Vertigo's PA 150 build

[vertigo01]

As a newbie to RC, what better way to say hello than to start a build thread as well as track my progressions and mistakes.
The main focus of this build will be a mixed reef.
I am going to try and go the minimalist aquascaping route

Being as this is going to be a budget build, I will be using some accessories from my current system to help save a couple bucks all the while doing as much of the work I can, myself.

Tank is a Planet Aquariums 150 ( 60x24x24 ) which is taking the place of a very old, very used, Super heavy but in good condition, custom 180 gal ( 48x30x30) that is currently lightly stocked with a few LPS and softies.
Black silicone with no center brace.
<a href="http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/vertigo01/media/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/tank%202_zpsbgdja3sa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a550/vertigo01/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/tank%202_zpsbgdja3sa.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo tank 2_zpsbgdja3sa.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/vertigo01/media/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Tank%201_zpsxcmbzl95.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a550/vertigo01/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Tank%201_zpsxcmbzl95.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Tank 1_zpsxcmbzl95.jpg"/></a>

I will be using 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x .125" wall,A-36 square tubing for the main support structure, as well as 1"x1"x.063" wall, A-36 square tubing for the recessed ( sort of ) sump support.

I also used 3/16 A-36 gussets on all corners for stability, as well as 10 pcs of 3"x 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" square tubing welded to the main base frame, directly below the vertical supports in an effort to raise the stand above the floor.

Cut using my trusty Cheap-O compound miter saw with cut off wheel.
<a href="http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/vertigo01/media/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Steel%20cut%201_zpsksnyfxiy.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a550/vertigo01/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Steel%20cut%201_zpsksnyfxiy.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Steel cut 1_zpsksnyfxiy.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/vertigo01/media/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Steel%20cut%202_zpsein29qnk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a550/vertigo01/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Steel%20cut%202_zpsein29qnk.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Steel cut 2_zpsein29qnk.jpg"/></a>

These are the inserts http://www.mcmaster.com/#60945k28/=10ozdol along with these leveling studs/mounts http://www.mcmaster.com/#62805k71/=10ozeec to help me level the whole shebang

My thought's were that it would help me to reach under and be able to dry up any and all spilled water. we'll see how that goes.:hmm6:

Here is a sketch of the stand I planned out in Autocad.
<a href="http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/vertigo01/media/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Stand_zpsbr3s7ofs.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a550/vertigo01/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Stand_zpsbr3s7ofs.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Stand_zpsbr3s7ofs.jpg"/></a>

The base ( sump area ) will be covered by 3/4 King Starboard ( I had some extra ) on top of which I will use 1/4 PVC sheet ( again I had extra ) to build a containment area with 3" high sides ( gusseted of course ) to possibly, hopefully, maybe contain any spills or leaks from ruining the wood floor. On top of the PVC sheet I will use a piece of foam board to set the sump on top of.
Welded and awaiting primer and paint.

<a href="http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/vertigo01/media/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Stand%20Front_zpsbnozttj8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a550/vertigo01/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Stand%20Front_zpsbnozttj8.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Stand Front_zpsbnozttj8.jpg"/></a>
I hope I didn't go too overboard with the sump area.:rolleye1:



As I am in the planning stages for lighting I have also drawn up a preliminary sketch of what I think may look decent, without being too off the wall looking.
<a href="http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/vertigo01/media/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Stand%20and%20hood_zpsje5wvx6y.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a550/vertigo01/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Stand%20and%20hood_zpsje5wvx6y.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Stand and hood_zpsje5wvx6y.jpg"/></a>

Lighting will be accomplished by 3 Radion XR30's & reef link. In the event that is not enough, I have left room in the hood to add additional T5 supplemental lighting either by 4, 60" bulbs or 4, 24" bulbs

As for the assorted accessories, I will list them as I gather and think of them.
Return pump will be a Reeflo dart Hybrid.
Eshopps RS 3rd gen sump.
Regal 150INT skimmer.
Auto Aqua Auto Top Off.

Forgot to take pic's of the stand primed but will post some of it painted.


If you see anything that could use some tweeking, don't hesitate to let me know. I am going off of a mental picture, which sometimes isn't the best thing for me.

 

[rjjr1963]

Looks like a nice build.

What is your impression of the Planet Aquarium? Does it seem like a high quality build? Do you know what kind of glass they use? My LFS sells them and I'm about to pull the trigger on a 180. Unfortunately their website isn't very helpful.

 

[vertigo01]

Looks like a nice build.

What is your impression of the Planet Aquarium? Does it seem like a high quality build? Do you know what kind of glass they use? My LFS sells them and I'm about to pull the trigger on a 180. Unfortunately their website isn't very helpful.

Thanks.

I really like the Planet Aquarium build quality. All of the seams are straight and of equal width, the mitered plastic rim's have less than .020 gap where they meet as well the overflow is 1/2" glass with the black plastic covering adhered to it.

I didn't go with low iron glass, so I have no idea what type is actually used, sorry.

For the price, I am more than happy with the tank as a whole.:thumbsup: especially when compared to other custom tank builders.

 

[vertigo01]

Had some free time lately, so I decided to plan out my aquascaping.
Being as I really like the clean and tidy look of the minimalist style, I decided that is the way I will go.

Seeing as the live rock I have avail to me at the time are rather large pieces consisting of Pukani and long dead mother colonies of SPS.
My intent was to use what I had on hand, as opposed to buying more.

Seeing as these were rather large and awkward pieces, I ruled out the use of the 2 part squish together epoxy for 2 reasons.
1. I would need quite a few tubes of the stuff and at roughly $12 a tube, I rather spend the money else where.
2. I wasn't 100% sold on the tensile strength of the 2 part's ability to hold weighty objects in awkward positions for the long haul.

After doing a bit of research, I decided on Quikcrete Hyd "Water Stop" Cement.
Having never used the stuff before, I was surprised at how "FAST" the stuff sets up.

After gluing/cementing a few pieces together, I am now at an impasse.

I am open to suggestion's as to which way I should go, with the look.
Version 1.
<a href="http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/vertigo01/media/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Aq%20scape%20idea%201_zpsvisvm5gr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a550/vertigo01/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Aq%20scape%20idea%201_zpsvisvm5gr.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Aq scape idea 1_zpsvisvm5gr.jpg"/></a>

Version 2.
The paint can is temp.
<a href="http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/vertigo01/media/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Aq%20scape%20Ver%203_zpsu9ztnhpu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a550/vertigo01/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Aq%20scape%20Ver%203_zpsu9ztnhpu.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Aq scape Ver 3_zpsu9ztnhpu.jpg"/></a>

Version 3.
<a href="http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/vertigo01/media/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Aq%20scape%20Ver%202_zpsxi5vjjue.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a550/vertigo01/Aquarium/PA%20150%20Build/Aq%20scape%20Ver%202_zpsxi5vjjue.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Aq scape Ver 2_zpsxi5vjjue.jpg"/></a>

This will be the left side of the tank. I haven't started ion the right side yet:idea:

 

[Rico515]

I think version 1 looks best