Stepping Large: The Big Tank, part 2
There is nothing in the world quite like a Big aquarium. They make you feel like you are right inside of them, and now you want one! In Part 1, this article described what the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) aquarist needs to keep in mind when setting up a Big tank (250 gallons or more). Constructing a sturdy, safe platform that will bear the tanks massive weight, as well as having a professional electrician install GFCI outlets on dedicated electrical breakers, are the most important factors for long-term success. Beyond that, selecting the size and materials of the tank, the location of the life-support system, and choosing from the myriad of filtration equipment are the next big challenges.
Here in Part 2, the article picks up where it left offdescribing the rest of the critical components that combine efficiency and small size. What follows are very short descriptions of the protein skimmer, coil denitrator, and fluidized bed. Included also is an abbreviated list of several other fancy equipment options designed to reduce the need for regular water changes. Finally, the piece concludes with some condensed thoughts on lighting. Though the topic is undoubtedly of paramount importance to the marine husbandry process, it is really a subject all unto itself.
Protein SkimmerFor a large tank, a heavy-duty protein skimmer is irreplaceable. I always like to go big with skimmers, so a 250 gallon tank would call for a unit rated for at least 300 gallons.
Coil DenitratorThis neat little piece of equipment is gaining popularity amongst marine aquarists because it works well and can be constructed at home relatively easily. Basically, water trickles slowly down a narrow coiled tube inside a dark reaction chamber, which allows the water to be de-oxygenated by the time it reaches the bottom. Once there, it flows back up the reaction chamber, through bio-balls used to provide extra surface area for the cultivation of colonies of denitrifying bacteria. When the water exits the chamber, it should be nitrate-free. The anoxia is reversed as the water falls back into the reservoir and mixes with well-oxygenated flows emanating from the de-embolism tower.
Fluidized BedThe fluidized bed provides another opportunity to create nitrification. Simply put, sand or other material has water blown through it rapidly, and is swirled and suspended by the sharp flows. All surfaces of the particles are constantly exposed with fresh, oxygenated water which also contains dissolved nitrogenous waste (e.g. ammonia). The reaction chamber creates a highly efficient recycling environment combined with a very small overall footprinta potent and attractive package.
Additional OptionsHere is where it really gets fun. Additional toys for a large tank might include a calcium reactor, a phosphate reactor, an ozonator, an RO/DI unit with an automatic top-off switch, a closed-loop recirculation system, a UV sterilizer (more of a must than an option for a fish-only tank), a sulfur de-nitrification filter, a wave maker, or even a fully-automated digital controller with software enabling remote monitoring and control through the internet! But seriously, big tanks afford you the opportunity to add all the bells and whistles you want, because you have already committed to doing this thing the right way, whatever it takes. More importantly you have already committed the space, so you might as well use it. Adding in all the fancy equipment may or may not be necessary, but the idea with a big tank is that it should be outrageously impressiveinside and out. The real advantage of all the specialized equipment is that, when properly used, it can drastically reduce the need for water changes. At 250 gallons, even a ten percent change is 25 gallons of water. If you have ever tried to move around 25 gallons, you know just how difficult it can be. Having precise control over water quality parameters makes the maintenance on a Big tank much easier.
Light it Up
Finally, we cannot have a marine aquarium without good lighting, especially a reef aquarium! The choice of lighting is very conditionally dependent, and is really the subject of another article. However, it should be duly noted that the type of livestock and the depth of the water column, will play very important roles in the decision. Fortunately, unlike filtration and aquarium stands, lighting can simply be scaled up to match the depth penetration and coverage needed. The change should be fairly geometric with respect to the needs of smaller systems. Because of the quantity of light that needs to be provided, fewer fixtures that use higher wattage bulbs are preferable over more numerous smaller lights. The real difference is the number of ballasts, and therefore outlets, that will be used to power the lights. However, it is important to remember that wattage is only one of a number of critical lighting factors that should lead you towards your ultimate decision on what set up to use. All in all, the electrical demands of high intensity lighting will be a force that shapes your decision as much as the particulars of your tank set up. For example, a large SPS tank with a deep water column may need several high wattage metal halides. In turn, your ability to safely power those lights will limit their number and size.
In The End
To really step it up and make it big, you have to think big. This is going to be a project that goes on for many years. If you are still thinking about doing it after reading a little bit about what it takes, I like your odds of success. Dreaming about a big aquarium is a common fantasy; creating one is an uncommon achievement. You will have a living expression of your marine artistry that will be as impressive as it is rewarding. Operating a truly large aquarium is the ultimate way to ply your skill in marine husbandry.
Works Cited:
Hanley, C.J. Nanoreef Aquariums Add Diversity to an Aquarists Repertoire. Quality Marine Online. 2010. URL: http://www.qualitymarine.com/News/Feature-Article...
Persson, C. The Large Home Aquarium. Wet Pet Gazette. Aquaarticles Online. 2003. URL: http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Pe...