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kinktao
12-09-2006, 10:25 PM
The Tank:

kinktao
12-09-2006, 10:26 PM
Front Tank Shot:

Fishaholic
12-09-2006, 10:27 PM
where dose it overflow to? get some close ups

nanoreefbro
12-09-2006, 10:28 PM
It definitely gives you that overflowing feeling.. Very nice tank.. When are you going to put livestock in there??

july865
12-09-2006, 10:32 PM
interesting concept.

kinktao
12-09-2006, 10:37 PM
Specifications:
Tank - 23 x 23 x 14"
Collection tray (black acrylic) - 26 x 26 x 3"
Stand (made of 2x4, with black acrylic sheet covers): 26.5 x 26.5 x 27.25"

Daniel
12-09-2006, 10:40 PM
so what did u end up doing w/that front pane, i can't really tell if water is traveling down that side, how did u end up fixing the "wedges" of dry-spots on the glass?

btw, it was nice meeting u that one day when nick picked up his stinky sand.

Reefer Addict
12-09-2006, 10:42 PM
Is it a 'ZeroEdge'?
http://www.tropicalfishstore.com/Aquarium-ZeroEdge.htm

kinktao
12-09-2006, 10:42 PM
so what did u end up doing w/that front pane, i can't really tell if water is traveling down that side, how did u end up fixing the "wedges" of dry-spots on the glass? btw, it was nice meeting u that one day when nick picked up his stinky sand.

actually it fixed itself! their are no more dry patches except for the back panel, the other three sides the water travels perfectly down without deviating toward the center. i think the biofilm developed enough to the point where the water naturally wants to travel down straight and has more affinity to sticking to the sides.

it was nice meeting you guys too! Hey i'm definitely interested in seeing your tank setups, if you guys are still in SD for winter i would love to come over.

kinktao
12-09-2006, 10:45 PM
Is it a 'ZeroEdge'?
http://www.tropicalfishstore.com/Aquarium-ZeroEdge.htm

same idea but i built it myself. also, different designs.

My tank: Raised off the acrylic tray by 2" with acrlyic tubing.
Zero edge: Not raised but laying directly over their acrylic tray.

My tank: Tank is made of glass.
Zero edge: Tank is made of acrlyic.

My tank: Is 14" tall.
Zero edge: Is 10" tall.

My tank: Completely different return system and pipes.
Zero edge: unsure what they do.

My tank: Cost a fraction of the amount.
Zero edge: Over a 1000.

I'll give lay out and blue prints for someone who wants to replicate or improve this design in a minute or so.

Daniel
12-09-2006, 10:53 PM
actually it fixed itself! their are no more dry patches except for the back panel, the other three sides the water travels perfectly down without deviating toward the center.
that's good to hear, i guess it reinforces the universal reefing adage: "patience patience patience"

so did you upgrade pumps? i forgot what u were using before, mag5 (??)

kinktao
12-09-2006, 10:58 PM
I haven't upgraded pumps... still using a mag 5. I think i'm going to wait till I get a frogspawn in their or some gsp and see how the current is. Chances are... i will probably need to fix something major though.

phishphood
12-09-2006, 11:03 PM
Nice job. Couple of things I"m curious about-
is the view blurry when looking at it from the side?
How'd you plumb the drains in the tray, and how's the noise level?
Last- What kind of lighting do you have over it, and how much fun are you going to have cleaning algae from 8 surfaces of glass?
Great work.

DaChrisDude
12-09-2006, 11:08 PM
dang, that's awesome. I've thought about doing something like that before. Seems like there'd be sooo many difficulties you'd have to overcome. Excellent work.

kinktao
12-09-2006, 11:09 PM
Step 1:

Decide on the dimensions of your tank, and between glass or acrylic. I decided on glass, since I realized you will be cleaning all four sides. Plus you will be cleaning the inside and outsides of each panel.

Step 2:

You need to make an acrylic tray to collect the water that overflows your tank.

The tray must be at least 3" longer and wider than your tank. So for example my tank was 23 x 23 so my tray was 26 x 26. Also, the height of this tray must be at least 3" or more. Or else you will have water splashing all over the place.

