Doing it right... from the start (for a change)

[integlikewhoa]

Not sure of any glass, but if it comes down to it acrylic comes in any shape or size. What happens if you have to do any matanice to the back of the tank. Pluming cleaning or anything along those lines. Even that FUGE don't look like your going to be able to get to much of it. And with that way that pluming is on the FUGE you couldn't even slide it out if you had to. Seems like you could do pluming a lil different so you could at least slide it out to do any matince on it or the back of the tank.

 

[mille239]

I think I found the perfect reservoir at lunch.. I found it @aquatic ecosystems...


http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/4129/cid/1182

Should fit / work perfectly (but have to cut it out myself...

As far as your comments regarding access and maintanence integlikewhoa I have planned it so it is quite accessible as follows:

Refugium: There is 15" of access above the top of the refugium, which is plenty of room to access the far back if needed. Furthermore, as of the above photo, the plumbing is just test-fitted together, there will be 2 unions on the drain into the sump (one right after the bulkhead) so removal of the drain is a snap. In the event the tank needs to be replaced, I simply drain it, remove the bulkhead, and slide it out.

The main display will have 18" of access above the top, which is more than my other in-wall 120gal. and I have no problem reaching in to the very back of that tank. There will be 5 doors (practically the entire wall) allowing access to the sides, top and stand of the tank. Here is a modified photo showing the door placement (they won't be pink, I promise)

 

[mille239]

I can't count.... 7 doors. Is it Friday yet?

 

[mille239]

Little bit of work on the power panel tonight... going to switch into electrician mode from carpenter mode soon....

The 6 outlets will be for the two heaters and four light timers, while the DJ power strip will handle the pumps, skimmers, doo-hickeys and misc. gizmos...

 

[mille239]

THE TANK HAS ARRIVED!!! (well at the dealer... now I just need to find someone with a truck/van and a couple hours to spare... did I mention I pay in beer???)

Anyways have made a little progress on the rest of the system. I decided I didn't want to worry about power issues, so I ran two dedicated 20A lines to the house panel for the new reef. Tha t should cover everything I could possibly think of for the system.

I also finished up the power panel and installed the pulley system for suspending the lights above the tank. I think it turned out well, and adjusting the height of the lights is as easy as pulling on a rope.

Also, Doug at Deltec was able to ship my skimmer (AP851) out Monday, and I got it last night as well! what a piece of craftsmanship, and all those praises about him and his company, are all true. what a great company to deal with.

It fits perfectly under the stand, (right in front of my reservoir) I can't wait to hook it all up.

 

[Mikeeal]

Everything is looking real nice. I can't wait to see it running! Might I make a suggestion though, I think it's time to move that lamp hanging from the ceiling. EEEEEGHHH :uzi: (place lamp here) You've probably been hitting your head on it anyway.

 

[mille239]

That fixture is either going to be tossed all together or replaced, but eitherway I do plan on doing something with it. I have banged my head on it sooooo many times while working on this project, I forgot my own name.

 

[Mikeeal]

"I have banged my head on it sooooo many times while working on this project, I forgot my own name."

:lol: I would have bet on it! :lol:

I forgot to mention, your progress pics are really appreciated. It's much easier to follow a thread when you know exactly what's going on. I like.

 

[mille239]

SOO I found a friend who was able to be paid off in beer to go get the tank today!!! What's the first thing you would do with a brand new tank at home???

Drill it full of holes of course!

Easy as pie, but went a lot slower than drilling the refugium (thicker glass) about 20 minutes per hole.

I also hooked up the 130w aqualight with dual 65w power compact bulbs for the refugium today.

Won't be long now 'til we're wet!!!!

 

[integlikewhoa]

Looking good. Nice job on drilling the tank. Cant wait to watch this thing threw. Keep them comming.

 

[sean48183]

You got some mad skills my man. Drilling, electrical, carpentry and plumbing. Not bad for a lawyer. Looking good.

Do you go to that lfs over there at 15 and ryan(I forget the name)? I like that 600g reef they have in the back. That anenome with the maroon pair is huge in that thing.

Do you have a picture of your fowlr?
Can't wait to see this thing with life in it. Keep up the good work.

 

[mille239]

Thanks Sean! (and kudos to another parrot head!) The work is all a life-long learning process for me, but I get a great sense of accomplishment from doing as much I can myself...

I was just over at that LFS (Aquatic Discoveries) today @ lunch;
that reef in the back is amazing (biggest anemone I've ever seen)

I like their 700g one up front with the shark as well. They usually have a good variety of stuff to choose from and Lee has always been so helpful. (Join the Fish Club there if you get the chance)

I don't have any pic's of my FOWLR other than the one earlier in this thread where it is serving as my holding tank for all my reef animals, with the wires an hoses streaming out of it.. (it is not real pretty to look at right now, but that will all change nce I get this new tank up and running.
Right now I guess it's a: FOWLRSAATHFFMRIOATTSAL)
(Fish Only With Live Rock Serving As A Temporary Holding Facility For My Reef Inhabitants Of A Tank That Sprung A Leak) for those who have trouble with acronyms. :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[89GTA]

Blair-
awesome thread man. (i havent checked in for a few weeks and WOW holy progress batman). Cant believe the progress so far- piks are great to follow along. The gameplan was well thought out and you will soon be tipping an oberon with a s*** eating grin looking at your proud workmanship. I need to get over there and check out myself!!

 

[Boat_Drinks]

Looking good Blair!

It's good to see that you are using your skills for good this time, unlike with some of your previous projects...

Wish I could see it in person.

-Ben

 

[mille239]

Thanks guys..

Ben you live?!?!?!?! (and with a new screen name.. I like! (this thread is being taken over by parrot heads)

can't wait to go down to FL and see ya in May!

 

[JE's Reef]

Blair,

 

[JE's Reef]

Blair,

 

[JE's Reef]

Blair,
Its looking great. I thought that greenwoods was going to do the drilling for you. How is the skimmer doing. Does it do laundry?
See ya at the bar
John

 

[89GTA]

Nice Power Strip Blair- mine have been the most welcomed edition to my tank ..

 

[jimbo045]

Stick with a bunch of live rock and a Protein Skimmer and it can be fine. JD