400 gallon project

[plutoniumJoe]

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]

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.

[untamed]

Things are going quite well. Nothing unusual to report...coral growing, fish growing... It is nice not to have any crisis at the moment.

Glass and sand both happen to be clean at the same time, so that seemed a good reason to take some photos!

Left:

Right:


Lance (the unicorn) as he usually struts around in the evening trying to impress somebody.



Hard to get the camera out and not take a few photos of these two.

[andestang]

Love the Achilles, looks nice and fat

[untamed]

[christyf5]

Wow Brad, the tank is looking great. I can't believe how huge your fish are! Love the gorgonians, how many different types do you have in there?

[Chaloupa]

Looking fantastic! To have a large tank like yours would be a dream come true!

[untamed]

Originally Posted by christyf5

Wow Brad, the tank is looking great. I can't believe how huge your fish are! Love the gorgonians, how many different types do you have in there?

There are three or four types. All the tall ones in the centre are the same and I've begun to take frags from them to keep them under control.

[kien]

I have a question! Being so gigantic, do your fish have hiding spots? Do they even bother to hide at night? I suspect maybe the littler fish do? Asssuming you even have caves for them to hide in. Just curious :-)

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by untamed

Lance (the unicorn) as he usually struts around in the evening trying to impress somebody.

Sort of like another Lance we all know

The tank looks great!