alternative and also provide redundancy. I do however like the idea of a 10 year warranty of the Abyzz and also their silent pretty much as far as I can tell.

Ill start a new build thread if and when I make the final decision, I still just have this shall I sharn't I in my head
 

Nobbygas

Well-Known Member
Yes that's another option and this is what i need ideas.

2 or even 3 Vectra L2's returns would be a good alternative and also provide redundancy. I do however like the idea of a 10 year warranty of the Abyzz and also their silent pretty much as far as I can tell.

Ill start a new build thread if and when I make the final decision, I still just have this shall I sharn't I in my head
I think with a build this size redundancy has to be a major feature. I can only compare it to when I dive, where I ensure that I have two of every vital piece of equipment. Two dive computers, two compasses, two depth monitors etc etc so if anything happens to one bit I can still continue and surface safely.

Of course, you could just sell your house and buy another one next to the sea. With a bit of jiggery pokery you could plumb everything to the sea. Water changes would happen with the tide. You might have a problem or two getting that plan past the wife though!
 

SPR

Well-Known Member
I think with a build this size redundancy has to be a major feature. I can only compare it to when I dive, where I ensure that I have two of every vital piece of equipment. Two dive computers, two compasses, two depth monitors etc etc so if anything happens to one bit I can still continue and surface safely.

Of course, you could just sell your house and buy another one next to the sea. With a bit of jiggery pokery you could plumb everything to the sea. Water changes would happen with the tide. You might have a problem or two getting that plan past the wife though!
Exactly yes redundancy, and ease of use and maintenance.

My wife doesn't mind to be honest. As long as she has hay for her horse bless she lets me do whatever I want.

The price of the braced tank itself with low lead 15mm glass, polished edges etc., is not to bad at £2123+VAT and then £1375 + VAT for the metal stand/black satin cabinet like the S650's.

I have got to adjust the final length as i need to leave around 15cm each side for access and the MP60's but I might make it deeper, but subject to me being able to reach inside without diving equipment! lol

The cost is going to come from the equipment like about 8 Hydra 52's etc, but it will be what it is....
 

Nobbygas

Well-Known Member
Exactly yes redundancy, and ease of use and maintenance.

My wife doesn't mind to be honest. As long as she has hay for her horse bless she lets me do whatever I want.

The price of the braced tank itself with low lead 15mm glass, polished edges etc., is not to bad at £2123+VAT and then £1375 + VAT for the metal stand/black satin cabinet like the S650's.

I have got to adjust the final length as i need to leave around 15cm each side for access and the MP60's but I might make it deeper, but subject to me being able to reach inside without diving equipment! lol

The cost is going to come from the equipment like about 8 Hydra 52's etc, but it will be what it is....
Not the new ReefLED's from Red Sea?
Those prices look very inviting.
 

Nobbygas

Well-Known Member
Have you thought about a 'pelmet' for the new tank? You don't want loads of lights hanging from the ceiling etc. How about boxing the lights in, which will also stop the light leakage in the room.
 

SPR

Well-Known Member
Not the new ReefLED's from Red Sea?
Those prices look very inviting.
Unfortunately you get what you pay for. It will be interesting to see how one light compares to the 2 lights of the Hydra 26's, but I don't know anything about lights other than how to switch them on.

Im guessing they have made their own light so they can make more money when they sell them rather than using someone else who specialise in lights. A bit like the skimmer that doesnt work very well and not supplying a stool. All these things add up to a lot of money if your a company accountant.
 

SPR

Well-Known Member
Have you thought about a 'pelmet' for the new tank? You don't want loads of lights hanging from the ceiling etc. How about boxing the lights in, which will also stop the light leakage in the room.
Im still thinking about that, I actually like the open top look so initially am looking at mounting them on the back on brackets
 

Nobbygas

Well-Known Member
Unfortunately you get what you pay for. It will be interesting to see how one light compares to the 2 lights of the Hydra 26's, but I don't know anything about lights other than how to switch them on.

Im guessing they have made their own light so they can make more money when they sell them rather than using someone else who specialise in lights. A bit like the skimmer that doesnt work very well and not supplying a stool. All these things add up to a lot of money if your a company accountant.
There are a few rumours circulating that Radion are not happy with the new ReefLED's as they claim that their technology has been 'copied'. As I said, just rumours.
 
Top