lastlight's 404

[lastlight]

I dunno. Why not right? :biggrin:

I met with Dave at Concept Aquariums and they should be starting the build on-site sometime in February. I was talked out of starphire once again and feel really good about that choice (again). Dave let me handle a glass sample while we talked...yeah it was hot.

Here are the rough details:

96L x 36W x 27H
19mm
External overflow on end
Viewable 2 sides

But then somehow my wife will screw it all up and it will sit empty until I tear it down!

Ok my wife typed that bit in quotes while I was away parenting for 2 minutes. If she's right stay tuned for hot deals. If she's wrong maybe a flooded basement? The fun is not knowing!

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Table of Contents:

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+ The Mess (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=579073&postcount=10)
+ The Cleanup (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=579750&postcount=66)
+ The Stand (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=582046&postcount=87)
+ The Little Helper (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=582382&postcount=96)
+ The Tank (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=589653&postcount=104)
+ The Temporary Office (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=593265&postcount=147)
+ The Sump That Attacked Me (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=599953&postcount=156)
+ The Lots Of Wood Update (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=604942&postcount=166)
+ The Reno From Hell Part I (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=631637&postcount=195)
+ The Whitewash (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=631979&postcount=212)
+ The Shiny Floor And Scribe Party (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=633850&postcount=229)
+ The Reno From Hell Part II (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=639568&postcount=249)
+ The Salt Tower (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=641361&postcount=270)
+ The Rock Kid (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=644215&postcount=291)
+ The Big Sexy Skimmer (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=645374&postcount=292)
+ The Laying Of Pipe (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=645893&postcount=298)
+ The Power Centre And Fill Up (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=648171&postcount=336)
+ The Great Cycle (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=649144&postcount=345)
+ The Scape (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=652871&postcount=368)
+ The Transfer (Video) (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=654699&postcount=395)
+ The Tailspot (Video) (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=657091&postcount=474)
+ The Backlit Reef (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=658095&postcount=477)
+ The Livestock Photo Dump (FTS) (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=658942&postcount=487)
+ The Truth About Frags (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=658990&postcount=492)
+ The Paranoid Squarespot (Video) (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=659528&postcount=507)
+ The Romancing of the Squarespot, Chromis Gang (Video) (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=669603&postcount=526)
+ The T5s (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=670699&postcount=567)
+ The Ugly Filtersock Tower Of Terror (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=671347&postcount=579)
+ The Triple Threat - Striped Damsels And A Filefish (Video) (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=674003&postcount=595)
+ The Big Mac Part I - Acanthurus Maculiceps (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=674676&postcount=619)
+ The Big Mac Part II (Video) (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=674677&postcount=620)
+ The Random Livestock Peep Show (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=674681&postcount=624)
+ The Big Mac Settles In (Video) (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=675094&postcount=651)
+ Rip-a-reef-apart-apalooza (Filefish Edition) (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=678117&postcount=683)

[lastlight]

Here is v1 in sketchup. I am leaning towards using one of Paul's new Ocean Motion devices but I need his (and anyone else's) input to plan where I need holes. I would like to have current flow one direction for maybe 60 seconds, then reverse and flow the other way. I'm interested in reversing the intakes as well like I think Paul has demonstrated. I'm still confused so hopefully he can chime in here.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/sketchup1.gif

[Aquattro]

Why talked out of Starphire??

[lastlight]

Here is a really ugly drawing of the basement which I am renovating once the tank is in place. Very small basement but I have full ownership of one side.

Things of interest:

- 18" wide access tunnel behind tank. Will have floor raise about 2 feet with steps for easy access to back of tank
- Overflow will be on the fishroom side of course
- Nice view from my modest little office space
- So far fishroom is 12x4. Maybe a bit small but once I have the stand built I may move things slightly.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/sketchup2.gif

[lastlight]

Why talked out of Starphire??

Scratches easier and I was actually surprised that the 19mm didn't really look all that green to me. In the end I always think...tank gets filled with water which certainly isn't 100% clear and then I turn on a small army of Radiums and the tank is quite blue. I'm going to spend my money elsewhere =)

[zum14]

That will be quite the tank. Any ideas for the wall with the overflow box? How are you planning to hide it? Or are you even going to hide it? Ive got same style overflow box and dont like seeing glass edges or inside the overflow box. I was thinking a piece of black acrylic against that wall but i dunno anymore.

[Aquattro]

Ok. I've been having the interanl debate over this for my next tank, which may be plywood with a glass front. Figured the cost of one pane wouldn't be too much more.

[Snappy]

Those dimensions seem very familiar.:wink: With 18" behind the tank I suggest you don't put on any weight.:lol: However perhaps you are also planning sump access from all sides which would resolve that issue.
If doing it again I also wouldn't waste money on starphire glass. Just one tiny grain of sand in the magfloat can leave a lot of scars.

[lastlight]

That will be quite the tank. Any ideas for the wall with the overflow box? How are you planning to hide it? Or are you even going to hide it? Ive got same style overflow box and dont like seeing glass edges or inside the overflow box. I was thinking a piece of black acrylic against that wall but i dunno anymore.

Yeah I hope it will be. I do have a history of not finishing haha. With my current tank I picked up some black acrylic from IPS here in town and siliconed it over. It blends perfectly with a painted black background and so far it scrapes clean as well as the glass with my Kent scraper. I will most likely be doing the same thing on this tank. It would be nice to have a removable black panel so I can peer in from the room but in my experience that black will not look the same as the back panel which has no air gap (painted right on) and also I really don't want to see in that box. The box will go there because I want my access tunnel to be obstacle free.

Ok. I've been having the interanl debate over this for my next tank, which may be plywood with a glass front. Figured the cost of one pane wouldn't be too much more.

The cost for front and side in starphire as quoted by Concept Aquariums was very reasonable but I think I'm forever a regular glass guy. I got extremely tempted though. I want to have this tank done not obsess over too many fancy details so that I never have budget to run it.

[lastlight]

Here is where my journey begins. Actually...I've been down there cleaning a little already if you can believe that. I took out 14 bags full of recyclables! Pop cans are the wife's job lol.

Kids' TV and toy room:

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/messy1.jpg

Looking towards my office:

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/messy2.jpg

Tank and fishroom. You may need to really just have faith at this point?

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/messy3.jpg

[Delphinus]

Ooh, a 404. Is there a web based meaning hidden in there?

[lastlight]

Those dimensions seem very familiar.:wink: With 18" behind the tank I suggest you don't put on any weight.:lol: However perhaps you are also planning sump access from all sides which would resolve that issue.
If doing it again I also wouldn't waste money on starphire glass. Just one tiny grain of sand in the magfloat can leave a lot of scars.

Yeah Greg as soon as I arrived at these dimensions I knew I'd have some explainin' to do haha. 8x3 is the largest piece of glass that fits down my stairs. The rest sorta fell into place with height being the only remaining factor i could tweak. My 392g was 30" high and that was without a doubt too high for my liking. The 225g was 24" which I liked but I had a real issue with upgrading to a tank that was shorter than my current tank which is 26" tall. So the choice was made =)

Amen on the starphire. Dave has 19mm starphire and I laid awake a few nights dreaming about it. In the end I couldn't commit.

As for sump access... one of my must-haves is a sump not under a stand. The sump will be right against the wall that touches the overflow end of the tank. So if you stand in the fishroom and face the overflow box the sump will be on your right. On a stand much to my sore back's delight.

[lastlight]

Ooh, a 404. Is there a web based meaning hidden in there?

Lol I *was* going to title this 'lastlight's 404 (Not found)' but thought it'd be lost on most. Thx man I respect that!

[muck]

Lol I *was* going to title this 'lastlight's 404 (Not found)' but thought it'd be lost on most. Thx man I respect that!

haha... you should have. That was the first thing i thought of from the title too. :lol::lol:

[Lance]

Love those dimensions Brett. 36" deep is awesome and I agree with you on the 27" height. Anymore than that is too difficult. Good call on the sump being up off the ground too. My sump is on a 26" stand built into a closet and I love it. The top of the sump is chest height and easy to work on. Any thoughts on lighting, skimmer, etc. Don't want to rush you but there is the "need to know factor"

[lastlight]

Lance I think the only difference here worth mentioning is I won't need to come out of the closet everytime I'm done working in the sump. Just sayin' =)

I have been buying hqi ballasts when I see them. I now have:

1 x dual pfo hqi
1 x dual bluewave hqi
1 x single bluewave hqi

I picked up an old maristar 2x250w with bad t5 ballast. I intend to buy just a reg electronic ballast to run this over a frag tank (no T5) when and if I ever go down that road.

so the tank will have at least 4x250w. I may go with 5 and simply run the center one as my sunrise, sunset light. Perhaps avoid having to install (and replace) T5s. Not sure yet.

