Museum Quality display Build

[enigma]

I'm starting this just to share some of my experience as a custom tank builder through an exhibit quality build performed for myself for a change. I'll be updating this thread routinely as I make progress and provide as many photo's as I can. Enjoy.

[enigma]

Project: Custom reef display on a budget using the Aqua-Tech theory of natural reef building and natural feeding protocols. The aquarium would typically be inset in a wall structure. In this case it is produced for myself alone in a utility area with the viewable area being private. This can more easily exhibit what would normally take place behind a wall. I will also use it as my photo studio to shoot livestock in a natural looking environment.

The idea is to have the aquarium sit below Culture vessels and refugia. I use very little skimming in my designs as I consider skimming and indiscriminate method of organic export. I lean on refugia and algal turf scrubbing, more natural export methods. I also like to use as few moving parts as possible so I rely heavily on plumbing instead of dump bucket and powerheads.

In order to make as little impact on environmental collection of "Live Rock" I also try to integrate and control the layout using Polyethelene foam, dry mines rock from Carib Sea and aragocrete. Acrylic and epoxy paint helps seal most of the surfaces to prevent degradation over time.

I will also be trying the egg crate method shown here on MOFIb by another member as I like the look of his build. See viewtopic.php?f=263&t=6091

I begin each build with scale CAD/vector drawings of the exhibit. Then work Backward. Below are the beginnings.
Basement-Tank-Schematic3.jpg
Basement-Tank-Schematic.jpg
Basement-Tank-Schematic2.jpg

[Rook]

Nice detailed design.

"Acrylic and epoxy paint helps seal most of the surfaces to prevent degradation over time."

Won't that prevent the rock structure from processing nutrients like liverock?

["Umm, fish?"]

Good luck with your build, Mark. I'm looking forward to more.

[enigma]

Rook,

The aragocrete will be largely uncoated and live rock will be used as well. The Polyfoam and other plastics are not UV stable. When you pound them with things like Halides the UV breaks them down rather quickly. You end up with chunks of foam and structures that start to sag our contort. It also helps mimic coraline algae until it fills in naturally.

Thanks Andy, I'm gonna be busy.

[phirefly]

Will be very interesting to see the build progression on this, Mark. Looks like a good project!

[PaulG]

Any updates on this?

[enigma]

Actually, yes. But I've been traveling so much I haven't had time to even download the pics. I'll update soon.

[PaulG]

*BUMP*