Surprise gift from step dad jump starts my new build!!!

marco j

marco j

Member
Hi everyone,

I just received a surprise early birthday present from my step father a brand new RR 180 from glass cages. Now before the hate machine gets going let me just say I was not planning on getting one of their tanks originally but I am certainly not going to complain over such a lavish gift. I do have a few issues with the construction the first being that the overflow covers were not installed on the tank which I have to do myself and also the silicone work is very sloppy. Again I'm still not complaining because I know he (step dad) walked into their warehouse looking to buy one of their overstock items and the overflows were probably an after thought.

Considering I've never caulked a tank before could someone please give me a walk through of installing these? I know I can only use pure silicone but I'm concerned with how tight the cover needs to be to the glass boxes?! If there is a few millimeters between the acrylic cover and the glass will that create a dead space for ditrius to build up?!

The wonderful thing about this is that I am now kick started to get our new home's walkout basement finished so I can get this bad boy in the wall! I've got a good friend coming by on Tuesday to measure everything and start the plans.

I've got my old 75 and my neighbor is giving me his old 55 for free which I will use as my sump and fuge for a DSB system. I'll probably reseal the 55 since I know it is old and why take a chance right!? Also I plan on going to Lowes or Home Depot this week to pick up a dremel and a 1" and 1 1/2" diamond tip to drill the tanks.

This will be a slow build because funds are limited and with a wife and three kids......well you know how that goes. Suggestions, criticism, and comments would be very appreciated. Thanks for reading! :celeb1:
 
This was my first purchase for the new tank.

MAKO 5 Stage RO/DI System 100gpd
 

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I don't think hd carries diamond hole saws except maybe in 1 3/8 for faucets.
I'm about to get some from gl*******s dot com or off amazon.

Congrats on the free tank. And an in wall build in a walk out basement sounds really cool. Pics when you get going.

BTW, IMO, depending what work you need to do, I'd think about getting an air powered rotary/die grinder instead.
 
jcw nice you're from Elmhurst! I'm from Oak Park and I have tons of family from Elmhurst., in fact my step dad is from there. :)

Why do you suggest a rotary/die grinder?!
 
I ordered my glass bit from bulkreefsupply.com, great site! Make sure you use a aquarium safe silicone also.
 
Thanks Zero I planned on it. If Lowes doesn't carry the bits I'll probably order them like you suggested. There really isn't any hurry because the tank isn't moving anywhere yet and I have to run to the store for supllies regardless. If your external is still available when I am ready I may take it off your hands. Thanks again.
 
As far as Silicone, use RTV 108 for clear or RTV 103 for black. It's aquarium safe and way stronger and easier to find than GE Silicone 1. I bought mine from Grainger.com, but you should be able to pick it up at the Grainger store in Fenton as well. I recently resealed my Bowfront with the RTV 108 and have had no issues (other than don't try to do too much at once, this stuff skins over pretty quick).
 
I would use it if it were free. Very thoughtful of your step dad.

Have you resealed an aquarium before? If not can I advise you to pick up a new 55g tank. Resealing if done right can be a chore and isn't just smearing silicone over the old seams.

As far as the overflows concerned. If you think gunk would be a problem, run a small bead of silicone around all the edges and not the center. That should block anything from entering that could cause a problem.
 
marco j said:
jcw nice you're from Elmhurst! I'm from Oak Park and I have tons of family from Elmhurst., in fact my step dad is from there. :)

Why do you suggest a rotary/die grinder?!
Click to expand...

I'm just a few years older than you if that IS your real age on your profile ;). I went to Fenwick YEARS ago. And still work in Oak Park. :)

A air die grinder is just so much more powerful and versatile than a dremel. Of course, you would need an air compressor to run it as well.

I would get that over an electric die grinder because if the tool gets stuck, the air grinder stops. If an electric one gets stuck, it either snaps the bit or breaks your wrist.

