500gal Mega build

[BrendanJ23]

Hi Everyone, long time no post.


Works been insanely busy the last year or so, a bit short on time. Hope you are all well on the other side there.

Moving straight on, I am excited to announce the start of the mega build. I am building a 2400mmx800x800 aquarium(~1560L or 410 US GAL. to be housed in wall, viewable from the newly built (still under construction) sitting room. Serviceability and all the tank etc will be from an extended large laundry behind.

The tank itself will have a starfire front panel for optimal viewing , and a ~500L/130 GAL sump. Sides, back and bottom will be clad with white vinyl, as I am running BB. I plan on running about 100 or so liters of k3 media fluidized, as well as some marine pure balls and various other bio media. The exact configuration is still yet to be decided. I plan to heat the tank with 4/300w eheim heaters, running off an Inkbird controller. I’ve purchased a Jebao 10000 LPH return pump, in hopes this will be enough. Tossing up the idea of running a refugium, just not sure yet.

Actual tank lighting will be atm 1-2 AI Freshwater lights. They provide good shimmer and spectrum for the plants. Only running a couple small but powerful lights will allow me to create depth and shadows, while still providing enough light to grow some basic plants such as Val and swords.

To tackle water changes, I’ve had the tank drilled (it is still being made) with 2/50mm bulkheads at the bottom for fast water changes with the simple turn of a valve. This will be plumbed into the laundry sink drain, with a T so I can alternatively run it off a hose out to the garden.
For refilling, I’ve had a plumber install a hot/cold mixer directly above the tank, and a 3/4” cold only for speed things up if needed. I will incorporate a dual prefilter off both taps (sediment and carbon).

Here’s a few pictures to start with.








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[danotaylor]

Bloody awesome mate! Can't wait to see it all come together!!

[pablos]

Nice project.. looking forward to see results.

I would add more vertical support into your stand. You might consider to mount two parallel pumps for a redundancy.

[14Discus]

This is SO cool.......am jealous. Yes, more vertical support is needed as I see it. With that big a tank, support overkill is imperative. You might add some drywall framing too and be sure to seal the edges very carefully in case water should find it’s way to the opening edges. Late now, but bathroom drywall might be better for moisture reasons. Can’t wait to see the final setup and all.

[Shan_Evolved]

What size wood is that for the stand? Very interested in the build. Good luck

[pablos]

When I build my stand for 190g, I used much heavier wood. 6 vertical wooden blocks, each 4"x2" plus 4 horizontal with the same dimensions. Each corner is supported by L shape metal joint. .. stand itself is around 150lbs
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[BrendanJ23]

Whoops, I should have mentioned that I have purposely left a leg out so I can slide the sump in. Once the sump is in I will finish the framing. As apart of the Reno I had my engineer over look the stand design and confirmed it’s strength so no need to worry (plus I’m a builder lol) . All wall sheeting in the room is Villaboard (cement sheeting) for wet areas, and I have waterproofers sealing the floor perimeter just in case.
The frame is constructed from 90x45 mgp 12 structural framing with 17mm plywood top. With the type of timber and construction method used it will be able to support much more than required.

Interesting about running a second parallel pump. Assuming I would need two separate return pipes/outlets into the tank?

[pablos]

Yes, you would need to have two return pipes. the benefit of that is that they might point in different direction. Take a look on www.reef2reef.com its quite popular there for reef keepers and tanks 1000l +