5,000 gallon Arapaima Gigas Tank by JohnPTC

[Bluey]

Thats so awesome , but you really should of made it bigger ;) then you could of got more Gigas , haha

[johnptc]

Thats so awesome , but you really should of made it bigger ;) then you could of got more Gigas , haha


its now 10000 us gallons :):)

[DiscusGeir]

Cool setup and selection off FISH. Awsome, keep it up^^

[Bluey]

its now 10000 us gallons :):)


hahah I saw pic of your setup... you look ritch enough to add a few zeros on 10000 gallons ;)

[johnptc]

hahah I saw pic of your setup... you look ritch enough to add a few zeros on 10000 gallons ;)


have you tried the webcam ???

[ctoychik]

Sweet Tank! In a couple of years, I'm planning to build a 3,000 gallon piranha tank, when I build my house. Figured I could work the cost in with my mortgage. I had some questions about your tank, and any tips would be great.

Did you look into Glass for the window?
I know it would be heavy as hell, but I don't want to spend all this money for my tank and see my daughter scratch it all up, bless her heart.

How much would you say it cost you to build, with equipment, and monthly cost?

Last one, How often do you have to do water changes, and what %?
My guess is less often because it has a more water to fish ratio.

Thanks for your time, best wishes to your fishes.





I second the question (about the water change frequency).

I have about 4000 galon tank similar to yours (two faces with glass). I am really curious about the plumbing set-up - the water is crystal clear!!!

If you don't mind, i will PM you for more info on plumbing

[johnptc]

I second the question (about the water change frequency).

I have about 4000 galon tank similar to yours (two faces with glass). I am really curious about the plumbing set-up - the water is crystal clear!!!

If you don't mind, i will PM you for more info on plumbing


when running the nitrate filter only a few hundred gallons a day

with out the nitrate filter it takes a continous 24/7 water change at about 2000 gallons a day to kepep the nitrates around 20-40 ppm

[ctoychik]

when running the nitrate filter only a few hundred gallons a day

with out the nitrate filter it takes a continous 24/7 water change at about 2000 gallons a day to kepep the nitrates around 20-40 ppm

Thanks for the advice, but as usual that leads to more questions ^^

Dare i ask what is a "nitrate filter"? Errrrr .... Can i assume it is a biological filter i.e. a sump with overflow filled with bio balls. Please confirm.

If it is not, please elaborate more details.

PS: if the test strip is to be believed my nitrate levels in the outdoor pond/aquarium between 20-40 ppm (errr not zero ... i am not even sure it is possible to get it to zero) ... nevertheless the water is cloudy (but not smelly)

[N.C.]

freakin sweet dude

[johnptc]

start here http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115444&highlight=nitrate&page=17

[johnptc]

Thanks for the advice, but as usual that leads to more questions ^^

Dare i ask what is a "nitrate filter"? Errrrr .... Can i assume it is a biological filter i.e. a sump with overflow filled with bio balls. Please confirm.

If it is not, please elaborate more details.

PS: if the test strip is to be believed my nitrate levels in the outdoor pond/aquarium between 20-40 ppm (errr not zero ... i am not even sure it is possible to get it to zero) ... nevertheless the water is cloudy (but not smelly)


start here

start here http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...itrate&page=17 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115444&highlight=nitrate&page=17)

[tetracanthus]

Man I love reading this thread.

[ctoychik]

start here

start here http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...itrate&page=17

Thanks for the info. Wayyyyy too advanced for me. I am not really into continiously adding stuff (partly because i am not 100% near my fishes ... next year i will be, but not yet).

I think i ll just add an oversized wet/dry filter and hope it works. Anyway, there are only four main fishes in my monster pond/aquarium

Thanks alot John

PS: very cool web cam, i have finally got to see it ^^

[Bluey]

have you tried the webcam ???


Diden't work on my shop pc I will try it @ home.....

[Bluey]

Just saw the cam , good lord you have a few fish in there , Bit of a weird mix with some , haha..

You have a few baby gigas as well I think I saw?

[johnptc]

Just saw the cam , good lord you have a few fish in there , Bit of a weird mix with some , haha..

You have a few baby gigas as well I think I saw?



african aros ???

[fishman256]

Hi John,

With that much water being changed I hope that you are not on a water meter.

On a seperate note, have you thought of using a vegetable filter to further reduce the nitrate?

[johnptc]

Hi John,

With that much water being changed I hope that you are not on a water meter.

On a seperate note, have you thought of using a vegetable filter to further reduce the nitrate?


SEE NITRATE FILTER THREAD http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...itrate&page=17 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115444&highlight=nitrate&page=17)

[Bluey]

african aros ???


