UPDATE of our 3rd floor office in wall reef aquarium build.
This project began with hoisting the tanks glass panels and metal support frame up to the top floor of our clients offices, currently undergoing refurbishment. This bespoke aquarium would be located between the 2 directors offices giving both a great view. As well as one side facing into the office lobby area providing a view straight down the tank.
The Tank Build
Once the panels and supporting steel frame were safely deposited, the next step is to position the frame (which was welded to the floor!) and build the aquarium. Our team performed this aquarium on-site build over a 2 day period and did a great job.
A larger tank was first proposed by the client, however it was eventually approved by the structural surveyor that a long x deep x high tank, complete with sump filter would be feasible and the floor was up to the job of holding this heavy load. A series of RSJ’s were put in place to add further strength before we commenced with the tank build.
Bespoke Reef Filter System
With the display tank and sump tanks now in position, we started installing the necessary high end filtration system that would be filter and support the tanks livestock. Before starting any project, we produce a custom aquarium design and filter system. Various calculations need to be performed such as, display and sump tank flow rates, organic load, water displacement etc.
The custom filtration system comprises of some of the very latest equipment to come on the market. It incorporates an automatic top up and water change system, trace element dosing unit and an algae reduction light reactor. This algal reactor reduces organics by growing macro algae, and thus effectively utilising nutrients that might be used by a unsightly nuisance algae. It’s the very same principle that a good pond design utilises – growing plants around and within the pond use up nutrients to keep water clean and healthy.
Another aspect of this bespoke aquarium is the use of closed loop pumps to provide the main wave like flow within the tank. These Vectra pumps and plumbed directly to the underside of the aquarium and suck water in from here. The water then enters the pumps and is discharged back to the tank near the top corners. These pumps have a variable flow option which means they will run at 30% power for 20 seconds and then 100% power for 20 seconds. An added bonus is they are App controlled and so work together to pulse flow alternately. This creates excellent turbulent water flow that marine fish and corals thrive on. In the evening the pumps enter a night time mode and only provide a gentle flow to allow livestock to relax.
Additionally, together with the automation already in place, we added an automated cleaning system to the filters large protein skimmer. A protein skimmer removes organics from the water which results in the collection of a dark liquid in the skimmers collection cup. A skimmer is at its most efficient when kept clean. Therefore, the auto cleaning unit is programmed to remove and flush away organic deposits once per day. Without this unit, the skimmer may be left for days without being manually cleaned which results in a drop in its effectiveness.
Reef Tank Aquascape and Stocking
We decided to keep this Aquascape simple as the tank is only 50cm deep but also taking into acccount the view both company directors willh have when sat in their offices. A combination of Real Reef rock and live coral sand is used to create the foundation which we would be adding live coral too.
Once a stable foundation is built and the tank has bedded in for a couple of weeks we are able to start adding the first pieces of livestock.
Various soft and hard corals are placed into the structure and cemented in place. At this point, we program the lighting which is the very latest generation LED lamp from D&D The Aquarium Solution. We have installed 6 x Hydra52hd lamps above this tank which will provide more than enough light for both soft and hard corals.
Programming is a quick and easy as the lamps link directly to a phone or tablet via an App. Due to the tank being immature, lighting is kept at a low level so as to avoid unnecessary algal blooms which often plague new aquarium set ups.
We will be continuing to stock this office in wall reef aquarium up to Christmas and into the new year. Please keep an eye on our blog for further updates.
Like the idea of having your own home or office in wall reef aquarium?
Please contact us here or call 01457511138
