Complete DIY Custom 144x15x15

Status
Not open for further replies.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13342028#post13342028 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redtop03
need to get that railing and stuff done,you might fall down the stairs,with nothing to hold to,and delay the tank build ;)
Click to expand...

LOL! Yeah, railing will be done Thursday, then we can call for inspection.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13342040#post13342040 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RyanBrucks
lookin good man.

i think your tank is giving us a strip tease though :lol: not sure how the mods are going to intepret that :D j/k


how do you like the icecap endcaps? i just set my icecap 660 and really liked the whole product.....
Click to expand...

Thanks! Yeah, the tank reveals a little more for me... ;)

I haven't fired up the icecap yet, I want to wait until I have all 12 bulbs, canopy built and bulbs installed. :D

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13347942#post13347942 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
A little more progress :thumbsup: Now, back to work. :hammer:
Click to expand...

Thanks Marc, yeah one of the next steps is the sump, but my supplier is A&C based in Houston and unfortunately I don't know when they will be opening again. :( I don't want to find another supplier, as I'm sure everyone down there will need every bit of business once they re-open. At least I'm going to hold my business until I can at least hear from them and confirm what's happening.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13347991#post13347991 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by daw422
Looking good!
Click to expand...

Thanks! Lots to do still:

Build Sumps
Build Canopy
Drill Tank
Plumb Everything
But another T-5 Setup (IceCap 8x54w done, IceCap 4x39w still to find)
Install Lights in Canopy
Install Fans for Canopy Cooling
Install Fans for Humidity Control in Stand
Install Doors and Frame on Stand
Order lots of Marco Rock, Sand, and a Bucket or two of Salt

Fill'R Up...
 
calvin,
You'll be a while on that list,anxious to see more,you have done a superb job so far,keep hammering on it you,you,ll git-r-done:)
 
Thia is an awesome build. You must be one of the top DIYer on here. Nice work!! I'm definitely gonna be tagging along to see the finished product.
 
I've read several of the D I Y threads,there are a lot of talented people on here,
Calvin is one of the best I've seen,
Marc (melev) ain't bad either.
 
Considering you've made the tank, I'm surprised you aren't building your sumps. Seems like a logical reach to me. :)
 
Thanks guys, actually I've built lots of sumps Marc, actually more sumps than tanks. ;) My two sumps should be a piece of cake, just have to get more acrylic... I used my sheet of 3/8 on a sump for a local (just have to put the bottom on it, router it up and polish) so I'm just waiting on a replacement sheet to build my own sumps. :D

Keep those folks in Houston in your prays... :sad2:
 
I think I'm expecting a lot from you Calvin(after a tank build like that)
but after all that tedious work on the tank I'm amazed you even want to look at another sheet of acrylic again;)
 
LOL! Thanks, yeah I would still like to try to build some skimmers, but I really hate dragging this build out so I just bought one instead. :(



Well it's almost time to start my canopy, but I need to plan it all out, and I'm not sure what would be the best way to go about it.

Needs:
The canopy to be 1 solid unit, capable of being lifted from each end without sagging.
To be as short as possible.
Room for the ballasts to be mounted seperate from the bulbs and away from moisture.
Have to accomodate a 3 seperate 4 bulb wide T-5 setups (8x54w and 4x39w)

Access into the tank (at least for feeding) would be ideal without removing the canopy, I plan to install hooks for cables in the top for lifting.

Total length needs to be 141.625"
Total width needs to be 15.5"

Ideas? Sketches would be ideal!
 
time to completion is not as important as time between pictured updates :)

and with a canopy that size I would suggest(as long as its not out of your budget) installing some tracks at each end of the tank and putting a linear actuator at each end. that way you can just hit a button and raise the canopy and not have to worry about finding someone to help you get it on and off.
 
As for not sagging in the center, how about using a metal frame (powder coater or something similar to avoid rust)...you can put 4 or 5 connection points to the ceiling hooks so that when it is lifted, the actuator is only lifting 20% of the hood between 2 sets of hooks...metal frame can be skinned very easily with a thin wood to match the rest of your basement...you can put flip up lids in the front for feeding if you don't want to have to lift the whole canopy...

Acryllic box on top that is ventillated would be a good option for the ballasts...use a top frame with nylon bolts (like with a skimmer or Ca reactor) so that you can seal the unit but still allow it to open for maintenance...
 
I would recommend building the canopy out of 1/4" black or matching color acrylic to save weight.

Inside, you would need to put in some 1/2" or 3/4" thick scraps to run screws into for the lights.

The only problem with this solution is you are back to having another seam to deal with but, in a canopy, I wouldn't think it would be a big deal.

Another possibility is to build an aluminum skeleton from 3/4" angle and then skin it with luan and seal/paint. Extremely rigid and fairly light weight. I would bet the whole thing wouldn't way 60 pounds.

dantimdad
 
Want to try to stay away from acrylic... Don't want to have to seam another 12' piece plus I'd like it to be softer. Anyone have any pics of some low profile canopies?
 
a full aluminum powder coated canopy would be pretty awesome. i dont know what color, but coated would be nicer than un... i guess it would all depend on the style of doors on the stand though? wouldnt wanna stray too far from the theme.
 
If you made it out of wood, I would make it two halves that are 12' long, and one very long piano-hinge or something similar. That way if you flip it one way, it sits ontop of the other half. From the opposite side, same deal.

Plus it could lifted off entirely when necessary.

A low-profile aluminum fixture would look ultra-modern, but not cheap. Plus you'd have light spill that the canopy would prevent.
 
That sounds pretty wicked Marc! I like the idea, but not sure if I could pull off a single 12' piece, but perhaps 3 sections to match the lights? Thanks redtop, glad someone else can feel my pain. ;)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

F
Tank stand on castors
Replies
4
Views
369
albano
albano
E
4x2x2 Acrylic reel tank and stand for sale
Replies
4
Views
304
ebe
E
D
DIY Stand Help
Replies
6
Views
436
kharmaguru
kharmaguru
D
Which sump would you choose?
Replies
5
Views
372
Devilphish
D
scuzy
FS: complete setup
Replies
3
Views
1K
ashburn
A
Back
Top