Crazy_Beaver
New member
I think its better to lower the structure on the right side!I like the other structures!
all the best!
all the best!
CyclistMT's 300 Gal Plywood and Glass Build
- Thread starter CyclistMT
- Start date
muttley000
MTS Sufferer!
I like the rock work, thanks for keeping the thread updated! I am concerned that there was no music selection in your last couple posts though 
Why the lanthanum chloride, did you have problems with the rock in the past? Where do you source it these days?
Why the lanthanum chloride, did you have problems with the rock in the past? Where do you source it these days?
CyclistMT
More Idiot Than Savant
Thanks for the feedback and welcome! The height of the pillar was intentional to create visual interest with the different heights of the other structures and to draw the eye into the tank. Perhaps once corals grow in it will help accomplish this.
I like the rock work, thanks for keeping the thread updated! I am concerned that there was no music selection in your last couple posts though
I was in a hurry the last couple of nights when posting and didn't have Slacker fired up. But just for you buddy, see below.
I didn't have any major problems with the rock in the past but I wouldn't say it was zero problems. I clearly had an algae breakout that was fuled by the rock but it did go away with little intervention. Just one of the early algae cycles. However, with as much crushed coral (chicken calcium) as I used in here for the substrate, if there is bound phosphate it could end up being a problem. I have a theory that all mined types of calcium carbonate probably has varying degrees of phosphate (in my opinion this includes all the dry rock being sold these days and even aquarium industry packaged crushed coral). So I suspect my bags and bags of chicken calcium (crushed coral) is likely to have some phosphate bound up too.
As for where I got the lanthanum chloride, I scored big time! I knew Lowes had some pool products that would work and I happened on a close out for $1.40 a bottle (was $14+). So I bought 4! I'll probably not need that much but, meh, I've wasted more money on bad coffee.
dude,you have an incredible tank,excellent build...though I didn't read the whole thread,I'm thoroughly impressed,Berkley is awesome,loved the 5 o'clock somewhere sign too
glad to see some of my mentors and fellow plywoodsters mentioned in the first page of your thread
Thanks so much for the kind words redtop. Your build was an inspiration to mine as well and is why your thread got billing on the first page.
Berkley says hi!Current music selection: Dio - Heaven and Hell
tgunn
Active member
Looking good. I like how open the rock structure are. There's lots of space for fish to swim in and around them and as corals fill in I'm sure you'll get some pretty neat looking valleys!
Are you measuring any phosphate right now? Or is the lanthanum chloride more a preventative type of measure?
Are you measuring any phosphate right now? Or is the lanthanum chloride more a preventative type of measure?
codyreef29
New member
I might try something out with wax. YES wax i'm gonna try it tommorow I wonder how much wax it would take to build like a ten gallon. I'll tell you if it works and put some pics.
CyclistMT
More Idiot Than Savant
Thanks so much tgunn! I do not have a phosphate test yet so this is definitely prevenatative at this point. Although, I've been dripping a bit and not really getting any precipitate which seems odd. I can't believe there is no phosphate in this rock and substrate. With pure pristine saltwater I would think for sure it would be leaching. I may have to get one of those Hanna photometer sooner than later.
It certainly does my friend. Especially since this build officially started in March of 2010.
tgunn
Active member
I'd expect some phosphate as well. When I soaked the brand new media for my old Ca reactor (ie dead coral crushed up) I got a high phosphate reading for a while. It took a number of rinse and soak cycles to get the phosphates to drop.
You've got me thinking though; I'll have to soak some of my DIY rock in RO/DI and see if phosphates show up. I'd fully expect to see if in crushed limestone.
Tyler
codyreef29
New member
codyreef29
New member
I think I might build my own 200 gallon for my chiclids. 1/2 inch thick wax tank
ONLY KIDDING
ONLY KIDDING
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CyclistMT
More Idiot Than Savant
Welcome to the thread 18fisher!
Sorry for the delayed reply. I've been working on other projects around the house and haven't been able to do much with the tank.
I simply used 1" pvc (pipe, elbows, angles, T's) to contruct a frame that I zip tied several rocks to (after drilling them). The arch was a bit more difficult than the pillar so I also used black pond foam to fill in the gaps and hold everything together.
Sorry for the delayed reply. I've been working on other projects around the house and haven't been able to do much with the tank.
I simply used 1" pvc (pipe, elbows, angles, T's) to contruct a frame that I zip tied several rocks to (after drilling them). The arch was a bit more difficult than the pillar so I also used black pond foam to fill in the gaps and hold everything together.
CyclistMT
More Idiot Than Savant
Sorry 18fisher, I did not take any in progress shots. However, here is a great article on this very subject to get you started. Also a search in these forums will yield a plethora of options/how to's/pictures for your aquascaping needs.
Aesthetics of Aquascaping
Aquascaping is one of my favorite parts of the build process so I know how you feel. Good luck!
black hills tj
New member
Interesting build. I'll be following this one as it progresses.
CyclistMT
More Idiot Than Savant
Thanks so much! And sometimes I wish I had the skill to work with metal. I wouldn't know where to begin with a welder.
Glad to have you along!
NewMariner
Reef Tank Aficionado
Its been 17 months since this build was started...are there any inhabitants yet?
