400 gallon project

untamed · #1 11-25-2006, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asmodeus

truely amazing ,but I have to ask why isn't there a euro reef or a H&S or even a Deltec there or even a BUBBLE KING....
sorry man why why why is there a ASM skimmer there

jk love the plumbing too and its blue too. Why is that a different type

ASM skimmer...I bet it works just fine. I built the system to house an in-sump skimmer. If the ASM leaks a bit, it's no problem. If it looks like I spent unlimited funds everywhere, I'll take that as a compliment. Who knows...maybe someday I'll change it.

Plumbing is regular class 160 and 200 pipe. It is just painted blue. This was mainly done because some of the plumbing might be visible through the back wall of the tank and I didn't want it to be distracting. Once I got started, I just kept painting....

Manny · #2 11-25-2006, 08:44 PM

Very clean plumbing. You have yourself a great looking set up there.

untamed · #3 11-27-2006, 12:30 AM

Progess is steady...but slow. (I suppose it didn't help getting buried by snow this weekend)

I've managed to get the front-access doors installed. The idea behind these doors is to get the look of an in-wall tank, but still have front access when I need it. The doors will be painted to match the beige walls.

Still no high-tech solution to holding the doors up. As you can see, a simple prop actually does a very good job. I think I'll try to make some nice props out of stainless steel or something.

MoeReefer · #4 11-27-2006, 03:28 AM

sometimes simple is best. what are the little white spots in the picture??? or is that jsut me, maybe you need to clean your lens or something, doesnt really matter, everything is still amazingly fantastic. keep us posted

untamed · #5 11-28-2006, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoeReefer

what are the little white spots in the picture??? or is that jsut me, maybe you need to clean your lens or something, doesnt really matter, everything is still amazingly fantastic. keep us posted

Those are probably caused by sawdust particles in the air...

untamed · #6 12-03-2006, 06:55 PM

The outside of the tank is really coming together now. The artificial stone has been applied to the lower portion, below the bar. This gives the bar that "floating" appearance that I was hoping for.

I used rounded "stream" stones as I hoped they give the impression of being rounded by water. They actually had a simulated coral stone, which was kind of tempting, but it only came in rectangular bricks...which I didn't like.

For anyone thinking of doing this, it will cost more than you think. Money can be saved by doing the work yourself, or choosing non-round material. The trouble with round stones is that you don't want to cut and chisel much because you loose the rounded look. That means a lot of picking, choosing, planning to ensure to get a nice balanced look. Also, if you want the stones fitting tightly, you'll use more stones than estimated.

Overall, I'm extremely pleased with the result. It's really coming together now.

(sorry about the backscatter on the photo, it was a dirty job and I had just completed vaccuuming...)

niloc16 · #7 12-03-2006, 07:26 PM

thats crazy. very very nice work. i love the rock work. i see what you mean the bar seems to be floating. can hardly wait for the open house when it is done

. good job buddy, nicely done

Tom R · #8 11-27-2006, 03:39 AM

Hi Brad

This is quite the project. You have done a fantastic job. I am looking forward to the tours. Your system along with a number of other mega tanks in the area give us all something to look forward to.

Tom R

plutoniumJoe · #9 03-27-2010, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by untamed

Progess is steady...but slow. (I suppose it didn't help getting buried by snow this weekend)

I've managed to get the front-access doors installed. The idea behind these doors is to get the look of an in-wall tank, but still have front access when I need it. The doors will be painted to match the beige walls.

Still no high-tech solution to holding the doors up. As you can see, a simple prop actually does a very good job. I think I'll try to make some nice props out of stainless steel or something.

Not to dig up the past, but I am in the process of building my canopy and I like what you did. I had a question though. Does the framing sit directly on the acrylic and if it does do you need to compensate for expansion?

- Joe.

untamed · #10 03-27-2010, 04:39 PM

Yes, you have dug up the past!

The weight of the upper walls is carried by the tank. However, there is a layer of that foamy door sill material between the tank and the walls. I did that primarily to prevent water from splashed out the seam.

Those walls are NOT attached to the ceiling. The walls are three pieces (left, right, front) They are screwed to each other and only screwed to the surrounding walls at the back left and back right only.

If you look closely, you might be able to see the foam layer in this photo. You can also see the bolts that connect the left and right frames to the front frame.