Build Thread!!: Going from standard 120G to custom 200G

[AquamanE]

Eddie why did you decide against the coast to coast? I was thinking coast to coast as well but now I'm going to just do herbie style in my original over flows... Mainly because I did not want to patch and drill my tank

Nino- a few reasons. I spoke to a tank builder friend, and he made some comments. He neither recommended one way or the other but brought up some points of interests. From that I made my own deductions and decided against it. AGAIN, ALL MY DECISIONS AND OPINIONS!!

1. For starters you have an acrylic overflow the length of the tank. I like keeping the back of my tank clean. I have always been able to bring the blade to my back glass and keep it clean. You can do that to acrylic. Can you keep it clean?, of course. But it requires more than im willing to put into it.

2. Removing an existing overflow might reveal cuts in the glass that are part of the original build of the tank that would otherwise be concealed by the silicone. Multiple beads of silicone are applied and cut during the building phase. So i might have had scratches in the side of tank if i removed the overflow that where not visible before.

3. Drilling holes in a tank that has gone through a few moves and some years old might not be a good idea.

I actually like the coast to coast idea, and if I had not bought a used tank, and could afford a custom built, might do it out of glass on a new tank.


All this being said, I also am considering doing a "Herbie" system. This way the tank has a emergency drain. Not only are "Herbies" safe, but also decrease noise bigtime. Many tanks come with only two holes. One for overflow. One for return. The Herbie can be used using the 2 holes, then the return can be placed over the top of the back side.

Again all my opinions.

 

[nivram]

Bobby walks tall and carries a big .... drill bit. Lol

 

[tommy tomato]

Nino- a few reasons. I spoke to a tank builder friend, and he made some comments. He neither recommended one way or the other but brought up some points of interests. From that I made my own deductions and decided against it. AGAIN, ALL MY DECISIONS AND OPINIONS!!

1. For starters you have an acrylic overflow the length of the tank. I like keeping the back of my tank clean. I have always been able to bring the blade to my back glass and keep it clean. You can do that to acrylic. Can you keep it clean?, of course. But it requires more than im willing to put into it.

2. Removing an existing overflow might reveal cuts in the glass that are part of the original build of the tank that would otherwise be concealed by the silicone. Multiple beads of silicone are applied and cut during the building phase. So i might have had scratches in the side of tank if i removed the overflow that where not visible before.

3. Drilling holes in a tank that has gone through a few moves and some years old might not be a good idea.

I actually like the coast to coast idea, and if I had not bought a used tank, and could afford a custom built, might do it out of glass on a new tank.


All this being said, I also am considering doing a "Herbie" system. This way the tank has a emergency drain. Not only are "Herbies" safe, but also decrease noise bigtime. Many tanks come with only two holes. One for overflow. One for return. The Herbie can be used using the 2 holes, then the return can be placed over the top of the back side.

Again all my opinions.

I agree. Except for the cleanliness part as I enjoy a coralline background

 

[AquamanE]

I thought you already have plumbing running into that room. What's the new hole for?

John- In that back room I have the frag tank, that IS hooked up to the main tank, but other than that its where I keep AquaController, Ballasts, Two part pumps and 18Gal Kalk ATO.

If you recall my water change system sits in FRONT of my sump. So I hook up a garden hose to empty and then fill via that pipe hooked up to sump.

This tank has a separate output out of the sump for water changes. The pipe in the closet will now go outside. So for WC's you pump in new water into tank. As the sump becomes overfloded the pipe is opened to the outside, and as new water is flowing in, old water is going out when I open the ball valve.

I will post pics of that once its all plumbed in.

 

[AquamanE]

I agree. Except for the cleanliness part as I enjoy a coralline background

So again, its a matter of opinion. I like a clean background.

 

[nivram]

Eddie has his mind made up which is fine. But another option would be to make it out of glass.

I'm glad to see you covered the overflow with sand and more rocks. It looks more complete now.

 

[AquamanE]

So big move happens tomorrow at 1000 hours. Pics to come.

Goal is to move 120 Gallon to another wall, then move 200 into its final resting place.

Water will be quickly drained from 120, as we continuously wet the SPS that are not underwater. After approx 90 gals are removed we will quickly roll the tank on those HD moving gadgets, then refill ASAP. If you've seen my tank before, you realize, i will now have to manually dose 2 part, the kalk ATO will sit outside closet, the ballasts are displaced, frag tank is now on its own.., etc... Not happy is the spouse factor. Ive promised its only for one week.

Final plumbing will be done over this week. Since next weekend is labor day, I have three days to move all live stuff to new tank.

PICS TO FOLLOW.

 

[wetdiver]

Let me know if you need a hand. Send pictures during the transfer.

 

[illal]

Now the real fun begins lol. Wish I could help!

 

[tommy tomato]

Wish I could be there... I really could benefit from the experience. Hope it goes smooth

 

[gasman059]

conoooooooooooooooooo papa u are moving along.

I agree with all of your assesments u are getting smarter as u get older.

 

[nivram]

Where are the pics?

Sounds like you will be up and running by the end of the weekend.

 

[AquamanE]

Where are the pics?

Sounds like you will be up and running by the end of the weekend.

Dont think so Nivram. If it was up to Bobby yes. But as Ive said from the beginning. Now I step back and look at it some more, plan, execute, and then move forward. :wave:

 

[AquamanE]

First off A BIG THANKS to those that helped. Booby, Matt, John, Julio,and my brother Ramon.

We removed water ASAP

Some top downs as the water was being drained.

 

[Joshporksandwic]

Wow that looks good! I pray nothing gets messed up in your new tank.

Sent from somewhere

 

[AquamanE]

Bobby and Matt playing with my dog.

 

[AquamanE]

Lourdes was having a heart attack, so we sent her on a Beer run as we put everything back together.

 

[CarlitosReef]

conoooooooooooooooooo papa u are moving along.

I agree with all of your assesments u are getting smarter as u get older.

U Dominican? Lol

 

[rovster]

Nice. I say you just keep the 120 and leave both up and running! HAHA! That would be awesome

 

[CarlitosReef]

IN on this thread Aquaman!