griss' Tank Upgrade Thread

[Uncle99]

The boy’s friend is over and they put the tank on the stand for me.

Very very nice Pro-Clear.
Seemless fit to the stand.
Enjoy that beast.

Mine did come with metric overflows, Iam not sure if that’s the same on all Pro-Clears, or maybe just for those outside the US. Wasn’t expecting that.

I added couple of metric to standard couplers that fixed that easily.

 

[griss]

Very very nice Pro-Clear.
Seemless fit to the stand.
Enjoy that beast.

Mine did come with metric overflows, Iam not sure if that’s the same on all Pro-Clears, or maybe just for those outside the US. Wasn’t expecting that.

I added couple of metric to standard couplers that fixed that easily.

Yep, metric plumbing. I got a couple metric to standard unions.

 

[Uncle99]

Yep, metric plumbing. I got a couple metric to standard unions.

Wow, not sure why they used metric instead of standard.
Not a big prob, just kinda strange IMM.

 

[griss]

Wow, not sure why they used metric instead of standard.
Not a big prob, just kinda strange IMM.

Yeah, I thought it really strange for a company based out of Florida

 

[griss]

Did our shopping this morning. Then, daughter 1, 2 grandkids and 2 granddogs showed up. Then, twin B, her husband and their 2 dogs showed up.

So, I got a very late start working on things. I made a “stand” for the sump and started painting it.

 

[griss]

Twin A, the boy who still lives at home ditched us to hang out with his friends. He started a new job this week. Much better pay, benefits and more opportunity to learn and move up in the company. We’re thrilled for him.

 

[griss]

The rock structure on the right looks nice. If it were my tank I would move it forward and to the right about an inch and a half. Then I would take the little rock in the back right corner and try moving it to the front left of your rock structure on the right to make like a finger coming out of the rock structure. Fingers off an island of rockwork is always nice.

On the left rockwork structure can you take that little triangular rock in the front right of that structure and turn it point up to make a small peak?

Maybe none of these ideas will improve but try and see if it appeals to you.

Okay, my friend who used to own an LFS told me he’s got a ton of dry and live rock he can bring over to finish out the aquascape once the tank is plumbed, has SW and everything is going.

So, what I’d like to do is, once the fish room is done and I get things plumbed, get base structures in place to put his mix of dry and live rock on top of. Then, put the sand in place to hold the bases in place, fill with water and get things going.

@vlangel if I move the right structure over to the right an inch or two, where would you place other structures?

 

[vlangel]

I circled and numbered what I thought were separate rocks. The bigger rock that I did not circle looks ok where its at. The rock on the left that is #1 could be swivelled toward the right so that its end is facing the front glass. Maybe take #3 and stand it on end so that its right point is pointing up in the air. Then take #2 rock and move it on the the right side of #3 rock so that it is curving toward the front of the tank. I am sorry George, its really hard to tell someone what I would do because I try things and play with it. So what I am suggesting might be stupid and I wouldnt blame you if it doesnt work for you.

 

[griss]

I circled and numbered what I thought were separate rocks. The bigger rock that I did not circle looks ok where its at. The rock on the left that is #1 could be swivelled toward the right so that its end is facing the front glass. Maybe take #3 and stand it on end so that its right point is pointing up in the air. Then take #2 rock and move it on the the right side of #3 rock so that it is curving toward the front of the tank. I am sorry George, its really hard to tell someone what I would do because I try things and play with it. So what I am suggesting might be stupid and I wouldnt blame you if it doesnt work for you.View attachment 32415326

I was asking more where to place the other rock structure(s) within the tank but, didn’t word it well. Right now, I’m just looking to create the bases of the rock structures. I’ll then add sand, then (Once the fish room and plumbing are done) fill with water and start the system. Once everything is going, my friend is going to bring over a bunch of dry and live rock and we’ll finish the structures.

The rocks on the left are really just a pile of rocks I haven’t used yet. They are not (at least in their current location) necessarily intended to stay in that location or configuration.

 

[griss]

Did a second coat of paint on the bottom of the sump stand so, the bottom is painted. Once dry, I’m going to do 3 coats on the top.

Also, did a second coat of mud on the drywall in the fish room. I need to grab another sheet of drywall as I’m about 3’ short as you can see from the picture.

 

[griss]

Moved the rock base on the right over a little. Changed it up since I’ll be adding more rock (some live rock) after the system is running.

The rocks on the left are just pieces I’m not sure what to do with just yet.

 

[griss]

Slowly creeping closer, yesterday was the oldest daughter’s 30th b-day so, I didn’t have time to work on anything.

Today, I put in the last piece of fish room drywall and the first coat of mud. Also, painted the 2nd coat of paint on the sump stand/platform.

Next Saturday is Grandaughter’s 3rd b-day so, likely won’t get much done. But, I’m off all the week of Christmas so, I’m hoping to really make some headway. Unless Mrs griss comes up with a bunch of honey do stuff.

 

[vlangel]

Slowly creeping closer, yesterday was the oldest daughter’s 30th b-day so, I didn’t have time to work on anything.

Today, I put in the last piece of fish room drywall and the first coat of mud. Also, painted the 2nd coat of paint on the sump stand/platform.

Next Saturday is Grandaughter’s 3rd b-day so, likely won’t get much done. But, I’m off all the week of Christmas so, I’m hoping to really make some headway. Unless Mrs griss comes up with a bunch of honey do stuff.

We, Mrs are good at that!

 

[griss]

We, Mrs are good at that!

True that!

 

[vlangel]

I am very anxious to see what you get done when you do have some free time to work on it.

I can't imagine how you have the patience to work such a long time on the prep for this tank build. I gotta commend you on that.

 

[griss]

I am very anxious to see what you get done when you do have some free time to work on it.

I can't imagine how you have the patience to work such a long time on the prep for this tank build. I gotta commend you on that.

As I've gotten older, I've become very much a planner. I probably overthink things but, I am what I am. When I was younger, I would forge ahead without any planning on my tanks. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't.

My 200 gallon plenum/NNR/Jaubert tank was probably the best tank I ever had and that was thrown together quickly with add-ons throughout the years.

My 450 was very much planned out and less successful. Granted, by the time I had the 450, the kids were all in sports and I was helping coach all 3 of their teams. So, my tank time was limited.

 

[vlangel]

As I've gotten older, I've become very much a planner. I probably overthink things but, I am what I am. When I was younger, I would forge ahead without any planning on my tanks. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't.

My 200 gallon plenum/NNR/Jaubert tank was probably the best tank I ever had and that was thrown together quickly with add-ons throughout the years.

My 450 was very much planned out and less successful. Granted, by the time I had the 450, the kids were all in sports and I was helping coach all 3 of their teams. So, my tank time was limited.

Yes, I hear ya! Some seasons of life have more free time than others. I expect that I will be facing an abundance of free time on down the road but probably wont have the vitality that I currently enjoy. I guess that is why a lot of the planning of my new 75g tank was about simplifying it, ha ha! I actually spent a lot of time researching and mentally planning out that aspect of it.