<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12650192#post12650192 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by arctictwist
ahhh ok yea i didnt think about that. What did you use for the top of the stand? It looks really good.
Drywall.
LOL! I just didn't texture it so it's a smooth surface.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12650361#post12650361 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 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!
Yes, I will be going with T-5's 4 rows of them but it will be an 8x80w setup so hopefully there will be enough coverage spreading 10' of bulb to cover approx 11' of tank (12' minus overflows on the ends).
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12650725#post12650725 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 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
Thanks bud, actually there will be a sump on this one so it's viewable from both sides but IMO it's the same concept, really long, short and narrow. I loved the original idea and was even thinking of just building a longer version of it, but I'd really like to get some fish this time.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12651419#post12651419 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EBOLII
Interesting....I can't wait to see these joined pieces. How's bout a quick word or 2 on the process when you post yeah
Sure... First was the prep work not pictured where I routered the end of each piece to clean it up and ensure it was perfectly square with the adjacent edge.
Next was the setup, this step involved taping off the pieces to keep the WeldOn 42 from getting on the surface of the acrylic (not crucial but less sanding in the end) and then clamping everything in place.
Once everything was ready, I unclamped one side (shorter side for ease) seperating them approx 1/8-1/4" and ran a piece of tape along the joint on the bottom to keep the 42 in the joint. Once the 42 was applied, I squeeze the pieces back together (not too tight, you don't want a dry joint) and reapplied the clamps to ensure the pieces were in perfect alignment. Then remove the tape on the bottom holding the solvent in, and then the tape protecting the surface. This will allow you to see into the joint to ensure it's bubble free.
To get maximum strength with 42, it's recommended to cure the joint at 158*F for 4 hours within 24 hours of gluing. I don't have an easy bake oven yet, and I believe the strength of a standard temp cure to be enough but I hope allowing it to cure for 48 hours in a spring time garage (very warm) will help. In my practice welds with 1/2" material, the standard temp cure was strong enough to keep me from being able to break it by hand. Using 1/2" materials for all 6 sides, plus full euro and cross bracing I feel this tank is already being over built and additional curing should not be needed.
Okay, enough words huh? Here's the pics...
Here's my setup.
A little closer.
From the side.
You can see the solvent drips, this is actually already cured for almost 48 hours, you can see how clear the solvent sets up.
And the joint before sanding or polishing. All imperfections are on the surface and should sand clear with a little work.
Here's where I'm at:
