blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build

blcktitanium · 01-29-2007, 01:38 AM

Hello everyone, I'm in the process of designing a system that I have been planning for over 3 months. The reason its taking me so long to get this underway is because I'm over in Iraq and on my down time I'm doing research, I will be home in March for good If all goes well and I want my System waiting at my home for me when I get there so I will have to place my order by the end of the week in order to get the tank, stand and canopy delivered by the time I get home.

I up in the air about which to go with either an acrylic or glass tank. I have read the pros and cons about both.

My tank dimension are going to be 48Lx32Wx28H (about 185g) with a built in over flow with a pre drilled 2" drain and a 1" return from the sump. I'm also going to have two 2" intakes drilled in to the bottom of the tank for my 2 CLS with each having a 1 1/2" return teeing off to 6 3/4" outlets per system.

I know that for the dimensions I want my tank to be, acrylic would be the most advantageous. However in reading several books of successful reef keepers, it seems like the majority of everyone preferred and suggested the use of Glass over acrylic. If I do go glass it will be made of starphire.

Could anyone give your thoughts on which would be better and way.

Sharkbait · 01-29-2007, 02:32 AM

I've maintained tanks for years, I like the shapes I get from acrylic. I think as long as you are careful while cleaning it isn't a problem. Scratches are usually due to laziness in my view. Glass is great, unscratchable but drilled glass can crack as well. A fellow store owner had a glass crack at an IMAX theater for no apparent reason. I proudly own a custom acrylic and build myself so this view is obviously bias, but those are true facts above. Like your plans, very sound design. G

Woodstock · 01-29-2007, 06:40 AM

Looks like it will be a fabulous tank! I look forward to watching it progress.

Pro_builder · 01-29-2007, 08:14 AM

Another opinion...
I like the acrylic tank, myself. Easy to lift and move around, you can make any shape you want, almost, Drilling is simple and buttering bread.... he he.
I will never go with glass again. It took way to much effort to get my 180 AGA in the house and on the stand. 450 lbs

sasquatch · 01-29-2007, 09:25 AM

interesting, a dry box for wires?? hmmm do you think 1'' is enough? once you get a few thru there it gets pretty tight and thats a small area to fish in, I imagine some of the wires we need extending as well, neat idea.Steve

Dentoid · 01-29-2007, 09:32 AM

Welcome to the Sanctuary. Looks like a very ingenuitous design and that you have put alot of thought into it. Stay safe over there and thanks for helping to defend our freedom!

JFK_Jr · 01-29-2007, 11:18 AM

I agree with Steve... a 1" hole for wires is not practical for equipment wiring... you won't be able to fit much through that size opening.

The dry box scares me a lot!

If it fails for any reason you are talking about 180 Gallons of water on the floor! at least if an overflow box fails, there's a bulkhead to keep the water from spilling out.

blcktitanium · 01-29-2007, 05:43 PM

thanks everyone for your input.... Yeah... I'm exicted about it and can't wait to get home to start putting it all together.... I will keep you informed as this project continues.

JFK and Susquatch.........I agree I was thinking the same think about the 1" dia for the wiring for the fan and lighting power cords, when I designed it and thought I should make it a bit larger.... with your input I will increase the size of the hole thanks.......

JFK Jr.... you mentioned the dry chamber failing do you mean like getting cracked or something like that???

JFK_Jr · 01-29-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blcktitanium

JFK Jr.... you mentioned the dry chamber failing do you mean like getting cracked or something like that???

I had a reef tank about 10 years ago that I cracked the overflow with a piece of live rock... I had to tear the tank down to repair it. The glass used for overflows is not as thick as the tank. If there was no bulkhead there, I would have had 90 gallons of water on the floor... not to mention the loss of my reef.

I also had a buddy that separated the silicone joint in his overflow box reaching his arm into it. I just think... why take a risk?

cioutlaw · 01-29-2007, 06:23 PM

I wouldn't drill anymore holes in a glass tank than I had to, the dry area is a great idea but I don't think it is worth the problems it could cause. I have a three sided tank like you have planned & have run my cords down the outside back corner using cable tie mounts. Here are some ideas http://cableorganizer.com/Cable-ties-clips/#C

blcktitanium · 01-29-2007, 07:24 PM

JFK_JR and Cioutlaw I copy what both of you are saying..... I totally agree with the idea of the less holes the better in glass to prevent the possibility of cracking etc... Thats why I think I'm going to lean more toward the Acrylic now.