My acrylic sheets are 3/8" thickness. To glue/chemically bond the sheets together, you need to use weldon 4 or weldon 16.

kinktao
12-09-2006, 11:18 PM
Nice job. Couple of things I"m curious about-
is the view blurry when looking at it from the side?
How'd you plumb the drains in the tray, and how's the noise level?
Last- What kind of lighting do you have over it, and how much fun are you going to have cleaning algae from 8 surfaces of glass?
Great work.

The top half of the glass is crystal but it starts to ripple the other half. This is probably due to the fact that i haven't got the flow strong enough. Once i'm ready to rip apart my plumbing system and rebuild it... i should get a strong enough flow so that the water doesn't need to ripple half way down.

But I have this hooked up to a dj american switch which allows me to turn off the flow anytime to get a crystal view. And when i shut off the flow, it gets perfectly crystal!

The plumbing i will go into detail in a new post.

Their is noise. But it's soothing enough. It's in my bedroom and it sounds like one of those serene waterfalls you can buy.

For lighting, I got a sunpod 150 watt from Nick (Emoezekielsr5), thank you so much!!!

phishphood
12-09-2006, 11:24 PM
one other thing, how's the evap on it?

kinktao
12-09-2006, 11:27 PM
Evap eh... not really sure. I got this thing hooked up to an auto top off system... so i don't really know. I think it's probably a gallon a day?

kinktao
12-09-2006, 11:33 PM
Step 3 (plumbing):

This is probably the most creative part. I have two 3/4" bulkheads for the return into the tank and two 1" bulkheads for the return into the sump.

Tank: You need to drill two holes for your 3/4" bulkheads.

Acrylic tray: You need to drill four holes: two holes that will allow the pipes to reach the bulkheads in the tank, and two holes for the 1" bulkheads for the return into the sump.

Here is a picture of me drilling the holes:

kinktao
12-09-2006, 11:38 PM
Wow... i can't find the most important picture of the setup. It involves having acrylic tubing cut to be 2" tall.

These acrylic tubing do very important things:
1) it allows me to raise my tank 2" off the acrylic tray.
2) two of the tubings encompass the two holes drilled for the pipes that reach my tank. These 2 tubes are water sealed to the acrylic tray so that water does not leak.

Well... i hope this clarified things, I don't think i need to go on. If you have questions just ask.

john

phishphood
12-10-2006, 12:00 AM
John, great explanation and it all makes sense. Congrats again with the tank and keep us updated w/ livestock shots.

kinktao
12-10-2006, 12:12 AM
Oh I found another important picture, me cooking a turkey!!!

chilly05willy
12-10-2006, 12:32 AM
great work! keep us updated on how it's turning out!

Nigritude
12-10-2006, 01:34 AM
Did you get any corals yet? Thanks for showing your tank that night. It was nice meeting your roommates as well. Any body who has the chance DO see his tank.

Daniel
12-10-2006, 03:07 AM
Any body who has the chance DO see his tank.
i agree, ya don't see these things too often, and it's a very neat concept... u won't regret it!

plus u get to enjoy the nice soothing sound that it makes, not as bad as toilet & not as quiet as rain. kinda like the trickle of a small stream? :p

looking forward to see u add some corals and what ur going to come up with regarding flow. let us know! :)

kinktao
01-13-2007, 08:47 PM
tank update 1/13/06

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater/IMG_1214.gif

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater/IMG_1198.gif

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater/IMG_1199.gif

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater/IMG_1204.gif

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater/IMG_1211.gif

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater/IMG_1213.gif

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater/IMG_1195.gif

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater/IMG_1206.gif

crstjohn
01-13-2007, 09:13 PM
That is a really nice setup! Great work. It looks like a reef encased in a crystal clear chunk of ice!! Awesome.

kinktao
01-13-2007, 09:15 PM
thx

so far all the coral (except for the clam) has been bought off sdreefs. therapy hooked me up with so many goodies, i can't thank him enough. also phisphood* gave me some nice ones too.

