After going through several tanks (most never even had water and is a long story) I have finally decided on my next tank and I will post the build pictures here as I can.

I got the tank a couple of weeks ago. The tank will be a FOWLR. I travel a lot so I am trying to make it as easy on my wife as possible in the event of some kind of emergency.

I am pretty cheap, so I will build as much as I can myself.

The tank is 72 wide x 28 deep x 36 tall. Here is what it looked like when I got it. I dont have the sump in this picture. Do the pictures look familiar?

http://i36.tinypic.com/2aa137o.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/1zejwaw.jpg

Since the tank is going to be against the wall, the center overflow had to come out and I wanted to open up the top a little more. I kept the previous holes in the bottom and I will use them as part of the closed loop. I will be adding an external overflow to the tank. It will have 5 drains total. Two will feed directly into the sump, one will feed the uv and skimmer, one will feed the refugium and the last will be an emergency overflow.

http://i33.tinypic.com/2djnplt.jpg

I still need to build the stand/canopy. I am going to copy Big D's stand somewhat, but it will be painted.

The stand: I plan on making the bottom of the stand almost a trough to hold water incase of an emergency that will have a drain piped outside the house.

The canopy will have 3 175 watt metah halide lights.

I have this small 29 gallon sump that I dont know if I am going to use or not. I also have a 50 gallon sump that I wll use as a refugium. I will be using a sequence baracuda for the closed loop and I am leaning towards a dart for a return pump. The sump will have a float valve for a topoff.

I am building the skimmer right now. It is 10 inch diamater and is about 28 inches tall. It is a recirculating needlewheel skimmer with a Sedra 9000 pump.

http://i38.tinypic.com/2mmbddv.jpg

I will post more pictures as I get more done.

Looking Good So Far!

Looking Good! Interesting skimmer,Can't wait to see how it works out.

Dude His skimmers are kick a@#!!! I cant wait to see this up and running! Let me know if you need help. If i have time i will help!

Dude His skimmers are kick a@#!!! I cant wait to see this up and running! Let me know if you need help. If i have time i will help!

Do you have one also?

I wish! I should have gotten one when i had the chance!

I am using a smaller skimmer for this tank. The dart needlewheel pump is a little much. I actually ran this skimmer without the dome the other day and it foamed pretty good after a couple of days. I guess I should have snapped a picture of that.

Here is a nother skimmer I just finished up for Fish Scales. It is 70 inches tall and has 3 of these pumps.

http://i35.tinypic.com/eslyk8.jpg

looking good Brett

I would like to have have an artificial live rock wall on the back of the tank. Has anyone ordered or know someone who has ordered from this place or know another companies that do this?

http://www.deepwaterrock.com/

Looks awesome so far. What are you plans with the tank? 36" tall lends itself to a FOWLR....

Yea, I would like to keep large fish. Anything with lots of color.

I got a little done tonight. I got the overflow marked on the tank. It will be 30 inches across and about 11 inches tall. Here is the where the overflow will be. The teeth are drawn on the tape.

http://i37.tinypic.com/2qss6qq.jpg

To cut the teeth in the back of the tank, I have to drill a starting hole for each of the teeth to put the router bit in. Once all the holes are drilled, I can set up the router and make the teeth pretty fast. It took a couple a while tonight to drill these holes. Each one has to be drilled with a jig. If the holes are just a little off being straight, the router bit will chip the acrylic when I cut the teeth. Here are a couple of pictures with the holes drilled. I am tired now and and might get the teeth cut tomorrow. The teeth will be 1/4 inch wide on 1/2 inch centers and 1 1/2 inches long.


http://i38.tinypic.com/qxm4iu.jpg

The holes look a little funny in this picture because you are seeing them through the joint. The holes are as high as I could get them without getting into the top.

http://i37.tinypic.com/2h5oeno.jpg

Here is my sump that I will be using. It is 48x20x14. I think it was originally built and used at Under the Wave. I will be adding baffles in it for a fuge and a place to put the skimmer.

http://i37.tinypic.com/2u3uud4.jpg

I want your sump. When are you going out of town? :D

Looking good! Hey, I see my skimmer in the background. :)

Nea, I think I am going to keep that one. It turned out too nice.