As for a skimmer I haven't really seriously looked into that yet. I'm not looking forward to it either!

[Lance]

Yeah, I hear 'ya. A skimmer for a tank that size is going to take a good size bite out of the old wallet.

[Youngster Dan]

Looks like it will be a gooder, I'm a little jealous!

[Skimmerking]

Brett addy boy wish you had the BK now don't ya. and you will need 400's wanna trade.:lol:

[lastlight]

Brett addy boy wish you had the BK now don't ya. and you will need 400's wanna trade.:lol:

Yes I def DO wish I still had that skimmer.

250s are way more than enough =) Nice try!

[michika]

I do have a history of not finishing haha.

:lol:

I think it will look great when is done.

[cale262]

Wow, I thought I was the only person in the world with a basement dumping zone :behindsofa:


J/K

Looks like an awsome build plan, I'll be following the progress :thumb:

[Snappy]

Yeah Greg as soon as I arrived at these dimensions I knew I'd have some explainin' to do haha. 8x3 is the largest piece of glass that fits down my stairs. The rest sorta fell into place with height being the only remaining factor i could tweak. My 392g was 30" high and that was without a doubt too high for my liking. The 225g was 24" which I liked but I had a real issue with upgrading to a tank that was shorter than my current tank which is 26" tall. So the choice was made =)

Amen on the starphire. Dave has 19mm starphire and I laid awake a few nights dreaming about it. In the end I couldn't commit.

As for sump access... one of my must-haves is a sump not under a stand. The sump will be right against the wall that touches the overflow end of the tank. So if you stand in the fishroom and face the overflow box the sump will be on your right. On a stand much to my sore back's delight.The dimensions are identical to mine. I will say it is still a challenge reaching stuff that falls to the bottom without a "grab tool" although my tank stand height is 40" which I prefer over a 30" height. The 30" height is more designed to view the tank while sitting down which is fine but when my tank was that height I'd always be bending to see things in the top half when standing. Now it's hard to get people to step away from the tank to sit down.:lol:

[MitchM]

Hi Brett,

Regarding your inlet and outlet locations, Your only option is to have them on the back wall, given where your overflow is.
What I like about the tidal flow setup is that it almost completely eliminates dead spots where detritus can accumulate.
If you can locate your sump return line(s) and your rock layout, it might become obvious where exactly your plumbing holes should go.

[lastlight]

Why does the overflow location limit placement of inlets or outlets? I must be missing something Mitch.

[MitchM]

Maybe it's the scale of the drawing that I see, but it looks like you would have some pretty crowded plumbing underneath the overflow...?

[abcha0s]

Awesome Brett - You don't waste any time upgrading. Can't wait to see it.

[globaldesigns]

Ooh, a 404. Is there a web based meaning hidden in there?

That is too funny, I thought the same thing... We are just way to geeky/techy

Wow, now that is a big tank... If you ever want some help with any setup, let me know, I would love to give a helping hand.

[sphelps]

It's hard to tell a huge difference between starphire and regular with small samples but I've put together 19mm tanks with and without starphire and it's a huge difference when the glass is that thick and you're looking at large sheet of it with light on the other end. I've almost always had starphire tanks and it hardly scratches any easier, if you did something that scratches the starphire it would probably scratch the regular glass as well. Even my wife won't let me build a tank for us without using starphire. Either way is cool though, looks like a sweet setup!

Guess I'll have to start my 405 gallon build :wink:

[mseepman]

This is going to be awesome! So happy to see you doing another big build...if it's anything like the last one we're all in for a good ride.

Have you thought about a DIY LED fixture for a tank that size? I am only doing a 290g but the savings of going LED just on bulbs, etc really made a lot of sense.

[lastlight]

This is going to be awesome! So happy to see you doing another big build...if it's anything like the last one we're all in for a good ride.

Have you thought about a DIY LED fixture for a tank that size? I am only doing a 290g but the savings of going LED just on bulbs, etc really made a lot of sense.

Lol thanks but this won't be like the other build for a few reasons: No high end skimmer or light planned. The lighting I have (need to pickup more reflectors I guess) but the skimmer I have no idea about.

I'm trying to make this a larger version of my current tank. Modest in design and equipment but easy to care for and relatively successful.

[mseepman]

I'm planning on going with the Octopus XP Cone 5000 internal skimmer. I think the External might be a good match for your tank...they have pretty good reviews...semi-reasonable pricing and a 3 year warranty on the pump.

[golf nut]

I am leaning towards using one of Paul's new Ocean Motion devices but I need his (and anyone else's) input to plan where I need holes. I would like to have current flow one direction for maybe 60 seconds, then reverse and flow the other way. I'm interested in reversing the intakes as well like I think Paul has demonstrated. I'm still confused so hopefully he can chime in here.


Where to start, as usual there will be lots of questions.

What type of coral would you like to keep..
Do you have an idea of the aquascaping,
Can we plumb both ends,
Can we drill the bottom
What internal turnover do you think you would like.
Do you have flood insurance J/K

Paul

[Dez]

Paul, I always enjoy your sense of humour. You don't post much, but every time you do, I chuckle.

Brett, glad that you can get going on this sucker. Should be an amazing tank. Paul is really good to deal with. When I was setting up my tank he helped me with my closed loop/flow even though I didn't even buy the 4way from him. He spend lots of time on the phone explaining and pm'd diagrams etc. Almost a year and a half later, I wouldn't change a thing about my plumbing. I don't have a single powerhead in the tank and all my outlets are hidden and all my sps corals still seem to be getting enough flow.

[chris121277]

WOW Man!.....thats going to be one monster tank..I'm looking forward to seeing this all come together.

[lastlight]

Where to start, as usual there will be lots of questions.

What type of coral would you like to keep..
Do you have an idea of the aquascaping,
Can we plumb both ends,
Can we drill the bottom
What internal turnover do you think you would like.
Do you have flood insurance J/K

Paul

Paul thanks for chiming in here =)

- Mostly SPS. Some acans, zoas in the mix as well but mostly sticks
- I think the rockwork will be one larger pile and maybe one or two smaller ones. The piles might be closer to low towers. I am open to working outlets and inlets into these structures. Open sand between structures.
- We can plumb through all panes except the front and the viewable end. Even 90s or 45s a few inches away from the front or side panel are ok
- Drill bottom sure. This is a new thing for me to be down with. I'm IN.
- in my current tank I have a nano wavebox and 3x6025s (modded) and eheim return. So not even a ton of flow. That's maybe 35X not counting wavebox. I think I'll need more than that so long as it's planned right
- I will likely have sand. I envisioned intakes in a rock tower like Dez but maybe 12" off ground to avoid sand?

I'm open to the tidal thing or your traditional 'keep stuff suspended and just get it to the overflow' thinking. I likely won't be doing a wavebox in this setep tho so I'd like to match its ability to move all areas of the tank.

[lastlight]

Paul, I always enjoy your sense of humour. You don't post much, but every time you do, I chuckle.

Brett, glad that you can get going on this sucker. Should be an amazing tank. Paul is really good to deal with. When I was setting up my tank he helped me with my closed loop/flow even though I didn't even buy the 4way from him. He spend lots of time on the phone explaining and pm'd diagrams etc. Almost a year and a half later, I wouldn't change a thing about my plumbing. I don't have a single powerhead in the tank and all my outlets are hidden and all my sps corals still seem to be getting enough flow.

I've heard the same which is why I really wanted his input. I love the uncluttered look of your tank.

[lastlight]

WOW Man!.....thats going to be one monster tank..I'm looking forward to seeing this all come together.

Thanks I'm looking forward to it as well. It will move faster than the first big one I hope.

[Doug]

Looks like its going to be a very nice build & tank, Brett. Good luck with it all. I can sell you my 160 in awhile and you can run a pair then. :lol:

[kien]

:pop2:

[frizzo1983]

Brett
Looking great can`t wait to see water in it!!! I like the side overflows on mine, im sure you will too. Tagin along come over to my place and we can plan a raid on Kiens tanks one night. Just Kidding

[lastlight]

Dude I've practically got a LEASH on Kien now. He didn't tell you I'm his running coach? Raid sounds like a good idea though!

[frizzo1983]

Let me know when your going for a run and I could do the dirty work. I must stop over there one day and have a chat with him its been a while.

[golf nut]

When you said two sides viewable I thought we had won a watch, now I see one side is actually an end panel, although this doesn't eliminate the system I have been discussing in the mulltidirectional thread it does make it a little trickier, assuming the back wall is black indicates that you don't plan on spending much time viewing back there and that wall may well have rock against it, correct me if I am wrong.