Wes
01-13-2007, 09:34 PM
Nice work!!!

kinktao
01-13-2007, 10:22 PM
looking forward to see u add some corals and what ur going to come up with regarding flow. let us know! :)

i fixed the flow in my tank by removing my scwd, adding another check valve, and adding another pump. however, after doing this one of my bulkheads became loose or something, because the bottom of my tank is leaking. at the moment im too lazy to try and fix this (since it would involve breaking down my tank). luckily, the leak is directly under my sump.

if i were to remake one of these tanks, i would change my closed loop system by adding another return, so that i could get more random flow.

tank is for sale! so i can build a new improve model! haha j/k. but seriously i wish i had the time to rebuild a new one.

i can help or provide info on how to build one of these things for coral
hahaha j/k, i'd help for free.

iwantone
01-13-2007, 11:07 PM
Is'nt this going to be a major algae problem?? What about cleaning the glass??

kinktao
01-14-2007, 12:50 AM
Is'nt this going to be a major algae problem?? What about cleaning the glass??

nope

it's actually easier for me to clean it since it is completely open top. so far only the inside has built any algea, and the outside is fine. also, the outside is very easy to clean, it's like wipping a mirror.

only problem with this tank is the evaporation is crazy.

swissfish
01-14-2007, 08:12 AM
only problem with this tank is the evaporation is crazy.


It will get better next summer:D

I really like this set up, it is just an awesome idea.

kinktao
02-12-2007, 02:06 AM
My fish jumped over the wall! I found him in my sump. I suppose that's what I get for an overflowing tank.

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater_feb/Fish_Sump.jpg

Here's an update on my corals. I caved in and got some amazing corals from Miguel at fragglereef.com:

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater_feb/cube.jpg
Front tank shot.

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater_feb/cube2.jpg
Leroy swimming at the top of the tank. He swims at the very top of the tank and I occasionally brush him with my fingers. It's pretty fun. And there's a bird's nest frag, and two types of frogspawn that I got from Marde (aka, therapy. Sorry if I spelled your name wrong.)

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater_feb/IMG_1231.JPG
I got the blue digits, idaho grape and the milli from jasper.

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/saltwater_feb/IMG_1232.JPG

fishfinger
02-12-2007, 07:46 AM
That is really a great idea. *****en concept. I would like to have one like that possibly. Once you get all of the Bugs worked out would you consider buiding one for someone else? What might it cost? Would you let me come and see it operating?

kinktao
02-12-2007, 12:40 PM
I don't mind someone coming over to look at it, nor would I mind telling you exactly how to build one.

The tank cost more than you want to know. PM me if you really want a quote on how much it cost.

Eric F
02-12-2007, 02:15 PM
tank looks great in person. Thats for having me over. If you need any help just PM me.

Eric

Nick_Kun
02-12-2007, 03:02 PM
B*tchin Awesome.

SECTER1
02-12-2007, 06:54 PM
What kind of gutiar is that on the 1st page?..Looks like a Seagull

Diver Dan
02-12-2007, 07:33 PM
How do you feed?

DaChrisDude
02-12-2007, 08:21 PM
Wow, very nice tank amigo. Very nice indeed.

kinktao
02-13-2007, 10:36 AM
How do you feed?

I have a switch that turns off the pump. The water stops overflowing the sides and I feed with frozen food. The check valve kicks in immediately to prevent backflow.

aznshyguycv
02-13-2007, 11:51 AM
wow... talk about loading your tank... it looks awesome frmo here... i must come by sometime... to steal some frags... :P like always... u still havent picked up ur gsp yet... :P

kinktao
02-13-2007, 09:40 PM
haha, sure james.

alittlesalty
02-13-2007, 10:23 PM
Man that thing is so f*&king cool.

kinktao
02-14-2007, 01:53 PM
the problem about this tank is that people give more compliments on the setup and equipment than on what's important. The corals!

this tank gives the really clean look, since you can hide all the plumbing.

although i didn't want to do it, i'm going to break down my tank tomorrow to install my OM. I'll take pictures of the entire rebuilding of my tank, to help those who want to try and build one of these.

Daniel
02-14-2007, 01:57 PM
have fun w/the break-down! :)

luistwentyone
02-14-2007, 02:16 PM
....although i didn't want to do it, i'm going to break down my tank tomorrow to install my OM. I'll take pictures of the entire rebuilding of my tank, to help those who want to try and build one of these.

great idea !

thanks for sharing

aznshyguycv
02-15-2007, 08:27 AM
daym... for what its worth, i think your zoos and other corals are awesome... :P

aznshyguycv
02-15-2007, 08:28 AM
so... did your birds nest survive? Not the dead one i gave you but the one you got...

kinktao
02-15-2007, 02:52 PM
it's fine.

kinktao
02-15-2007, 02:57 PM
little miss scarlet
sat on her tuffet.
eating her curds and whey

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/Scarlet/IMG_1229.JPG

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/Scarlet/IMG_1242.JPG

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/Scarlet/IMG_1239.JPG

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/Scarlet/IMG_1240.JPG

Daniel
02-15-2007, 05:01 PM
lol, what the heck, how did it get there?

or did u just plop him in the middle

kinktao
02-15-2007, 05:04 PM
found him there. i fed that coral a silver side last night, the crab must be scavenging for food.

vinny73
02-15-2007, 09:37 PM
Where can I find the braces you used to glue your tray together?

swissfish
02-15-2007, 09:42 PM
Where can I find the braces you used to glue your tray together?


