Building My 375gal Glass Reef

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14154295#post14154295 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by robcampman
Tom , i just read the entire thread. You have a keen eye for high-quality building!! and you've automated everything.
then why aren't you using a profilux controller? I believe it is the only controller that can control the tunze pumps like the 7095 can.

When will the fish get some water to swim in?

Hi Rob - welcome to my thread. Thanks for the kind words. I was 10 seconds away from ordering a ProfiLux - then the stingy side of me took over. I can't really say I regret it - but ProfiLux sure makes cool stuff. Maybe next time.

There will be saltwater in the tank by the end of the week.

 

[GlassReef]

I GOT ROCKS!!

This is what the FedEx guy brought this morning:

It's a 150lbs of MarcoRocks from Marc at MarcoRocks.com. I must say I am VERY pleased with this rock. I ask for large pieces, an that's what I got!

Here are some cloe up to illustrate the interesting shapes:

Marc was very accommodating and accepted my specific wishes - no questions asked.

 

[JRaquatics]

Tom I see your work space is as clean and organized as your projects.

Great work as always. I am going to have to steal some of you build ideas for Mikes new setup.

 

[crescent1]

looks great.

 

[GlassReef]

I took a trip to Lowes, this morning. I had them cut me a piece of cheap (relatively) plywood to the exact size of the display tank. I'll use it to lay out the rocks exactly the way I want them before actually placing them in the tank. To assemble the rocks together, I also bought a gallon of West System Epoxy and Filler.

Following an idea I've seen in a number of threads here on RC, I built some platforms for the rocks out of 3/8" acrylic sheet and 3/4" acrylic rods. The point of the platforms is to raise the rocks out of the 1" layer of sand I'll be using. This will, hopefully, assist in keeping detritus out of the tank.

So ... I'll continue with the aquascaping. I'll report back with pics as soon as I'm done. Then It'll be time to fill the tank with water.

 

[Bax]

What a GREAT! build!!!!

 

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14155411#post14155411 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bax
What a GREAT! build!!!!

IMO one of the best. His tank is going to be fanominal with or without aquatic life.

 

[mikelaubach]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14155203#post14155203 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef

It's a 150lbs of MarcoRocks from Marc at MarcoRocks.com. I must say I am VERY pleased with this rock. I ask for large pieces, an that's what I got!

Dude, you've got huge rocks!

Seriously, those are some niece pieces.

 

[plyr58]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14155157#post14155157 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef
There will be saltwater in the tank by the end of the week.

We are going to hold you to that!

 

[EnglishRebel]

Tom
Your shop puts mine to shame. Alans Shop

 

[GlassReef]

Looks to me like you're holding your own there, Alan. Only one thing missing - SAWDUST!!

 

[TandN]

Tom look into getting the fritz zyme. I really is amazing. Theres 2 diffrent ones. One needs to be overnighted. The other doesnt. Thats the one I used. Rocks look awesome. If your ever in NY cell us could use some help cleaning up my mess lol.

 

[reefrubble]

Wow super looking rock . I can't wait to see your rock art . Please take pics ASAP . I know it will be a real work of art .

Ted

 

[LobsterMan]

This looks like it's going to be a great tank, so I subscribed!

 

[EnglishRebel]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14156287#post14156287 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef
Looks to me like you're holding your own there, Alan. Only one thing missing - SAWDUST!!

Tom
That's why I have one of these ONEIDA

 

[GlassReef]

LobsterMan - thanks and welcome aboard.

EnglishRebel - I've only got a Grizzly 2HP - but it does suck!

tanya72806 - that Fritz stuff is expensive! - but I will look in to it.

 

[GlassReef]

OK - so I started setting up the rock. I immediately found out that it's not as easy as I thought to man handle rocks the size of the ones I ordered - so I decided to go minimalist. Actually I think it's probably not a bad idea. It will give the corals a lot more room to grow.

Here's a couple of pics of what I've done so far - just the right half of the tank. Remember there will be a 1" layer of sand added. It's all still subject to change, but as a start - what do you all think?

It all looks pretty flat in the pics. Actually, there is 20" from front to back.

The highest rock is about 17". I didn't want to go too high - being the optimist that I am - I expect the corals to add quite a bit to the hight.

 

[mflamb]

I like it. I took the "minimalist" approach this time also. Just make sure you put in enough rock for adequate surface area for bacterial growth.

If you have a large piece that you're not going to use, I'll purchase it from you. I need one more piece of rock.

 

[Elliott]

great idea with the acrylic stands, I suppose you made those too, Tom you are killing me with your talent

 

[GlassReef]

Hey, Mike. When I ordered the rock I had lots plans going through my head - caves and outcrops, etc. When your talking 20lbs chunks of rock, reality (and physics) quickly sets in. To be honest though, the more I look at it the more I like it. Out to be nice for fish too - lots of room to swim.