The Upgrade... and it's problems

[MattyO]

So my roommate and I picked up a 180 Gallon Tank from TimSalty a few hours ago. Great guy! I have some prep work before this thing see's water though. Unfortunetly the tank has a few chips from moving and I was not happy as we found out when a shard of glass went into my roommates hand :sad2:.

I know OPG kinda had the same thing happen so I know it is not the end of the world, but I am still very excited about the tank and that there were 0 stiches needed!!

In total Tim gave me the 180, metal stand on wheels!!!, a 30 gallon sump, 30 gallon refugium, 3 power heads (korallias and another that I do not recognize) and a sick light which has 3 MH's, and actinic supplements for the whole lenght of the 6 foot tank.

Here are the pictures... I def need some advice on the corner that has chipped. It appears to be the front panel of the tank, which is not the worst cause I could replace it with a sheet of low iron glass and I know someone offered to help me if I needed anything :lolspin:

I will get some better pictures later as it is not too nice out ATM.

 

[MattyO]

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The chip/s are a few inches from the bottom on the front left side (when viewing the tank)

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[MattyO]

Crappy Iphone... I need to upgrade my camera LOL

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

Uhhh ohhhh .... damm!! Seems like 180's and 220's are not ment for the members of this club. Means we must go bigger and badder!! Hint Hint!

 

[jarrett shark]

That chip not that bad, I had same one on one of my tanks with no problem
Good luck

 

[MattyO]

Lol jarrett ur just tryn to make me feel better. Of course the phone pic does it no justice, it is actually bad IMHO.

OPG, I found this acrylic company in Michigan that has a 10x4x2 tank at $2500 with holes drilled. Of course shipping will kill you, prob $1000 since its not a normal pallet size ( I have a pallet rate from MI to NY for about $150 including fuel. Just in case u want to upgrade lol.

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

HA!! Yeah right... another tank in the house, I'll be sleeping in it!! LOL!!!

 

[MattyO]

OPG I'm sure you could retrofit a snorkel... Just don't buy any urchins lol.

But tomorrow starts the clean out phase.. Going to pick up a bunch of vinegar. I'm going to try and soak paper towels and apply the, to the walls as it is a LOT of vinegar otherwise.

I still have to decide on black or blue backing.. It will be a FOWLR

I hope the chip will be ok to leak test it over the weekend. If hat goes well I figure one day to shore up the floor, a day to plumb, and then the cycle begins.

If anyone has any LR for sale let me know and I will get back to you soon.

 

[MattyO]

After a little pep talk from Jarrett I water tested the Tank. I will let it sit overnight as it will not be freezing temps (I through two power heads in to prevent any icing).

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A better picture of the chip and how it is with the silicone.

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[MattyO]

The black is where the glass has separated from the silicon

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

Whoaaa... that's cutting it really close my friend. I know how you feel about wanting to just set it up already, but are you really willing to risk it? JMHO. Sorry if you feel like I'm shutting you down, but I'd be worried....

 

[MattyO]

OPG... I have been ver cautious and will empty it today. I will def need to get a new front peice and silicone it in or scratch it and get a different tank.

I am looking at a 4 foot tank and possibly just letting my roommate (who is an avid fisher) use the 180 for anything he catches

 

[MattyO]

So the decision has been made, I will be downgrading from my upgrade, before it even gets into my house... Very sad realization I came to today. I still got a great deal so I will will and sell what I can and keep and use the rest.

I am looking at a 4 foot tank a 75 rimless, 90 stock, 100 acrylic, or a 120. Which will be sps dominated with acans and zoas. If anyone has one or knows of one please let me know. I might get frisky and order a skimmer, dry rock, and some other things later in the week.

While there is no budget set for this, I would like to keep costs down without going crazy on the DIY.