I saw some at the high quality store named harbor freight for cheap.

kinktao
02-16-2007, 12:59 AM
i got mine from home depot. U can borrow mine if u'd like. I have a pair of them. I wish i had 4 when i was building it.

aznshyguycv
02-20-2007, 10:13 AM
hey dude take pics of the new things u got and post them, i want to see how they look in your tank just in case i dun come over :P

phishphood
02-20-2007, 10:36 AM
Yeah, how'd the upgrade go? Hope nothing cracked.

wallaceedward
02-24-2007, 09:25 PM
Very nice tank......love the look. Good job!

kinktao
03-01-2007, 10:10 PM
The tank is back up. However, it took about a week to get everything back up. While the tank was down, I put all the livestock inside a separat 20 gallon bin. Sadly, a few corals and my cleaner shrimp have died. Others are recovering and seem to be okay.

kinktao
03-01-2007, 10:13 PM
There is a problem though... the pump seems to be too strong and it's causing the water to gurgle when it's returned back down.

I tried to match the rate that my pump pushed, with the rate at which it would be returned to the sump using a ball valve... but it has failed... I need suggestions.

crstjohn
03-01-2007, 10:13 PM
Hope the rest make a full recovery!

crstjohn
03-01-2007, 10:20 PM
You broke it down to install an OM (ocean motion 4-way?). Did you upgrade the pump? What is different than before?
There is a problem though... the pump seems to be too strong and it's causing the water to gurgle when it's returned back down.

I tried to match the rate that my pump pushed, with the rate at which it would be returned to the sump using a ball valve... but it has failed... I need suggestions.

kinktao
03-01-2007, 10:27 PM
I used a waki that I got off SDreefs. It's a huge difference on the flow.

crstjohn
03-01-2007, 10:34 PM
You have no room to put a durso style OF in the tray and I know you don't want to drain the tank again so all I can suggest is to install a P-trap type of fitting under the tray prior to dumping into the sump. This will ensure the pipe is full of water and should (although I'm only guessing) cure the gurgling. But they are called traps for a reason, they will trap things and could become clogged. I would plumb the other hole to be an inch higher than the one with a trap and make it a straight pipe (emerg. OF). If anything comes out of it, clean out the trap.

kinktao
03-01-2007, 10:41 PM
Hmmm I've never heard of that, where can I get a P-trap? UPDATE: NVM, I just googled, I understand now. I'll try it, and hopefully it will work.

Here are pictures of the breakdown.

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/Saltwater%20v2/IMG_1247.JPG
The black tray.

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/Saltwater%20v2/IMG_1250.JPG

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/Saltwater%20v2/IMG_1253.JPG

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/Saltwater%20v2/IMG_1278.JPG

lucubrator
03-01-2007, 10:53 PM
Are you trying to regulate the return with just one overflow, or do you have another pipe as well?

It's hard to regulate anything with a ball valve, they're best for just on/off operation. You can swing by marshall's industrial supply off miramar (production ave, I think) to get a gate valve, that that should make it easier to adjust.

I don't think the trap is a very good idea, both because it can overflow, but also because (I think) they're designed to keep sewer gasses from making their way up the drain (and toilet) and not so much to make things quiet.

kinktao
03-01-2007, 11:01 PM
The other pipe is just for emergencies, incase the one that I'm trying to regulate fails on me.

The problem about regulating the flow is that, when I hit the perfect spot, the water level in the tray gets a little too high and my tank starts to leak because it goes over the white tubings that hold up my tank. Some of the tubings have holes in them to allow pipes to reach my tank (the hole cuts can be seen in the picture).

