Tank upgrade --> 300 Gallon Marineland Project

Mike, I used Fiberglass driveway marker rods and cut them to length. Then drilled the rock with a 1/4" masonry drill and the pegs just tapped in nicely. The only thing I didn't like is the itchyness I had in my hands for a couple days from cutting all the fiberglass rods :)

They are only $2 each for 4 feet.

Like these:
http://www.doityourself.com/invt/u780114
 
To show you how cheap I am, I shopped around and found Marc's had them for 99cents. Granted, I needed a bunch for the driveway as well.
 
I was able to lay the rock out in the living room a few days ago. It went together okay. I am just going to leave it the way it is. I'd take some pics but I don't have very good lighting over the tank at the moment.
 
Mike,
Looking into a tank like this, how much sand (lbs) did it take? At what depth... Stand looks great, was it Rockets diy post?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13888785#post13888785 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Haxer
Mike,
Looking into a tank like this, how much sand (lbs) did it take? At what depth... Stand looks great, was it Rockets diy post?

I would have to guess I put in 240-300 lbs of sand. It gave me a 2 - 3" coverage throughout the tank. All of my sand came in large buckets that were nearly full. Touch base with Steve pro here on RC. He may have some more laying around. I bought the sand from another reefer in Columbus that got it from Steve.

I did use the plans from the DIY section for the base structure. It is very solid in my opinion and not over built at all.
 
I am debating on what pumps to add next to the tank. I like the idea of the small foot print of the Vortech MP40. However, I had planned on using the new 6205's once they are available. Anyone have any opinions on the new Gen 2 MP40's in a large tank?
 
Thanks Sagi,

I'll have to ask him about his experiences. I got a response this morning that has me a little concerned about the reliability issues related to the vortechs. I am a die hard Tunze fan at heart. The 6205's that I am considering are a lot more money that two vortechs. My curiosity was sparked by all the improvements that have been made and their small foot print. I have some time to make the decision. I will have my current two 6100's in the tank as well. Just trying to weigh all my options.
 
Things have been really busy around the house and work. So here are some shots of where the tank is at. I used the rock from 180 gal that I tore down. It was covered in aptasia and other pest anemonies. I put all the rock outside in bins for a week or so to kill them off. It appears to have worked. The rock has been in the tank for about 3 weeks now.

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Here is a shot of the first fish to swim in the large bowl. This fish has been called several names and I am not sure which is correct. The sign at the C-SEA meeting said Burbon Anthias. I have also seen them called Blotched Anthias. They are a rare and expensive fish. With a little luck and few raffle tickets at the Christmas party. I was lucky enough to bring it home.

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Over the weekend I met up with PMG. He is a new member to the club with some awsome wood working skills. I'm sure everyone here will enjoy some of his build pictures once he has a chance to post some. Over a two day period he was able to cut and assemble everything. He was even nice enough to come out and hang the doors on the stand for me. I have to pull the doors back off for finish. Here are some shots of the hood and new stand doors.

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Nice job Mike! I may have to steal your canopy pics for my own build. Is that the same design that your wife said looked amateurish?
 
Thanks,

Feel free to mimic it and mold what I did to whatever works for your setup. My wife was commenting on my ledge work I did on the stand. She was frustrated with me because I was claiming more realestate in the living room. After the finish was on she was happy with it. You know how it goes when things look one way and the wife doesn't like it. If you change the color it is just fine after that :)
 
You know how it goes when things look one way and the wife doesn't like it. If you change the color it is just fine after that :)

HA HA HA!!! LOL!
Sounds exactly like my wife! Nice work, the stand and tank look great.
 
mike that thing is really looking sick. i am planning on purchasing the same tank, except i will be keeping the factory stand and canopy. is there a reason you didnt want to use the factory stand ? or was it just because you wanted it to match the furniture? im pushing towards the chocolate color, but havent seen it in person. i was only concerned as to why marineland used such small drill holes for such a big tank, and also why they put the megaflows in the corner where it kinda makes looking at the tank from the side a little weird. i mean ill live with it anyway, im not going to pay and extra arm and leg to change the holes and location of overflows, they were just my concerns. also i am a bit confused, im new to this hobby, about 2 years in, do you have the rock lifted off the sand? also the plastic rods, im guessing you have to put the heaviest of the rock at the bottom so they dont fall over right? i think your the only one doing a log on the new marine series tank so this is really helping me for getting ready when i buy my tank. im just trying to sell my 120 half circle in the meantime. also could you update the pics of your filtration you have for the tank, im very curious to see how thats going. thanks.
 
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