Complete DIY Custom 144x15x15

[calvin415]

Thanks for the feedback, the 12' panels will be created by welding an 8' piece to a 4' piece and then lots of sanding and polishing to blend the joint... I've practiced a few times and I think I've got a technique that will work quite well. Well at least well enough to justify not dropping $$$$ on a custom cast.

 

[FishtankAndy]

Never thought of a giant nano. lol

That's a pretty cool idea tho!

 

[Chef Reef]

lol gaint nano.. sounds... not quite right? cant find the word im looking for.

 

[newreef8584]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12624549#post12624549 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by calvin415
Thanks for the feedback, the 12' panels will be created by welding an 8' piece to a 4' piece and then lots of sanding and polishing to blend the joint... I've practiced a few times and I think I've got a technique that will work quite well. Well at least well enough to justify not dropping $$$$ on a custom cast.

Not sure of the company name, but last time I was picking up acrylic for a project the sales girl was mentioning the availability of low cost acrylic coming out of Mexico. Although it was cheaper it had a severe limitation of only being avail in 1/2". But she did say it was unique in the fact that the sheets were sold in 4x8, 5x10 and 4x12 foot sizes.

If I speak to them again I will see if I can find the manufacturers name.

 

[wizsmaster]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12628319#post12628319 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Chef Reef
lol gaint nano.. sounds... not quite right? cant find the word im looking for.

oxymoron

 

[calvin415]

Yeah, I'm not sure what to call it, kind of like Jumbo Shrimp right? LOL! I've talked with my supplier and they don't have anything in cell cast that's 12' long unless I get a custom cast and I don't want to shell out that kind of money on a 140-160 gallon tank.

 

[Cuby2k]

I like your plan, something different. Your lighting intensity won't need to be so high and it will be so much easier to service.

Great work on the gypboard. IMO, that's the worst job in construction, I hate to do it myself.

Good luck with the project, I'll be hanging out with ya.

 

[OnlyCrimson]

I've been thinkin of making a tank like this since I first started in freshwater. It's awesome to see someone do it!

 

[Chef Reef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12628752#post12628752 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wizsmaster
oxymoron

Thanks! exactly the word i was thinking of but couldnt quite think it :hmm3:

 

[RedDmon]

Wish we had basements in South Florida ... any updates? Pics?

 

[sabbath]

Cool idea, Jumping on board.

 

[calvin415]

Well, here the rec room with floors installed... Next will be trim, but not sure on an ETA as I want to start building the tank sometime soon. The acrylic (2 8' pieces and 2 4' pieces to become 2 12' pieces) is stacked on the stand.

 

[mountaindew]

Eric,
your moving right along.
good progress and good looking work
enjoy!

 

[calvin415]

Thanks Lane! I routered the ends of the panels last night, hope to hit it with some light sanding and get the panels welded together soon. Of course I'll still have to do it all over again for the top and bottom once I have some more money. LOL!

 

[calvin415]

The first 12' piece is officially welded together. It's been setup for almost 24 hours and I'll give it another 12-18 before I unclamp it, sand and polish it up. Stay tuned for some more pics tomorrow.

(3 more 12' pieces to go...)

 

[arctictwist]

3 more? You puttin a top on it?

 

[calvin415]

I have to... 12' without a top would probably require material over 2" thick otherwise.

 

[arctictwist]

ahhh ok yea i didnt think about that. What did you use for the top of the stand? It looks really good.

 

[coolrock]

You're going to love this tank! I have an 8 footer, that is 14" wide and 16" tall. Softies and fish only.

I hope you're thinking about t-5 lighting. I have 3 rows of t-5's spanning the length of the tank. (That's 4 main bulbs on a Workhorse ballast and two actinics on and Advanced ballast. Of course, they're wired so that the actinics make one row across, and power on separately from the main lights.) Wish I could mine as a wall divider. It's going to look great!

I don't check RC too often, but I'll be following this thread. It's going to be a great tank for you!

 

[Pulp Fishin]

Well I must say I just read calvin415 first 10.2g nano that won NTOTM April not sure what year. That first tank made me really wnat to find Harlequin Shrimo and 2nd made me wish I had the space/tools required for a project like this.

I love the idea of the sump in the back of the tank and I assume thats the idea Calvin is going for this tim aswell.

I can't wait too see whats comming next!

Cheers