But nick you're probably right on the gate valve making it easier to regulate. I wanted to get one from AW, but it was freaking 18 bucks. I went cheap and went to home depot and got a ball valve for 5... Probably was a mistake.

lucubrator
03-01-2007, 11:03 PM
The problem about regulating the flow is that, when I hit the perfect spot, the water level in the tray gets a little too high and my tank starts to leak because it goes over the white tubings that hold up my tank.

Then it's not the perfect spot. ;) Seriously, try the gate valve. There's a reason they're used on skimmers.

kinktao
03-01-2007, 11:10 PM
i'll try the p-trap thing right now with some pvc that ill just stick together instead of gluing and see what happens.

If it doesn't work, I'll go get that gate valve.

kinktao
03-02-2007, 12:50 AM
Okay, tried the p-trap and it seemed to mute the sound but then my system started to flood past the first return. Causing the second to start returning water.

Then I thought, "Hey i replaced my initial pump with one that is about 3 time stronger, what if my single return isn't big enough to handle the pump."

I tested my setup by closing my main return and ran my system. The backup return wasn't able to handle the water and my system began to flood. Since my backup and my main return are the same size, I realized that one isn't big enough to handle the pump and I need both open inorder to handle the pump.

I'm going to have to replace the size of my bulkhead returns with larger ones.

aznshyguycv
03-02-2007, 01:01 AM
man... sorry to hear that... it all seemed so perfect... :(

kinktao
03-02-2007, 07:28 AM
It took all night, but after multiple trials and errors I finally fixed the gurgling sound problem!!!!

By weakening the pump a little (opening another bypass valve), i made the main bulkhead return able to handle the flow. This way, when I use the p-trap method crstjohn recommended my tank wouldn't overflow into the backup bulkhead return.

The waki still seems incredibly strong because it still is kicking up sand and causing my frogspawn to sway.

crstjohn
03-02-2007, 08:24 AM
I don't think the trap is a very good idea, both because it can overflow, but also because (I think) they're designed to keep sewer gasses from making their way up the drain (and toilet) and not so much to make things quiet.
The purpose of a trap on household use is to prevent gasses from entering the house from the sewer system. Gurgling is produced by the movement of water sucking in air along the way. By ensuring that the pipe is always full, it should suck a lot less air. The emergency OF would provide the safety if the trap colgged. I wouldn't design this way either but in this case there is no way to put a Durso or Herbie style pipe.

kinktao
03-02-2007, 06:04 PM
http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/Saltwater%20v2/IMG_1282.JPG

aznshyguycv
03-05-2007, 12:06 AM
wow... nice... maybe i can come by and take a look sometime... hopefully not too much died int eh process of rebuilding your tank... :/

kinktao
03-05-2007, 02:25 AM
you should comeover sometime james, give me a ring.

ill let you have some frags.

Wulfhound
03-05-2007, 07:48 AM
looking good bro

kinktao
03-05-2007, 08:38 PM
Hey wulfhound,

next time you're in la jollla to get a water change, stop by my apartment and I'll give you a frag of some zoos. I still owe you for helping me fill my tank!

kinktao
03-05-2007, 08:54 PM
I'm looking for a rubber sheet 24x24 that will allow me to make a part of my tank water proof. If anyone knows an exact link or product that i should get, let me know. i sent a message to a rubber company and they told me that I need to make sure that the rubber is for ponds and is fish safe.

If you've seen how my tank is built, the tank sits on these acrylic cups. If the water level ever passes over the cups, my tank will leak since it's plastic on plastic and they aren't glued together.. But I figure if i put a rubber sheet in between the plastic cups and the tank, the rubber will make it water proof.

bpatrol
03-07-2007, 12:14 AM
nice setup. one question how thick is the glass? do you see any noticeable bow? it looks like 1/4" standard plate glass.....thanks bpatrol

kinktao
03-07-2007, 02:31 PM
standard 1/4" thickness. it's only a 33 gallon tank with 14" height so there's No bowing at all.

dj9264
03-09-2007, 01:44 PM
Pond liner will work?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=62728+113823
I've seen it sold by the foot.

kinktao
03-09-2007, 03:25 PM
bought some pond liner, thx for everyone that suggested it. Will try using it for what i planned, hopefully everything will turn out as expected.

thx.

aznshyguycv
03-09-2007, 03:27 PM
let me know if u need help... pm me :P

kinktao
03-09-2007, 03:39 PM
i'm not going to break it down till i borrow phisphood's tank and i get my gate valve in the mail. but i will definitely let you know james, hehehe.

kinktao
03-11-2007, 04:51 PM
Finally! Thanks to dana (dj9264) I have a red bulb anemone. My clown is in love.

