Concept Tank Build (2 Viewers)

[d2mini]

Other than looking unique, can you explain why it's designed how it is, maybe a diagram of the progression of flow through the tank, what the different sections are for, etc?

 

[Dsophia]

what is the total tabletop footprint of this at a nominal 35 gallon capacity? Does it include the skimmer in the tabletop design? How do you access the skimmer for cleaning and maintenance? Are there provisions for additional support machinery (reactors, sterilizers, ect)? Could the system be attached to another system/external sump/ato/awc devices?

I see this as a very unique stand alone system, but for someone into the hobby enough to appreciate it, they are most likely to already have at least one other system of some size up and running, and the ability to run a couple of hoses and exchange water on a continual or occasional basis to take advantage of existing filtration/dosing/skimming from another, likely larger capacity system would be a big plus, and could eliminate the need to engineer a bunch of support equipment into a small space.

Just my opinion, anybody else have one?

The footprint is 48"x24" and is 20" tall.

The skimmer will be included, but will run differently than a typical skimmer. It's actually the reason behind building this tank in the first place. I'm in the process of building the skimmer housing and will update on it as it comes along.

"Are there provisions for additional support machinery (reactors, sterilizers, ect)?"

This design is still pretty simple and has only been geared towards the aquarist that wants one tank to care for with minimal equipment. I've learned, with the addition of my refugium, that most of the equipment on the market stopped making a difference in my tank parameters. I really think, with some trial and error, this design could get this hobby closer to a natural way of keeping our fish and coral. I do believe the largest thing it wont be able to mimic from the ocean is the addition of fresh water and minerals via water changes. That's where the new skimmer will hopefully make things easier.

"Could the system be attached to another system/external sump/ato/awc devices?"

The original refugium was designed to simply tie into a larger system. The simple answer is "yes". This one could be added to a larger system, but wouldn't be as efficient as something like the stand alone refugium design. I actually love the idea of tying systems together for mutual benefits. Although I'm hoping to come up with something that consolidates the need for that.

My company designs homes based on form, function, and efficiency of space. What I've noticed is these tanks start out small and organized, until we learn about all the cool gadgets you can buy to make our fish happier. About a year into it, we have one to five aquariums set up in our living rooms that look like a mad scientist moved in. I built this first system as small as I did for manageability, but the ideal system of this design will be between 150-220 gallons. Again, I'm hoping to help us all consolidate things but without sacrificing our love of bringing the ocean to our homes.

Thank you for your feedback, it's greatly appreciated.

 

[Dsophia]

Other than looking unique, can you explain why it's designed how it is, maybe a diagram of the progression of flow through the tank, what the different sections are for, etc?

Here's a quick diagram of the sump and fuge area. Water from the sump is pumped into the two display tank chambers, rolls over the chamber walls into the main section, the refugium then redirects the overflow back to the center of the main tank, both to create flow and keep organisms from going through the main pump. From there, the water travels through the main tank overflows and is directed to the left and right corners of the sump. The right side I call the "ugly refugium" since it wont be seen and simply plays a part in lowering nitrates and providing additional pods. The left is where the skimmer system will take shape. Lastly the water flows under the channels, through carbon socks, to the main pump, and back to the tanks.

I'm working on better diagrams that better show water flow, as well as potential expansion areas for additional equipment.

 

[Dsophia]

Other than looking unique, can you explain why it's designed how it is?

Didn't quite cover this.

The two main reasons it's designed with the angles:

1) For the effect of the water flow off a 45 degree angle. It slowly curls off towards the center at different depths and creates a much more even flow. I believe this mimics the ocean's constant movement more closely than any power head or wave maker on the market. Not to say extra movement wouldn't add to the tank, but as far as corals and macro are concerned, I believe this is a good foundation to build a healthy active reef on.

2) It does, luckily, look pretty unique.

Good questions, thank you Dennis. Keep em coming

 

[Dsophia]

Getting ready to fill with water and rock.

