Martin's New 300 gallon Money Pit!!!!

[vtec si]

Hello again fellow reefer's, (MODS, I HOPE THIS IS OK TO POST HERE!)

I have been dying to get this on here! As some of you know, I have been planning a new tank. I was going to do a 96x30x30, but I just could not make it work, nor did I want the GREAT WALL OF LR! So for the past few months I was pondering how to do this. Then out of the blue I went to see a friend's new tank and my mouth dropped when I saw it. I asked him if I could copy his design but change a few things. He said sure and agreed to help with the design and hooked me up with his friend that builds custom tanks!

This is what we came up with! A 48x48x30 semi cube!! The tank is built out of 1/2" cell cast acrylic. It has one large overflow built in the center back that is 19x6x30 with two, two inch bulkheads. I have drilled two one inch bulkheads in the bottom and two in the top (as you see in the pic's.) I have drilled the back with four one inch bulkheads for the returns from the main pump (Reefflow Hammer Head!!!) Also two one inch holes for the drains to the closed loop pump (4MDXQ pump). I also had the sump built and it came out awesome. This unit is a 40x18x18 refugium. I will also be using a 46x24x14 frag tank (which will be plumbed in with this system aswell.) A 4 1/2' D&D Marine venturi skimmer (the deal of a lifetime, picked up for $20.00) also being ran by a 4MDQX pump. I will be using a Aqua Medic 1000 Calcium reactor with a Aqua Medic controler. (Still need Co2 bottle!)

Any suggestion would be great!

OH YA! EAT YOUR HART OUT ELMO!

Regards,
Martin

Picture 5: is the big Kahuna giving it her aproval
Picture 4: 2" drain bulkheads
Picture 3: Drilling holes
Picture 2: The Tank 48x48x30
Picture 1: some equipment

[Peterock]

That is pretty cool I like the little Mermaid in the last shot. When is it going to be up and running

[Reefland]

That looks like a very nice project Martin! I think if I went with a larger tank it would be a cube similar to the size you've got going here; the 4' depth has got to be an awesome view!

[saltjunkie]

I hate all of you with your big fancy shmancy tanks...........

[Reefland]

I hear ya there!

[vtec si]

I hate all of you with your big fancy shmancy tanks...........

[scubadude]

WOOOOHOOOO!!!! That is sooo freakin sweet Martin! That tank is gonna be off the hewk....great planning I can tell. Is this gonna be a 3 side viewable tank?

[vtec si]

WOOOOHOOOO!!!! That is sooo freakin sweet Martin! That tank is gonna be off the hewk....great planning I can tell. Is this gonna be a 3 side viewable tank?

Rocky you are right this tank will be viewable from three sides.

Well got all the drilling done and bulkheads in place tonight. Water test for leaks in the morn!

I will post better pic's tomarrow so you can see what i am doing for water flow!

Regards,
Martin

[Samper]

Awesome start...keep us posted.

[Reefland]

Ok, we're waiting for the pics now.

[vtec si]

Ok, you asked so here they are.

I started the stand to day but forgot to take pic's. Will post them later.

Regards,
Martin

5: tank from the top
4: tank from bottom
3: a better pic of the sump
2: frag/grow out tank
1: skimmer

[Peterock]

Very nice martin, is everything in place to hook up the close loop.

[charlie]

Hey, that looks like way to much fun, are you sure you can handle it? I hope you keep us in the know about this thing, we are enquiring people
By the way, the pit doesn't have a bottom, you gotta trust me here. Good luck, I bet you can't wait to get something besides water in there.

[vtec si]

By the way, the pit doesn't have a bottom, you gotta trust me here. Good luck, I bet you can't wait to get something besides water in there.

Charlie,

You are so right! I thought I would sell my old tank (180 RR) and some equipment that I woun't be using and break even or close to even.Yeah Right! More like NOT EVEN CLOSE. What was I thinking?

Regards,
Martin

[Reefland]

How much does the tank weigh?

[charlie]

Charlie,

You are so right! I thought I would sell my old tank (180 RR) and some equipment that I woun't be using and break even or close to even.Yeah Right! More like NOT EVEN CLOSE. What was I thinking?

Regards,
Martin

You are probably better off using it for a sump or a fuge. That way you can justify not being able to sell it.
It seems like old equipment has the same value as a new car that drives off the lot. AH, you gotta love it, don't ya!!

[charlie]

How much does the tank weigh?

I think a better guage would be how many dollar bills does it hold.

[vtec si]

I think a better guage would be how many dollar bills does it hold.

Charlie, I think it holds all of my dallors and fives and tens and...... well you get th picture. As for the 180 I think I have it sold for $600.00 with stand and canopy.

Scott the weight of the new tank? I don't know but I will find out and post it later. I do Know this that it is a lot less than the 180 is. my wife was able to help me move this thing in to the garage when I came home with it.

Martin

[saltjunkie]

looking very nice.. i keep trying to talk myself into a 75...

[kevinpo]

Very cool! I have a couple of 48"x48"x20" cubes. The aquascaping options are endless.

Regards,
Kevin