New 225 Setup with Aquascaping Focus

[andrewsk]

Originally Posted by Tarolisol

Looks good, my only critisism is that with only 24" hight you wont get the effect you are looking for with the low and high points on the right. But i could be wrong, ill keep watching and see.

I agree with the 24 height but the 30 deep was WAY more important to me as I want the illusion of open water more than height.

That said, I could have gone 72x30x30 but then I would need more powerful bulbs and longer arms

I can still get the low and high points this way and it should be more gradual.

We will see.

[albert_dao]

I'm going to second the comment about Fudge's work. It is simply AMAZING.

[Midknight]

Put me down for an "Amazing looking tank". I also agree with the depth vs high look.

[Jaws]

Andrew,

Everything sounds great so far. The theory is great. I can't wait to see it in action. The only thing that stands out with me is that you don't want a back wall covered in coralline because it's distracting which I agree with. But using a starboard bottom will also cover in corraline. Is that what you'd prefer or do you want a more natural sand look? Myself, I really enjoy the bright white look a sandbed displays in a reef setup but prefer the benefits of a barebottom tank. Since you're already putting a lot of time and effort into planning and building this system, you may want to look into a false sandbed by glueing sand down on to the starboard. Just a suggestion but if it's done right it can give you the best of both worlds. I look forward to seeing your progress on this since I plan on building a very similar system in the near future. Good luck.

[TheReefGeek]

If you paint the back wall of the tank, could you still clean it with a mag float? Or will that scratch the paint off?

[Jaws]

My guess is it would probably scratch the paint off eventually. The only problem I have with paint is it's permanant. If you ever decided to make the tank a three sided viewing tank in the future then you're stuck with the back wall painted. I've always wanted to try a mirror or a mirrored material maybe like window tint. Other than seeing your own reflection sometimes it would definitely make it look like there's a lot more depth.

[TheReefGeek]

I have razor bladed off blue paint from 20g tank before. Scratches would be a definate risk though.

Depending on the paint type maybe it could be removed with turpentine. (sp?)

[andrewsk]

Well my tank arrived tonight and it is HUGE. It's one thing to measure and plan, but when the tank actually showed up I just could not believe how big it was.

Albert and the gang from Golds delivered it and did a great job. Man that thing weighed a TON.

Ill post pics later as I cannot find my Wide angle lens for my camera.

There were a couple of things Albert metioned that I wanted to clear up and thought it would be good to have them in the forum.

Since the tank is frameless, we put it on some plywood and Albert suggested I get some foam to put under it. I got a 1/4 foam camping pad from Wal Mart since Home Depot only carries hard styrofoam it seems.

Does this look ok?



Albert also suggested that I cut out a portion of the center of the foam and leave it open. I am not sure why I need to do this and perhaps Albert can explain as it was a bit crazy while he was here. Would just leaving the whole sheet of foam under the tank cause problems?

Anyway, it's in a looks great. I have to wait a week for it to cure and then put fresh water in it for a week to leak test. That is ok as I have at least that much work to do with the Sump, rockwork tests and plumbing.

Ill post pics tomorrow.

Keith

[Kryten]

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

If you paint the back wall of the tank, could you still clean it with a mag float? Or will that scratch the paint off?

My magfloat doesn't bother the paint. The paint is, of course, on the outside of the tank so it's the soft side of the magfloat that gets run over it.

[TheReefGeek]

What kind of paint did you use? How did you apply it?