375 Gallon In Wall Build

[03LightningSVT]

I started building the sump in December 2011. It was originally born a 96x24x24 (240 gallon) acrylic display tank many years ago. All of the seems showed signs of age and crazing so I used a circular saw to cut out all of the old seems. Then I used a router to true the edges and Weldon #4 to re-assemble. End result is a 91x21x18 (150 gallon) sump. More than you'll ever need to know about working with acrylic can be found here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1056956
I need about 10" of water depth in the sump for my skimmer so my sump water volume will be about 80 gallons when the system is running. I'll post more pics of the sump later in the thread. Enjoy these for now

 

[cakemanPA]

real nice

 

[2turtles]

We need to have a meeting to see this beast. I can bring some beer to crissen it with.

 

[03LightningSVT]

I started to build the tank after the New Year and used methods and materials described on Garf's website and Monster Fish Keepers to build my plywood tank. MFK has a huge DIY section, you can check these websites or click the link for more than you will ever need to know about building plywood tanks

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1749114&highlight=plywood

Enjoy the pics

 

[03LightningSVT]

More pics, the last pic is the 3/4" Starphire glass still in the wrapper

 

[03LightningSVT]

I'll host a meeting when the tank is up and running with livestock, hopefully before Christmas 2012. Currently filling the tank, no leaks with water level at about 300gal in display

 

[Jandree22]

Wow.

Yeah I don't know the first thing about plywood tanks but that's some seriously nice looking craftsmanship. Well done, sir.

 

[03LightningSVT]

Thanks Jandree22!

 

[Joe]

Wow.......just.......WOW!!!!!!

 

[ganjero]

Amazing!

 

[03LightningSVT]

It's been awhile...time for an update
Here's a few pics of the stand, sump, tank and wall.

 

[03LightningSVT]

Anyone ever try to build a foam and rock wall?
This thread shows you how. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1438807

I've been working on mine for the last month or so, that and my LED light rack I'll post a few pics in a little while.

 

[03LightningSVT]

Agrocrete bare wall

Took about 250 gallons of water out of display tank and test fit panels

Mock up rock locations

Foamed in

Full tank shot

 

[03LightningSVT]

Filled with water, added more base rock, and did a little trim work to the front wall.

Yes, those are three access panels in the front

 

[sail33]

BRILLIANT !!!

Now what will the shipping charges be and how fast can you get it to me ?

Seriously though...don't forget an exhaust fan for the humidity that will build up behind the tank. I see there is a window. That should make it easier to vent. Really, I heard of a guy who had to tear down his house it was so full of mold.

 

[03LightningSVT]

Thanks sail33, but I think I have the humidity issue under control Please notice the air conditioner in the window. It worked much better than an exhaust fan when I had my 180 gallon set up in the same location:thumbsup:

 

[Joe]

I see you still refuse to build a small, shelf like structure for the cat to observe the tank!!!

 

[03LightningSVT]

Hello Joe! Once again you are correct

 

[03LightningSVT]

Made this rock from about twenty small pieces and some foam. You can barely see a yardstick at the bottom of the pic. Overall size is about 30"L x 14"W x 16"H:smokin:

 

[Just Jim]

I'm digging the rock work. That new piece u made is awesome. I like the back wall too. I have a 240g DT that I've been playing with. I glued some flat pieces directly to the glass to make a couple Shelves.