owenspackmans 180 Reef upgrade build.

Hey whats gping onwith the plastic dip? i liked the way yours looked so much i priced it out for my entire sump/frag stand. I am going to feeling really bad if this doesnt work, that stuff is not cheap. Thanks for following my build.
 
Hey whats gping onwith the plastic dip? i liked the way yours looked so much i priced it out for my entire sump/frag stand. I am going to feeling really bad if this doesnt work, that stuff is not cheap. Thanks for following my build.

The plasti-dip didn't hold up. Being rubber it can be slightly sticky so when sliding the refugium around it pulls it and tears. It holds up well on car rims., not in aquarium cabinets. Don't feel bad, I already had a can left over. I'm sure it's complete sealed the cabinet on the edges, I plan to paint another coat of kills on top and go all white. Or look in Lowes for another paint.

It was worth a try, just won't work for us. Black also shows dust way more than the white too!
 
There is a product you can use that is used for showers. I used it on my stand(didn't expect it to turn pink) and it works well. I then added a couple coats of the Killz on it so I could see when I turned a light on.
 
equmy8ez.jpg


This is the product. I got it from the HD. I am sure Lowes probably sell something similar also.
 
update!

Today i repainted the floor of the cabinet, painted over the plasti-dip, looks much better and the extra 3 coats of Killz will be adequate.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8560107461/" title="DSC_0056 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8560107461_f16cb7a0a2.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0056"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8561213390/" title="DSC_0059 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8561213390_90d41c0b90.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0059"></a>

Thought I should show off some of the equipment I plan to use. Still have a number of items in the mail on its way to me.

AI Vegas with Controller
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8560102253/" title="DSC_0009 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8560102253_87b0f07202.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0009"></a>

Tunze Skimmer (will have to be upgraded in the future)
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8560102461/" title="DSC_0019 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8560102461_67d9c4d02a.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0019"></a>

Tunze Multicontroller & stream
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8560102907/" title="DSC_0011 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8560102907_4654475294.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0011"></a>

Tunze Auto Topoff
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8561209622/" title="DSC_0010 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8561209622_f46aa2c62d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0010"></a>

Tunze Stream
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8560103681/" title="DSC_0016 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8560103681_721423191c.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0016"></a>

And here are some of my frags waiting for their new home.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8561210482/" title="DSC_0015 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8561210482_bff225ff4a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0015"></a>
 
sealed the cabinet top with silicone tonight. Also started staining the top, figured i'd stain the hidden parts first for practice!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8561210794/" title="DSC_0003 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8561210794_b391cee398.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0003"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8560105607/" title="DSC_0021 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8560105607_5913d4a73f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0021"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8561212804/" title="DSC_0024 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8561212804_436a4eedf3.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0024"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8560104915/" title="DSC_0061 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8560104915_d0c4ccd7d9.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0061"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8561212472/" title="DSC_0054 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8561212472_e748ebdbff.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0054"></a>
 
I want those Vegas!!!!

i love them! they're currently keeping my rubbermaids full of inverts and live rock happy. I have the hanging wires installed in the ceiling (although the'll need repositioning now).

I'm looking forward to the Director software becoming available to see what more can be done with them.
 
The staining job is looking good. Let us know how those Vegas are doing. They are in my top 3 LEDs that I want to place over my tank.
 
Today I had the chance to pre-condition the wood for staining. Gave it a light sanding and then applied the stain to the cabinet and doors. The stain really brings out the imperfections BUT it's my first attempt at cabinetry and I know its far from perfect, but i'm pleased.

Tomorrow I have apply the Polyurethane gloss seal and the only cosmetic thing left will be the grout and install the tile!

4 more weeks until the tank arrives! It's killing me!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8563923238/" title="DSC_0030 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8563923238_31b922ff92.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0030"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8563922736/" title="DSC_0032 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8563922736_224bfc7bc6.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0032"></a>
 
I've been searching for a Reeflo Dart/Snapper, decided I wanted to find a lightly used one to save myself some money. The search wasn't going well, the Classifieds on here were holding their value way too much for some pretty beat up pumps, so i tried eBay.

I found one auction, under a 'used' search, but the posting claimed it was brand new and unused, it was set up to 'buy now' for only $200. Figuring this goes for $315 online I would give it a go.

I fully expected this thing to arrived beat up and used and to have to make a complaint to eBay. Well low and behold, its brand new and in perfect condition.

BUT what's even better than that?!

It's not a Reeflo Dart/Snapper standard like i was hunting for, but the GOLD edition. A brand new $370 pump for $200.

The GOLD edition claims to be even quieter, more energy efficient and have a longer lasting motor, awesome!

Happy guy!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8569223027/" title="IMG_7616 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8569223027_cc73e85439.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7616"></a>
 
I've been searching for a Reeflo Dart/Snapper, decided I wanted to find a lightly used one to save myself some money. The search wasn't going well, the Classifieds on here were holding their value way too much for some pretty beat up pumps, so i tried eBay.

I found one auction, under a 'used' search, but the posting claimed it was brand new and unused, it was set up to 'buy now' for only $200. Figuring this goes for $315 online I would give it a go.

I fully expected this thing to arrived beat up and used and to have to make a complaint to eBay. Well low and behold, its brand new and in perfect condition.

BUT what's even better than that?!

It's not a Reeflo Dart/Snapper standard like i was hunting for, but the GOLD edition. A brand new $370 pump for $200.

The GOLD edition claims to be even quieter, more energy efficient and have a longer lasting motor, awesome!

Happy guy!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8569223027/" title="IMG_7616 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8569223027_cc73e85439.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7616"></a>

You will live this pump! Very powerful
 
today i started on the sump/refugium and grouting the tile.

Getting ready to drill
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8581412570/" title="DSC_0004 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8581412570_411474a895.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0004"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8580311461/" title="DSC_0005 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8580311461_c8cedd5537.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0005"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8580312401/" title="DSC_0016 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8580312401_14588ec474.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0016"></a>

Jebao Wavemaker
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8581412050/" title="DSC_0007 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8581412050_21aaaba700.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0007"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8580310119/" title="DSC_0011 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8580310119_3eb41863ea.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0011"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8580309859/" title="DSC_0010 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8580309859_db0c7139db.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0010"></a>
 
Great job, if you drill any more holes I suggested you place a towel inside the tanks below the spot you drill. Just in case that peice falls, it won't break the tank. Good luck siliconing. If you want clean lines uses tape and a razor blade. Also if you have hard to reach place just attach a straw.

BTW: I think you placed the car in the shot to show it off. I would have! Nice wheels
 
Great job, if you drill any more holes I suggested you place a towel inside the tanks below the spot you drill. Just in case that peice falls, it won't break the tank. Good luck siliconing. If you want clean lines uses tape and a razor blade. Also if you have hard to reach place just attach a straw.

BTW: I think you placed the car in the shot to show it off. I would have! Nice wheels

I actually placed a towel in just after I started, the tape held the glass in place once it broke through.

Tape and silicone, I'm guessing you place the tape down where you want the outer edge of your silicone before you apply? Once the silicone is dry, use the razor on the inside of the tape to cut excess silicone and remove tape?

Yes, you got me, the car QA already there but I made sure to get her in shot.
 
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