Blackthunda77's 80 Gal to 195 Gal upgrade!

[blackthunda77]

Well as per the request of a couple people on here, (which i guess makes sense) Im going to start a new thread for the new tank instead of updating the old thread. Im just going to start with the pics of the 80 gal as it was when i took it down and will go forward with the new tank from there.

So i was able to close on a house a couple months ago and i promised myself i would upgrade to a larger tank once i do so. I scored on a nice size tank. Its similar to my buddy Armando's tank (Stylo) plus or minus a couple gallons. Its a 60x30x25 with dual corner overflows with 3/4" glass all around. The overflows are nice in that they are glass but with an acrylic/starboard like material covering them so they are blacked out.

DISCLAIMER*** This will be a slow build to take off. Im not moved over to the new house and only go there on weekends right now and between working on the house, the land, and the tank, things will be slow to take off (tank wise) till im officially moved in.

In any event, ill include some pics of my current set up, and a pic of the current tank just for kicks.

And the new tank with a little more real estate. :rollface:

 

[blackthunda77]

Since i wont be able to start this build for a little while i decided to plan everything out in advance. Heres a little sketchup i did of what direction i think im going. I plan to make a minimalistic stand. Mainly just a frame, wrapped in plywood which will be skinned with a dark ash veneer. The boards will be held in place with magnets so all pieces will be able to be removed for maintenance. The top trim im making with a 2" wide piece of wood to hid the plastic trim and to match the stand. The counter top will be of poured concrete. Ive always wanted to try my hand at that and am planning on doing it to the outside kitchen so i figured id test it out on my stand which will be smaller.

The overflow covers im planning on making them based on the reef savvy cover. I posted a thead in the general forum but people there are not much help. So if anyone you have these covers and wouldnt mind sending me some pics of different angles i would appreciate it.

This is what im talking about.

Started designing the sump. Its similar to what i have now, drain, skimmer, fuge, return. right now i have s standard 55 gal but im thinking im going to build my own custom sump this time from acrylic. 48x24x16. Same footprint as my current tank but my rimless is way to purddy to turn into a sump. lol

 

[blackthunda77]

Got some work done on the stand yesterday. Used the diy stand calculator to design it. Spanned it with 2x8s on the top so no need for a center brace.

 

[blackthunda77]

Finally moved into the new house and had some time to work on the tank and stand. Framing of the stand is pretty much complete. Gave it 2-3 coats of kilz primer and will be skinning it in plywood. That will come later though. I wanted to get the frame done and the tank up to free up room in the house and to be able to start the plumbing. I also placed tint on the back glass to black out the back panel. Heres a couple pics. I should be starting on making the sump and plumbing this weekend.

 

[blackthunda77]

Got some more work done on the new tank. Mainly the sump. About 95% done.

 

[knukles55]

Looks awsone man those Montis your gave me look great.

 

[blackthunda77]

good, glad someone was able to make use of them.

 

[huricaneredbone]

When is the old one going up for sale?

 

[rps3]

Let me know what photos, etc of the Reef Savvy lid and I'll do my best to get you pictures of mine.

Really nice sized tank, well worthy of an upgrade.

 

[rovster]

Let me know what photos, etc of the Reef Savvy lid and I'll do my best to get you pictures of mine.

Really nice sized tank, well worthy of an upgrade.

Yeah, me too......wait, never mind.................:wildone:

 

[nivram]

John, Bobby has these overflow covers on his office tank.

Also there is a guy on our facebook group page....Vincent, I think that does CNC work with Acrylic. Maybe he can help you out. I believe Felix has these cnc'd.

 

[blackthunda77]

Yeah, me too......wait, never mind.................:wildone:

Thanks guys, Some of these posts are older, i just copied and pasted from the previous thread.

Danny did send me some pics of his covers so i have an idea of how im going to make them.

 

[blackthunda77]

When is the old one going up for sale?

Old one is not for sale just yet. Its been moved to the new house. Once the new tank is set up i will see if im planning to see it.

 

[rovster]

Old one is not for sale just yet. Its been moved to the new house. Once the new tank is set up i will see if im planning to see it.

I vote for garage frag tank!:celeb1:

 

[blackthunda77]

i vote for garage frag tank!:celeb1:

bingo! Lol

 

[nivram]

bingo! Lol

Have you seen that mangrove tank the guy made using a similar tank?

 

[KnownStrangeR]

subscribing to this one. can't wait to see this abby up and running

 

[Rarewon]

That's plenty of work place you got back there to make the sump. Looking good

 

[AquamanE]

Subscribed

Looking real good young man.

Same dimensions as mine except mine is only 24" tall, and 1/2" thick. That thing must be heavy as heck!!

What is that coral in your current tank, first pic, center. Is that a strawberry shortcake?

You building your own sump?

Congrats on both the house and the tank!!!!! :beer::celeb3:

 

[blackthunda77]

Subscribed

Looking real good young man.

Same dimensions as mine except mine is only 24" tall, and 1/2" thick. That thing must be heavy as heck!!

What is that coral in your current tank, first pic, center. Is that a strawberry shortcake?

You building your own sump?

Congrats on both the house and the tank!!!!! :beer::celeb3:

It was a A. subulata. Unfortunately i lost it during the move.

And yes i am building my own sump 48"x24"16" I just water tested it last night. Checked on it this morning and havent found a leak. :bounce2: