<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12903992#post12903992 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reef n' Madness
Sorry to hear you were not well over the holiday weekend! You were still amazingly productive though. 
It's looking great.
Thanks Kay. I got a few things done, but nothing this week. This was the last week of my summer semester class, and work had a few deadlines, so this weekend will be working on the tank and studying for my final on Monday.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12912736#post12912736 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bladeruner143
That pincushion idea looks pretty good Pete . . . I may have to try my hand at something like that. Although, it looks like it took a very long time to make!
Here are the steps and approx. time to make the pincushion. So far, I like it, but we'll see over time.
1. Cut the 1/4" sheet down to size on table saw (15min)
2. Cut 8' of 3/4" doweling into small pieces of equal length (30min)
3. Layout desired pattern on the plastic backing of the acrylic sheeting, using pythagorean theorem (high school math is good for reefers) (20min)
4. Glue doweling to base using Weldon #16 (30min)
5. Clean bottom of tank and bottom of acrylic with a razor blade (15min)
6. Silicone the bases to the bottom of the tank to prevent sand from getting under the bases, and to stop movement of the base (20min)
Total time: just over 2 hours
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12917634#post12917634 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ricwilli
Hey Pete. I finally finished reading all eleven pages on your build. I am very impressed on your documenting skills. I'm still a newbie and only have a 72 gallon bow front tank. I'm glad I stumbled onto this build as I'm currently looking into buying a 210 gallon tank. I've learned allot from reading this thread. From the installation of the electrical wires, to the pincushion. All though I have to say, "Your route is too expensive for me to follow". I know there are different ways to achieve the same goal, but I wish I could do it your way. I will be tagging along.
By the way, I have acquired used sand and it�s been sitting in buckets for about a month now. I want to use it on the 210 when I set it up. I would like to start cleaning it so that it is ready for when I get the new tank. Is rinsing the only thing you did to clean the sand? Did you use tap water?
Thank you for the compliments.
Yes, I am spending a fair amount of money, but I've shopped around for deals on equipment, and rarely paid MSRP for anything. I currently have a few tanks, and have had more previosuly where I skimped on various areas and have not been happy with the results. By all means you have have a nice reef for a heck of a lot less money, NO DOUBT! But, I wanted a automated, low hassle reef, and that's what I'm working on with this design.
As for the sand, I worked on about 1/2 a bucket of sand at a time, and rinsed with the garden hose. I used the water pressure and flow to suspend particles in the water column, and then poured them out of the bucket.
I read this article, by Marc Levenson (melev) a long time ago, and used this method:
http://www.melevsreef.com/rinsing_sand.html
June 9, 2008 - Another order
I ordered slip fit bulkheads from MarineDepot and expect them to arrive on Friday, in time to get started this weekend.
Water? Hopefully.
The tank project is coming along nicely and that skimmer is huge!! Can't wait to see it with the rock work in it.
