400 gallon project

untamed · #1 01-16-2007, 02:44 AM

What a great tradition! We all know the expression...behind every great aquarium is a really understanding spouse!

Throughout this entire construction, she hasn't complained about anything...sawdust, money, never having access to the computer, drilling holes in our brand new walls and ceilings, spilling blue paint onto our brand new carpet, pending electrical bills, floods (yes, there was one while you were away, dear), filling the entire garage with construction materials, or money (did I already mention that one?)...

...and the topper....she even let me buy an entire brand new house just so that I could build this. What a trooper!

Tom R · #2 01-16-2007, 02:56 AM

So Brad

When are we putting water into that tank. I am waiting for the tour.

Tom R

Delphinus · #3 01-16-2007, 03:12 AM

You told her it was a hot tub didn't you.

untamed · #4 01-16-2007, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom R

So Brad

When are we putting water into that tank. I am waiting for the tour.

Tom R

Well...It is looking like late February before there will be SW in the tank. The lights just arrived this week and I've started to build the lighting system. Just when that is complete, we're going to take a week holidays in the Carribean. I don't want to start up only to leave the tank for a week.

All that diving and snorkelling should get me really worked into a frenzy. As soon as I get back...it's time to get busy!

Tank tour is still planned for the summer.

justinl · #5 01-16-2007, 03:41 AM

Holy Cow! that is one beautiful setup man! hahaha, saying your wife is understanding must be the understatement of the century. Great work, keep it up!

Chaotic Cricket · #6 01-16-2007, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by untamed

Well...It is looking like late February before there will be SW in the tank. The lights just arrived this week and I've started to build the lighting system. Just when that is complete, we're going to take a week holidays in the Carribean. I don't want to start up only to leave the tank for a week.

All that diving and snorkelling should get me really worked into a frenzy. As soon as I get back...it's time to get busy!

Tank tour is still planned for the summer.

How dare you get us all on the edge of our seat and then take off on a vacation. God the nerve of some people. I'm sorry but you can't go until you are finished the tank.

Joe Reefer · #7 01-16-2007, 02:07 PM

HAHA.....she must have been drunk to crawl in the tank with a dress on.

RicePaddy · #8 01-16-2007, 05:02 PM

Love the picture. You should have had your wife dress up in a mermaid costume. Or is that your little secret??

Will

untamed · #9 01-19-2007, 10:58 PM

Man, I would love it if someone could provide me with a simpler design to do this... If you think you have it, please keep the following in mind:

1) Move the lower frame straight up the upper frame. Lift must be balanced.
2) There's no available room ABOVE the upper frame. Nothing can pass through the lower frame during the lift.

Here is the draft of what I'm thinking of building to hold the lights. What you don't see in this picture is the linear actuator that pulls on the cables. It will sit horizontally in top/middle of the upper frame.

Lights will be mounted under the lower frame.

The whole idea is to lift the lower frame straight up as much as possible..hopefully right up against the upper frame. (about 30")

It's impossible to follow the individual cables in too much detail on this crudely drawn diagram..suffice to say that as the actuator pulls horizontally, the pulleys translate that into vertical pull on all four sides for a straight lift. I think it will work, but....is it ever complicated!

Anyone know a good supplier of pulleys? How about a favourite aluminum fabricator?