Phuzzykins' 300 gallon AGE Build Extravaganza

[Blinding Reef]

thanks phuzzy..can't wait to see pics of the rocks..

 

[fishypets]

Sexy..

 

[phuzzykins]

Here are a couple of pics of the rock I have curing at the moment. Each tank has a full 50lb box.

Cheers,
-Matt

 

[SuperR*]

Very nice. AGE always delivers a top notch tank.

 

[rastarainy]

looks to be a great build, any livestock ideas yet?

 

[phuzzykins]

I don't have any firm stocking plans at this time. I'm looking towards 2-3 larger fish, possibly including a Kole, Scopas, Tomini, or Naso tang, and a harem or shoal of lyretail anthias.

A mystery wrasse is on the list at some point.

The livestock from my Solana will be moving over first, and includes an ocellaris clown, a couple of chromis, a very pretty green polyped toadstool leather, assorted mushrooms and zoas, a favites, and a platygyra.

 

[phuzzykins]

Since this is no longer a Marineland build, would a moderator kindly change the thread title to "Phuzzykins' 300 gallon AGE Build Extravaganza" ?

 

[jejton]

What's the deal with PVC bottoms? Is it simply to insure against a rock falling down and cracking the glass? Does it have an advantage ( I'm assuming its more expensive ) over just laying down starboard?

 

[phuzzykins]

For folks who run closed loops, the PVC bottom allows them to make swiss cheese of the bottom without having to worry about creating weak spots in a pane of glass.

The PVC is also lighter than glass. This tank weighs 750lbs even with acrylic bracing and overflows, and the PVC bottom. I wouldn't want it any heavier.

Really though, PVC is just how AGE builds their tanks. You'd have to talk to them for a full run-down of the advantages and disadvantages. This page from their site would be a good place to start: http://www.acrylicandglassexhibits.com/index-3.html

 

[HumbleLobster]

Phuzzykins, great looking tank. How are you doing your overflows and return lines? How did your glasscages sump turn out? I have tank envy!

 

[phuzzykins]

Each of the two external overflows is drilled for a single 1.5" bulkhead drain, which will have a Durso-style standpipe.

A 1.5" return line will split into 4x3/4" nozzles, run over the edge of the eurobrace. I didn't have the eurobrace drilled for return bulkheads.

The GC sump was everything I expected a GC sump to be. It's a standard 90 gallon, black-framed acrylic tank with four baffles. The bends on the acrylic are ugly, and there's some excess solvent dripped in a few places. If it had been intended for use as a display tank, I would have been disappointed. The standard baffle config they put together was a little too high, so I ended up cutting them down about 5" with a Dremel and a spiral cutting bit.

 

[crab0000]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15211652#post15211652 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by phuzzykins
Since this is no longer a Marineland build, would a moderator kindly change the thread title to "Phuzzykins' 300 gallon AGE Build Extravaganza" ?

I reported your post to a moderator so they will see it a little sooner. Great build so far; I can't wait to see it all come together!

 

[nauticac4]

The tank looks fantastic, and if you were closer to me I might be there with a forklift

While its nice to look at, hurry up and get water in it!!!

 

[stunreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14545882#post14545882 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishypets
The guys at Kingfish rock and so does A.G.E (I'm on my 2nd one) Ask Austin, the wait is well worth it.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15211880#post15211880 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by phuzzykins
The PVC is also lighter than glass.

Oh heck yea! ONE friend and I moved in my 183 gal... it's 48"L x 36"W x 24.5"T, 1/2" starfire, rimless. I figuired four people for sure, but once it got here I called one of my "big" friends and we moved it with little effort... it was awesome This is a huge advantage for me as I rent and move every couple years. My last 180 gal glass (6' x 2' x 2') was a nightmare to move.

Congrats on the tank Matt, it looks awesome man! Look forward to watching this awesome build... aren't ya glad you went with AGE? :smokin:

 

[phuzzykins]

Here are a few pics of the rest of the build, just to keep things moving along.

First, an overall shot of my utility room / fish room:

Starting on the left you can see my water heater, a 44 gallon Brute container for RO/DI, utility sink, the collection cup of the skimmer, return pump with reactor manifold, Glass Cages sump, equipment panel, and finally, a 29 gallon tank that will be used for QT.

The equipment panel is made up of removable plastic panels (a mix of starboard and expanded PVC) on a frame of 2X4s to allow for cables to be tucked out of the way.

A sump shot:

Skimmer, chiller, and the corner of the sink. The line going to the skimmer will be used to feed the chiller, and the skimmer will be gravity fed from an overflow.

RO/DI. Can you guess how many PPM iron my tap water is?

And finally, the mass of plumbing fittings still to be assembled. The Hayward bulkheads were a thoughtful gift from AGE.

More to come when the weather clears and the beast can actually be moved into the basement.

Cheers,
-Matt

 

[phuzzykins]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15216675#post15216675 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stunreefer
aren't ya glad you went with AGE? :smokin:

I can't believe I ever considered anything else :bum:

 

[Robb in Austin]

Update?

 

[beetlejuice]

Local guy subscribing...

 

[Lightsluvr]

Re: I just got tanked

Re: I just got tanked

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15210458#post15210458 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by phuzzykins

I haven't fully uncrated the tank yet, which makes photos less interesting, but it's absolutely gorgeous.

That's what I call a smart decision! I love our 350G A.G.E. tank and stand!

LL

 

[strout]

Nice looking tank, will be tagging along for the ride.