LOL I know where you live.

LOL I know where you live.

Did I hear "field trip"? :)

Count me in! lol NICE Job bro!

One last shot Brett, What will it take to get you make me just one more skimmer? I swear I saw another piece of tubing on the shelf. LOL
Maybe a turbine powered:up:


James I saw your skimmer the other day, SWEET, Brett never ceases to amaze me.

One last shot Brett, What will it take to get you make me just one more skimmer? I swear I saw another piece of tubing on the shelf. LOL
Maybe a turbine powered:up:


James I saw your skimmer the other day, SWEET, Brett never ceases to amaze me.

I will have to pass Chris.



I got finished cutting all the teeth for the overflow. I am happy how they turned out. Not the best picture, but gives you an idea.

http://i33.tinypic.com/2rggqq9.jpg

I started on the actual overflow box. I set it in its place and took the picture. This is how it will look viewed from the top. It is just big enough to fit the required plumbing in it. Any bigger and the tank with the overflow wont fit through the door. I will get the box finished up and glued tomorrow I hope.

http://i38.tinypic.com/5zp749.jpg

I got the 2x6's for the stand and got started on it while I waiting on some glue to dry. Not really enough to take a picture of it though.

All right, the overflow is done and glued to the tank. I have to get some more bulkhead fittings.

http://i36.tinypic.com/2r3i6x0.jpg

Here is part of the stand I got done. I will be skinning it in the next couple of days. The bottom will be solid plywood and the top will have two more boards going across the top. I plan on putting sheet foam insulation inside the stand to try and keep down the noise of the pumps since this will be in th living room.

http://i37.tinypic.com/1oats6.jpg

I just set the tank on the stand. I really like the height of the tank.

http://i37.tinypic.com/fbat03.jpg

Nice setup! How tall is the stand?

Nice setup! How tall is the stand?

The stand is 32" tall.

The canopy will have 3 of the Lumenarc 3 reflectors with 175 watt bulbs. With these reflectors, arent they supposed to be like 9 inches above the water? My canopy is going to be pretty tall. I might go a head and extend it all the way to the ceiling if its with in a couple of inches.

I ordered the rest of my bulkhead fittings today. Hopefully they will be here this week.

I stopped by HD today and got the wood to skin the stand. I got it all cut before I started baking too much in the garage. Maybe tonight I will get some of it glued to the stand. I got all of the ball valves that I need for the drains and the closed loop.

http://i36.tinypic.com/2i9saom.jpg

Where did you order your bulkheads from? I need to get some.

32" stand height should look real good. I'm not sure about the Lumenarc's, 9" sounds about right.

Just a little done before we go on vacation.

The bulkheads came in today and I got the drains done. I will use four of them for specific things, the center is an emergency overflow in the event one of the other four gets clogged.

http://i34.tinypic.com/30us0v4.jpg

I also got the sides of the stand skinned. I need to take the tank back off the stand so I can finish up the front. I already have the doors and they are ready to mount as soon as I get the fron skin on.

http://i38.tinypic.com/28akvpl.jpg

I got all the holes marked for the closed loop and the water returns. I will drill these up after I get my Deep Water Rock back in so I make sure the holes are aligned before I turn the back into swiss cheese.

looks good!

Good build thread, Following along, can't wait to see the end product... makes me want to build something!

Back from a quick vacation and I got a little done.

The front skin is now on.

http://i35.tinypic.com/2yvjptu.jpg

I started trimming out the front and got the doors installed. I cheated on the doors. They were on an old stand that I had and the sizes worked out good for this one.

http://i38.tinypic.com/2mw6u76.jpg

And they even open.

http://i38.tinypic.com/2l8c66c.jpg

I did a little horse trading and got rid of the 40 gallon sump. This 75 gallon is replacing it. The extra water volume will be nice.

http://i36.tinypic.com/35c54bm.jpg

hey Brett, some birds pooped on your sump!

lol!

I went ahead and did it. I ordered my rock wall from Deep Water Rock today. Instead of shipping it, he is going to bring it to MACNA and I will pick it up.

Can't wait to see that...it's going to be cool!

Man was it hot today, but the stand is finished. We got the tank and stand moved to it final location to clear out some space in the garage. I thought I was going to paint it black, but my wife caught me and told me different. I like the white and it matches a built in window seat we have directly across from it.

http://i33.tinypic.com/212uwe0.jpg

Here it is with the doors open.

http://i38.tinypic.com/hvqziw.jpg

I might try and get the sump finished up next before I start on the canopy. I am toying around the idea of using a linear actuator to open and close the canopy.

Looking Good Brett ! I like the white.

Beautiful!

I got the baffles put into the sump along with the float valve for the auto top off. The chamber to the right will be the refugium (about 25 gallons). That leaves 50 gallons and all I need for the remaining water in the overflow in the event of a power outage is 13 gallons. I should be in good shape there.

No Raj, thats not bird poo-its water drops this time.


http://i33.tinypic.com/ohigy1.jpg

I got the baracuda for the closed loop but I cant drill the holes for the bulkheads until my rock gets here. I need to figure out how I am going to mount the pump. I am going to have to build some small shelves inside the stand for the ozone generator and come up with a way to mount the UV. I will also be making a large (4 inch dia) carbon chamber for the skimmer to dump into and might make a second matching chamber for phosban.

That stand in white looks really good. I have yet to paint a stand white. Will probably make my next one white b/c of the way this one looks... Looking good. Im along for the ride... keep the updates coming

looks good man. How'd you get the baffles in?

Looking good!

I do want to ask about the bottom support on the tank - I always read that an acrylic tank had to be fully supported on the bottom (unlike a glass tank that's only supported on the edges). Do you plan on adding some more support in there, or have I been building stands wrong?

I do have supports that go into the top, but they are not installed right now. They are removeable so the sump can be removed/installed.

I have the sump set into the stand now-that was a job!


http://i33.tinypic.com/24cs2v4.jpg




I have decided to go a different route as far as skimmers goes. I will be using an external dart skimmer. I have a big challange to build one to fit in the left over space. I have a design in mind- but thats as far as I have gotten.

This will definately be the last big tank I put together without a basement. I started playing around with where I was going to mount the pumps and the baracuda barely fits. I am going to have to mount it up high in the stand over the refugium to make it work. I will have to make a cover for the fuge to keep the pump dry. I am glad I changed to this 75 gallon sump because it gives me just enough room to mount the dart infront of it, not to mention it brings my total volume up to just over 400 gallons.

I will be splitting the output of the baracuda 4 ways. I just ordered one of these flow diverters to keep everything neat. Maybe eventually I will get an OM 4 way.

http://i35.tinypic.com/t047fc.png

I will be splitting the output of the baracuda 4 ways. I just ordered one of these flow diverters to keep everything neat. Maybe eventually I will get an OM 4 way.

http://i35.tinypic.com/t047fc.png


Where did you find this part? I've been looking for something similar...

Here you go:

http://www.flexpvc.com/

Are you going to put some vinyl or paint on the back? That stand really looks amazing!

Are you going to put some vinyl or paint on the back? That stand really looks amazing!

No, I am having a rock wall made from here:

http://www.deepwaterrock.com/DeltecWall/tabid/65/Default.aspx

I will be splitting the output of the baracuda 4 ways. I just ordered one of these flow diverters to keep everything neat. Maybe eventually I will get an OM 4 way.

http://i35.tinypic.com/t047fc.png

That part is awesome! I wish I would have found that when I was plumbing my tank...brilliant!

Btw, how are you going to access the sump? That looks like worse clearance than I have!

Btw, how are you going to access the sump? That looks like worse clearance than I have!


Its not as bad as it looks in the picture. Just wait until you see how I mount the baracuda and start getting in the plumbing.

I will be running ozone through the skimmer so here is how I will remove the ozone. This is a 4 inch dia. tube that is 15 inches tall. The the skimmer water will feed into befor the water goes back into the system. It will be packed with carbon. It will be easily accessed by removing the chamber from the skimmer via the union, then removing the plate on the bottom. I will put the carbon in a mesh bag inside the chamber to keep it from making a mess. The plate on the bottom is a drain I found in the plumbing section that is made for 4 inch dia pvc and is a nice snug fit. I will probabaly make a second one to put phosban in that can be fed by one of the drains.

http://i33.tinypic.com/11lufi8.jpg

Hmm.... What happens if the carbon gets clogged over time, and your skimmer overflows?

