1700 gallons - Then and Now

[Energy]

Well it's true- I removed the monster reef. Since I have had a lot of questions about what is going on with the system I thought I would make it official and share with everyone.

This is back in it's glory days.http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/IMG_2271.jpg

And now:
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/10-13-09.jpg

[Soltaker]

one thing is for sure....you've never half-assed anything. Your new venture is no different. :biggthumpup:

[Energy]

Thenhttp://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/IMG_2334.jpg


And Now

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/10-29-092.jpg

Since this is a reef site I don't expect anyone to like the changes but -Oh well-:jump3:

[Energy]

one thing is for sure....you've never half-assed anything. Your new venture is no different. :biggthumpup:

Thanks!

[cj_doede]

I think it is amazing!! Whats in the non saltwater tank??

[Energy]

One of my favorites

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/IMG_2308.jpg

Now:

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/10-29-093.jpg

[brendondreher]

Since this is a reef site I don't expect anyone to like the changes but -Oh well-:jump3:

Yeah that suckslol

Way cool! Do you have a build thread on it?

[Energy]

So here's the scoop. This has both land and water. The water section is designed for a freshwater stingray and the land is set up for gecko's chameleons and poison dart frogs.

I still have a lot of work to do! This is the initial build- I need to tweak and scape everything over the winter. I needed to get it up and running to see what kind of changes I want to make to turn it into something really cool.

So far- I have setup an automatic watering system for the plants and another system to do daily water changes without ever lifting a finger! It's pretty experimental but works - I am sure I will change it though!

I need more branches for the aboreal species.

[Energy]

Yeah that suckslol

Way cool! Do you have a build thread on it?

Over on the dendroboard is a complete build thread with construction photo's. http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/parts-construction/43615-large-vivarium-questions.html

[lizmomdad]

pretty cool man

[Energy]

pretty cool man

Thanks!

[cj_doede]

i had something similar to that with turtles, but nowhere near as complex:gay1:

[Energy]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/10-16-095.jpg

This the drip wall and part of the natural filtration system. The water is pumped from the lake and then goes into a 90 gallon elevated sump behind the main tank. There it is heated and filtered and is returned down the rock wall which is planted with moss and Anubias.

The Main lake area is 4'x5' and about 8" deep. This is connected via a stream to the other end of the tank(about a 10 foot run) to a smaller lagoon. This end holds the two returns pumps- a whopping 2 maxijets 1200's!

[Energy]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/10-16-094.jpg

This end holds the return pumps hidden behind the back wall which is designed to grow plants and will hopefully someday be covered in vegetation.

[cj_doede]

is that all real rock?? that must be super heavy.

[Energy]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/10-16-093.jpg

The logs and vines are all fake- I built them out of PVC.

[Energy]

is that all real rock?? that must be super heavy.


Their is one or two real heavy pieces but the rest are small and easy to handle. I needed a few large stones for Drama-just to get that WOW response. The big ones are supported by 9 inches of styrofoam to cushion and spread out their weight. And with the water in the system and the fact that styrofoam floats - It has practically little downward pressure on the tank bottom.

[Merkurfan]

yup. nothing half butted...

I wish I could have seen it as a reef in person. but what your up to now looks darn nice to. I'll bet the electric demand from this setup is lower as well :)

[Energy]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/11-12-091.jpg

My little stingray swimming down the channel to the other end of the tank.

[Energy]

yup. nothing half butted...

I wish I could have seen it as a reef in person. but what your up to now looks darn nice to. I'll bet the electric demand from this setup is lower as well :)

About 1/5 of the old set-up. My electric bills used to be about $500-$600 a month JUST for the reef. Now they are about $250 for the entire house and tank.

[Energy]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/10-16-092.jpg

Closeup of the fake logs and vines. The plants are real;)

[cj_doede]

thats amazing. How hard was the conversion... not saying im going to switch or anything:gay1:

[Lukas]

My Idol, How come I never knew about you'r 1700 gallon reef?

[Energy]

thats amazing. How hard was the conversion... not saying im going to switch or anything:gay1:

The conversion was the fun part. I love the challenge of switching everything around. I had to learn how to make backgrounds, setup substrate to grow aquatic plants, build fake trees and vines, design a defogging system to keep the acrylic viewing panels fog free, etc, etc,etc.

It was a lot of fun!

[Energy]

How come I never knew about you'r 1700 gallon reef?


Let me guess- you lived in a cave? haha:gay1:

[cj_doede]

It sounds super fun! Too bad I can't have both tanks;)

[Energy]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/10-16-091.jpg

This picture kind of shows the fake logs better.