JFK_JR what I was planning on doing in the dry chamber that I didn't mention was to run a PVC pipe or some sort of conduit through the drilled hole in the dry chamber just above the top over the dry chamber and seal around the hole with silicone, then I was going to run the wire through the pipe or conduit. I thought this would aleviate the flood problem if it did crack or separate as you mention happened to your and your friends tank. What are your thought on that idea? Like I said I forgot to mention that was the plan I had from the get go.... I really do appreciate all the help and insight the you are giving me on this, so that I could improve it before ordering my tank this week.

JFK_Jr · 01-29-2007, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blcktitanium

JFK_JR what I was planning on doing in the dry chamber that I didn't mention was to run a PVC pipe or some sort of conduit through the drilled hole in the dry chamber just above the top over the dry chamber and seal around the hole with silicone, then I was going to run the wire through the pipe or conduit. I thought this would aleviate the flood problem if it did crack or separate as you mention happened to your and your friends tank. What are your thought on that idea? Like I said I forgot to mention that was the plan I had from the get go.... I really do appreciate all the help and insight the you are giving me on this, so that I could improve it before ordering my tank this week.

That sounds like it would do the trick. Instead of silicone, I would recommend using a 2" threaded bulkhead with a threaded PVC pipe connected to it. That way it will be solid. If you step or pull on the wires you won't have to worry about dislodging the silicone seal around the pipe. You might even be able to use two of them in your dry box for added space for wires.

blcktitanium · 01-29-2007, 07:45 PM

thanks I will do that.... I just thought about the bulkheads immediately after I replied to the last post. Thanks

Frankie · 01-29-2007, 07:46 PM

Yeah i like the dry box idea. JFK's right about the bulkhead. And running the wires through a stand pipe thats glued in with PVC glue would do the trick. You could bring that pipe up as high as you wanted then and not have an overflow issue. I do see you sucking out dead water occasionally though. I look forward to seeing this tank come alive!
I'm a glass kinda guy but with that many holes in the bottom I'd have to say acrylic is the best way also.

blcktitanium · 01-29-2007, 08:06 PM

Thanks FFrankie for your support as well. I will most definitely keep everyone posted....

01-29-2007, 02:32 AM	#2 (permalink)
Sharkbait Scopas Tang Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Phoenix Posts: 426 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build I've maintained tanks for years, I like the shapes I get from acrylic. I think as long as you are careful while cleaning it isn't a problem. Scratches are usually due to laziness in my view. Glass is great, unscratchable but drilled glass can crack as well. A fellow store owner had a glass crack at an IMAX theater for no apparent reason. I proudly own a custom acrylic and build myself so this view is obviously bias, but those are true facts above. Like your plans, very sound design. G __________________ 'Cause I'm as free as a Bird Wrasse...

01-29-2007, 06:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 21,650 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build Looks like it will be a fabulous tank! I look forward to watching it progress. __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~29 gal QT/Hospital tank~* *~3 gal Pico~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MH, dual Actinic t5s,AquaController III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

01-29-2007, 08:14 AM	#4 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build Another opinion... I like the acrylic tank, myself. Easy to lift and move around, you can make any shape you want, almost, Drilling is simple and buttering bread.... he he. I will never go with glass again. It took way to much effort to get my 180 AGA in the house and on the stand. 450 lbs __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

01-29-2007, 09:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
sasquatch Brunt of all Jokes~ Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: the very farthest west coast of canada Posts: 8,492 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build interesting, a dry box for wires?? hmmm do you think 1'' is enough? once you get a few thru there it gets pretty tight and thats a small area to fish in, I imagine some of the wires we need extending as well, neat idea.Steve __________________ DIY stuff for my tank stand, 100g tank,rock lift, overflow, foam walls, closed loop,lighting reflectors, 50gal sump, bubbletrap and sock holder, ato bracket,kalk bucket and reservoir, 40gal fuge, fuge lighting, remotish dsb raceway, turf algae raceway, dual pumped recirc skimmer, more to follow. Barb ripped my sig