Must of been , They look about 2-3' long... same shape as a gigas , moving too fast ( just like a baby gigas lol ) you have a myxocyprinus asiaticus in there????

[johnptc]

Must of been , They look about 2-3' long... same shape as a gigas , moving too fast ( just like a baby gigas lol ) you have a myxocyprinus asiaticus in there????

just one but he is fun to watch....:)

[ALLafricancichlids]

where do u get the mfk stickers?

[ALLafricancichlids]

wat do gigas eat?

[johnptc]

wat do gigas eat?


not picky...........dry foods and frozen fish

[RedDevilDon2005]

not picky...........dry foods and frozen fish

also small live animals and children :D

[ALLafricancichlids]

well who doesnt like that?

[vincent1955]

youv probably answered this before but what do you feed your fish? just looking for ideas what else i can feed mine.
that tank is awsome .iv been watching it on an off for months

[johnptc]

hikari dry foods on the am
frozen fish in the pm

[catfishlover106]

Wow John, Everything has grown alot since i last saw them on the webcam which was about a few months lol

[ozz465]

I never get tired of reading this thread , as always john a godly tank.

[wanyusri84]

you are crazy!!!

[johnptc]

you are crazy!!!


my wife agrees with you :ROFL::ROFL:

[Firemouth1]

i just saw the one of the pimas yawn, that was cool, whens the next feeding? i would love to see that

[Royeight]

text and photos Copyright 2006 John Marcus

Permission to use on www.monsterfishkeepers.com (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/endresult.jpg
5000 gallon gigas tank


Below is an overview of the 5000 gallon giga tank just completed.


Final design :

5000 gallon display tank ( 72’ height x 12’ x 10’ )

Filtration:
9 bag filters in a 3x3 array running 50 gpm each
( 300, 100 and 10 micron in each set)

300 gallon sump. 36”x48”x48”

200 gallons of bio filtration and degassing (4x55 gallon drums)


Four 6000 watt heaters with two independent controllers 1 for 6kw the other for 18kw

Total pumps 255 gpm ( 5 x 53gpm march 3/4 hp )

Aquafine CSL 24R UV sterilizer ( 12 lamps)

1600 watts metal halide lighting ( 4x400watts)

8 48” t5 fluorescent tubes.

6600 pounds gravel, 1500 pounds lace rock etc

40,000 pounds of water

just add fish…………………….


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/blocks1.jpg


Tank construction.

Tank size was maximized for the available space. Concrete block construction was chosen and the design was finalized. A block box with two viewing windows. The tank was layed out on the concrete slab. Holes were drill in the slab and rebar was epoxied in place. Walls were built with lots of rebar with special attention to the corners. The custom built 316 stainless steel window headers were placed and the block work completed. The blocks are 8x8x16 and the 316 stainless is 4x4x1/2 angles. The block was filled with high strength grout and curing began.


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/blocks2.jpg


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/cornerview.jpg


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/ss316header.jpg

Several holes were put thru the block walls. Two for 3 inch pipe (3.5 inches) for intake to the pumps. Two 2 inch for water recirculation returns and one 2 inch for overflow ( to control water height). The feed through pipes were fiberglass which allowed them to be epoxied in place once the block was waterproofed.


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/pumpintakes.jpg

The grout cured, washed with acid and waterproofed with pond shield two part epoxy. Next the rest of the SS angle was epoxied in to form the sealing surface for the silicone seal to the plastic.


WINDOW INSTALL



I used 4x4x1/2 inch stainless steel angle ( type 316 for saltwater ) to make a frame for the opening with one of the 4 inch flats to set the window against.

The stainless steel frame was epoxied in place after the cement block was waterproofed with a epoxy sealer called pond armor. http://www.pondarmor.com/


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/smwinframe.jpg

The main window is cell cast acrylic 2” thick x 120 x 60 inches. It weighs about 750 pounds and was handled with a forklift.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/rdy2sand.jpg

I used no bolts etc to hold it in place…………the weight of the plastic rests on the bottom of the tank on a few small plastic blocks to allow for movement. The pressure of the water will hold the plastic firmly against the sealing surface.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/silapp.jpg

The plastic was placed against the stainless steel frame inside the tank and the opening was marked on the paper protecting the plastic. The plastic sheet in lager than the opening by at least 8 inches in each direction, leaving a minimum of a 4 inch overlap on all sides.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/support.jpg

Next the plastic was moved away from the opening. The paper border which covers the sealing area was carefully removed on both sides of the plastic.


The sealing side of the plastic was sanded with 220 grit to roughen the surface for better adhesion.


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/lgwindow.jpg

I also ground clean the sealing surface of the stainless.

Next both surfaces were primed with “dow corning 1205 prime coat” and allowed to dry.