For what it's worth- I've run ozone for years, and have never run carbon. If there are any ill effects from it, then I haven't seen them...

Btw, how are you going to access the sump? That looks like worse clearance than I have!

Its getting tighter. Still have a lot more plumbing to go.

http://i35.tinypic.com/2a8koic.jpg

Hmm.... What happens if the carbon gets clogged over time, and your skimmer overflows?

For what it's worth- I've run ozone for years, and have never run carbon. If there are any ill effects from it, then I haven't seen them...

You cant see the "T" that will be in front of it. It will be pointed up, then go into a 90 then back into the sump. As long as the water is flowing through the carbon, wont back up into the "T". Besides, that a large area to clog. If it does clog, I would have really been neglecting my tank.

Ah - cool. Good solution.

Yes, it'd take a lot to clog that much carbon, but Murphy has a way with saltwater tanks. Usually when you're out of town... :)

I think Murphy lives at my house

You could always take out the carbon bag and turn off the ozone before going on vacation. But I seriously doubt you will ever have that problem.

Your coming along fast. I wish I had 2-3 months off work at a time.:)

I think Murphy lives at my house

He must bounce back and forth between our houses. I can always find a way to dump water on the floor. I am hoping I never have any big spills on my new setup. That would be alot of water on the floor.

Your coming along fast. I wish I had 2-3 months off work at a time.:)

You just jinxed me James!

You just jinxed me James!

Don't tell me you have to go to work. :doh:

A little more progress today. I got the UV mounted and plumbed. It is fed by 1 drain and then goes to the refugium. I have a valve before the UV to slow down the flow. I got that fitting in the other day and I also started the closed loop plumbing. I cant get the plumbing run to the back wall yet unitl I get the holes drilled. I can do that until I get my deep water rock in. Still have tons to do. Nothing is glued yet, that will be the last thing I do......thats a lesson learned in the past.

I got the basic design done for the new skimmer and I got the other dart pump ordered. It is supposed to be here Thursday. Here are the latest progress pictures.

Viewed from the left:

http://i36.tinypic.com/jag7k2.jpg

Viewed from the right:

http://i33.tinypic.com/11h7ax3.jpg

And looking through the bottom og the tank:

http://i33.tinypic.com/2aj13b9.jpg

Its getting pretty tight in the stand and I still have to cram another pump, a dart skimmer, the ozone generator, refugium lights and run some power.

great idea running the UV from the overflow! Ive been looking for a differnt way to run mine, and I think Im gonna follow suit.

I started on the skimmer today. I have such a small area left in the stand, the skimmer has to be pretty compact. I am using a Dart needle wheel pump and the reaction chamber is 12 inch diameter. To save space, the pump's discharge side is at the lowest point possible and then turns up. The pump's inlet draws the water from the lowest point in the chamber. The water return will be on the opposite side of the pump inlet. Because of the limited height in the stand, the collection cup will look like the RK2 skimmers.

Here is what I have so far:

http://i35.tinypic.com/v5l9bp.jpg

looking good. I can't wait to hear the moaning when you have to do anything in that sump! hahahahah! Welcome to my world :)

I just finished up the dome. Its kind of hard to see in the picture because of the glare. I need to cut the flanges and glue it all up.

http://i34.tinypic.com/2iav9j8.jpg

I got the keyholes cut and everything here is glued up. The only thing I have left to do on this part is cut out the center where the top of the dome is. If I get a chance I will glue up the rest of the skimmer today.

http://i33.tinypic.com/2z673tz.jpg

One more picture.

http://i38.tinypic.com/2ekocue.jpg

I got the rest of the plumbing done on the skimmer today and now it has water in it (fresh water). This is actually the side view. You can see where the water flows into the skimmer (the elbow on the pump inlet). I need to get some dirty salt water and get it broken in. Then I can check the airflow.

I ordered the neoprene gasket material today. I still have to make the top and get the air intake pipe ran. I think I am going to have it pull air from the skimmer cup to cut down on the noise.

http://i37.tinypic.com/17ejav.jpg

Well thats different. Can't wait to see how it works.

