Here it is at last, my new tank build thread!!!

[levon15]

First off thats just a pile of rocks now it needs to have something done to it. I am glad to hear that you will be taking this project a step further to ensure proper flow.

You mentioned taking the rock all the way to the overflow, I say take it out of the water break the surface, it will only make it appear that the rock continues on when viewing from the front.

That drain from the skimmer looks like it is splashing all over the place. I can see what it has splashed already in the pic, that looks to be a large place that salt creep is going to look bad. I hate cleaning slat off of anything and I don't have anything splashing that much and I have too much creep. Put an elbow on that and drop some pipe to just over the surface.

 

[stlouisguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8516430#post8516430 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by levon15

That drain from the skimmer looks like it is splashing all over the place. I can see what it has splashed already in the pic, that looks to be a large place that salt creep is going to look bad. I hate cleaning slat off of anything and I don't have anything splashing that much and I have too much creep. Put an elbow on that and drop some pipe to just over the surface.

Already done, was showing the amount of flow into the sump. The pipe sits about 1/4" off water surface

 

[levon15]

Sounds good, was just trying to help out.

 

[stlouisguy]

appreciate the input. Was surprised no one mentioned it earlier

 

[Im Lon 2]

Looks good thinking about flipping my tanks this weekend..

I'm having a hell of a time with water temp too. But that is because I have them in 5 different locations some with heaters and others with out.

Wish I had a couple 50-150 watt heaters I could have borrowed.

 

[stlouisguy]

Okay first try at the sculpting. I still have rocks to replace from my old tank and will move some stuff around, but overall this is what I am trying for

here is looking through the rock pile on the right, I have the entire structure help up by pvc so no rocks are buried. Completely hollow inside

This shows the sloping reef I am trying to accomplish

 

[Reefer Wannabe]

Looks good. I've always liked the look of separate islands. I tried to accomplish that in my 90, but found it's not so easy with a four foot tank.

 

[DrBDC]

I tried too but ended up having to make a couple caves instead. I guess I could have done it if I only wanted 30-40 lbs of rock!

 

[sirreal63]

I like it, I tried to do the 3 hill look but the 17" of width didn't make it very easy but I am still shooting for it, I just have way too much rock in the tank.

 

[stlouisguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8523593#post8523593 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DrBDC
I tried too but ended up having to make a couple caves instead. I guess I could have done it if I only wanted 30-40 lbs of rock!

It is still a work in progress, thats about 350 lbs of rock. It looks much more open in person

 

[DrBDC]

See, you should have done a 120 or 180! :lol:

 

[JxMetal]

Looks good, did you get rid of that microbubble problem?

 

[stlouisguy]

Doc, sad part is I have about 300 lbs of other rock in my other tank. Going to have quite a bit left over LOL

Yes I still have the microbubble problem. I have tried to seal all the joints but no improvement. Can the pump have a seal problem that lets it in?

 

[JxMetal]

I have no idea. :lol: I don't have a sump. But I hope you figure it out.

 

[sirreal63]

Throttle the pump back a little and see if it helps.

 

[stlouisguy]

Okay a few updates tonight

First the blue piece of plastic I found for the back of the tank. It is held up with velcro and is easy to put up and take down

Also got the cabinet put on tonight. Few trip pieces didnt fit but overall it looks exactly as I wanted. I cant recommend Pat (the guy who did it) more. I have his card for anyone who is interested

Before install. He build everything at his shop and brought it over. Made of Mahogony

Finished

With doors open:

It look just fantastic IMO. Rock formation pics next

 

[Reefer Wannabe]

Nice...

 

[panaboy95]

wow the wood work is amazing. it really sets the tank off

wow mine looks like a piece of ****

 

[stlouisguy]

Redid the rocks. I cant get the pictures to show how open it is. Hopefulle the design comes through

Now I just need to figure out how to stop the microbubbles. Going to get about 4 tubes of silicon and go to town on those damn joints!! :lol:

 

[PRESTO2345]

I like this rock setup much better than the one before. Looks freak'n awsome!!!