[clownnut]

sweet! now this is one good looking fresh water tank.:beerchug::beerchug::beerchug:

[mrbill]

Very cool. What size (dim.) is the tank?

[90ct]

It's so cool. But do you have any mosquitos problems since it's in tropical environment?

[bkoppes]

very neat setup.

[kvmn]

Stan
where is your TOM thread? so people here can read

[Timmy77]

WOW, I would have to add a few turtles. Maybe a few baby red eared sliders.:cool:

[Chad Vossen]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/10-16-091.jpg

This picture kind of shows the fake logs better.

and there's that floater :)

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/11-12-091.jpg

My little stingray swimming down the channel to the other end of the tank.

its looking great! i'll have to give you a shout when im looking for plants and mosses for mine. i havnt done anything with mine for a while, still looking for a place to move to.

[coralreefer]

I think we all cried a little when we heard the tank was no more. Glad to see that you are still representing the space well though! Is the stingray the only addition? It will be very cool to see it with the geckos, chameleons, and dart frogs...

[tjp]

all I can say is wow! very nice job!

I'd like to see it close up,:beerchug:

[Mike Bennett]

WOW!:eek2::eek2::eek2:
:bow::bow::bow:

[Dhummel]

Wow, that is one awsome converson !! what do you have for animals in the plants and trees...
very nice.

[Lukas]

Is it possible to get a full shot of all of it?

[Aberrix]

completely awesome.

[fivesmallworlds]

Gorgeous!

[kvmn]

any snake in there?

[Pomacanthus]

Dude, you missed your calling if you are not doing this for a living, you could sell these things to private resides. Ive always wanted a set up like that but never had the time, or knowledge to set it up <way jealous> I imagine its a horrific time eater to keep it in that condition?

[toothguy]

Ive kept reptiles when I was younger and your inspiring me to get back into it. I don't know what the fiance' will have to say about another tank/hobby taking up my time. Truly inspirational tank, both as a reef and terrarium.kudos

[mpedersen]

The logs and vines are all fake- I built them out of PVC.

OK, now THAT IS COOL! Any links on HOW?

[twincitiesreefer]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/totm/


here it was as a reef........legand by all means

[thepollock]

Wow I know it would loolk good but that is one hell of a job!!

[Screwtape]

Amazing tank, both before and after. How big does the stingray get? Is there any chance of any inhabitants falling in and getting eaten? I have no idea about them.

[jesse5.0]

Both systems are amazing... you should host a meet so we can all check it out!

[Rachel2001982]

both are amazing WOW you are talented. which i could do something like that.

[REEFSTOCK]

I figured it would be cool when you described it, but when you described it I could not figure it would be this cool! :cool:

[Energy]

Very cool. What size (dim.) is the tank?

It's 15'5"long by 5' wide by 33" tall.

[Energy]

It's so cool. But do you have any mosquitos problems since it's in tropical environment?

No it's a very controlled system, temp, humidity, water levels and conditions are all regulated.

[Energy]

I think we all cried a little when we heard the tank was no more. Glad to see that you are still representing the space well though! Is the stingray the only addition? It will be very cool to see it with the geckos, chameleons, and dart frogs...


So far only the water section is getting stocked. I still need to tweak the land area, especially for the aboreal species.

[Energy]

any snake in there?

No - to humid for any snakes- I looked into it and researched that aspect thoroughly.

[Energy]

Dude, you missed your calling if you are not doing this for a living, you could sell these things to private resides. Ive always wanted a set up like that but never had the time, or knowledge to set it up <way jealous> I imagine its a horrific time eater to keep it in that condition?

I would do it for a living if I could-I have a lot more fun setting them up then I do just watching them grow in afterward.
It's not a time eater- it's all automated. Runs very efficiently and simply.

[Energy]

OK, now THAT IS COOL! Any links on HOW?

The dendroboard has tons of resources on how to build fake logs. Including videos etc.

[Energy]

Amazing tank, both before and after. How big does the stingray get? Is there any chance of any inhabitants falling in and getting eaten? I have no idea about them.

Yeah that's possible, but I am getting my stingrays small and conditioning them to specific foods so if it doesn't have a scent or flavor of a certain item- they will hopefully ignore it.

[Energy]

Both systems are amazing... you should host a meet so we can all check it out!

After it is finally set-up to a more finished and polished state I will probably host a meeting. Since the tank doesn't fall into either category I will invite both the TCMAS and the freshwater club.

[Energy]

Thanks to everyone for the compliments!