Well thats different. Can't wait to see how it works.

It is different but its really growing on me. Here it is with a little saltwater in it making nice bubbles.

http://i34.tinypic.com/mwe0jr.jpg

I got the lid done on the skimmer and a couple of brackets made to support the intake pipe. I went ahead and put a Dwyer air flow meter on the body. I still need get the fittings to connect it up. The skimmer will be ready for the the cabinet when I get the gasket material in. In the mean time, I will let it run with salt water to break it in.

http://i33.tinypic.com/30kugp1.jpg

How do you like the output of the pump shooting straight up into the bubble plate? Does it seem to work better? Dude that pump is going to rock that short body. Mine almost worked flawlessly to the top of my skimmer.

How do you like the output of the pump shooting straight up into the bubble plate? Does it seem to work better?

My thinking when I built this was the bubbles would have the same distance vertically as one with a taller chamber. It seems to do really well.

The neoprean came in and the skimmer has a gasket now. I am going to do a little more tinkering with it before it goes into the cabinet to be plumbed.

I got pictures from Dave at Deep Water Rock and my back wall is well underway. The foundation is complete and now he is starting on the front pieces. They will cover most of these pieces in the pictures. The wall will cover the entire back wall (72x36).

http://i37.tinypic.com/2q8xef6.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/29y1o2q.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/fviels.jpg

That rock wall looks nice!

That rock wall looks nice!

I think so too. You have to look really close see to where the closed loop and water returns will go through.

I got my brand new $125 Dart returm pump plumbed before I head back to the airport.

http://i38.tinypic.com/35iognl.jpg

The job I was supposed to leave for last night got pushed back until Monday so I made a trip to home depot again on th way home and got the stuff for my top off. I dont have a water supply close, so I an using the bathroom upstairs to supply the RODI auto top off. I spent all morning pulling the tubing, but it is one more thing done.

http://i35.tinypic.com/o55jjo.jpg

I got this much of the canopy frame done before I ran out of wood. It is 18 inches high and will put the reflectors about 10 inches over the water. I still have to get the third reflector from Shane. In this picture (if you cant tell) arent mounted yet. With the canopy, the whole setup is over 7 feet tall.

http://i37.tinypic.com/65q542.jpg

I am looking at this here and thinking-my plan was to use 3 175 watt bulbs for lighting; what does anyone think about me using 2 250 or even 2 400 watt bulbs? Will I get enough coverage, or will I have some really noticible dark spots? I dont plan on keeping corals, just FO.

With those reflectors you can easily use 2 x 250w and be just fine. I initially had 3 on mine (wasn't much in there, so no need wasting the energy) and it covered the entire span of the thank nicely (10')

I love what you're doing with this thing. I almost bought that tank! Looks like you are doing a better job than i would have. Great Build! Im enjoying this one.

I think I might have to try 2 250's then. I can always go back and add another bulb if I dont like it.

Why not just do two 175's? BTW your setup is looking killer. Can't wait to see how the rock wall turns out. I am contemplating getting a couple made for the two sides of my tank.

I got the pictures of the finished rock wall today. I will pick them up Thursday.

http://i33.tinypic.com/ve1aip.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2e2kkrl.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/1smrz5.jpg

those look nice...really nice.

I'm not helping you lift those! :)

Those look nice!

Pictures must be deceiving. The rock structure just doesn't look 24" deep like you said they would be??? Is there other piece not pictured?

It was supposed to be no wider that 24". I am not sure how wide it is but it looks about like I was wanting. Remember, this is a FO not a reef.

Got the canopy access door made and installed and got the sides skinned. I need to pick up some more trim and then it should be ready for paint.

http://i36.tinypic.com/8yiaf9.jpg

Earlier today when the babies were napping, I did a little surgery to one of my power blocks. I made 3 of the outlets switched.

http://i35.tinypic.com/aylzs9.jpg

Before my wife went to bed (forget using power tools when she does) I got a little bit of the trim done on the canopy. With anyluck, I will get the rest of it done tomorrow during the day and if that happens, I will get some paint on it tomorrow night.

http://i37.tinypic.com/24mywq8.jpg

I finally found the last piece to complete the skimmer.

http://i37.tinypic.com/2renric.gif

LOL Nice! Where can I get one???

looks good man!

