rEd86's 700g office tank.

[melev]

Great idea on the video. That did take a few seconds.

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14580127#post14580127 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
So neat. Thanks for sharing updates. Are you even working at all today? :lol: I think you're just hanging around your new toy.

I'm getting a lot of work done today. It's actually a VERY time consuming process - worse that watching paint dry. Since it's in the same room, it's easy to pop over and get updates. Each time I see him transition to a different part of the repairs, I ask all sorts of questions and get some photos/videos without getting in the way too much.

--Ed

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14580166#post14580166 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Great idea on the video. That did take a few seconds.

Thanks. I am now getting use to remembering to shoot video with the Nikon D90. I still mainly use it for still pictures but it's nice to have the video capabilities when the need arises.

--Ed

 

[Wheel of Time]

Great idea on the video. very neat. What a hassle repairing the leak -- but at the price of the tank (you lucky devil) well worth it.

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14580717#post14580717 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Wheel of Time
Great idea on the video. very neat. What a hassle repairing the leak -- but at the price of the tank (you lucky devil) well worth it.

Thanks. I agree - it's worth the effort to get it repaired. At first I was a little concerned about the fact that it might leak again, but as a new tank it leaked so I think I'm in a better situation.

I look at it like a factory refurbished piece of electronics. Someone has gone over a defective unit, repaired it and did a very thorough check on it - so it's in better shape than when it came off the factory assembly line.

There are still some design issues with the tank that we couldn't address, but Larry doesn't think they will be serious problems. I know for sure that if anyone was going to purchase a new, large glass tank at a fair price, I would HIGHLY recommend him. He had two tank manufacturing businesses in the past and is currently a consultant to a third large custom glass tank manufacturer. (he’s retired but can’t get away from this stuff) He has a LOT of experience and he’s seen just about everything. (and learned from his mistakes)

--Ed

 

[rEd86]

So all the repairs were done by 9pm last night. I tried to take some pictures but there's nothing you can really see but glass... Maybe once things cure there will be better visibility.

To wrap up the repair segment, I'll post a picture of the silicon that was used:

This is stronger than the stuff you get at Home Depot or Lowes.


I have to sit and wait a full week to let it cure properly. I was hoping to get things going this weekend but that would only be FIVE days and I don't want to rush this and have a seal pop because I was impatient.

The game plan is to come in this Sunday and build the stand for this monster. Larry drew up his recommendations so I'll build it according to his specs. I think I can park a monster truck on this baby.

Then I will come in the following weekend to do the actual move. Saturday will be breaking down the existing tank - moving everything into tubs. Sunday will be moving the old tank, setting up the new tank and putting all the livestock back in.

I’ll skin the tank with cabinet grade plywood and add doors & a hood once the new tank is operational.

More pictures to come each weekend.

Only weeks away from having it up!

--Ed

 

[Wheel of Time]

thanks so much for sharing. looking foward to the next few weekends of pictures.
-- Seth

 

[ctenophors rule]

awesome tank

any ideas on future live stock??? anything out of the ordinary?

 

[melev]

I wish I could help with the transition. Looks like a fun day.

 

[Bamm Bamm]

thanks for posting that video I always wondered how that was done..

 

[Oldude]

Very cool project. That silicone works great and is what was used on my tank. I'll be tagging along on this one as well.

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14588335#post14588335 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Wheel of Time
thanks so much for sharing. looking foward to the next few weekends of pictures.
-- Seth

You're welcome. The stand photos should be a lot of fun since it's such a beast. I've asked a buddy from our reef club for some help so the day I build it will be based on whether he can help and what day works best for him.

--Ed

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14588645#post14588645 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ctenophors rule
awesome tank

any ideas on future live stock??? anything out of the ordinary?

I know I want a mixed tank but I haven't put a lot of thought into what I will be adding to it. I will have a LOT of room in it although I do want some open space for things to grow into over the next couple of years.

Any suggestions?

--Ed

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14588795#post14588795 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
I wish I could help with the transition. Looks like a fun day.

The last Sunday should be REAL interesting since I will need a LOT of people to be able to lift the tank and place it properly on the stand, which will have a layer of styrofoam. Plus I'll be excited about putting everything back in the tank and seeing it all FINALLY come to life.

I wish you could make it as well, although you probably wouldn't be much help considering what you went through at the beginning of the month!

--Ed

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14589188#post14589188 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bamm Bamm
thanks for posting that video I always wondered how that was done..

You're welcome. I too always wondered about it and was surprised to see how simple the tools are. (although they are not cheap)

Since glass has the crystal properties, scoring it gives you reasonable results. (the edge is not perfect when it is 1/2" thick, but it worked for what we needed to do)

--Ed

 

[hawkfishman]

700 gal. glass good luck? isn't there a reason why most zoos and all the tanks at sea world are acrylic? or at least a combo acrylic top/bottom, sides of starfire?

 

[Beaun]

Good thread, its very interesting to see the entire process. I would not want to take the chances of cutting the glass. I would definitly have someone else do it for me. I dont think I would even want to be in the same room.

 

[SunnyX]

Nice thread! I will be following along.

 

[reefpets]

Ed - This is an awesome thread, I cant wait to see it in person.
Gary

 

[rEd86]

Only two days left until the upgrade! I am going over my plan, confirming I have all the fittings and plumbing, and making lots of RO water! I have the new Reeflo Blackfin pump in, as well as the Oceans Motions 4-way.

I am still pulling together 12+ people to help move the tank. I am hoping it takes less than an hour & I'm bribbing them with pizza and beer. (for AFTER we move the tank)

I will see about posting some pictures in the next day or so that shows the prep work.

--Ed