Just a thought, if you were to swing the tank 90 degrees you would have a true two side view and a better view from your desk, if not then we will deal with the cards we have been dealt, alternatively if you give up the viewing area in the fish room then we can accomplish almost everything.

Typically I start by determining where the overflow is and insisting that surface water moves in that direction, you would be amazed at the number of people that have it all wrong and do not understand why they are having a tough time with their system, their surface water is akin to a cesspool.

In your case you have what I would usually label a peninsula tank, except you blacked out one side, return water from the sump should enter the tank at the visible end at the surface and be fired horizontally down to the overflow end, where you have a Beananimals drain system.
Regardless of whether you go with the barrel roll principle or the reversing principle the surface flow should be fixed as suggested. until you have time to look over the plan it will be hard to determine the best design, depending on your response.

The only other thing that I will offer is to get the best blast for the buck and the best flow available all outlets and drains should enhance each other,additionally, the main object other than removing crap from the tank is to move as much water as possible without internal interference, don't fire outlets into rocks or walls, fire them into voids so that the whole volume of the tank is pulled into the action.

This will be the goal.

Paul

[Delphinus]

Paul, I'm curious why you suggest specifically a Beananimal overflow and not, say, a Herbie or other?

[lastlight]

Paul thanks for the detailed response. To quickly clear a few things up...the room is only 12 feet across and I don't really want to rotate the tank.

The rockwork will be well away from both the front pane and the rear pane. I don't like rock touching the back wall (or even being close to it). Easy access means I can get in to scrape it clean. I'm going to paint both side and rear panes so you are free to put holes wherever you wish there.

The overflow box in the model is only 12" high. I don't imagine I need to make it narrower to incorporate outlets that flank it higher up as that will flow against the returns.

The tidal thing just sounds neat but really I just want my flow to be hidden as well as possible and to be a bit random with one of your units. Random or at least varied as with the tidal thing.

Thanks!

[golf nut]

As with any build I have to read between lines, especially when using emails , phone calls usually get quicker results as tone of voice and hesitation can be sensed quickly.

Given the proposed design, the first option that would work would to be simply do the barrel roll system down the length of the tank, looking at the tank from the seating area with the overflow on the right the whole tanks volume would move in a clockwise manner, surface water left to right, lower water right to left, this would be accomplished by outlets coming from the bottom up all outlets would be pushing water to the left , this would be switched from outlet to outlet repeatedly placing large volumes of water at different progressive locations down the length of the tank, in recent years this has been called a gyre, trust me it is the same thing sexed up a little, I still call it a barrel roll.

You would see no plumbing, it would speed up and slow down and as a result there would be an inclination for corals to grow in favor of that direction, however the slow and fast move apparently doesn't have as much directional growing as a fixed closed loop without any speed /switching change.

C/L pump feeds would be accomplished by multiple feeds buried in the rock work, these in turn would point towards where the flow is coming from to enhance flow, multiple drains will give better coverage,reduce velocity to avoid sucking in critters and protect flow reduction in the future because of the excessive feeds, stay away from screens that stop sand from entering the drains, place them where it will not see sand, fine screens will clog.

Ponder this and will await your response.

Paul

[lobsterboy]

wow Brett, this is awesome, you must be stoked.

congrats.

[Funky_Fish14]

LOL @ the 404 error.

Brett, i think you should change it to 405, to avoid any 'error' causing the build to be incomplete... and up to 405 rather than down to 403, avoiding a downgrade! Haha.

I hope this one comes together for your just the way you'd like man! And again, let me know if I can help out with anything!

Cheers,

Chris

[kien]

Dude I've practically got a LEASH on Kien

Dude I told you, that was just a one time thing. Thought we agreed that was just to satisfy our curiosities.

[golf nut]

Paul, I'm curious why you suggest specifically a Beananimal overflow and not, say, a Herbie or other?



Bean was officially warned by his wife "one more flood and I am out of here" she said.
Bill then took what he had to work with and designed a system to ensure that his loving wife remained that way, Herbie I believe stumbled on the noise issue solution and then perfected it. both will work, one just has another level of "Murphy's Law" protection.

Either system is designed to make things quiet from day one, Dursos and Stockmans are another method to reduce noise for systems that were designed incorrectly in the first place.

Most times when you see people posting about issues it is always after the fact, they built something incorrectly and are now trying to fix it. I can think of many ways to have a silent system, why make things overly complicated though, when I read that a system is being planned and dursos are part of the initial design I shake my head, why build a parachute into the back of your car, just build the brakes correctly in the first place.


Which reminds me I have a parachute for sale, used once, never opened, small stain :) SOLD

[Delphinus]

Agree 100% on Stockman's and Durso's ... was just curious about the Beananimal recommendation since it was rather specific. Thanks for the explanation.

[Dez]

Again Paul, you made me laugh. I'd like to purchase your parachute.

[lastlight]

Haha. No more clowning about guys! I'll send Kien over with his leash.

Paul I'm taking what you said and doing a new model to see if I read you right. If you're standing in front of the tank the overflow is on the LEFT not the right so I think I just need to reverse what you said. Gimme 10 min lol.

I'm using a Herbie btw. This will be my third.

And for the tank's size...would you think a Reeflo Hammerhead would work well for this CL?

[Dez]

Hey Brett, I emailed you a closed loop sketch from Paul.

[lastlight]

Ok if I understand correctly this will work.

Green is my returns, yellow my intakes, red my outputs.

Should the returns be 1.5" and the drains 2"?

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/sketchup3.gif

[lastlight]

Hey Brett, I emailed you a closed loop sketch from Paul.

Thanks!

[golf nut]

Ok if I understand correctly this will work.

Green is my returns, yellow my intakes, red my outputs.

Should the returns be 1.5" and the drains 2"?

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/sketchup3.gif


The principle is correct, you may well need more outlets in the bottom due to the length and size of the tank, depending on your personal preference, outlets could be 1 1/2 or 1" .

Drain bulkheads would be 1 1/2, there is no head loss to pumps in closed loops, the head from the tank will feed more than the pump needs, you can use 2" but isn't etched in stone.

It's now 2:15am here and I need to be up in a few hours, 15 more minutes of Top Gear on BBC and I am off to bed, catch you all in the morning.

[lastlight]

The Hammerhead pushes 6000gph at 0' head.

So 2 x 1.5" drains will allow me to diffuse that pull sufficiently in your opinion?

As for the outlets...I can keep the pair under the overlow and have another pair of 90s in the bottom and spread them out some. Any reason the pairs should or should not line up? Is staggering better?

And of course 1" outlets will be easier to hide. I'm not sure with fittings like these whether or not flow can really be broadened much by using a larger fitting. I intend to use your omniflex nozzles. Perhaps they don't come in 1.5" I'll have to look.

[lastlight]

Regarding the omniflex tho...in Dez' build they appear to be 45deg fittings. Would that not push flow up and work against the sump returns? 90s would push all the way to the end (all working together) and then hit the pane and go up and then pushed across the top. Maybe the 45s are better what do you think? Better for a sandbed I'm sure.

Two more outlets:

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/sketchup4.gif

[lastlight]

Here's a pretty lame drawing of what my rock layout could be like. I want it pretty simple with 3 main structures. Paul had requested I draw something up to help me with hole placement so I can pass along the details to Concept.

The silliness. I think I lost a mushroom and one of my high-heeled shoes in this drawing.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/rocksketch1.gif

[Delphinus]

I can send you back the mushroom ledge from my tank if you really really want it? :lol:

[hillegom]

Isn't that the mind altering kind of mushroom?

[kien]

why are you putting your wife's shoe in the tank? Is that a new trend I haven't heard of? Just curious.

[golf nut]

This is a quick idea of how I would drill, you might get a better idea as to how it all sort of works and get you to redraw the rocks.

Paul

I will show the drains later.

[lastlight]

Thanks Paul I like what you did there. Are you saying that's not ideal and I might *want* to change the rockwork up or...?

Here's the damage this evening. I'm outta green tape and the tank got pushed out from the wall an extra six inches. Dang hefty maintenance guy was already complaining it was a bit tight.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/tape.jpg

[dave_C]

Hay brett you should come by the shop sometime, I had a vendor drop off a simple off what they can do with a water jet cutter. I am think I can get a one piece eruo brace for this build with out breaking the bank Lol when I get a chance I will post a picture for you on sat when I am back in the office.

Thanks Dave

[fishoholic]

Have to say I'm a bit jealous, love the size of this tank, it's going to be pretty sweet when it's all set up and running :biggrin:

[lastlight]

Hay brett you should come by the shop sometime, I had a vendor drop off a simple off what they can do with a water jet cutter. I am think I can get a one piece eruo brace for this build with out breaking the bank Lol when I get a chance I will post a picture for you on sat when I am back in the office.