I met up with Dave tonight from Deep Water Rock at the Westin and picked up my rock wall. All I can say is that I am extremely happy with how it turned out. The pictures I posted do it no justice at all. There are three or four pieces that were not pictured that add depth and a few more caves. I asked him how much it weighs and he estimated between 300-400 pounds and after unloading my trailer tonight, I have no reason to doubt him.

I have to put the rock into the tank, mark where the closed loop and return plumbing needs to be, then remove all the rock, drill the holes and install the bulkheads, then put the rock back in. I will get some of it done tomorrow before I travel, then water wont be far away.

LMK if you need help! I will gladly try to come and help you bud!

Will the rock need to be cured?

Thats out of "Back To The Future" flux compasitor lol.

LMK if you need help! I will gladly try to come and help you bud!

Thanks for the offer. I might need some help.

Will the rock need to be cured?

Dave said with as much rock as I got, I might see a little bit of a ph spike for about a week or so.

Just let me know. You still have my number?

Just let me know. You still have my number?

Shoot it to me in a pm again. I dont have it any more.

I got in first thing this morning and started putting in the rock wall. Long story short, it was made to the outside dimensions of the tank. I called Dave and he told me how to trim it down. He also said he would make things right (on the price). One piece was damaged when he gave it to me last night. He offered to knock $100 of the price for that. I can say Deep Water Rock's customer srevice has been really good so far.

I spent the better part of the morning making this work. I dont have time to drill the holes for all of the bulkheads before I leave, but I did stack it all in there to see what I have.

The three larger pieces really bring out the depth in the wall.

http://i37.tinypic.com/vrqas0.jpg

Looking through the left side.

http://i38.tinypic.com/715rgz.jpg

Looking good. I will call you after work so you can get my number. My blackberry internet doesn't let me PM you. I can reply so if you PM me first it could work. Also do you stay in braselton?

Yea, I am in Braselton.

That's Impressive! I need to talk to this guy tomorrow at the show.

I just made swiss cheese out of the back of my tank and got the five bulkheads in. Two are 1 inch water returns, two are 1 inch closed loop retuns and the last is a single 1 1/2 inch supply for the closed loop pump. Here is what the back of the tanks looks like now. Just a little more plumbing-another trip to home depot.

http://i34.tinypic.com/1zlvmag.jpg

I almost have the canopy done too. I put it on the tank for my wifes approval before I paint it.

http://i36.tinypic.com/15ek4dw.jpg

Finally the plumbing is finished. Here is the back-not the best picture, but the best shot I can get.

http://i36.tinypic.com/2q8ukqu.jpg

I will get the tank pushed back into its final resting place tonight. I am leaving on a business trip tomorrow, but when I get back, I will get both of the RODI's going and start filling it.

The canopy still needs to be finished- I have the trim around the botom to do and then paint and mount the reflectors.

I got my new 300 mg ozone generator in yesterday, my bulbs will be here Tuesday, and I picked up an Aquacontroller Pro the other day. The bulb for the UV will be here next week too. It wont be long now.

Cool! Looking good. The call dropped last time you called and then it kept going to voicemail after that. If you need help tonight i MIGHT be able to swing by.

Cool! Looking good. The call dropped last time you called and then it kept going to voicemail after that. If you need help tonight i MIGHT be able to swing by.

Brett's phone is pretty ghetto. I think he uses the old skool phones that were huge and mostly used by drug dealers in the early nineties! :lol2:

Lmao! Good One!

Dont make fun of my bag phone.

Looks great Brett. Cant wait to see it up and running. What will your first swimmer be?

I was looking at your canopy and noticed a vent right above the top. Now that is what I call a nice chiller.;) I was talking with my wife about our heat issues and mentioned that I might go into the attic and run another vent right above the canopy just for the AC.

The top of the canopy is open as well. I shouldnt have any heat problems.

