DKoKoMAN’s 305g Basement Reef

[DKoKoMan]

So I had been contemplating an upgrade to a larger tank for some time and had some room on each side of the wall where my current 150g tank. Most my fish have been with me for a couple of years and have grown quite big. My wife and I were talking about purchasing a larger tank to allow for the fish to have more swimming room... so it began.

I had been browsing to ask for some time and measuring the stairwell leading to the basement as this is where the tank would be setup. I pushed the limits to where in theory the tank would be able to make it down the stairs and around the corner. I had been looking at plenty of tanks for some time and finally decided to pull the trigger naturally on a custom build. My main goal for this tank was to provide ample swimming room, minimalistic aquascaping and as quiet as an overflow I could go.

After tons of research and the ability to design what I wanted I chose to go with the bean animal style overflow. To stick to my original plan of maximizing swimming space I decided on utilizing an external overflow box (just shy of a coast to coast). Naturally I wanted a black vinyl back as I had the back blacked out on my 150g and loved it.

I had always loved the look of a Concept Built tank and often admired many fellow Canreefers who had these tanks. After looking at the options I chose to have my new tank built through Concept. Dave was great to deal with through the process and began drafting up some drawings for my review. I decided on a eurobraced aquarium as I often struggled with getting around the middle brace in my last tank. I went with the starphire glass on 3 sides and two return pumps drilled on the back corners. I opted to have the stand powder coated this go around for longevity. In addition I wanted a large simple setup sump for equipment and ease of maintenance. I also chose to have an ATO container built to match the sump. I wanted all parts of this tank to be visually appealing.

Here are the drawings I settled on:

[DKoKoMan]

The tank put together and I’m glad I went with the black silicone.



Overflow box setup for the Bean Animal.



Black vinyl applied and acrylic overflow weir.



Another view.



New shiny sump! (wish it would stay clean like this)

[DKoKoMan]

I ended up going with the schedule 80 plumbing (overkill) simply for the grey colour as the pipes would be exposed from the back. The tank although against the wall is in our basement media room so you can see the exposed plumbing from the one side while on the couch. I’m happy with the choice and it turned ot well. The 3 drain pipes were secured to prevent any sagging over time or stress on the plumbing joints.





My goal was to try and keep the top of the tank as clean as possible but I still wanted a lid for peace of mind. Dave and I discussed the option of a clear acrylic top which would inlay and have clear mesh. After looking at some photos I definitely think this would achieve a clean and secure lid. Here is the lid on the CNC machine.

[Mattyb]

Exciting!! Will be following this build. The lids that Dave build are awesome. Have one myself

[Dash]

So shiny...

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by Mattyb

Exciting!! Will be following this build. The lids that Dave build are awesome. Have one myself

Omg I know right! I will eventually get a photo of the finished lid up here.

Originally Posted by Dash

So shiny...

So fresh and clean. Lost all my coraline algae lol

[Myka]

This is totally normal on start up. If you placed a TDS sensor between the RO and the DI you would notice that the first blast of water will typically be about the same TDS as plain tap water. The DI resin will not catch all of it so you'll see some in the product water. This is one of the reasons why it's so important to run the RODI for long periods rather than short periods and why your fish RODI should never be hooked up to a pressure tank.

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by Myka

This is totally normal on start up. If you placed a TDS sensor between the RO and the DI you would notice that the first blast of water will typically be about the same TDS as plain tap water. The DI resin will not catch all of it so you'll see some in the product water. This is one of the reasons why it's so important to run the RODI for long periods rather than short periods and why your fish RODI should never be hooked up to a pressure tank.

Ok awesome! Thanks Mindy. I figured if the DI Resin was shot the numbers would be constant on the TDS and not just when the valve is first opened. Makes sense to me, I will just have to keep an eye on it to make sure it’s not registering constant.

[DKoKoMan]

Looking at purchasing a clam in the near future for this tank. I was hoping to get one that would be able to sit on the sand bed, I like the more colorful species. Lighting is not an issue as this tank will eventually be filled with SPS, select LPS and ZoAS. Any suggestions on a nice colorful clam species that can be kept on the sandbed with success? I was looking at the electric blue squamosa online and it was pretty nice.

Anyone currently having success with a nice colorful clam on the sandbed please chime in

[dino]

I have never been able to get myself to buy one and im no except but different types like different locations in the tank.Derasa or Squamosa are best for the sand? I think?