 

[Andrew_B]

I love it, definitely a feat of craftsmanship. You mentioned pricing, it's hard to say as I don't think many would be in the market for something like this. It would be more of an impulse, so truthfully, it would have to be priced as one too. Numbers speaking though, you could probably mark it similar to a IM all in one setup of a similar size. So an IM 30g tank only is looking around 350.00. Obviously the more you add, skimmer, lights, pump etc etc, the higher it goes but I would still label it as a unique, impulse item until it becomes proven effective and has an advantage over a typical rectangle tank.

Again, don't get me wrong, it is really cool and I hope I'm wrong. I may even be interested in something like this or one of the little show refugiums but from a business/sales standpoint, I think the market would be really limited depending on the price. And knowing how expensive acrylic is, definitely a shape like this, I don't see much left in the cookie jar for you when its all said and done

 

[Dsophia]

I love it, definitely a feat of craftsmanship. You mentioned pricing, it's hard to say as I don't think many would be in the market for something like this. It would be more of an impulse, so truthfully, it would have to be priced as one too. Numbers speaking though, you could probably mark it similar to a IM all in one setup of a similar size. So an IM 30g tank only is looking around 350.00. Obviously the more you add, skimmer, lights, pump etc etc, the higher it goes but I would still label it as a unique, impulse item until it becomes proven effective and has an advantage over a typical rectangle tank.

Again, don't get me wrong, it is really cool and I hope I'm wrong. I may even be interested in something like this or one of the little show refugiums but from a business/sales standpoint, I think the market would be really limited depending on the price. And knowing how expensive acrylic is, definitely a shape like this, I don't see much left in the cookie jar for you when its all said and done

I agree, and thank you for your honesty. This is a very unique tank and would probably have a pretty small market. I guess it'll come down to how efficiently it runs and supports life. There's also the new skimmer concept I'm working on. That may really revolutionize the hobby... Time will tell

The third and fourth will be built, or at least cut, by another company. I should have a much better idea of how much these things will cost by then.
So far this prototype has cost about $900, and the next will cost around $750. This includes pumps and lights too. I used 1/2" cast acrylic, but could easily get by with 3/8".

Thanks again, and let me know if you have any other thoughts on it.

 

[klondike4001]

Looks awesome and I'm guessing this would be a great seahorse tank with the variable flow option. Would definitely be interested in the future!

 

[d2mini]

Looks awesome and I'm guessing this would be a great seahorse tank with the variable flow option.

Now that's an idea.
Market it as a specialty tank.
Easier to charge a premium price.

 

[Reefahholic]

 

[Dsophia]

First tank is finished, just need to move some coral and rock around.

 

[Dsophia]

Still working on the next design, but here are a few more pictures of the first.

 

[klondike4001]

Progressing very nicely!

 

[Dsophia]

Progressing very nicely!

Thank you! The corals seem to love the current so far.

 

[Mark L.]

Dsophia,

I understand you are designing a new tank and would love feedback. That is great and perfectly fine. To stay within MARSH rules please remove any gauging interest posts above asking how much people will pay. Please also remove your last post selling the tank. You can list the tank for sale in our BST forums if you like. Thanks!

 

[Mark L.]

Awesome tank BTW! If I had the room I'd be interested in one. Great craftsmanship.

 

[Dsophia]

Dsophia,

I understand you are designing a new tank and would love feedback. That is great and perfectly fine. To stay within MARSH rules please remove any gauging interest posts above asking how much people will pay. Please also remove your last post selling the tank. You can list the tank for sale in our BST forums if you like. Thanks!

Had no idea. I'll edit what I can find. Let me know if it'll do. It was more or less to feel out feasibility.


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[Dsophia]

Mark,

How do I delete posts? Don't see the option


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[Mark L.]

You have to edit the post you want to delete and then there should be a delete option in the edit window. If you can't figure it out let me know and I can delete for you.

 

[Dsophia]

Maybe because I'm doing it on tapatalk. Could you edit them for me?


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