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/silicone.jpg

I used “dow corning 832 multi surface adhesive sealant”. I used a very heavy bead ( approx 1x ½ inch) applied all the way around the stainless steel sealing surface. I used and air powered caulking gun…..it would be very hard to apply this much sealant by hand and take way too long.


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/bothshts.jpg

This is a fast paced event and I had two helpers opening the tubes of 832 ( aprrox 15-20 ) etc. Apply the top last as it can run a little and drip on you. Once the 832 is in place the plastic was slide in final position on the plastic supports. I used large c clamps on the top edge and 2x4 wood elsewhere to put GENTLE pressure on it… do not bend or strain the plastic. The reason for removing the paper from the back side of the plastic is it now allows you to see the 832 flow out into an even seal and not use TOO MUCH clamping force.


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/lgwinclamped.jpg

Now clean up the excess….

Leave it alone to cure for several weeks. It cures at about 1/8 inch per day so this takes awhile.

PLEASE NOTE THE DOW CORNING DOES NOT RECOMMEND ANY OF THIER PRODUCTS FOR CONTINOUS UNDERWATER USE !!!

THIS WORKED FOR ME BUT TRY IT A YOUR OWN RISK !!!


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/pumps2.jpg


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/pumps.jpg

PLUMBING

While the silicone began to cure and the cement continued to cure I did the plumbing and electrical work.
The fiberglass pipes were epoxied in place thru the tank walls. They were reinforced with 0.5 inch fiberglass sheet for strength and water proofing. Intake screens and a skimmer were mounted and two 3 inch pipes were run to the pump ‘house’. March mag drive pumps were selected for a number of reasons and we ended up with 5 series 7 pumps .75 horsepower 220v 3 phase.


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/skimmer.jpg

Four 55 gallon plastic drums were converted to bio filters with the addition of bioballs and self starting siphons with air brakes ( see photos) which makes the water level rise and fall giving the little bugs the maximum amount of oxygen….which is usually the limiting factor in bio filters. These were place above the sump.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/../mfkarticle/johnptc5k/3inch.jpg

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/biobarrels.jpg



The 300 gallon sump was placed above the main tank with 3 three inch overflows to return filtered water to the tank. Four 6000 watt heaters were installed. One on one thermostat set one degree lower than the other three…so it will do the bulk of the heating.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/../mfkarticle/johnptc5k/biofilters.jpg


Two carbon canisters also empty into the sump as well as the UV sterilized water ( runs as needed ).

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/../mfkarticle/johnptc5k/filters.jpg

Three pumps are used for filtration. Each running thru a bank of three bag filters ( 200, 100 and 10 microns each). This water is returned to the four bio filters and two carbon canisters. This then is gravity feed to the sump and heated and the falls into the main tank.

Two pumps are used for creating flow in the tank and return directly to the two 2 inch pipes thru the block walls.



ELECTRICAL

The two main electrical issues were the heaters and pumps.

The four 6000 watt submersible heaters were wired as follows.

One heater was wired to a 220v 30amp single phase breaker. It is controlled by a chromalox digital controller running a 40 amp power relay and set at 81 F. This heater does most of the cycling on/off.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/mtrcontrol.jpg

The other three heaters were wired together in a triangle and feed from a 50 amp 220 volt three phase breaker. Again with a chromalox controller set at 80 F and a 90 amp three phase power relay.

Pilot lights were included and the whole mess placed in a waterproof enclosure.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/pumpelect.jpg

The five pumps each have a 220v 3 phase motor contactor with overload protection. A small toggle switch allows each pump to be controlled separately for maintenance or filter changes. All the contactors are mounted in a waterproof enclosure at the pump ‘house’.

I plan to add some alarms etc in the future.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/sump.jpg

Lighting……… four 400 watt metal halide lights and 8 48” t5 bulbs were suspended on ss cable over the tank.



BACK TO THE TANK

Now that the cement has cured 28 days and the silicone has set for 14 days water was added ( see photos)…….and the pumps started. No tank leaks and several piping leaks were repaired.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/filling.jpg

6600 pounds of white 1/8 inch baja gravel were lifted in two lifts with the forklift, bags emptied and gravel added.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/gravel.jpg

About 1000 pounds of lace rock and a very large driftwood tree stump were added. The arrangement done by my son and friend Erica with a hookah setup for breathing under water.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/gravel2.jpg

The heaters were turned on and the water treated with prime.

Once everything stabilized the fish ( expect the giga and jardini) were transferred to the new tank…..start up cycling was avoided by connecting the existing 2400 gallon system to the new 5000 gallon system to provide bio filtration until the new bio filters are active ( 60 days ??). At this point the old bio filters will be taken off line one at a time and the water checked to make sure the new filters are fully developed.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/erica.jpg

The tanks is covered with a twin sheet polycarbonate that is very light weight and a good insulator.

