KrazyKuch's & Michika's 180Gal Tank Build

michika · #1 03-26-2008, 07:23 AM

Sure, I'll make sure there are lots of photos of the actual tank assembly. Anything in particular you would like to see?

dsaundry · #2 03-26-2008, 11:58 AM

I would like to see how you prepare and then apply the silicone. Also a list of the materials used and where you got them from would be nice,,and lots of pic's.....

Pan · #3 03-26-2008, 12:05 PM

Water in it yet?

Whats the timeframe on your build? Or you just going to work as you can sort of thing?

digital-audiophile · #4 03-26-2008, 01:37 PM

I wouldn't be confident in my own building skills to take on a project like that

Must be a lot easier getting the "tank" into the house when it is in parts rather than a big glass box eh?

Glennrf38 · #5 03-26-2008, 01:55 PM

Could you tell us the price difference between u-build and pre-assembled? $ or % is fine. Have fun.

Joe Reefer · #6 03-26-2008, 02:05 PM

Filling that for the first time is going to be very nerve racking.

michika · #7 03-26-2008, 03:53 PM

Tank - $300, assembled prices ran from $550-750 depending on who we called, most pre-assembled tanks couldn't be drilled without an extra cost.
Silicone - $20

Timeframe is whenever, sooner is better, but you can't rush a good thing. The goal is to do a little work on it every night and see where that takes us. This tank is intended to be a grow out tank for our larger tank project we want to do in the future. Once its assembled I'm going to move everything from my disaster of a 28g long nano into this system. We are still working out details in regards to the return flow, but most everything else has been planned out for some time. I am hoping to have it set up & leak tested before May 1st.

Don't worry, I have some apprehension too about the leak test that will need to happen once the silicone has dried!

Next steps;
- trip to the hardware store for a 2x4, 8 clamps, and 2 corner clamps, a plastic square and a box of screws.
- Prepare the glass by washing it with white vinegar.
- Planning out shopping list of materials for reinforcing the floor
- Not breaking any panes of glass

Red Deer Reptiles · #8 01-02-2009, 05:34 AM

just wondering this is going to be a sw setup right? did they drill holes aswell. if so what did it cost for the whole package??

michika · #9 01-02-2009, 03:23 PM

Well the issue turned out to be roots in the drain pipe, the result of it not having been cleaned in a very long time. It cost us $50 to have a company come out and clean the line. The guy said that he could only make it 70 of the 90 ft because the root system that had developed were too difficult for his machine. He made some changes and pushed through the last 20 ft eventually.

The basement was under 3" of water total, and we couldn't use any drains or the toilets for most of yesterday. Its all cleaned up now, but there is damage to most of the walls, the old front door that was stored in the basement, as well as all my laundry. I took photos and now we need to inform our insurance and then make a decision as to if we should make a claim or not.

After the cleaning and before the plumber showed, the drain is still under 3" of water

This morning

The new reactor

Top down

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Deer Reptiles

just wondering this is going to be a sw setup right? did they drill holes aswell. if so what did it cost for the whole package??

I'm confused by your questions. What are you asking me about, the existing 180g or the new system? Our current system is completely DIY, so we did all the work ourselves.

fishytime · #10 01-02-2009, 04:34 PM

Gawd Catherine! Sorry to hear the new house is turning into the "money pit". Did the doctors know why you were so sick?(pm me) Just wondering if perhaps the drain was an ongoing problem in the house. If there was water damage to the drywall before you bought the house Im sure it was painted over and the previous owner did his/her best to hide it. Maybe there is mold in the walls that caused you to get so sick, is what Im getting at.