Thanks Dave

Think the wife will let me stop by again? Last time she lost me for a couple hours lol!

Have to say I'm a bit jealous, love the size of this tank, it's going to be pretty sweet when it's all set up and running :biggrin:

Jealous?! You've got like 600 gallons+ to your name! But yeah I am so stoked. Not sure when she'll get all wet but I am so looking forward to seeing this thing come to life!

Here's my newest addition to the 404 family. This things eats babies it's so mean.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/hammerhead.jpg

[Skimmerking]

Think the wife will let me stop by again? Last time she lost me for a couple hours lol!



Jealous?! You've got like 600 gallons+ to your name! But yeah I am so stoked. Not sure when she'll get all wet but I am so looking forward to seeing this thing come to life!

Here's my newest addition to the 404 family. This things eats babies it's so mean.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/hammerhead.jpg

ya oh so your stuff is mean is it OH I see how it is ...


:agrue: I don't Like you anymore Brett. hmmmmmmmmm:mrgreen:

[golf nut]

Thanks Paul I like what you did there. Are you saying that's not ideal and I might *want* to change the rockwork up or...?


Not saying it isn't ideal, I just wanted to show you where I would drill given the drawing you posted, the flow, where possible should move as much water as possible to pull in water from the surrounding area and hopefully gain momentum, burying C/L feeds in two of the islands will help as well.

Placing the bulkheads just inside the edge of the aquascaping goes a long way to hiding all hardware in the tank,the C/L feeds will not be seen at all, sometimes a return really needs to be at a certain place to get optimum flow and in that case you need to disguise it with small pieces of rock and or shells.

There are ideal scenarios for getting the maximum blast for the buck and getting excellent flow, but this isn't a frag tank you are building, this is your tank and your aquascaping done to your design, it's up to me to figure out the best way to get the flow in the tank that you want.

Paul


now off to bed I tee off in 4 1/2 hours

[fishoholic]

Jealous?! You've got like 600 gallons+ to your name! But yeah I am so stoked. Not sure when she'll get all wet but I am so looking forward to seeing this thing come to life!


My whole system is over 600g but the main displays are just standard 230g tanks. I would love to have a much longer/wider/shorter tank. Hummmmmm maybe it is time for a new house with a very large basement :lol: Now I just need the money for it!

[dave_C]

Scratches easier and I was actually surprised that the 19mm didn't really look all that green to me. In the end I always think...tank gets filled with water which certainly isn't 100% clear and then I turn on a small army of Radiums and the tank is quite blue. I'm going to spend my money elsewhere =)

Brett just to add a little more stress to your build for you lol

we are bring in a new glass from china, not sure what to call it but will name it "ever clear"for now, it's half the price of starsphire and i am told just as hard. Had a simple to see today and i like it is clearer than the starphire glass but here is two pic's for you to check out
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/conceptaquariums/IMG_0066.jpg
the new glass is on top and starphire is on the bottom
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/conceptaquariums/IMG_0067.jpg
again the same thing from the side
If you like this idea there are only two problems, i know i just had to throw something else in there for you lol,
1) it looks thinner than the starphire
2) glass won't be here for another 2 to 3 months:frown:

thanks Dave

[lastlight]

Dave come on you tease.

Ok how much thinner in mm? Any reason to worry about their claims considering it's unknown glass in a way? It sure looks clearer!

We'll have to talk lol.

[dave_C]

Dave come on you tease.

Ok how much thinner in mm? Any reason to worry about their claims considering it's unknown glass in a way? It sure looks clearer!

We'll have to talk lol.

If you look at the first pic I posted it shows the difference between the two types of glass, it is very slight! We are using their float glass now and I would have to say it is harder than the glass we were getting from ppg, you can ask Michika about that lol it took us over 8 hours to buff out some flaws we missed when we dropped it off.

[lastlight]

So I guess expect to see a tank in roughly 2-3 months as I am going to give this new low iron glass a shot. Looks very promising from what I do know about it so I guess we'll see!

[fishytime]

3 months!!!! cmon man, we cant wait that long!:razz:

[Skimmerking]

My whole system is over 600g but the main displays are just standard 230g tanks. I would love to have a much longer/wider/shorter tank. Hummmmmm maybe it is time for a new house with a very large basement :lol: Now I just need the money for it!
Well first off get Doug to move up 2 x incomes and BAM you have a bigger house.

[fishoholic]

So I guess expect to see a tank in roughly 2-3 months as I am going to give this new low iron glass a shot. Looks very promising from what I do know about it so I guess we'll see!

That glass does look really clear and cool can't wait to see how it turns out.

3 months!!!! cmon man, we cant wait that long!:razz:

+1

[christyf5]

3 months!!!! cmon man, we cant wait that long!:razz:

Yeah, by then you'll have changed your mind and want something else! :razz:

[Skimmerking]

Yeah, by then you'll have changed your mind and want something else! :razz:


OMG Brett is turning into me.:razz:

[kien]

So I guess expect to see a tank in roughly 2-3 months as I am going to give this new low iron glass a shot. Looks very promising from what I do know about it so I guess we'll see!

Sweet! Does that mean hell be free to do my tank next month? :D

[lastlight]

Yeah, by then you'll have changed your mind and want something else! :razz:

That does leave room for another upgrade I suppose. Wait...how long has the 97 been going lol?

Waiting is going to be rough but it's not like any waiting I've done previously. I have a tank so I'm still totally happy! Speaking of which...water change time!

[lastlight]

OMG Brett is turning into me.:razz:

I won't have any wood in my mouth anytime soon Mike :mrgreen:

And dude...that sig HAS to go like...wtf lol?

[globaldesigns]

I won't have any wood in my mouth anytime soon Mike :mrgreen:

And dude...that sig HAS to go like...wtf lol?

Where is that Pet Peeve Thread? I think we need to add Mikes Sig to it. HEHE :biggrin:

[lastlight]

If we do that it's going to make the thread like 10 feet longer when scrolling. What to DO?

[lastlight]

Well I'm sore as hell. Was a busy day getting my basement ready.

Few things changed (I'm sorta like Mike sometimes!):

- Going regular glass afterall. Concept Aquariums will be here before Feb rolls around!
- Absolutely no holes in the tank. Safety and energy efficient Vortechs.

So before I built the stand (I'm getting really good at these) I had to frame my fishroom and behind the tank because it'd be really hard later. This was tough because I have to shuffle couches and stuff around to build walls in this tiny basement. I also had to demo and dispose of the silly half-wall the previous owners had made. If you look at the photo below you can see there is a floating wall. No idea why but it had to come down.

Before:

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/messy3.jpg

After:

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/stand.jpg

I still need to clad the sides with some plywood for lateral stability. Will likely use some scraps I have and not sheet the entire area as I don't think it's needed. The wall behind the tank needs some more love but I ran out of 2x4s.

Off to bed. That was a rough one.

[MitchM]

No vapour barrier behind the studs?

[chris121277]

No vapour barrier behind the studs?


I'm pretty sure vapor barrier always goes to the warm side on the insulation :biggrin:

[Skimmerking]

No vapour barrier behind the studs? Vapor barrier goes after the studs :idea:

[MitchM]

Insulating basements is tricky because the concrete wall is a source of moisture as well.
The lower part of the foundation wall that is in contact with outside soil will always be a source of moisture unless the foundation has been waterproofed. The upper exposed part of the same foundation wall will be a place where the moisture can escape.
Vapour barrier should be on both sides of the insulation for basement walls, with an area at the top of the foundation-side vapour barrier left so the insulation is only exposed to the "drier" portion of the foundation wall.

[lastlight]

Our previous 2 houses were brand new and of course the outer walls were already insulated when I did development. When I did the electrical at each place I don't recall pulling back the insulation and seeing poly between the studs and the cement. What's the general consensus guys? I suppose I can fish some in back there but this is news to me?

[MitchM]

The best scenario is to have the exterior of the foundation wall insulated.
Since this isn't new construction, the second best practice would be to have rigid foam against the wall then the stud frame wall.

Here (http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-103-understanding-basements/) is a paper that explains it a bit better.
Of course, what you do is up to you.:smile:

[MitchM]

If your previous houses were in Alberta, the building code doesn't really deal with that issue, so it's pretty much left up to the builder what they do.:sad:
What we used to do is hang a layer of poly down from below the floor joists and slice some openings in the vapour barrier, above the outside grade.
That way, the insulation spaces could still breathe and would be exposed to the "drier" portion of the foundation wall.
It wasn't perfect, but it was better than leaving the insulation and studs fully exposed to the "wet" portion of the foundation wall.