[lr9788]

Have you looked into chinese water dragons? I had one a couple years back that was incredible! Wonderful color, lots of personality, but then again they like swimming...so maybe not a good thought with your stingray

[Energy]

Have you looked into chinese water dragons? I had one a couple years back that was incredible! Wonderful color, lots of personality, but then again they like swimming...so maybe not a good thought with your stingray


I've had them- they are to active and destructive. They wrecked my last set-up by constantly running back and forth and digging.

[lr9788]

they do tend to move a lot. wasnt bad for my setup but with one as nice as yours thats a whole different problem

[brendondreher]

First off those fake logs are amazing.

Second, are you totally out of the saltwater thing or did you keep a little nano around?

[Energy]

First off those fake logs are amazing.

Second, are you totally out of the saltwater thing or did you keep a little nano around?

I'm totally out for now- but I have lots of equipment for sale if anyone needs something.;)

[FryzDog]

WOW!!! That is one nice set-up.

[PLNelson]

Just amazing. What a beautiful ecosystem you've created.

[brendondreher]

I'm totally out for now- but I have lots of equipment for sale if anyone needs something.;)

Payment plan? No payments till 2012?:gay1: Totally kidding! Hobby budget will be empty for a while though you have posted a bunch of stuff that I had to fight myself not to jump on.

[Chad Vossen]

After it is finally set-up to a more finished and polished state I will probably host a meeting. Since the tank doesn't fall into either category I will invite both the TCMAS and the freshwater club.

also gotta invite the local dendroboard members!

[Chad Vossen]

Dude, you missed your calling if you are not doing this for a living, you could sell these things to private resides. Ive always wanted a set up like that but never had the time, or knowledge to set it up <way jealous> I imagine its a horrific time eater to keep it in that condition?

if you want, i can set one up for you and you can pay me to maintain it.

just an idea :)

[stryker]

amazing and kickass!

[Zekester]

i think its just as breath taking:beerchug:

[2b4everGreen]

Okay...well...that is quite amazing. Good work with the transformation.

[lizmomdad]

I saw your set up when it was empty, would love to see it live again

[Pomacanthus]

Chad, good idea. I have a 120 GL already in place in my newly remodeled basement. Its been sitting empty because i cant mentally accept it as a fish tank (personal vow of not having a tank in the house) i have a killer T5 fixture NIB so lighting a non factor. I get cool green tree frogs (They have real sticky feet .? . ? ) in summer. Anyway send me some numbers on 1) Installation (complete what incl.) 60" x 24" x 30"? 2) Monthly maintainence 3) some fotos of what youve done in the past Thanks!

[lr9788]

Any updates on the new habitat?

[oyam123]

turned out great, looks like Avatar.
So whats the cost difference in running the two systems?

[cwk132]

N E FROGZ YET?!?!








In all seriousness though, great looking setup and it'll be fun to watch the growth of this tank and it gets more stocked and mature.

[mrbeachbum2]

I would do it for a living if I could-I have a lot more fun setting them up then I do just watching them grow in afterward.
It's not a time eater- it's all automated. Runs very efficiently and simply.

Stan, did you have a build thread for the saltwater tank?

[REEFSTOCK]

Try Reefcentral's mag Reefkeeping. Its 2005 or 2006 I believe.

[Thle009]

Now this one makes me want to cry.

[Energy]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/1-21-20103.jpg

[Energy]

Full tank shot- 1-21-2010

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/1-21-20101.jpg

[Energy]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/1-21-20102.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/1-21-20104.jpg

[Energy]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/1-21-20105.jpg




http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/1-21-20106.jpg



http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/1-21-20107.jpg

[Energy]

About 1/3 or less.

turned out great, looks like Avatar.
So whats the cost difference in running the two systems?

[cj_doede]

i see fishies!!!!!

[Energy]

i think its just as breath taking:beerchug:

Okay...well...that is quite amazing. Good work with the transformation.

Thank you!

[Energy]

i see fishies!!!!!


I have quite a few and best yet I finally have a fish that I wanted since I was a teenager. A leopoldi Stingray, It's definately the bomb diggety!:cool:

I also have a rope fish,blackghost knife, ornate bichir and a tiger bichir.

Now I am looking for some really wicked discus to add!

[cj_doede]

I have quite a few and best yet I finally have a fish that I wanted since I was a teenager. A leopoldi Stingray, It's definately the bomb diggety!:cool:

I also have a rope fish,blackghost knife, ornate bichir and a tiger bichir.

Now I am looking for some really wicked discus to add!

nice, sounds like you got a plan:beerchug:

[montiporalova]

I have quite a few and best yet I finally have a fish that I wanted since I was a teenager. A leopoldi Stingray, It's definately the bomb diggety!:cool:

I also have a rope fish,blackghost knife, ornate bichir and a tiger bichir.