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/anemone/IMG_1293.JPG

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/anemone/IMG_1289.JPG

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/anemone/IMG_1292.JPG

http://sdcc21.ucsd.edu/~jtle/Pictures/Image/anemone/IMG_1290.JPG

dj9264
03-12-2007, 01:17 AM
It's just lust.

aznshyguycv
03-12-2007, 01:34 AM
hey dude can u frag me a few small frags of things so they can heal a bit before i take them on thurs? :) Thanks!!!! how much u get the ane? I always wanted one like that... so awesome... your tank looks sooo healthy... im jealous... one of my croceas just died... my dad killed it somehow lol... :P

kinktao
03-12-2007, 02:10 AM
sure james, ill have a frag of some stuff waiting for you.

jvk
03-12-2007, 09:51 PM
Have you ever thought of using a heavy duty dimmer switch to regulate the flow of water coming from the pump. I don't know what kind of electric loads they can handle, but it might let you "dial in" the perfect rate of flow.

jvk


It took all night, but after multiple trials and errors I finally fixed the gurgling sound problem!!!!

By weakening the pump a little (opening another bypass valve), i made the main bulkhead return able to handle the flow. This way, when I use the p-trap method crstjohn recommended my tank wouldn't overflow into the backup bulkhead return.

The waki still seems incredibly strong because it still is kicking up sand and causing my frogspawn to sway.

lucubrator
03-12-2007, 09:58 PM
Have you ever thought of using a heavy duty dimmer switch to regulate the flow of water coming from the pump. I don't know what kind of electric loads they can handle, but it might let you "dial in" the perfect rate of flow.

jvk

It won't work. They're effectively big resistors, or triacs which turn on the electricity at a preset point, but in either case it doesn't change the frequency and the voltage to the pump in the right way. Pump speed, and so pump output, is dependent on the input frequency, which unaltered is 60Hz.

Fmellish
03-13-2007, 10:12 PM
What if you sneeze in your room?

With the sides wet, and that water getting pumped back into the tank, don't you increase the amount of surface that air born contaminents can contact with? What if you touch the side of the tank, all the bacteria from your hand will now be in your water right?

This would seem safer to me if the water that falls over the side wasn't re-used.

It looks neat though. It's certainly got style.

Josh

aznshyguycv
03-13-2007, 10:26 PM
lol... your so negative... airborne contaminates are going to probably be taken out by his skimmer in his sump... but by have such a large surface area... theres also a lot of oxygen exchange surface which i think is one of the major benefits then it looking really cool :P

Fmellish
03-13-2007, 10:53 PM
I have 3 kids under 5 years of age.

I think if I were single it would be awesome.

But seeing as how my kids like to touch and lick my tank, I just don't know if this would be a safe configuration. And what is to keep the fish in the tank? I think my wrasse would hop out.

I think form follows function. It's got the form.

It is very cool looking though.

Josh

aznshyguycv
03-13-2007, 11:03 PM
yeah... i heard they do from him... hehe... i can imagine your kids licking it... i think thats cute lol...

jvk
03-13-2007, 11:09 PM
Where did you get the tank from?

kinktao
03-13-2007, 11:42 PM
Where did you get the tank from?

I built it.

kinktao
03-13-2007, 11:49 PM
I have 3 kids under 5 years of age.

I think if I were single it would be awesome.

But seeing as how my kids like to touch and lick my tank, I just don't know if this would be a safe configuration. And what is to keep the fish in the tank? I think my wrasse would hop out.

I think form follows function. It's got the form.

It is very cool looking though.

Josh

if you have kids, then it would be a problem. in fact, having a saltwater tank in general is probably not safe either. what if they get into your sump and start drinking the water? better child proof those doors.

anyway, i touch my tank all the time, never worry about a thing. i doubt it's that big of a risk contaminating anything, since i do water changes and have my skimmer running, plus carbon. i've also been sick once or twice since the start of this tank and my gf is currently getting over a cold and I can't see any coral receding in my tank.

biggest worry that i have is dust. however, ive talked to a few other's that have this type of tank (guess you've never heard of a zero gravity tank), and they seem to have had no problems with them.

lucubrator
03-14-2007, 12:13 AM
Zero Edge, not zero gravity - http://www.tropicalfishstore.com/Aquarium-ZeroEdge.htm

kinktao
03-14-2007, 03:05 AM
Lol, yea i was laying in my bed and it occured to me that i might have said zero gravity instead of zero edge.