It all depends what you are going to use it for. If it is a one project and done deal, the dremel might by fine.
 
jcw said:
I'm just a few years older than you if that IS your real age on your profile ;). I went to Fenwick YEARS ago. And still work in Oak Park. :)

A air die grinder is just so much more powerful and versatile than a dremel. Of course, you would need an air compressor to run it as well.

I would get that over an electric die grinder because if the tool gets stuck, the air grinder stops. If an electric one gets stuck, it either snaps the bit or breaks your wrist.

It all depends what you are going to use it for. If it is a one project and done deal, the dremel might by fine.
Click to expand...

In my experience, a dremel is versatile enough to handle glass cutting using the carbide ceramic bits. I have personally cut over 30 2inch holes in ten gallon tanks, and over a dozen in larger, glass ranging from 1/8 to 1/2, not to mention hundreds of tiles. This is with the older style dremels the 400 model and earlier. Perhaps the new dremels are not made the same.

On that note, I feel a glass hole-saw to be the easiest, cleanest way to cut holes. If you have a drill then a $14.00 hole-saw will do what you need.
 
bradleym said:
Bahahaha! Gotta love auto censorship.

Good luck on your build and congrats on the free tank. Oh yeah, and happy birthday! :)
Click to expand...

Thanks but please I don't want to be 38 just yet I've got another month of 37!!!

zero26 said:
Cool let me know.
Click to expand...

Sure thing.

phorge said:
As far as Silicone, use RTV 108 for clear or RTV 103 for black. It's aquarium safe and way stronger and easier to find than GE Silicone 1. I bought mine from Grainger.com, but you should be able to pick it up at the Grainger store in Fenton as well. I recently resealed my Bowfront with the RTV 108 and have had no issues (other than don't try to do too much at once, this stuff skins over pretty quick).
Click to expand...

You know I was just at Lowes and had a tube of 100% silicone RTV and put it down because I wasn't sure. Oh well. I'll probably just order a tube when I order my skimmer.

dbuesking said:
Its one of the most important. Congrats on the new tank. Take your time and plan every thing out. :D

Bring on the pics:wave:
Click to expand...

I most certainly am and thank you. This will be my first salt water tank after many years with cichlids. My buddy who frequents here has finally convinced me to make the plunge. I've been jealous of his 220 for so long I hope I can get to his level.

No way will I need a crane like you though! ;)

Nick_P said:
I would use it if it were free. Very thoughtful of your step dad.

Have you resealed an aquarium before? If not can I advise you to pick up a new 55g tank. Resealing if done right can be a chore and isn't just smearing silicone over the old seams.

As far as the overflows concerned. If you think gunk would be a problem, run a small bead of silicone around all the edges and not the center. That should block anything from entering that could cause a problem.
Click to expand...

No I've never resealed a tank before but I think I can handle it. I plan on stripping the inside layer of silicone out the best I can (because silicone wont cure to silicone), a quick cleaning and then run a nice heavy bead and then smooth it out.

Am I missing something!?


jcw said:
I'm just a few years older than you if that IS your real age on your profile ;). I went to Fenwick YEARS ago. And still work in Oak Park. :)

A air die grinder is just so much more powerful and versatile than a dremel. Of course, you would need an air compressor to run it as well.

I would get that over an electric die grinder because if the tool gets stuck, the air grinder stops. If an electric one gets stuck, it either snaps the bit or breaks your wrist.

It all depends what you are going to use it for. If it is a one project and done deal, the dremel might by fine.
Click to expand...

Oh no not a Fenwick sissy! JK

Yeah that's my real age. I went to OPRF for only my freshman year before I moved out to Cali for 14 years.

As for the dremel yeah it would be pretty much bought for this purpose and then be part of my very limited collection of tools. Perhaps I may try Nick's suggestion below and get a glass saw attachment for my drill?!?!

Nick_P said:
In my experience, a dremel is versatile enough to handle glass cutting using the carbide ceramic bits. I have personally cut over 30 2inch holes in ten gallon tanks, and over a dozen in larger, glass ranging from 1/8 to 1/2, not to mention hundreds of tiles. This is with the older style dremels the 400 model and earlier. Perhaps the new dremels are not made the same.