[lastlight]

Actually I'm forgetting to share all my plans I guess. I don't even plan to insulate the walls I've built so far. The fish room and the coridor behind the tank will just be drywalled. I want this sealed area to be like a cold-room for some free tank cooling. I should also note that the fishroom wall is a shared wall with the condo next to us. The coridor behind the tank is however exterior wall. I plan to insulate that exterior wall once it extends past the end of the tank as that will be my office. I will most likely do the poly with slits like you have recommended. Thanks!

[lastlight]

Had a helper down in the basement today. Turns out the stand for my auto-topoff and mixing tank needed a bit of TLC.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/paint1.jpg

Stand is done with my 2x6s for lateral stability, 3 coats of KILZ Premium and foam.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/paint2.jpg

[chris121277]

That is one rock solid looking stand, have you put in any thought as to how you plan to skin it?

My kids are the same way.....if i'm workin on a project they have to be right in the middle of it.....cute

[lastlight]

Well last night I let her use the actual KILZ. Yeah doesn't come off the hands too well and she's not as thorough as I'd like lol. So I'm going to have her paint all the studs down there...gives the wife a break and we have fun.

The fishroom wall will be drywall and the stand itself will be finished just like my current tank. 1/2" ply with a shallow ledge done in white with a little simple trim pieces added for effect.

I do have a few boxes of leftover tile from our last place (floor tiles) and If I have enough I might do a strip around the tank since If I spilled that's where it'll be.

[Lance]

Yup, that stand will hold a tank! I guess by now you can build a stand with your eyes closed eh?

[lastlight]

Yup, that stand will hold a tank! I guess by now you can build a stand with your eyes closed eh?

Haha. Yeah I thought that myself more than a few times =)

It's funny...things like cleaning filter socks are only annoying until you have to paint the inside of a stand. All I could think of was I'm too damn old to be under there.

[freezetyle]

It's funny...things like cleaning filter socks are only annoying until you have to paint the inside of a stand. All I could think of was I'm too damn old to be under there.

Thats what the kids are for! haha

[andestang]

Haven't been around much lately so went to check to see how the 97 was coming along and I saw this - wow :shocked!: . This is great, glad you are able to pull this together. Look forward to seeing it being assembled.

[lastlight]

Yeah me too haha.

My son and I have been cleaning in the basement all day today. I've nearly got it spotless and if you recall the before pics you know I've done some real miracle-working there!

My glass is getting cut and polished tomorrow!

[lastlight]

Well here's a fun update! Concept Aquariums came by tonight and I had a front row seat (and lifted some glass to boot). My future fish house has walls! Top and bottom bracing to be completed soon.

My cat is so ****ed that she can't hop up on the stand anymore. I wish I had video of her attempt to do so haha.

View from my desk:

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/tank1.jpg

And standing back a bit:

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/tank2.jpg

[muck]

Lane swimming anyone? :mrgreen:

[Delphinus]

Wowza! Looks great!!

[The Codfather]

Looks good Brett

[andestang]

Looking awesume Brett ! How soon for the bracing and such ?

[badAZZlars]

Looking great... 400G!!!! thats a big tank. Looking forward to seeing this one come together.

[mseepman]

Wow, looking awesome!! Great size tank and it looks like you've already reserved front row seats while you work at your desk.

[lastlight]

Thanks yeah I have the best view in the house lol. If this tank is anything like my current one the end view will be my fav.

I had considered an elevated office area so I look straight into the tank but I don't want to make the room any less flexible than it already is. Plus I don;t really want to make a hollow sound as I wheel my office chair on a platform :lol:

[mseepman]

So if I get this right, you will be able to see in the front and both ends while the equipment goes behind?

[lastlight]

No the front and office end are the viewable sides. Sump will be directly under my overflow...area behind the back of the tank is open with a raised platform for access to back of tank. Since I laid this model out the tank has been moved 1 foot closer to the desk and the corridor behind the tank has been narrowed from 2 feet to about 18 inches.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/sketchup5.gif

[trinac]

Whats the software you used to design the room?

[lorenz0]

So are you going to get your open water certification in that thing lol

[lastlight]

Trina that's made in google sketchup. It's free and if you've never done any 3d before pretty easy to sort out. It's not really that great ompared to the software I have experience with so sometimes I get a little ****y at it lol.

I'd love to get my dive certification anywhere really! This cat's only ever been snorkelling unfortunately.

[andestang]

Just wondering why you have the door to the room for the access behind the tank where it is instead of parallel with the tank - for storage ? I would have the door /wall where the jam is closest to the tank side for a more open look - JMO(which I'm told doesn't mean much). Also you didn't answer my ? when are they coming to put the bracing on dammit ? :lol:

[lastlight]

That door will actually be as close to the left wall (stairs) as possible to maximize space along the wall the door is on. If you walk in the room the sump will be directly below the external overflow (on the end of the tank) and my skimmer and frag tank will be on the door wall as well. The other side of the room will have laundry tub, ro/di storage and mixing tank. The space directly behind the long back pane is just a narrow walkway so I can access the back of the tank. Hope that makes it clear.

I think the other bracing goes on sometime this weekend but that hasn't been confirmed yet.

[abcha0s]

That door will actually be as close to the left wall (stairs) as possible to maximize space along the wall the door is on. If you walk in the room the sump will be directly below the external overflow (on the end of the tank) and my skimmer and frag tank will be on the door wall as well. The other side of the room will have laundry tub, ro/di storage and mixing tank. The space directly behind the long back pane is just a narrow walkway so I can access the back of the tank. Hope that makes it clear.

I think the other bracing goes on sometime this weekend but that hasn't been confirmed yet.

Personally - I like the door centered on the wall. It creates a large usable space to the left of the door which you may appreciate. If you move the door all the way to the left, you will have the same amount of space (now on the right), but it would be divided between the two walls with a walkway between them. I think you end up with a bigger space by centering the door.

- Brad

[lastlight]

My concern is extra tanks I may plumb into the system. They all need to be plumbed into the sump which is on that side. If the door is in the middle that really limits how many tanks can be plumbed into my sump because I can't have plumbing go across the doorway obviously. I also can't have any tanks on the wall opposite the doorway plumbed into my sump as I'd have pipes going across my fishroom (and they need to be above the sump's level to drain into it). The door placement will be to maximize space for tanks along that wall as they can't be anywhere else. The door will also swing away from the fishroom and my storage cylinder will be in the corner on the left and the tub flanking it. These plans may change but so far that's how I plan to do it.

[Snappy]

Wow congrats on the the tank, etc getting built. Did you stay with the 96x36x27 dimensions you were planning? Hard to tell from the picture.

[lastlight]

Yeah I did Greg and I really really love it. The other big one was nearly as big but was 84x36x30 and I'm digging the look of this far more.

Yours holds more water tho...this thing is all 19mm!

[Lance]

I like the dims of the 404 better as well. An extra 12" of length and 27" is a heck of a lot easier to work with than 30". Good choice Brett.

[chris121277]

any new pic's? did they get the Eurobrace done?

[lastlight]

Nothing new to really report yet. Bracing hasn't quite happened yet but I'll shoot pics when it does. I am however working down here fulltime now. Got my little office area insulated and my trusty little floor heater can actually keep me warm now.

[dave_C]

Nothing new to really report yet. Bracing hasn't quite happened yet but I'll shoot pics when it does. I am however working down here fulltime now. Got my little office area insulated and my trusty little floor heater can actually keep me warm now.

Sorry for skipping out on you last sunday, being lazy is one of our other favorite hobbies lol, but i guess we'll just have to come over Wednesday night and get the braces put on so you can give your peeps some update pics:mrgreen:

[The Grizz]

Nice big glass box Brett, my 8' bRother (as skimmer king would say:lol:) and your not going to put that big pump on this bad boy :surprise:

[Skimmerking]

Nice big glass box Brett, my 8' bother (as skimmer king would say:lol:) and your not going to put that big pump on this bad boy :surprise:
we should be the 3 Amigo's
Brett ,Greg Mike

[lastlight]

Sorry for skipping out on you last sunday, being lazy is one of our other favorite hobbies lol

Dave don't sweat it =) Everyone's schedules need to mesh and of course I'm a patient guy! You've been awesome to deal with.

Nice big glass box Brett, my 8' bother (as skimmer king would say:lol:) and your not going to put that big pump on this bad boy :surprise:

Nope I chickened out. All my high flow pumps will be INSIDE the tank. You taking this massive paperweight off my hands or what?

we should be the 3 Amigo's
Brett ,Greg Mike

Am I stuck being the fugly one?

[Skimmerking]

Am I stuck being the fugly one?

nope Greg is he has the beard

[dave_C]

[QUOTE=lastlight;591232]Dave don't sweat it =) Everyone's schedules need to mesh and of course I'm a patient guy! You've been awesome to deal with.


cool we'll see you wed night :biggrin:

[The Grizz]

Nope I chickened out. All my high flow pumps will be INSIDE the tank. You taking this massive paperweight off my hands or what?