Now I am looking for some really wicked discus to add!

Man I still think you're new tank is very impressive ! and discus will look super in there .

Good work:cool:

[dustybaker]

Very beautiful. Nice work, not that it means much but I am super impressed and I grew up just miles from the Omaha zoo!

[Taklu]

Looking just as good; so is it all under 6500K lighting or did go with different bulbs?

[Energy]

Very beautiful. Nice work, not that it means much but I am super impressed and I grew up just miles from the Omaha zoo!
Thank you!

Looking just as good; so is it all under 6500K lighting or did go with different bulbs?

I have 11k, 6500 k and a few 2700k bulbs

[Screwtape]

Awesome transformation, obviously whatever you choose to do with the tank will be impressive.

[Energy]

I realized we focus so much on the tanks themselves we sometimes overlook how the tank impacts the overall effect on the house. I've always found it interesting to see how people make their unique works of art fit into their living space. Where my tank starts was the addition I did to the house just to add the tank. The overall addition added a 24 by 36 foot living room onto the existing structure with a 30 foot vaulted ceiling. I added a high efficiency wood burning fireplace to heat the extra space. I have a loft above the tank and dropped the ceiling down over the tank itself to highlight that area. I designed and built the entire house and assisted with construction of the tank onsite before the living room was finished. It took twelve of us working with a master acrylic craftsman to do the construction. Here is the finished space.http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/1-22-101.jpg

[Energy]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/1-22-103.jpg

[Energy]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/1-22-108.jpg

[acharpenter]

Wow, that is truly stunning! Awesome to see the surrounding space

Can I come live with you???

[Energy]

Sure come on over! Just bring beer and brats!:beerchug:

[Lukas]

I thought it was taller from the close up pictures. But it still looks amazing!

[Fb Joe]

I have quite a few and best yet I finally have a fish that I wanted since I was a teenager. A leopoldi Stingray, It's definately the bomb diggety!:cool:

I also have a rope fish,blackghost knife, ornate bichir and a tiger bichir.

Now I am looking for some really wicked discus to add!

tiger bichir as in polypterus endlichiri? i have one of those, she's a beauty :D

[Energy]

tiger bichir as in polypterus endlichiri? i have one of those, she's a beauty :D


Yeah I love the bichir's (fish)

[Energy]

I thought it was taller from the close up pictures. But it still looks amazing!

Thanks! Dimensions are 15'6" by 5' by 33"tall. I actually measured my arm from my fingertip to the the pit to come up with 33". That way I could reach the crap on the bottom without swimming.

[Fb Joe]

What do you feed it? Mine only eats live earthworms lol. good thing they're cheap. Still have the FW rays?

[Energy]

What do you feed it? Mine only eats live earthworms lol. good thing they're cheap. Still have the FW rays?

Yep- still have the rays. Mine bichirs eat the chopped fish I feed the rays, and sinking carnivore tabs plus other frozen food I put in for the rays. Mine are both very small yet and my ornate has a "birth"defect. He can only use his front portion of his body to swim- the back half is bent up at a 45 degree angle. My kids named him "goober" which fits perfectly. He's getting so fat he can barely move.

[Fb Joe]

Ah haha cute! I find that a lot of bichirs have defects, I had a super fast growing curvier's bichir, and this endlichiri is way slow growing. After one earthworm, he's fat for a few days :D
Where are you at? love to see the setup :beerchug:

[Blownsvt]

Wow!!! that room is simply awesome. Someday i hope i am able to do something like that.

[Energy]

Ah haha cute! I find that a lot of bichirs have defects, I had a super fast growing curvier's bichir, and this endlichiri is way slow growing. After one earthworm, he's fat for a few days :D
Where are you at? love to see the setup :beerchug:


Probably to far to bother coming over- I'm all the way over in Mendota heights, haha. ;)

I will probably host a meeting for the mas and tcmas all at once and let anyone interested come and check it out.

[Energy]

Wow!!! that room is simply awesome. Someday i hope i am able to do something like that.

Cool- not to sound corny but "believe and you will achieve."

I'm such a nerd:doh:

[mrbeachbum2]

Cool- not to sound corny but "believe and you will achieve."

I'm such a nerd:doh:

I read up on your tank of the month thread and now your recent adventures and it's truly amazing!

If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living? :cool:

[Energy]

I read up on your tank of the month thread and now your recent adventures and it's truly amazing!