Moving the 5 foot gigas is the subject of the next article.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/diving.jpg

Questions are always welcome.

Tank cam can be found through www.ptcmetrology.com (http://www.ptcmetrology.com) ( near bottom of page)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc5k/michael.jpg



WOW!! nice and Intresting SETUP!! Thanks for sharing bro. :)

[Au Duong Phong]

You are a fish keeping master.

[jacob 67]

wow how much money was it

[johnptc]

wow how much money was it


:) :ROFL::ROFL: :ROFL::ROFL: :ROFL::ROFL: :ROFL::ROFL: :ROFL:

[cdienzo]

Sadly, I didn't sign up here until after the meet :irked:. I'd love to see the tank in person sometime, though. What's the best way to try to arrange this with you?

Great job, BTW! :headbang2

[julia mansfield]

wow, what a splendid set-up, but I am not in your league, fantastic, needs a lot of planning and skill and great your son helping . Very impressive.

Julia M.

[The Amazonian]

Awesome!

[truck318]

thats sweet how many fish do you have

[hothew84]

yes very nice, but y did u use blocks instead of pouring the cement for the walls, i would think pouring would be much stronger

[Wutangxxx]

Great

[Abhirup]

hail the master of fish keeping....can you please give the exact link of tank cam....

[johnptc]

:)hail the master of fish keeping....can you please give the exact link of tank cam....

www.fishtankwebcam.com (http://www.fishtankwebcam.com/)

[Abhirup]

woah i am awestruck....got the link myself....brilliant...buddy your tank has really made my day...and the arapaimas..hail.....but there seemed to be so many more fish....are there some african arowanas....or aer they lung fish?....again congrats...i am inspired...when i am on my own sure will go for it....

[Abhirup]

spent a couple of more mins gazing at your tank,the gigs seemed to be much more active than the other fishes...were swimming swiftly around....when is feeding time i will really be looking forward to taking a glimse...will wait for your reply....

[Abhirup]

i am turning out to be a big time fan....was it you john with the hikari t-shir,i found it amazing how all the huge fishes wer reacting to your presense....and the massive arapaima turned and was staring right into your eyes,facing you begging for food...cool....

[johnptc]

:headbang2:headbang2:headbang2

[syndicate]

how long untill u have to get rid off/ uppgrade your tank? also what size do gigas reach in the hobby?

[wayne the pain]

Just watching your tank, its every fishkeepers dream. A true aquarist.
How big are the lince now? :)

[fishman256]

The african arows have come on really well. Dyone knowe what has happened to the rtc/tsn hybrid?

[johnptc]

The african arows have come on really well. Dyone knowe what has happened to the rtc/tsn hybrid?

hybrid ( ralph ) is doing great :headbang2

[johnptc]

Just watching your tank, its every fishkeepers dream. A true aquarist.
How big are the lince now? :)

all 18 inches plus :)

[johnptc]

how long untill u have to get rid off/ uppgrade your tank? also what size do gigas reach in the hobby?


its now 10000 us gallons...........unknown length. maybe 10 feet ??

[Bluey]

Still bloody awesome , what other fish are you after for it? or do you have everything you want??

[FLESHY]

Does anyone have a "full grown" adult? Five footer from the beginning of this article is a huge fish, but these animals get to be the size of station wagons in the wild.

[FLESHY]

Twelve feet is supposedly what they reach in the amazon. Truly the king of all monster freshwater fishes.

[fishman256]

Just a quck question, on the right hand ride of the tank, the water return appears to increase and decrease in flow rate. Is is connected to a pump similar to the surge devices used in marine aquariums to create alternate flow patterns?

[johnptc]

Just a quck question, on the right hand ride of the tank, the water return appears to increase and decrease in flow rate. Is is connected to a pump similar to the surge devices used in marine aquariums to create alternate flow patterns?

the surge is caused by part the bio filters..... the 4 55 gallon drums fill and siphon empty. depending on the timing the surge is greater or less.

the fill and empty gives a lot of oxygen to the BB :)

[fishman256]

Wow, that is a lot of water. One drum holds more water than both my aquarium combined :headbang2

[Noddy]

That's wy we're called Monster fishKEEPERS!!!!!!
Fish don't get too big, our tank become Too small!!!!!
You are inspiration, TNX!

[abortedsoul]

Holy wow; I thought my pond idea was crazy.

Awesome job; are the nitrification barrels up to full steam yet?

[LittleBigAl3]

wow, all of that work and the fish still look amazing.

[johnptc]

wow, all of that work and the fish still look amazing.

CHECK THE WEBCAM !!! www.fishtankwebcam.com (http://www.fishtankwebcam.com/)