Am I stuck being the fugly one?

I am seriously considering it but have get some money a few people owe me first :biggrin:
We I know for sure that I'm the good looking one :razz:

[Skimmerking]

I am seriously considering it but have get some money a few people owe me first :biggrin:
We I know for sure that I'm the good looking one :razz:
:drinking::crazy:

[Delphinus]

my 8' bother

:lol:

And come on, that's an exagerration. Brett's only 6'5 or so. :p

[The Grizz]

I have been sniffing Goof Off for the last hour or so removing silicone res but I still know for sure I am 100% without a shadow of a dought the good looking one of the bunch :razz:

[Skimmerking]

:lol:

And come on, that's an exagerration. Brett's only 6'5 or so. :p Good Catch Tony and greg can't spell either.

its Brother not Bother. so you are not in our gang Greg.

[The Grizz]

:lol:

And come on, that's an exagerration. Brett's only 6'5 or so. :p

It's not how tall you are it's how big you piece is.............................piece of glass that is :pound:

[The Grizz]

Good Catch Tony and greg can't spell either.

its Brother not Bother. so you are not in our gang Greg.

I said I was the good looking one not the smrt one :razz:

[Delphinus]

Oh good, I'm glad you clarified because otherwise I thought you might have been referring to a wig. :p

[The Grizz]

Oh good, I'm glad you clarified because otherwise I thought you might have been referring to a wig. :p

I don't need a wig, have plenty to spare:rockon:

[Skimmerking]

It's not how tall you are it's how big you piece is.............................piece of glass that is :pound:

here we go again it's not how tall you are it's how big YOUR piece is

[lastlight]

Greg's got the largest trailer if ya follow.

[The Grizz]

here we go again it's not how tall you are it's how big YOUR piece is

Or I could be how much water volume you can hold in ALL the glass boxes you have :twised:

[The Grizz]

Greg's got the largest trailer if ya follow.

And that was just one of the trailers we have :surprise:

[lastlight]

Spent some time with the tank and a hydraulic jack to properly shim the stand tonight. I did the best I could building the stand level but under the weight of all the glass it was clear that the floor was pretty screwy as far as level/hills.

To clear the hills in the cement I shimmed the stand in all 4 corners and under the other 4 vertical supports so none of the rest of the stand sits on these unevenly raised hills. I had a 4 foot level laying lengthwise in the tank and my 2 foot level laying across the width. Dead level along the 8 foot length and I am within a razorblade's thickness across the 3 foot distance.

Not really an exciting update I know. Once the bracing goes in tomorrow night I will frame the rest of the fishroom in so I can relocate all the insulation i have laying around down here into those walls! Fishroom wall and the wall around the stand will be insulated to keep the cold and the noise in the fishroom.

[Stones]

Nice build so far Brett. Good to see the actual tank, the dimensions look pretty awesome. Keep us posted.

[lastlight]

Just working in my office. Nothing to see here folks.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/reefoffice1.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/reefoffice2.jpg

[kien]

Is that why you run so much? So you can realize your goal of one day being able to actually fit inside one of your tanks? In that case well done!

[lastlight]

You could lay across the width of this tank... smalls =)

[kien]

I'm a hobbit! :D

[The Grizz]

I'm a hobbit! :D

Hi my name is Kien Baggins cousin of Frodo :lol:

[Delphinus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odqnPtYzGbc

[Lance]

Will Smith gonna kick you a$$ Tony!

[fishoholic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odqnPtYzGbc

:crazyeye:

[Parker]

Case of Pepsi for a mouse pad?

[lastlight]

Well picked up my future sump today.

72L x 24W x 18H 1/2" glass. Pretty heavy.

I was moving it with the help of my kind neighbor and fell on a big patch of ice as I was backing up. I made the decision to save the tank and you can puzzle out the rest of what happened. Took the tank edge into my thighs and then the one corner ended up on my one hand as I had decided the corner was not going to get chipped having just saved the edge lol. Hand and tank slid along the asphalt until my friend steadied his end. I'm limping but I have a sump.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/sump.jpg

The wide center brace was added by the owner but overkill in my mind. I'm removing it and placing it into the tank on end to create a 50g compartment to pull water changes from.

Forgot to take pics but then tank was filled for a week and passed with flying colours.

[The Grizz]

All I can say is.................oh f*** that had to hurt. I am guessing that you were waiting for me to pick- up the pump so you could get the sump. :biggrin:

[zum14]

Man that sounds like it hurt, I would have done the same though. People heal, tanks dont.

[Ryan]

Wow Brett this thing is looking sweet!!

You werent kidding when you said it was a tight fit.

Have you figured out your lighting? Are you still looking for another Pendant & Ballast Combo?

[lastlight]

My wife planned a bit of a surprise bday party for me tonight. Was sorta funny hobbling around the party and showing everyone my mangled hand. Hand is crazy swollen and pretty badly scraped/cut. My right thigh however is in so much pain right now. I did the right thing and I'm sorta proud of myself for saving the tank. Lucky I never broke and bones in my hand tho. I drove out to strathmore for it too so after the hassle I really wanted it!

Ryan I actually have enough 250w M80s to power 5 halides. One will be a backup as I intend to use 4 of them. I'll be buying 2 more lumenmax elites tho.

[lastlight]

All I can say is.................oh f*** that had to hurt. I am guessing that you were waiting for me to pick- up the pump so you could get the sump. :biggrin:

Not waiting specifically but yes most of that cash is in Strathmore now lol. Thanks again Greg hope that works for you.

[The Grizz]

Not waiting specifically but yes most of that cash is in Strathmore now lol. Thanks again Greg hope that works for you.

Glad I could some what keep your build going along & I am more then sure the pump will be exactly what I need on the 250 :biggrin:

[fishytime]

good on ya man....for taken one for the cause:wink:

[kien]

ouch.. that's what you get for not calling me out to help lift :P

[fishoholic]

Ouch! but good save.

[lastlight]

My hand and legs have been healing well from the sump ordeal and I have been tinkering with the build a little on weekends. Since I posted a bit of a spoiler in my other build thread I thought I better do a photo dump here as well.

First I laid 3 coats of Kilz on some plywood and then siliconed them to my stand. The stand needs to keep the moisture in the fishroom.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/skin1.jpg

Then I framed around the stand and popped insulation in there. The stand also needs to keep the noise and cool air in the fishroom.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/skin2.jpg

Framed the canopy which surrounds the tank but does not touch nor rest on it. You can see the 2x4 rail mounts across the floor joists for the plywood to connect to. I had to clear all the water pipes that pass through my condo unit into the adjacent units.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/skin3.jpg

Here's two shots after the 1/2" plywood went up.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/skin4.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/skin5.jpg

Walking in the doorway to the fishroom you can see where the laundry tub will be installed. Future frag tank is sitting on it for now.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/skin6.jpg

Here's the sump that nearly killed me. I smartly maneuvered this thing onto its stand alone thinking to myself 'you're a dumbass brett'. I redid all the inner silicone and removed the center brace and mounted it on-end to create my 40g water change area. I could not dry-fit the brace back into this tank after I took it out so obviously the previous owner braced the tank while full! This meant the baffle had to be installed at a slight angle but it is rock solid with tons of contact as that brace was 5/8". The tank itself is all 1/2" and won't be even close to full hence the choice to remove the brace. My frag tank will be shelf-mounted above the water change compartment.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/skin7.jpg

Going further in you can see my rear access corridor. It's about 18" wide and I'll make a moveable platform that I can move around to step up on for mounting corals etc.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/skin8.jpg

Here's two shots showing the skin after a few rounds of wood-filler. The first pic sorta shows the plywood ceiling I installed. You can't see in these pics but I have applied silicone between all the plywood and canopy 2x4s. The plywood seams will also be 'coned and then it will all be sealed with Kilz. Sealed room! I may even run some silicone in the 1/2" gap between the canopy and the tank itself to further seal the area and prevent water that splashes on the bracing from running down the glass.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/skin9.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/skin10.jpg

[kien]

Nice :)

[lorenz0]

build is looking awesome dude

[sphelps]

Nice looking work as always. I'm guessing the tank will be done before the drywall goes up :lol:

[The Grizz]

That looks killer dude, nicely done :thumb:

[mseepman]

wow, really coming together. You're giving me some great ideas for my tank...so thank you. :)

[lastlight]

Thanks guys.

Not sure of the order of everything but I do know there won't be livestock in it until the reno itself is done down here. Really don't want drywall dust etc getting into the running setup.