On that note, I feel a glass hole-saw to be the easiest, cleanest way to cut holes. If you have a drill then a $14.00 hole-saw will do what you need.
Click to expand...

Thanks Nick, both my 75 and 55 are only 1/2 inch so if you think a hole-saw would do the trick I may try that first. Any particular brand or make I should look for?

Thanks everyone for the support I appreciate it. Trust me I wish it were a custom Felix made tank but I am very grateful Jim (step dad) did this for me. He knows how much I love this stuff and I think he wants to live vicariously through me. That man just keeps flushing money into his tank and losing it.


Here's a shot I took of the tank when I got home.
 

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I `picked mine up years ago from ebay. I would think any hole saw from glass holes or brs would be fine.
 
^Thanks Nick I will definitely be ordering one.


Alright everybody it's always more fun to spend other people's money so let's help me make some tough decisions. Now keep in mind the items I have listed below are only my first run through on what I believe to be some good options. Again suggestions and criticism is welcome. Also if you have any experience with any of these items please give me some feedback about them.

Controllers
#1 http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/NEP-C-APEXLEB8.html
#2 http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/RK-30-0012-003.html

Skimmers
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/CV-XS-250.html
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/CV-XS-350.html

If I could afford the BubbleKings I would get one but unfortunately my kids have to eat. The bastards!

Wave Boxes/pumps/powerheads
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/T6215_000.html
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/T6055_000.html <-two of these

Lighting

3 Reef Optix Pendants double ended 250w http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/SL-OPTIX3.html Premium Aquatics is currently sold out but I can get these a few other places
3 14K Phoenix bulbs http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/14K-250HQI-PH.html

I'm not sold on T5 lighting and I really like the look of halides but I'm also open minded. Anyone have an opinion on this bulk package from Bulk Reef Supply?!

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...t5-maristar-ballast-bracket-bulb-package.html

Thanks
 
marco j said:
^Thanks Nick I will definitely be ordering one.


Alright everybody it's always more fun to spend other people's money so let's help me make some tough decisions. Now keep in mind the items I have listed below are only my first run through on what I believe to be some good options. Again suggestions and criticism is welcome. Also if you have any experience with any of these items please give me some feedback about them.

Controllers
#1 http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/NEP-C-APEXLEB8.html
#2 http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/RK-30-0012-003.html

Skimmers
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/CV-XS-250.html
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/CV-XS-350.html

If I could afford the BubbleKings I would get one but unfortunately my kids have to eat. The bastards!

Wave Boxes/pumps/powerheads
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/T6215_000.html
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/T6055_000.html <-two of these

Lighting

3 Reef Optix Pendants double ended 250w http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/SL-OPTIX3.html Premium Aquatics is currently sold out but I can get these a few other places
3 14K Phoenix bulbs http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/14K-250HQI-PH.html

I'm not sold on T5 lighting and I really like the look of halides but I'm also open minded. Anyone have an opinion on this bulk package from Bulk Reef Supply?!

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...t5-maristar-ballast-bracket-bulb-package.html

Thanks
Click to expand...

I am not going to pretend to have answers here :)

I do ask why you want to go with a wavebox over a vortech setup? I have a MP10 and think it was well worth the cost. Obviously you would need 2x MP40s, just saying the MP 10 is awesomsauce.

I would also have you look into a reefangel, since you do not have a full bore apex system listed. You get a lot of functionality for a little price, if you are willing to do some research and tinker.

For lighting, its hard to beat the shimmer of MH. T-5s looks flat to me but its personal opinion. I personally would not buy a new MH setup, there are tons of great deals on MH. People switching to LED and dumping their MH.
 
Thanks Nick I am going to do some research on the Vortech right now.

I think the thing that grabbed my attention the most about the Apex was that is could pretty much expand to anything I wanted plus I love the constant pH and emperature readings on the display. Oh and the internal storage of the years readings.

I agree about the halides shimmer which is the main reason I think I am pointed in that direction.

And by the way I the the term awesomesauce. My new one since 08' has been sweet chicken. :)
 
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