Steve's 480g upgrade

[Jar*Head]

I had a company offer to do my floor for $1450. I think that is a little too much. I will try a few more company if their price still that high, i will do it MYSELF

 

[tbone28]

Steve, I think you should just epoxy your garage floor yourself. It shouldn't be that hard.

 

[Jar*Head]

Well that is the route i am going to take as of now, unless i can find a decent offer. I know Bart will help me with the floor...

 

[tbone28]

it's really not worth spending the money Steve. it's not much harder than painting your walls. I'd say the most important part is making sure you prep your garage floor properly. save that money for your Tunzes

 

[Jar*Head]

That exactly what Bart told me. He also gave me his 1-900 number to call just in case i have question

 

[tbone28]

haha, then you're set!

is there a drain in your garage floor?

 

[Jar*Head]

No drain. Why do i need a drain when i have 50foot hose

 

[tbone28]

:lol:

 

[Jar*Head]

Ooops, i mean hose. I have the 3/4" hose for my water change from O. C Aquatic.

 

[tbone28]

oh, gotcha. I wonder if there's a way you can plumb your sump or tank into either your house's drain or your landscaping drain. It would make water changes on your big tank real easy.

 

[Jar*Head]

My 200g RODI container will be behind the tank along with 2 55g container for salt mix.

 

[ReefEnabler]

my main concerns about doing the epoxy myself:

a few element in the garage are nailed in pretty good that are resting on the ground: stand for water heater, some stairs that are nailed in and fastened at pretty innacessible angles.

is it ok to just let the epoxy puddle around those things?

i really need to spend the time to build some decent storage cabinets and a better workbench too. just seems like an impossible amount of work when I look what I've already got in front of me im sure you all know the feeling

 

[Jar*Head]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12261097#post12261097 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tbone28
oh, gotcha. I wonder if there's a way you can plumb your sump or tank into either your house's drain or your landscaping drain. It would make water changes on your big tank real easy.

How about a valve on the back of the tank with 3/4" barb fitting so whenever i need to change the water change just connect the hose and turn on the valve

 

[ReefEnabler]

could do it that way steve, but realize that you're going to drop the water level in the main tank to do a water change.

doing it in the sump might be better. i guess though you might need a pump if its too low. I'm using a 50g tank just for SW mixing and water changes, and will actively pass system water through it. its elevated higher than the sump so I can just gravity drain from there.

then I just have to refill that tank, mix salt, and open the valve which will overflow it with tank water and slowly mix in new water. just an idea to think about.

 

[tbone28]

that's the easier solution, but I would prefer to put it on the sump, rather than the tank. If the sump leaks around that bulkhead, it's easy to fix. If the bulkhead leaks on your tank, you'll have to drain it partially.

I drilled a hole in my sump, and hooked up a Mag pump with valve for water changes.

In hindsight, I should have T'ed off the return pump. That's the better choice, I think - I less pump on my system, and 1 less hole to drill.

 

[Jar*Head]

I already have hole drilled in my sump for water change. I will use the 55g drum to mix the salt and gravity drain it into the sump.

 

[Jar*Head]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12261123#post12261123 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RyanBrucks
my main concerns about doing the epoxy myself:

a few element in the garage are nailed in pretty good that are resting on the ground: stand for water heater, some stairs that are nailed in and fastened at pretty innacessible angles.

is it ok to just let the epoxy puddle around those things?

i really need to spend the time to build some decent storage cabinets and a better workbench too. just seems like an impossible amount of work when I look what I've already got in front of me im sure you all know the feeling

I got another quote and the price still the same.

 

[tbone28]

Epoxy floor = Steve = free

free = more money for SPS

 

[Jar*Head]

I just don't want to screw up the job and my garage will look like crap. But the wife uncle will help me doing it, he is more handy i hope

 

[Green Thumb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12260283#post12260283 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jar*Head
I try to make my cave as simple as possible but presentable. I really like to have a basement but my town house doesn't come with one. I will make the best out of the garage till i buy a new home.

"Every man should have his cave "
I totally agree with the above statement. We all should have our own comfort zone and away from everything . When i discuss with my wife about having my aquarium in the garage, she thought i was crazy because no one will see my tank unless they go to the garage. IMO, the reef tank is a personal enjoyment not for show. I want to put it where i can enjoy without getting the "NAG"

Sure your man cave might be simple, but your tank is going to be top notch!
The only advantage I see to a basement is that it helps keep things cool in the summer. Otherwise a garage sounds like an awesome man cave to me. I do all the work myself so it helps keep the costs down.
You should give your floor a shot. Surely you could do a fine job for 1/3rd of the price, well worth it. Think of all the tunzes you could get!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12260283#post12260283 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jar*Head
I want to put it where i can enjoy without getting the "NAG"

Coudnt agree more:lol: , my tank will be wayyy more enjoyable in that calm place I will now be calling my man cave. Who cares if its not the center of attraction in the main living room.