rostato's Custom 135G Cube Build Thread

[rostato]

Looking good. Are you gonna skin the stand with something?

Definitely. I am going to do all removable panels on the sides. It will be all smooth on the outside to emulate the Elos look. The panels will be held in with c clips.

 

[hmello@bermexin]

Nice. Have you thought about magnetic clips to hold the panels on?

http://www.libertyhardware.com/search/default.aspx?searchType=retail

 

[rostato]

I have, but I am not so sure they will work well. I guess I could try magnets too.

 

[txbonds]

I would use screws that are removable on at least the back and side(s). That way the plywood adds to the integrity of your stand and helps to keep it square once the load is on it. Then use magnets on the front panel and maybe 1 side if needed.

I would also consider putting a layer of felt or felt pads on the bottom wood panel to keep it from scuffing the wood floor.

 

[rostato]

You know. I have been thinking about that a lot lately. The thing is that when I convinced my better looking half that this tank was a good idea, I made a promise that ALL necessary equipment would be confined under the tank. So, for that reason I will need access to all three sides on a weekly bases. So I am thinking that I might have to route out holes for doors, and leave some ply permanently installed around the perimeter to keep the stand from any twisting forces.

But then the other side of me thinks that with the 3'x3' dimensions, it should naturally resist twisted due to it's shear size. I honestly don't know what I am going to do yet. All I know is I want the frame done tomorrow, and water in it by wednesday...

 

[rostato]

I finished the stands frame today. Just need another coat of paint on the new pieces.

 

[rostato]

Ugh, waiting for the primer to dry so I can get this tank in the house! It's taking forever for it to dry because it's like 30 degrees in my garage...

 

[hmello@bermexin]

You get the snow in Centerville?

 

[rostato]

You get the snow in Centerville?

No, but we got a ton of sleet. Enough to cover everything in a 2" layer of ice. To me that's even worse than snow.

 

[rostato]

double post

 

[hmello@bermexin]

Yeah our offices in Marietta, Cumming and Canton all shut down today.

 

[JAustin]

Looking good Chris! I feel ya on the hard wood floow. My 60g cube did that to my hard wood and it's was 10 feet away...water ran down tile grout and found wood flooring...ugh.

My 120g is setup over pergo flooring....i anticipate it to destroy what's under the tank so i went out and purchased 3 boxes of the flooring to replace when I move out (renting now).

 

[rostato]

Looking good Chris! I feel ya on the hard wood flow. My 60g cube did that to my hard wood and it's was 10 feet away...water ran down tile grout and found wood flooring...ugh.

My 120g is setup over pergo flooring....i anticipate it to destroy what's under the tank so i went out and purchased 3 boxes of the flooring to replace when I move out (renting now).

yeah, I'm going to have to repair it when we sell the house. Sucks. Actually it wasn't entirely my fault. I remember when it happened. For some reason my top off water container grew a crack in there bottom and leaked everywhere. Nothing I could do about it because I was on a week long vacation. oh well.

 

[rostato]

Well. Waiting for the paint to dry. The frame is complete, and painted. Hopefully water will be in it by the end of this week. It's taking a solid 24 hours to dry the paint, so this process has been long.

Also put a bead of silicone on the bottom of the stand to make it as water proof as possible.

 

[rostato]

OK, I finished the stand. The shelf I built is drying as we speak.

I also got some tub liner and lined the bottom of the stand. I really wanted to have this stand be water proof, and I am sure it will be.

Then, I coated the top of the liner it with silicone. It's not pretty, but its waterproof. I don't want to cause any more damage to the floors.

I have a buddy coming over tomorrow, so I'll have water in the tank then. Can't wait.

 

[hmello@bermexin]

Yes we are getting wet tomorrow!!!!

 

[rostato]

Yup! Can't wait. This stand has taken me 2 weeks longer than I wanted, but it's got everything I wanted in a stand.

I also finally unboxed all the reefsaver rock from BRS. I must say, this rock is AWESOME, and I got a lot more than I thought I would for 80lbs. I doubt I'll use it all.

 

[hmello@bermexin]

What aquascape are you going with? minimilist, bommie, wall etc. etc.

 

[rostato]

What aquascape are you going with? minimalist, bommie, wall etc. etc.

Well, it's going to be hard for me. Admittedly, I usually have WAY to much rock for the tank I have. Every tank I have ever owned has been packed with rock. but I am sick of that look, and I think I am going to try and go minimalist, and use some fiberglass rods, and epoxy to hold it all together. I think...

I just don't know yet. I can hold a decent amount in the MRC sump I have, so I guess I just need to find what works. I really want to try and keep my anemones separate from the rest of the corals. My two nems are tormenting all my corals in the 45 cube right now. So hopefully I can have an anemone island, and a coral island. Maybe a rock bridging them together.

Example of too much rock...my 45 cube

 

[rostato]

Ordered some 5/8" acrylic rods. I am going to attempt the Bonsai/minimalistic look. If it looks like crap, I'll just do my best with the stack method.

I figure it will take my a solid 4-5 days to fill the tank with ro water, so hopefully I have time to build the rock structure.