If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living? :cool:

I build retaining walls, demolish houses and buildings, dig basements and additions - do general grading and earthwork, design and install landscaping, paver patios and driveways.

website: Genadek.com

Check it out, let me know what you think.

[tag]

your old setup was miss america. your new one is miss ramsey county. both beauty queens, but...

[Energy]

http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/parts-construction/43615-large-vivarium-questions-58.html


Check out this video armegeddon made when he stopped by.

[Chad Vossen]

http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/parts-construction/43615-large-vivarium-questions-58.html


Check out this video armegeddon made when he stopped by.

hey, your quick!

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4103385/stans_1700_gallon_vivarium/


Chad Vossen

[Hydroman]

Ok, this may get me perma-banned but while I thought your previous setup was cool, I think this is a far more interesting setup.

<scuttling back into my hole now>

[Capsaicin]

There is a few pics of the tank being assembled on Midwest Custom Aquariums. What is the thickness of that acrylic? Also, what type of filtration do you use for the water portion of the Vivarium? I saw you had a system setup for the saltwater reef that was beyond NASA technology so it only makes me wonder if you hired God to look after the tank now.

[Energy]

Ok, this may get me perma-banned but while I thought your previous setup was cool, I think this is a far more interesting setup.

<scuttling back into my hole now>

Wow thanks- that's an awesome compliment and I really appreciate that! So far it has been just as fun to build and create as the last set-up and much cheaper. Equipment is less expensive and monthly operating costs are about 1/3.

[Energy]

There is a few pics of the tank being assembled on Midwest Custom Aquariums. What is the thickness of that acrylic? Also, what type of filtration do you use for the water portion of the Vivarium? I saw you had a system setup for the saltwater reef that was beyond NASA technology so it only makes me wonder if you hired God to look after the tank now.

Well this set-up is just simple compared to the old one. I have one 90 gallon tank in the background that acts as my sump. Except it is elevated above the water line in the tank. Two maxijet 1200 pump into this tank where the water is heated and filtered by some HOB filters and then gravity fed back into the tank over a rock wall that is heavily planted. The planted rock wall acts like a freshwater version of a saltwater algae scrubber.

I have three canister filters that also assist with filtration. I have a 100 gallon ro tank which does automatic top-offs and a provides the supply for the automatic watering system for the plants.

Pretty much everything is automated again.;)

The acrylic thickness is 1.5 inches on the sides and 3/4 in top and bottom.

[Beau46290]

that truely is the most beautiful tank/Vivarium i have ever seen. you are an icon in my mind! you deserve a pat on the back! :beerchug: cant wait to see future additions/changes!!!

[Fragtastic Reef]

That is just amazing any new pictures? :cool:

[Alunai]

WOW. Just, WOW.

[JimmyOrangeSeed]

I got to see this in person back in the spring. It was truly amazing. I am still drooling over the tank and it was months ago.

btw - what happend too all the live rock and SW livestock ? Did it get sold off to a zoo or something?

[oyam123]

You need an Ocelot

[Alunai]

You need an Ocelot

Like the cat? :eek4:

[Chad Vossen]

I got to see this in person back in the spring. It was truly amazing. I am still drooling over the tank and it was months ago.

btw - what happend too all the live rock and SW livestock ? Did it get sold off to a zoo or something?

I think murray gobbled up some of it.

[Stouty109]

simply amazing, i love the picture where you can see the whole tank and surrounding area. Do you have any pictures like that when it was salt?

[mcrue15]

That is crazy sweet. I wish i could have seen pics when of the whole room when is was saltwater.

[Zylski]

He was tank of the month on reefkeeping. Dont exactly remember when but you could find that thread and find alot of pictures.

[agears]

This looks awesome! I never really considered the electric demands of a reed tank. Does anyone have some averages? haha I know it'd vary considerably...

[Fragtastic Reef]

This looks awesome! I never really considered the electric demands of a reed tank. Does anyone have some averages? haha I know it'd vary considerably...

Greatly depends on the size of tank your running and equipment. Some pumps cost $80 or more a month just to run... Some tanks might cost you $20 a month and some $1000's...

[agears]

well if I had an actual "reed" tank. I wish this had a spell check haha I've read on pumps the watts they consume, but none of it means much to me $ wise. I guess I'll find out soon enough. I hope my roommates don't get miffed ;) :greenguy:

[Fragtastic Reef]

You will be fine. Just make sure to watch what wattage your pumps and everything is. What size tank you setting up?

[Alunai]

Is this Vivarium still set up?

[Jboulerice]

Wow, that is truly stunning! Awesome to see the surrounding space

Can I come live with you???

+1!!!!! Amazing Setup!