Next item I'll acquire for the build though is likely going to be my water ro/di storage which will be a 233g vertical container sitting under my stairs which are left of the laundry tub. The fishroom is going to extend far enough under the stairs to include that container, my new water mixing tank (just a 45g glass tank I think) and a bar fridge for my frozen food.

[Lance]

Nice looking build Brett. Very professional.

[hillegom]

.... and a bar fridge for my frozen food.

and beer:biggrin:

Very professional work. Nicely done!

[TheMikey]

Loving the dimensions and the stand. I like the unobstructed views of the two sides. Very clean build!

[freezetyle]

whats the status on your tank. Any other progress?

[lastlight]

whats the status on your tank. Any other progress?

On the tank itself? No =(

The basement however is nearly dry-walled! I was down there working on it for the first time in ages this past weekend. Once the walls are painted it's tank-time. I've decided to do the drop ceiling and flooring later!

New skimmer is hopefully going to arrive in Sept. It's a Skimz 302. Flow will initially be handled by an MP60 and a pair of MP40s which I'll pickup when the skimmer lands. Big thanks to Concept Aquatics for pulling some strings to get this skimmer in for me. Aqua Digital had previously not imported one to my knowledge.

[Boomboy]

very nice work. cant wait to see more. slow and steady.

[lastlight]

very nice work. cant wait to see more. slow and steady.

This one's actually moving a lot faster than I'm used to LOL.

[waynemah]

Brett, the setup looks top notch as usual. I can't wait to see more :mrgreen:

[Zoaelite]

Holy bajesus Brett that thing is GORGEOUS! Nice handy work there buddy, cant wait to see it full of livestock.

[fooser]

That looks awesome! What a monster! Are you going to drain the ocean? If so take the fish along with it, save you the trouble of deciding what to stock if you get a random surprise of whatever comes with the ocean!

[lastlight]

Lol thanks guys.

Tonight I went and picked up two 55g barrels for ro/di storage. I couldn't justify dropping $400+ on a larger vertical cylinder and figured 100 gallons was enough to handle my water changes and topoff. These barrels were used to store crushed tomatoes and apparently the mix itself was in giant bags within the barrels. Essentially these barrels are brand new =)

$45 ea. I'm going to pickup a third to use as a mixing tank after seeing them rather than buying a 55g glass tank.

http://www.thebarrelman.ca/our-products/

They are the blue open head barrels. I am not planning to drill these either. I want to minimize the chance for leaks down there. One barrel will simply have my osmolator in it. One will be ro/di storage which will feed into the third when it's time to mix. The feed barrel will be elevated and I am going to have hard pvc plumbed over the top with a full siphon and valve. So long as I leave a bit in the barrel it will maintain siphon and save me buying more pumps.

This will mean making some of the area under the stairs part of the fishroom rather than just having pipes from the barrels come thru the planned fishroom wall. I'll have to think more on this because the wall is load-bearing and it will mean tossing a header in there. The current 2x4s are all warped and sad looking so I imagine the effort will actually strengthen the wall!

</essay>

[mseepman]

So Brett, one question...I notice on the site that only the grey barrels are listed as Food Safe...are you sure the blue open lid ones are safe?

[lastlight]

Yes they are. They have a whole bunch of different ones in their garage (in Edgemont) and the white ones have threaded outlets but had a funky smell. She told me the blue ones are food safe and perfect for this application. She's sold them to other fish folk in the past as well. In the case of these particular ones the food product never even touched the plastic. They also send each barrel thru a washing process with high heat.

[phi delt reefer]

Brett - put some RO/DI water in there after you clean it and let it sit there for a couple weeks. then test it for phosphates/ammonia/tds just to be sure.

[lastlight]

Oh for sure I still intended to test what I can after I bleach'em. Can't be any worse than my current topoff tank. It's open top and i find bugs fall in all the time...they actually start molding on the bottom of the tank lol.

[mseepman]

haha. Thanks for that mental picture!

[Skimmerking]

Brett well done man, I bet that you miss your BK 250 now dont ya

[lastlight]

Brett well done man, I bet that you miss your BK 250 now dont ya

Rub it in Mike I love it! Lol.

I'm really stoked to try the Skimz actually =)

[JDigital]

Wow dude! That is awesome! Your desk is positioned perfectly! ;) I forsee a lot of work getting done.

[lastlight]

I'm actually working in my bedroom these days. My desk is setup in there and sure it's a little ghetto but I get natural sunlight up there. Being in the basement all winter was really crushing my spirits.

Where my desk used to be will be a couch and a tv across from it. That way the wife will be down there in the evenings and I can tinker and still be spending time with her.

[mr.wilson]

Looks sharp! I like the dimensions, overflow location & framing. How are you finishing the plywood?

[lastlight]

Thanks Shawn.

It will be simply rolled in a white/cream similar to this with similar trim applied to the doors and bottom:

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/97/skinned1.jpg

[lastlight]

Been slowly making some progress down in the basement. Both side are now drywalled and the fish-side is currently being mudded. Fishroom itself is now ready for paint which I hope to do this weekend...

I have been shifting my doser around to be able to drywall the stairs and mud as best I can. The chiller is still running in the other room of the basement and I will of course have some patching to do after I take the 97g down for good.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/reno1.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/reno2.jpg

The couch is going to go where my office previously was. Putting a tv on the wall where my buckets are.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/reno3.jpg

I really miss the 45g I had for topoff. That stand had to come down so I could drywall in there. Nothing like filling this 5g bucket every other day :twised: The jackpost will be removed once my current tank is taken down.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/reno4.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/reno5.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/reno6.jpg

Laundry tub has water to it but the drain is not yet connected. Since no drain existed anywhere near this room the drain (which is not visible here) goes all the way around 2 walls on the other side of the basement where it ties into the drain system behind the washing machine.

The 55 gallon drum is for mixing water changes. To the right of the drum (under the stairs and behind the drywall) are 2 more drums stacked. One will be for topoff and the other (elevated) will be a reservoir plumbed into the mix drum on the fishroom side.

The fresh-air vent can be seen as well. It's nice knowing when the neighbors are bbqing or smoking pot even when I'm doing tank maintenance down here lol.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/reno7.jpg

[waynemah]

I love the lack of fear as far as putting random holes in the walls!

[lastlight]

I love the lack of fear as far as putting random holes in the walls!

Actually most of those walls were built around wires and plumbing already in place lol. I have a serious hole behind my tank that will need fixing when she comes down. Tank was in place so I was literally jabbing a screwdriver from the stairwell side into my livingroom!

[Delphinus]

Looks awesome!!!

[Skimmerking]

Looks really good Brett well done man

[fishoholic]

Awesome, it's coming along nicely :biggrin:

[kien]

Thats looking more awesomer at a very brisk pace! Holy marathon reno !

[Cugio]

Very nice work Brett.

[The Codfather]

Looks good Brett. I take it your doing all the work yourself?

[lastlight]

Looks good Brett. I take it your doing all the work yourself?

Yes that's why the mudding looks like that :lol:

[The Codfather]

Yes that's why the mudding looks like that :lol:

Hey nothing a coat of paint won't fix. When do you figure you'll have water in that beast?

[lastlight]

I've got all my powerheads I'm just waiting on my skimmer to arrive. As soon as it does (and provided this side of the basement is painted) I'll filler up. Should be sometime next month...

[fishytime]

Saweeeet!.... I'll bet your getting excited?..... Heck, I'm getting excited for ya:biggrin:

[lastlight]

Saweeeet!.... I'll bet your getting excited?..... Heck, I'm getting excited for ya:biggrin:

Lol I'm so burnt out between work, my kids and this basement that I haven't had the energy to think that far ahead haha. Please carry the excitement torch for me :biggrin:

[fishoholic]

I've got all my powerheads I'm just waiting on my skimmer to arrive. As soon as it does (and provided this side of the basement is painted) I'll filler up. Should be sometime next month...

WHOOOOHOOOO!!!! :mrgreen:

[fishoholic]

Lol I'm so burnt out between work, my kids and this basement that I haven't had the energy to think that far ahead haha. Please carry the excitement torch for me :biggrin:

http://photo-dict.faqs.org/photofiles/list/6966/9276torch.jpg

[Lance]

:thumb::thumb::thumb:

[lastlight]

Fishroom got it's first coat tonight! I also now have some cool-looking white highlights in my hair that for now seem sorta permanent lol.

First a peek at my rad new mixing station. Wife can't wait to see this gone lemme tell ya.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/kilz1.jpg

This stuff is the bomb.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/kilz2.jpg

You can see where I applied silicone to all the cracks and knotholes in the plywood ceiling. Those are all the spots the paint doesn't really want to stick to.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/kilz3.jpg

To paint my water-change nook I removed the blue drum and tossed it temporarily on the laundry tub. Sorta forgot the tap works now and it started working all right! Too bad the drain is not connected. You can sorta tell the floor is wet. Officially my first mini flood!