Fmellish
03-14-2007, 07:24 AM
I think it's awesome.

I just wish I could have one. My kids would end up washing their hands in it.

Cheers
Josh

kinktao
03-14-2007, 09:15 PM
I just got a message from someone... accidentally cleared my mail box... mind sending it again?

jvk
04-04-2007, 11:27 PM
So here is my interpretation of Kintao's awesome overflowing cube. The tank size is the same (23 x 23 x 14), the overflow tray is a little deeper (5" deep) with the acrylic risers at 4" tall. I thought that the deeper tray might help keep my floors dry :) The tray itself is not that visable in the drawings... i needed to keep it somewhat translucent so I could display the rest of the drawing. I decided to add a counter top around the edge to give the illusion that the water is falling into the cabinet, not the black acrylic overflow tray. (I think this concept could work great as a center piece of a long bar, or counter top as well) The stand has doors on two of the four sides that access the sump and the small door shown in the second pic is where the electric stuff (timers, power strips, ect...) could be housed... I feel safer when its is isolated from the water in the sump area. These drawing were done using google sketchup and the drawing file can be downloaded by clicking the following link if anyone wants to use/modify it. Here is the link...

http://www.myjvk.com/AssembledTank.skp

Thanks Kintao, you have inspired me (and kept me from my studies :))


http://www.myjvk.com/Front.jpg

http://www.myjvk.com/Side.jpg

http://www.myjvk.com/Top.jpg

http://www.myjvk.com/Front2.jpg

DaChrisDude
04-04-2007, 11:40 PM
nice use of sketchup...

Are you planning on building this? Or is this more a referral to anyone studying kinktao's tank?

kinktao
04-05-2007, 12:32 AM
wow jvk, that's a pretty cool sketch. Hmmm if you ever want to check out my tank, send me a PM sometime (unless you were on the tank tour, I forgot who came that day).

I just like to add that the tank doesn't have to be lifted with the acrylic tubings, it can sit directly on the acrylic tray. However, if it sat on the acrylic tray the bottom part of the tank wouldn't be visible.

On the other hand, a problem about having it raised is it's noisy (not that loud though) since it's dripping into the collection tray.

I plan on breaking down the tank again to try to raise the water level in the collection tray. If i can raise it so that the water level inside the tray touches the bottom of my tank, it would silence the drip.

Since the part were the acrylic tubing and glass tank meet are not water proof, I'm thinking of putting rubber pond sheets between them to water proof it.

I have everything I need to do it, i've just been lazy enjoying my tank. If someone wants to help out (and learn more about the secrets of my tank hehe), i would appreciate it. Especially someone that can bring an empty 40 gallon tank (or bigger) that can help me hold my corals and rock.

kinktao
04-05-2007, 12:41 AM
Last thing I want to add, this size of a tank makes it extremely difficult to have everything hidden underneath the cabinet.

In fact, I wish i had more room so I could fit a calcium reactor and bigger trash bin to hold my top off water. I know the height of my tank 14" is perfect, but if the width and length were bigger, that would be nice.

With my current footprint, I can only hold a 2 gallon trash bin for top off water, in reality you need a 10 gallon or more size top off water storage, preferably 20 gallons... this thing evaporates about 1.5-2 gallons a day. My external pump takes up to much room, but this waki is a monster and i love the flow too much.

phishphood
04-05-2007, 12:54 AM
haha, so I totally forgot about the 60g John. You free at all tomorrow during the day? I'm free after 10 and before 5 so if you want the tank I can deliver it. Friday is doable too, at least before 1 or between 6 and 7:30.

kinktao
04-05-2007, 02:05 AM
It was finals week and then spring break, totally understandable.

Anyway, I got class from 8am - 2pm. So how about around 3:30ish I'll give you a call. I don't know if i still have your number mitch, can you send me a PM? or call me at 661 350 0689 tomorrow.

Holy crap it's already 3am... got to wake up in 4 hours.

jvk
04-05-2007, 01:21 PM
nice use of sketchup...

Are you planning on building this? Or is this more a referral to anyone studying kinktao's tank?