01-29-2007, 09:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
Dentoid Over Achiever Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 9,529 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build Welcome to the Sanctuary. Looks like a very ingenuitous design and that you have put alot of thought into it. Stay safe over there and thanks for helping to defend our freedom! __________________ Scott Dentoid's Reeforama

01-29-2007, 11:18 AM	#7 (permalink)
JFK_Jr Golden Moray Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hallandale Beach FL Posts: 2,108 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build I agree with Steve... a 1" hole for wires is not practical for equipment wiring... you won't be able to fit much through that size opening. The dry box scares me a lot! If it fails for any reason you are talking about 180 Gallons of water on the floor! at least if an overflow box fails, there's a bulkhead to keep the water from spilling out. __________________ *JFK_Jr's 150 Gallon Starphire*

01-29-2007, 05:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
blcktitanium Tubeworm Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: California Posts: 31 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build thanks everyone for your input.... Yeah... I'm exicted about it and can't wait to get home to start putting it all together.... I will keep you informed as this project continues. JFK and Susquatch.........I agree I was thinking the same think about the 1" dia for the wiring for the fan and lighting power cords, when I designed it and thought I should make it a bit larger.... with your input I will increase the size of the hole thanks....... JFK Jr.... you mentioned the dry chamber failing do you mean like getting cracked or something like that???

01-29-2007, 06:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
cioutlaw Harlequin Tuskfish Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Champaign Illinois Posts: 940 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build I wouldn't drill anymore holes in a glass tank than I had to, the dry area is a great idea but I don't think it is worth the problems it could cause. I have a three sided tank like you have planned & have run my cords down the outside back corner using cable tie mounts. Here are some ideas http://cableorganizer.com/Cable-ties-clips/#C __________________ My 120gallon chronical My 225 gallon chronical My website

01-29-2007, 07:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
blcktitanium Tubeworm Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: California Posts: 31 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build JFK_JR and Cioutlaw I copy what both of you are saying..... I totally agree with the idea of the less holes the better in glass to prevent the possibility of cracking etc... Thats why I think I'm going to lean more toward the Acrylic now. JFK_JR what I was planning on doing in the dry chamber that I didn't mention was to run a PVC pipe or some sort of conduit through the drilled hole in the dry chamber just above the top over the dry chamber and seal around the hole with silicone, then I was going to run the wire through the pipe or conduit. I thought this would aleviate the flood problem if it did crack or separate as you mention happened to your and your friends tank. What are your thought on that idea? Like I said I forgot to mention that was the plan I had from the get go.... I really do appreciate all the help and insight the you are giving me on this, so that I could improve it before ordering my tank this week.

01-29-2007, 07:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
blcktitanium Tubeworm Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: California Posts: 31 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build thanks I will do that.... I just thought about the bulkheads immediately after I replied to the last post. Thanks

01-29-2007, 07:46 PM	#14 (permalink)
Frankie Angel Girl's Daddy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: The End Of The World Posts: 6,025 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build Yeah i like the dry box idea. JFK's right about the bulkhead. And running the wires through a stand pipe thats glued in with PVC glue would do the trick. You could bring that pipe up as high as you wanted then and not have an overflow issue. I do see you sucking out dead water occasionally though. I look forward to seeing this tank come alive! I'm a glass kinda guy but with that many holes in the bottom I'd have to say acrylic is the best way also. __________________ Visit my aquarium -->Frankie's 120 gal Experiment Bruce: Today's meeting is Step 5: Bring a fish friend. Everyone brought a fish friend? DIY=DO IT YOURSELF! If we ignore the environment maybe it will go away....

01-29-2007, 08:06 PM	#15 (permalink)
blcktitanium Tubeworm Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: California Posts: 31 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blcktitaniums 185gal Starphire or Acrylic New Tank Build Thanks FFrankie for your support as well. I will most definitely keep everyone posted....

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