Bravo!!! I'm really impressed. Very nice job. :yay:

If anyone is interested, I posted my this tank on RC for sale http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1480913 . In the event someone buys the whole thing, I am going to get Shane's (Harleyguy's) 720 gallon and start over. If no one gets it by the time I am ready to start filling this with water, I am going to keep it. Until then, I am going to keep working on getting this thing going.

I got home yesterday and leave again tomorrow so not really time to do anything. I dedided that I want to mount my AC Pro some where where I can see it without opening up the doors so I made a little box to mount it in. I am thinking I will mount it on the side of the stand or canopy (but that still to be decided). I have small kids and dont want them to play push the buttons on the controller so I decided to mount it behind acrylic. The acrylic will be attached to the top piece of trim and if I need to make changes to the controller, all I will have to do is slide the top piece of trim up. Here is what I have so far.

http://i35.tinypic.com/vrvkoi.jpg

And with the top piece slid up. I will mount the acrylic when I get this sanded down and painted.

http://i35.tinypic.com/impdtk.jpg

FOR SALE???? Man your nuts.

Na, I just really like that 96x48 foot print and Shane's tank is that plus 36 tall. Who could resist? When I get a few days off in a row, I am going to start filling.

Thats huge Man. You going to stick with your garage then for the tank???

Finally, all the plumbing is done. I am waiting on a little help to slide the tank back against the wall (should be this afternoon sometime). As soon as its in place, I will get both of the RODIs going and start filling it up. I might even have it filled befor I travel again Monday.

Good to hear it! Man you get me all excited about your builds and sell them just as fast!

Good to hear it! Man you get me all excited about your builds and sell them just as fast!


This one is no longer for sale. ;)

Good! NOW lets get ip up and running so I can see it stocked!

YEA...I now have water flowing! Got the tank moved and the sand in. I connected the auto top off RODI and the tank has water in it (just a little). I gotta make a run to home depot and pick up some more tubing for the other RODI. Just waiting now.

Well while you wait snap some pics!

Here is a picture with everything in the stand.

http://i38.tinypic.com/205tbvl.jpg


I got up this morning and I am half way. I have the closed loop running now.

http://i35.tinypic.com/213kt8z.jpg

Wow, awesome build, Brett! Can't believe I missed this one.

So, what is the intended stock list for the tank?

Finally!

So, what is the intended stock list for the tank?

It will be a FO and I would like to keep some "show size" fish.

I like raising my own show size fish! Are you going to buy them show size or raise them? Just curious.

The tank is full, got all of the little qurks worked out and got the salt added. I dropped a couple of pieces of live rock in and a cup of live sand to get things started. I have to travel tomorrow so that will give it a little time before I throw a couple of damsels in the refugium. I would take some pictures, but I dont have the reflectors mounted so I dont have any light on the tank.

Pics Brett! Pics!

Pics Brett! Pics!

Not much to see yet but the water has already cleared up. When I get back I am going to get the lights going. Then it will really look like an aquarium.

Oh yea, I havent had any kind of ph spike yet with the rock wall. It is actually low now.

http://i37.tinypic.com/978zfk.jpg

Still looking good! Wait until that rock turns nice and purple for ya and you get show size fish in there. Then I will HAVE to come over! LOL

I have lights going now. The water is still clearing up.

http://i38.tinypic.com/fcld2.jpg

Looking Good! I love the way that rock backwall looks!

R2D2 (the skimmer) is now making dirty foam. It is pulling on average about 60 SCFH air.

http://i38.tinypic.com/33p8ro5.jpg


Here is a 2 liter coke bottle that I am using to collect funk (Can I say funk here?). This is about 24 hours of collection.

http://i34.tinypic.com/mrtued.jpg

The skimmer is working good but it is no fun in the stand. I will eventually be building another one that will sit outside the stand. I will keep this setup until probabaly the first of the year.

http://download.microsoft.com/download/whistler/Install/2/WXP/EN-US/ImageResizerPowertoySetup.exe

Image resizer, download it, use it, love it :)

Looking good Brett!

And don't change a thing about the pics; I love large photos!

Me too! I love the huge photos because I can see all the detail! Looking AWESOME Brett!

I like the big photos too but thanks for the suggestion.

Brett, Looks great Man. That back wall looks nice!