Complete DIY Custom 144x15x15

[dantimdad]

Any updates?

 

[yousmellsfishy]

I love this build!! You are constructing my dream tank. Most certainly tagging along:thumbsup:

 

[1BADCFH]

Going great! Do you have another tank running right now, or is this your first reef?

 

[MrSpiffy]

Just tagging along. I love these nifty tank builds!

 

[Pulp Fishin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12677108#post12677108 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 1BADCFH
Going great! Do you have another tank running right now, or is this your first reef?

Not sure if he has a tank running now but I knwo this isn't his first reef!
I rember a 10.2gallon build that won Ntotm awhile ago was very impressive! I loved the Harlequin shrimp he kept in that tank before he got rid of it.

 

[P.Kelly]

More... More...

 

[1BADCFH]

Oops. now I see the he is a member of the 1000 watt bulb club below.

 

[calvin415]

Sorry guys I didn't take any pics last night but as of right now I was able to finish sanding one side last night. 320 grit, 400 grit, 600 grit, 1200 grit, 1500 grit, 1800 grit, 2400 grit, 3000 grit, 4000 grit, and finally buffed clear. I'll be starting the opposite side when I have time, and then weld up the next piece and start the process over again. I'll post pics when I have the first piece finished, maybe some more progress pics of the buffing process.

1BADCFH yes I've had countless tanks over the years, but currently have a 225 that I keep at my folks house (funded by them since my Dad also wanted a tank, but maintained and controlled by me ). Here's a link to that build. It hasn't been updated in some time, but it's doing great!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1050944

 

[P.Kelly]

Calvin, if you have a chance to post pics of the results of various sanding phases, continuing where you left off for thenext piece, I would love to see. Very curious about the process.

Do you use a mechanical sander, or just a block and your elbow grease?

 

[calvin415]

I'll see what I can do... Have lots of chances to get pics for you Pete, 1 side down but 7 to go.

I use an orbital with 80 grit to start, it removes the excess 42 that's hardened pretty easy, from there I use a block and sand by hand. Key to sanding it to go in a straight line and then perpendicular on the next grit to ensure you remove all the previous grits scratches. Hope that makes sense, I'll try to document it better now that I have the sand paper I needed. Maybe Saturday so I can get some natural lighting instead of using the flash.

 

[calvin415]

Oh and I use a buffing wheel on a high speed drill with a plastic polishing compound to make it shine. Stay tuned for more pics.

 

[1BADCFH]

After reading that thread I laughed at myself for asking if this was your first reef!:rolleye1: I really like the eyelet bulkheads. This tank will def. be one of a kind!

 

[EBOLII]

Originally posted</a> by calvin415
Stay tuned for more pics.

looking forward to seeing that end result of the panel

 

[P.Kelly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12686003#post12686003 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by calvin415 I use an orbital with 80 grit to start, it removes the excess 42 that's hardened pretty easy[/B]

42? Is that the number of the "glue" like TAP #3, #4 or #16?

 

[calvin415]

Yes WeldOn 42.

 

[foofooree]

sorry, double post

 

[foofooree]

wow, thats awesome. I guess you wont have any problems with light penetration! lol

 

[sabbath]

Cool! A 140 gallon Looong.

 

[lunarlanderboy]

I need to get a house

 

[Deceptive]

Do you apply it simular to applying PVC Cement? Small thin coat good enough for a thin smooth thorough coverage? ''If it gets away from you , just sand polish etc and voila? Every other Acrylic Tank building site uses different methods such as Weldon and after its finished, silicone on the inside around all connected joints. Sound about right?