In-Wall 180 Project
- Thread starter jarhed
- Start date
That might be plenty, but I'm no lighting expert. My lighting was purchased here on RC. I think it was manufactured that way. I've seen something almost exactly like it in the Aquaticeco catalog, so my guess is thats where the seller got it for his 180. Nice setup too, push-pull fans, white background (I wouldnt mind if that had chrome or aluminum reflectors though), and not too heavy.
Just gotta figure out a way to hang it and make it moveable so I can service the tank from behind.
Just gotta figure out a way to hang it and make it moveable so I can service the tank from behind.
got2lb
New member
Jarhead: it looks like you're on your way to a very nice setup! I wish I had a place to build mine inwall like yours. About the lighting if you hang it from the ceiling above your tank and put it on some kind of pully that you could lift up and down I would think that would work for servicing the tank. It looks like there's almost 2 ft from where the top of the tank will be to the ceiling. Might be easier that way than some sort of track. Anyway looking good!
P.S. You'll have to get you're little helper his own little nano tank he can pound on
P.S. You'll have to get you're little helper his own little nano tank he can pound on
Boy what a busy day!! I even managed to mow the lawn! 
So, last night I cut out the plywood base, this morning went and got some semi-gloss paint and painted it. Screwed it onto the stand, then cut out the access hole for the overflow pipes. I did install some cross bracing/joists on hangers underneath the plywood by the way. I know I may not have needed it, but I think I'll sleep better at night knowing they are there.
I racked my pea-sized brain for a way to get bodies in the house to help me place the tank on the platform and came up empty, a normal result of my brain housing group in action. :lol:
At around 6:30, I decided that I was not going to wait anymore and I wanted the blessed tank on the stand TONIGHT!!!! :mad2:
After bailing the rainwater and mosquito larvae out of the tank (and some little things that looked like VERY active red bristleworm babies!!!), I rigged up some 2x4's as sleds (see pic) and slid it across the patio to the back door.
I continued this lay track/push tank pattern until I got it inside and next to the side of the tank (see pic). I got on the end nearest the stand and picked it up chest high. Noticing that dirty water was dripping off of the bottom (condensation), I had the wife crawl under the tank while I held it up on end, and dry it off with a towel. No point in making the ugly rose/pink carpet any more filthy, right?
Either way, that carpet is gone as soon as we can decide on the right color hardwood floor to install.
I "walked" the end of the tank on the 2x4's toward me and the stand til it was overhead and could rest on the edge of the plywood. Then I went to the other side, picked it up, and slid the tank the rest of the way onto the stand.
Now, before you freak out laughing, remember, I was a competitive bodybuilder until a few years ago and was leg pressing over 1100 lbs for reps twice per week. It was all in the legs, trust me. The only thing that bothers me is that I couldnt get the foam underneath the tank the way I set it up there. Maybe I can get a couple bodies later on to help out with that.
And here you see the result after shimming the stand quite a bit to try to get as level as possible.
So, last night I cut out the plywood base, this morning went and got some semi-gloss paint and painted it. Screwed it onto the stand, then cut out the access hole for the overflow pipes. I did install some cross bracing/joists on hangers underneath the plywood by the way. I know I may not have needed it, but I think I'll sleep better at night knowing they are there.
I racked my pea-sized brain for a way to get bodies in the house to help me place the tank on the platform and came up empty, a normal result of my brain housing group in action. :lol:
At around 6:30, I decided that I was not going to wait anymore and I wanted the blessed tank on the stand TONIGHT!!!! :mad2:
After bailing the rainwater and mosquito larvae out of the tank (and some little things that looked like VERY active red bristleworm babies!!!), I rigged up some 2x4's as sleds (see pic) and slid it across the patio to the back door.
I continued this lay track/push tank pattern until I got it inside and next to the side of the tank (see pic). I got on the end nearest the stand and picked it up chest high. Noticing that dirty water was dripping off of the bottom (condensation), I had the wife crawl under the tank while I held it up on end, and dry it off with a towel. No point in making the ugly rose/pink carpet any more filthy, right?
Either way, that carpet is gone as soon as we can decide on the right color hardwood floor to install.I "walked" the end of the tank on the 2x4's toward me and the stand til it was overhead and could rest on the edge of the plywood. Then I went to the other side, picked it up, and slid the tank the rest of the way onto the stand.
Now, before you freak out laughing, remember, I was a competitive bodybuilder until a few years ago and was leg pressing over 1100 lbs for reps twice per week. It was all in the legs, trust me. The only thing that bothers me is that I couldnt get the foam underneath the tank the way I set it up there. Maybe I can get a couple bodies later on to help out with that.
And here you see the result after shimming the stand quite a bit to try to get as level as possible.
Rafael, keep up with the pics! 
Nemo_0916 said:Holy CRAP! How did you get it in??? Did you put your son to work to get that thing in there!?!?!?!!?.. nice!! lOOKS great!!
:lol: :lol:
Thanks!!! This is the result of PURE STUBBORNESS mixed with a little FOOLISHNESS, and a small dose of DISREGARD FOR PERSONAL SAFETY.
Works every time!
Oh, and of course, Mini-me (Raphael III) did whatever he could to help. Had to literally MOVE him out of the way so he wouldnt get hurt! I love that little man of mine!!
hehe
Well, stairs are an entirely different story!
I do have a question for all those big tank folks out there. When I'm behind the tank, looking at the rear bottom trim, I noticed there is a little gap between the trim and the plywood. The corners are all supported well, but right in the middle there is a gap, and it's bigger at the middle where the overflow is.
Should I worry about this? Are big tanks really supported at the corners? Should I add two more joists under the plywood to drive the plywood up to the trim and support the middle of the trim?
Am I worrying too much? Should I seek counseling? Should I just shut up and go to bed?
Well, stairs are an entirely different story!
I do have a question for all those big tank folks out there. When I'm behind the tank, looking at the rear bottom trim, I noticed there is a little gap between the trim and the plywood. The corners are all supported well, but right in the middle there is a gap, and it's bigger at the middle where the overflow is.
Should I worry about this? Are big tanks really supported at the corners? Should I add two more joists under the plywood to drive the plywood up to the trim and support the middle of the trim?
Am I worrying too much? Should I seek counseling? Should I just shut up and go to bed?
I'm going to use a electric hoist to move my lights up and down
heres a link if your interested only 79.00 dollars
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...isplay?storeId=6970&productId=120327&R=120327
Bob
heres a link if your interested only 79.00 dollars
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...isplay?storeId=6970&productId=120327&R=120327
Bob
AcroSteve said:
Yeah, just along the back. Dont think I have any room at the ends of the tank. Only space for them is in that middle portion. My concern is that with the weight of the rock, sand, and water, the center could bow downward, putting undue stress on joints and glass(?).
Maybe I could just cram a shim at each end of the gap itself?
BTW, I have no shims underneath the back trim now, I just put that one in there to illustrate the gap I found. I was always under the impression that you dont want to put multiple shims underneath the trim because it would put pressure points in uneven places?
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