Incorrect Zuska, That IS another tank! The one one the left is a smaller one, I believe its a 225 gallon.
owing are pictures taken this weekend of my 800 gallon reef.
Please keep the following points in mind in looking at these pictures:
1. I spent about 1 year planning this reef, which has been in continuous operation for 7+ years now;
2. My theme throughout has been to try, in so far as possible, to create a "window" on the ocean;
3. I am more concerned with the overall look of the "window" than I am with the display of specific corals;
4. Apart from a few tasks that were clearly beyond me, such as the actual on-site assembly of the glass and the electrical work, I did the majority of the work
myself. I also maintain it.
A. The reef looking from the left side of the tank:
B. The reef looking from the right side of the tank. (the wall immediately to the left of the tank is covered with a full length mirror which creates the reflection)
C. The left side of the reef:
D. The middle portion of the reef:
E. School of tangs over mid-right portion of reef;
F. The right side of reef:
G. Overview of area where reef located
H. The tank on the right side of this picture is a second reef (225) which originally housed my first reef and which is now slowly being converted into my "Quiet Reef"
- - intended to house animals that are unlikely to survive in the Main Reef.
The large reef can be seen on the left hand side of this picture (with the accompanying reflection).
Hobby Experience: 11+ years (reefs only)
...
ACCESS (at the front of the aquarium):
The design allows for easy access through the use of 2 "doors"; 4 removable "windows";
one 96" hinged "hatch"; and, a 10' elevated walkway at the rear of the aquarium.
In order, in-so-far-as is reasonably practical, to maintain the illusion of a "window on the ocean",
all doors and windows have been disguised through the use of trim and mouldings.
In the following picture I have removed the 4 access windows to the sump. The windows simply lift out.
An 8' hinged access "hatch" installed at the front and immediately above the aquarium allows for easy access
to all forward areas of the aquarium (using a portable stand),
ACCESS (at the back of aquarium):
There is approximately 18" of clearance between the back of the aquarium and the adjacent wall.
To permit ready access, a hinged plywood plank (elevated walkway) was installed at the level of the top of the aquarium stand. This allows me to walk
behind the tank that is then located below me (as if the tank was located on the floor). 18" of clearance is sufficient when you are referring to what
essentially amounts to "leg room".
This feature allows for ready access to all rear areas of the reef.
Please note that the elevated walkway folds up in order to allow access to the rear of the sump (which is only very infrequently necessary).
In viewing this picture, please note:
- that a large mirror (120" x 36") was installed on the back wall behind the aquarium. This serves to increase the perception of depth when viewing the tank.
More specifically, a few discrete gaps were left in the back live rock wall which serve to enhance the illusion of debt (in looking through the gaps what viewer
is actually seeing are parts of the back live rock wall reflected some 7' away (4' to the back wall - 18" to the mirror and 18" to back of the aquarium).
- that the elevated walkway is actually on the left and that the 2 areas on the right side of this picture are a reflection and a reflection in a reflection;
......
Hobby Experience: 11+ years (reefs only)