I would like to build one some time when I have the time, but between work, school, and the Girlfriend... It might be a little difficult:( Also, Since I'm a newbie to the hobby, I would like to get my current tank thriving before I dive into setting up another one.

jvk
04-05-2007, 01:29 PM
Last thing I want to add, this size of a tank makes it extremely difficult to have everything hidden underneath the cabinet.

In fact, I wish i had more room so I could fit a calcium reactor and bigger trash bin to hold my top off water. I know the height of my tank 14" is perfect, but if the width and length were bigger, that would be nice.

With my current footprint, I can only hold a 2 gallon trash bin for top off water, in reality you need a 10 gallon or more size top off water storage, preferably 20 gallons... this thing evaporates about 1.5-2 gallons a day. My external pump takes up to much room, but this waki is a monster and i love the flow too much.


Good point about the cabinet size/footprint. In my current drawing the cabinet is 31"x31"x36". I guess that could be a little bit of a pinch, but I think I can cram it all in there. I was thinking of making the tank a bit larger, but I am unfamiliar of with tank construction and I didn't know if increasing the size would also mean needing to add a center brace or changing the thickness of the glass. What would be your ideal tank size?

btw, if you need help breaking down your tank, I would love to help.

aznshyguycv
04-05-2007, 04:59 PM
new picture!!! you can call me if you need help!!! :P

kinktao
04-14-2007, 01:10 PM
amazing... so i broke down the tank yesterday and put everything in another container.

well at the bottom of my tank i discovered there's a crack in the glass... who knows how long it's been there, for all i know it's been there awhile and even though the water could have leaked through, it was being collected into the tray.

Hmmm... to replace the bottom panel or buy a new one.... that is the question. or get out of the hobby.

kinktao
04-14-2007, 01:14 PM
does anyone have a drill press (not a cordless hand drill, something that will be leveled) and some glass drill bits? I want to use a drill press to ensure that the cut is smooth.

I think i'll replace the glass with 1/2 inch thick glass. I guess 1/4" isn't thick enough.

Or maybe I should just replace the whole tank, with an acrylic one... hmmm.... but would it bow?

kinktao
04-14-2007, 01:32 PM
Actually, I'm not even going to replace the bottom, I'll leave it there and put a new peice of glass on top of it and silicone it there to re-enforce it.

I just looked at the tank that mitch let me borrow and that's what they did. I think it will work. thoughts?

BigAir
04-14-2007, 03:11 PM
I have the drill press, but not the bits. If you can find the bit you need, you are welcome to come by and use the press. I work from home, so time is pretty much open. I'm in Kearny Mesa/Linda Vista area.

kinktao
04-14-2007, 06:21 PM
thx for the offer, i actually have glass drill pits but i let someone borrow them. I forgot who it was during the tank tour that i let borrow.

anyway, i'm actually considering going acrylic since glass doesn't seem to like being drilled on the bottom. but i'll probably decide in a week or so and ill let you know if i go glass. if i do, i'll be sending u a PM.

Flash
05-02-2007, 02:24 PM
Kinktao, your tank is seriously cool! :cool:

Someday... <sigh>

aznshyguycv
05-02-2007, 10:16 PM
lol... i think hes selling his actual tank soon ;P he got a better one now made of like starfire glass or something like that... ;P I cant wait till that gets setup... i snuck into his place today lol... and his corals are still in a temp 60 gallon :(

lucubrator
05-08-2007, 02:26 PM
Just found this on RC, looks similar to yours, with a few sides added.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?&threadid=1116512

seahorse_man
05-11-2007, 10:57 PM
That is a cool tank so are those orange zoos.:p

pnguy3n
06-09-2007, 09:39 PM
any new updates on the tank kinktao?

iwantone
06-09-2007, 11:59 PM
what keeps fish and snails from going outside the aquarium...

aznshyguycv
06-13-2007, 12:33 AM
death most likely ;P

mazilla
06-13-2007, 07:14 AM
death most likely ;P

haha :p

aznshyguycv
06-14-2007, 03:33 PM
dammit john when u getting ur tank setup i wanna see i wanna see!!!

sacredfire
07-24-2007, 01:47 AM
How is this doing, Any updated Photos?

kinktao
07-24-2007, 02:16 AM
I moved this tank page to this page:

New Overflowing Cube Page (http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26470)

It's practically a new tank!