Tansu inspired mixed reef & Haddoni:Clown setup

[sugartooth]

henley- that's what I keep trying to do, not to get too emotional and force things....just let them fall into place. I hope, really hope, that I don't have to do too much plumbing and can just cannibalize the existing pieces. THAT was just a real pain to do and I would rather not have to plumb again (I suppose I can pay someone).

gimmito- Thanks! I feel for your long journey and hope it all turns out how you want it to be.

mr9iron- Thank you as well!

 

[LeviTillie]

Your tank is looking awesome! I can't wait for everything to come together for you.

 

[dahenley]

Hey sugar...

can you describe what these carvings are?
is there a significance? or do you just like them because they are sweet looking?

or is there a reason for the pattern you were looking for?
thanks

 

[BADGUS]

Hey Kathy,thanks for meeting up with me for those coral pieces,I'm glad to hear that you're anxiously waiting for your new tank,i can't wait to see this beauty!!If you need a hand with anything let me know,i can go wear your mask for a few hrs :lol:.......Good luck with the new tank.

 

[prop-frags]

Great build, sugar!
We have admiration for your patience, perseverance, and your attention to detail. These are things to which we can certainly relate, but your build is very classy and so well integrated to your beautiful home. Inspiring! Now, let's get on with this thing! Can't wait to see the new Elos glass and some NaCl H2O!!!

 

[sugartooth]

Hi henley, that's cool you ask. I specifically was looking for 9 dragons jade carvings. Many of the carvings I usually see are for display (statues, etc.) or jewelry, and the only ones that fit into the door would have been the shadowboxes. The top round one and the archway shadowbox are replicas of ancient 9 dragon carvings from different periods.

These symbols have meaning that go pretty far back and 9 is the greatest number (infinity) and they (dragons) represent control over each direction (in the top picture) like North, Northwest, Northeast, West, East, etc. These dragons are auspicious and supposed to represent prosperity, longevity, and good luck/good fortune. I was always taught that dragons were the king of the sky, other people say they rule the water too, and tigers were king of the land (zodiac). Dragons are also associated a lot with emperors (son of heaven, emperor's orders...).

The shape is another symbol. The 'Bi' shape is auspicious and also goes back a long time (I-ching, Feng Shui). That archway carving of the dragons was THE one I wanted in the doors because the shape was perfect to give some texture to the door and the size was also ideal (besides looking cool).

The last one which was my favorite (but can't find anywhere) and looked like 'fu dogs' to me. But, it turns out that they are two dragons holding the emperor's decree and is another replica from a different dynasty.

My alternate (if I couldn't get 9 dragons) was fu dogs. I found one shadowbox that I loved, but could only find one.

I love love love carvings and pottery in the style of the old dynasties. So I still would have eventually found something to go in the doors, as long as the craftsmanship would show through.

The end result I wanted was to have a symbol for auspiciousness, good fortune, and long life for my livestock and home.
　
Gus: Thanks so much, but really it was the very least I can do after all of your help before. Thanks also for offering to help with my new tank. I think it would be cool to see you in a mask........ I will see how much needs to be done when it arrives since they didn't take pictures of it before ship. fingers crossed!

Levi and prop: Thank you, it's great to hear your encouragement as well!

 

[sugartooth]

YAY!!!!
Good news. I talked to Jesse earlier and my tank has arrived and needs to clear customs. I asked for delivery in a couple of weeks so I can take vacation days. I can't wait!

 

[bullitr]

Kathy
what's the dimension of the Elos?
Is it rimless too?
Also what lightning are you using
Thanks and good luck with the new tank.

 

[boxer385]

YAY!!!!
Good news. I talked to Jesse earlier and my tank has arrived and needs to clear customs. I asked for delivery in a couple of weeks so I can take vacation days. I can't wait!

Great news Kathy, i seen that you went to Italy, will be there next year I have family there.

 

[sugartooth]

Hi Lawrence, the dimensions will be the same as the original to fit on the stand. It will be 70" x 30" x 30", however, the actual swimming space will be more since they shrunk the overflow.

It's not rimless (they are beautiful) it has eurobracing because I have the canopy that needs to go on top. The lighting will be 2 x 400 watters and 1 250 DE in the middle (Lumenmax Elites). Thanks so much for your well wishes.


Hi Greg! Actually Italy is coming to me (I didn't go, I just ordered from there) but I have been there in the past. I hope you have a blast with your family.

 

[[WDT]TardFarmer]

Hello all! I am the "nice gentleman" that purchased the AGE. I love it and can't wait to get the build officially started. Kathy, can you tell me what size bulkheads you purchased? I see that you had a bit of trial and error congrats on your Elos! I was lurking on the big tanks forum and saw Tansu. I knew it was you. All, I saw the stand in person and it is incredible!

 

[sugartooth]

Hi Josh!
Thank you so much for the nice words.....

I'm so glad you like the tank and I hope to see your build soon! Thanks for chiming in and as for the holes, yes, there was a 'challenge' when I put the bulkheads in. A couple of the 1" holes didn't allow the bulkhead to sink completely in, and was found to be a smidge off from the others. I'm not sure why, since it's all computerized ( I think). The owner of the LFS that I got the tank through came and just sanded the inside of the hole and it popped in. For the next months I didn't see any leaks from the bulkheads. Just be sure to rub a little silicone lubricant on the seals and you will get a nice seal.

I had 1" bulkheads for the closed loop holes/returns, 1.5" bulkheads for the drain and closed loop intakes (all in overflow area). I think I gave you some 1" and 1.5" bulkheads to take if I remember correctly? They are all drilled for Schedule 80 and the bulkheads I got were from Savko (if the receipt I sent you wasn't right just let me know and I will try to find the right one).

Good luck! I hope everything turns out nicely.

 

[dahenley]

Any updates on customs or any dates that can be shared??

(josh, it would be cool if you could post a link to your build. that way we can follow the old and new tanks!)

 

[sugartooth]

Well, good news and bad news. Good news is that the tank arrived and I was sent pictures. The pictures show the tank is beautiful. Bad news is that there were a few features that I wanted that weren't done. I talked to Jesse and will get back to me to see what can be done next week.

I'm not sure what to think about this hobby at this point. *sigh* I think I'm driving people around me bananas.

 

[dahenley]

if they features were in the plans.... and not done without notice or reason before hand.... its not your fault.... (although disappointing....)

 

[sugartooth]

Yeah, it's disappointing. The tank is beautiful, and will function as is, it's just not what i asked for. You know, if you go to an auto dealership and want the car with NAVI, On Star, and whatever brand speakers, and can get a car that will take you where you need to go without all that. But you still want those features regardless.

Jesse is going to see what Italy says and wants to work with me on this. At this point, I'm not in any hurry anymore so I'm not going to make it seem as though it's urgent to fix it.......just that it gets fixed in the end.

 

[[WDT]TardFarmer]

oh man. What did they leave out?

 

[sugartooth]

Josh, I'm sending you a message....

 

[Luckedout]

I hope this build gets back on track. You have an amazing stand and you deserve credit for such an amazing eye for detail. Hopefully the new tank is up and running soon!

 

[mr9iron]

What was left out?


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