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/kilz4.jpg

Outside lookin' in...

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/kilz5.jpg

[fishytime]

T12s in the fishroom Brett????........how disappointing....:mrgreen:.......Im really just jealous that you have a fish room......looks good mang

[lastlight]

T8s Doug come on! Trust me that is by far the brightest room in my place now.

[fishytime]

T8s Doug come on! Trust me that is by far the brightest room in my place now.

:lol:.....I wonder if they come in actinic?

[The Grizz]

I am jealous as well, I would love a fish room & so would my wife. At least I have her down for a small tank in the kitchen when we do the remodel.

Looks nice & WHITE but there's no room for a pool table......or even a couch for that matter.

[The Grizz]

T12s in the fishroom Brett????........how disappointing....:mrgreen:.......Im really just jealous that you have a fish room......looks good mang

Ya Doug, come on any one can see those are T8's pfftt:twised:

[lastlight]

I've already got a tank in the kitchen as you can see... fishroom was the next logical step i guess haha.

A couch is going where I took the last picture from. When that jackpost is out there's actually a decent amount of room out front for viewing but yeah no chance at a billiards table. I might move my other white leath 3-seater from the other basement room into that spot if it still fits through the doorways I put in :lol:

This basement is a shoebox but it's MY shoebox!

[The Grizz]

I've already got a tank in the kitchen as you can see... fishroom was the next logical step i guess haha.

A couch is going where I took the last picture from. When that jackpost is out there's actually a decent amount of room out front for viewing but yeah no chance at a billiards table. I might move my other white leath 3-seater from the other basement room into that spot if it still fits through the doorways I put in :lol:

This basement is a shoebox but it's MY shoebox!

There's more then one room in your shoebox :razz:

[lastlight]

You can see where the other couch is in shoebox 2 on the right. It may be stuck in there now. Hopefully using all 32" doors will give me enough play if I decide I want it in front of the tank.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/sketchup2.gif

[kien]

Very nice! You're on schedule for finishing that all up by september!

[Skimmerking]

T12s in the fishroom Brett????........how disappointing....:mrgreen:.......Im really just jealous that you have a fish room......looks good mang


I'm with Doug t-12's shmae on you. and Doug I'll back ya up wish I had my fish room back too.

[mseepman]

This is really looking great! Nice use of space in that little basement.

[The Codfather]

Looks good Brett, that monster will be up and running in no time.

[ALBERTA REEF]

More pic's :boink::boink:

[Parker]

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/sketchup2.gif


This makes me want to put an in-wall in my office! I have 90gal kicking around and a wall I could put it into!

DAMN YOU!

[Boomboy]

this is looking awesome. never surrender never give up. keep taking pictures. love everything about this. one day i want a fish room like this.:biggrin:

[lastlight]

Thanks for the damnings and compliments =) I want a fishroom someday too which is why I *really* need more free time to devote to this thing!

[lastlight]

Thanks to Brad (Abcha0s) for suggesting this 100% epoxy floor coating. It's called Enviropoxy (from IPP here in Calgary) and I have done the first coat. I'll be doing a second coat so all the higher spots in my floor become smooth as well. Hard as a rock and not slippery when wet either. Love this stuff but the prep-work for the floor was brutal.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro1.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro2.jpg

The stand is done except for the doors now. The scribing process was pretty painstaking but I'm really happy with the end result. I have to go back and carefully touch up the paint in a few grooves still...

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro3.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro4.jpg

My helper playing in the 'secret tunnel'...

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro5.jpg

Not a very flattering shot as the harsh lights down here right now show a few seams. You can just make out something in the groove for the left vertical line. On this panel as luck would have it I hit ALL FOUR screws that were used to mount the panel originally. I didn't want to try and move them and screw things up but nobody but me will notice I think.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro6.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro7.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro8.jpg

[fishytime]

Im impressed mang.........for doing that with a knife, it looks preety dang good.....well done........and theres always a screw or nail where it shouldnt be:wink:.......the floor looks killer too

[Parker]

The grooves look awesome!

[DCDN]

Its really coming along. Looks so good already, can't wait to see it filled

[Lampshade]

Wow, the scribing cuts looks really good. Great choice going with those. Looks like you have your first livestock in the tank as well, that spider looks happily content until he's flooded.

[Skimmerking]

I hate you HATE YOU HATE YOU:lol:

[The Grizz]

Damn nice job on the line scribing Brett, that looks AWESOME!!

[Snappy]

Thanks to Brad (Abcha0s) for suggesting this 100% epoxy floor coating. It's called Enviropoxy (from IPP here in Calgary) and I have done the first coat. I'll be doing a second coat so all the higher spots in my floor become smooth as well. Hard as a rock and not slippery when wet either. Love this stuff but the prep-work for the floor was brutal.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro1.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro2.jpg

The stand is done except for the doors now. The scribing process was pretty painstaking but I'm really happy with the end result. I have to go back and carefully touch up the paint in a few grooves still...

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro3.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro4.jpg

My helper playing in the 'secret tunnel'...

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro5.jpg

Not a very flattering shot as the harsh lights down here right now show a few seams. You can just make out something in the groove for the left vertical line. On this panel as luck would have it I hit ALL FOUR screws that were used to mount the panel originally. I didn't want to try and move them and screw things up but nobody but me will notice I think.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro6.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro7.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/enviro8.jpg
Looks terrific!

[Lance]

Nice job on the scribing Brett. Looks good.

[fishoholic]

Impressive :thumb:

[mseepman]

Very very nice...love the look of the stand

[lastlight]

Thanks guys. I'm trying to take my time but I just wanna get the water in ASAP =) Guess I need to make a decision about return pumps first...

Wow, the scribing cuts looks really good. Great choice going with those. Looks like you have your first livestock in the tank as well, that spider looks happily content until he's flooded.

That one (and a few others in there) are dried-up-dead. There is however a big black one that likes to hide under the bath towel I have laying in there. He bolts for the towel whenever the lights turn on.

Between spiders, dust and debris I have some serious shop-vac and wiping to do in both tanks when the time comes!

[kien]

free bump for a great deal here.

[The Codfather]

Thanks guys. I'm trying to take my time but I just wanna get the water in ASAP =) Guess I need to make a decision about return pumps first...

Well if I get water in my tank first I'll let you know how the sicce pumps are. Im hoping they are as good as they say.
By the way, tank looks good, think the scribing really adds to overall look.

[The Grizz]

free bump for a great deal here.

:noidea: what are you smokin tonight Kien or are you sniffing your little girls markers again :lol:

[kien]

wow that did turn out really nice bro! Well worth the stupid amount of time you spent on it 'fo shizzle.

[lastlight]

:noidea: what are you smokin tonight Kien or are you sniffing your little girls markers again :lol:

Well if history repeats itself...

NO CHANCE. It's GAME ON from here =)

[The Grizz]

Well if history repeats itself...

NO CHANCE. It's GAME ON from here =)

SWEET!! I can't wait to see it running Brett. I will definitely be dropping in to see in person. Again I will say BEAUTIFUL JOB on the scribing dude, really nice look.

[lastlight]

SWEET!! I can't wait to see it running Brett. I will definitely be dropping in to see in person. Again I will say BEAUTIFUL JOB on the scribing dude, really nice look.

Not until the dimming pots are in dude. I gotta hide all the mess-ups =) Thx btw!

[Myka]

Looks like you bounced back after your setbacks a couple years ago. Good to see! Can't wait to see this tank in a couple years when it matures. Will be very nice I'm sure.

(Pics quoted for Myka)

OMG! I was just thinkin....frickin Snappy is quoting damn pictures too! :eek: Seriously though?? Quote 5 freakin pics to leave 2 words of comments or even a sentence? OMG. You guys are killing me. :twised:

[lastlight]

Thought I'd update with the reno progress I've made. I now have things to a point where I'm ready to put water in the tank. When my skimmer arrives things are going to start getting serious!

Dricore going in. Really tough managing reno materials with so little space down here!

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/sink1.jpg

Running water at last...

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/sink2.jpg

Paint and vinyl click flooring:

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/floor1.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/floor2.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/floor3.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/floor4.jpg

Bought a shop-vac specifically for cleaning my tank and sump out. Next step is a washdown of both. Not looking forward to that let me tell ya. The yellow extension cord is actually what's running my tank upstairs. I was shocked to discover how much crap was on the same circuit so I thought I'd use one of the tank-room's dedicated ones.

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/floor5.jpg

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/floor6.jpg

[Snappy]

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/floor3.jpg



Does this pole mean there will be some dancing entertainment as well? :wink: