Starting Over (Literally) - My upgrade to 270G

[Big E]

I see now...........the box extends to the outside of the tank. Interesting idea.

I think you'll be fine with the flow. A fellow reefer "Mantis" has this setup in a larger tank(400g) & hes been happy with it. His box entends across the front & back of the tank. I've seen it in person & hes got two 6200's & 2 6100's that run full bore. The returns flow from the middle & above.

 

[invincible569]

Its going to be a beauty!! Cant wait to see it grow out especially since your last tank came out great!

I like how it looks with the open top.

 

[kelhuffman]

Thanks invinicible. However, that open top (and the stand too) will be enclosed to match the existing kitchen cabinets and then the cabinetry will extend out for a little bar. I'll have my beer and a stool within arms length of the viewing glass!

 

[Hendersonracing]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7996348#post7996348 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kelhuffman
Thanks invinicible. However, that open top (and the stand too) will be enclosed to match the existing kitchen cabinets and then the cabinetry will extend out for a little bar. I'll have my beer and a stool within arms length of the viewing glass!

CONGRATS MAN LOVE THE NEW STYLE...SORRY FOR THE PREVIOUS LOSS

 

[Treg]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7990961#post7990961 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kelhuffman
Regarding unsupported glass, the bottom would not rest directly on a piece of ply even it was there since it has trim.

Hey kelhuffman,

Is that bottom trim along the same lines as the plastic trim on an AGA tank? Is that an option with Miracles or is that standard?

Any updated pics?

 

[kelhuffman]

yes it is. its only on the bottom of my tank. i'm sure they do trimless though, just remember to ask. I forgot. but for me its fine as its all going to disappear soon enough.

 

[Treg]

It looks good dude, and your stand makes perfect sense.

Keep them pics coming now.

 

[Waxxiemann]

I agree that your tank is looking AWESOME. I'm going with Miracles for my next tank. I was wondering if you could tell me how you liked the packing and delivery methods?

I think when they quoted me, it was for a trimmless tank although it would have the strip around the INSIDE bottom. Did you get that? How do you like it? I think it's a good idea.

I really hope you don't have any Murphy "Magic" with this tank, man. Just make sure you cover your bases.

Also, Congrats on the baby.

 

[alien9168]

Lookin good!

How big is your dining space btw...
You could build a serving bar type structure that makes it appear that the tank stand and your dining room merge/flow together.

Just a thought...that is ...if you are still interested in building anything...it looks like you may be finished with the construction aspects of a mamoth tank.

In any case...your tank looks awsome and I cant wait to see more

 

[kelhuffman]

thanks treg, waxx and alien.

I was wondering if you could tell me how you liked the packing and delivery methods?

perfect. on a huge pallet and then crated over that. but the crate top came right off. last crated tank I took delivery of was a bear to open. this weighed 900 lbs crated and I live on a hillside so that was fun geting it down threee flights of stairs. at least it was down!

I think when they quoted me, it was for a trimmless tank although it would have the strip around the INSIDE bottom. Did you get that? How do you like it?

Yeah that exists. I don't mind it and if it does provide structural support then I love it! I didn't know they'd do that either, good thing I ordered starboard AFTER it arrived. starboard fits perfectly and is the same 1/2" thickness. I think if you were going BB then one might not like it as much having that black trim inside.

How big is your dining space btw...

You could build a serving bar type structure that makes it appear that the tank stand and your dining room merge/flow together.

You are a mind reader! Forget dimensions but the dining room has the space for a bar area and that is on its way! its standard two feet deep and will be extending 5 feet from the left of the tank. Couldn't go full 3 feet deep to match tank depth as that took up too much dining room floor space, wasn't standard for counter depth cabinets either. In theory it'll look cool. Hope I have it right.

 

[Bax]

Love the built in look!

Cool project!

 

[alien9168]

You are a mind reader! Forget dimensions but the dining room has the space for a bar area and that is on its way! its standard two feet deep and will be extending 5 feet from the left of the tank. Couldn't go full 3 feet deep to match tank depth as that took up too much dining room floor space, wasn't standard for counter depth cabinets either. In theory it'll look cool. Hope I have it right. [/B]

Thanks.

Great minds think alike :lol:

I cant wait to see that bar. When it is built could you post a picture?

Thanks.

THis is an awsome project! Keep up the good work!

 

[kelhuffman]

It's done!

It's done!

Well its been 3 long months since I last posted and FINALLY, the tank installation is complete! Now the fun part begins, nurturing and creating a thriving reef inside the box! Here's another series of progression shots.

The skins and trim and doors arrive:

Stand doors go in, canopy gets skinned:

Canopy doors are in:

Bar extention cabinet install begins:

 

[kelhuffman]

And then the hardest part, and most time consuming part began. Finishing the cabinetry, trimming the tank and cabinets, installing the counter top, installing lights, redoing the trim that I screwed up, etc. This part probably took 2 months. I don't want to do trim work ever again. But, its over now and here's the finished product, fridge full of booze and tank ready for coral growth!

 

[niloc16]

all i can say is absolutely gorgeous. very well planned out and completed. the bar looks awesome

 

[kelhuffman]

Thanks niloc. Here's a shot of the tank as it is today:

 

[drummereef]

Wow, the tank is looking great! After the first 'almost disaster' I'm sure you are feeling like it's all worth it now, huh! :thumbsup: Oh, and by the way your home is beautiful!!!!! What - is Martha Stewart you housekeeper or something? :lol:

 

[kelhuffman]

And here's the basement sump room shots:

This is the unfinished utility room, dirt floor and all. When I first moved in I had a floor poured, then furred and drywalled the exposed foundation walls immediately, then painted, installed a work sink and set up most of the gear as it was from my old setup and kept the survivors while I built out the main tank:

Before:

 

[kelhuffman]

yeah drummereef I'm all caught up in the whole thing again. bloody addiction! Here's the sump room as of today:

 

[drummereef]

Woah! Your sump room is killer too! Love it.