Unclesalty's 180 Gallon Tank Build Thread

unclesalty · #1 02-01-2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lockrookie

personally for the tiny bit of cost go styrofoam.. the tank i picked up had the plastic trim and they didn't use styrofoam one part of thier basement shifted while the other stayed inplace droping a corner thus the cracked payne i have to replace before i can truly start building. in my opinion over kill is better than a cracked tank.

Yes styrofoam is cheap but some say it does more harm than good and some say its a must! My tank is a flat bottom with trim around the bottom and the bottom pane is flush with the side panes. The stand is the AGA pine stand with the open top where the tank sits on top around the perimeter only. No middle supports whatsoever. Styrofoam still you think?

p.s. If you are replacing your bottom pane I would go thicker than your side panes. Also maybe check into getting it tempered because as ridiculous as this sounds some tempered glass was cheaper to buy than regular glass when I was checking around for my overflow glass.

lockrookie · #2 02-01-2012, 06:04 PM

the bottom pane is good its the front diplay pane that broke i could get tempered for that i suppose i have to go down to my glass shop and see what they can do for me hopefully at the end of this month.

but as i said it was just my thoughts and beliefs..my tank is identical to yours in the way its built. as well your basement is newer and most likely wont shift like the guys i got the tank from he lived in an older neighbourhood. and your floor is fairly solid no major cracks.so in your case either ay should work fine.

Bblinks · #3 02-01-2012, 11:08 PM

Looking good bud. The tank is drilled super clean, love it.

unclesalty · #4 02-01-2012, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bblinks

Looking good bud. The tank is drilled super clean, love it.

Thanks Rich but I am not sure if I like my blotchy background yet! I wish I would of just taped the vinyl on. Spray painting wasn't an option being only a few feet away from my 120.

unclesalty · #5 02-01-2012, 11:17 PM

I think my next step might be to take the stand out to the garage for a splash of fresh paint.

unclesalty · #6 02-06-2012, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclesalty

Thanks Rich but I am not sure if I like my blotchy background yet! I wish I would of just taped the vinyl on. Spray painting wasn't an option being only a few feet away from my 120.

Update: The blotchy background has now disappeared, which was moisture still underneath the vinyl which had to evaporate. The background now looks awesome and much nicer than any paint does. Never again will I ever paint a tank!

unclesalty · #7 02-08-2012, 06:55 PM

Update: My gate valve arrived yesterday and I ordered my 5 bags(150lbs) of Tropic Eden substrate today. I decided to go with the Reef Flakes(on the right) over the Mini-Flakes as they are the most popular and Reef Flakes won't get blown around by MP-40's. Also I asked about the Vertex Cerebra controller and when its being released and they had no idea whatsoever. It doesn't sound like it will be out on Feb 16th like I heard but I am in no hurry anyhow for it.

Coralgurl · #8 02-08-2012, 07:27 PM

Are you doing a deep sand bed? I bought 135lbs of sand but only ended up putting in 95 lbs as it gave me the 1 1/2 inches I was looking for. I bought the CaribSea Aragonite Special Grade sand.

unclesalty · #9 02-01-2012, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lockrookie

the bottom pane is good its the front diplay pane that broke i could get tempered for that i suppose i have to go down to my glass shop and see what they can do for me hopefully at the end of this month.

but as i said it was just my thoughts and beliefs..my tank is identical to yours in the way its built. as well your basement is newer and most likely wont shift like the guys i got the tank from he lived in an older neighbourhood. and your floor is fairly solid no major cracks.so in your case either ay should work fine.

You are laughing then as the front pane is way easier to change then the bottom pane! Too bad you didn't see the guy in Regina selling the tank with a broken front pane for only $50. I went and looked at it but the very corner on bottom pane had a chip so I passed on it. Might of been a good deal for constructing something with the 2 ends and side pane depending on how old and brittle the glass was.

lockrookie · #10 02-01-2012, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclesalty

You are laughing then as the front pane is way easier to change then the bottom pane! Too bad you didn't see the guy in Regina selling the tank with a broken front pane for only $50. I went and looked at it but the very corner on bottom pane had a chip so I passed on it. Might of been a good deal for constructing something with the 2 ends and side pane depending on how old and brittle the glass was.

i cant complain i got this tank for 150