185g Deep Reef Build

[Blue World Aquariums]

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E_E6KtJL1BY/T4DA6YYgMkI/AAAAAAAAB2c/sRPoXpDxT7U/s640/113.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m_ERRo0RycQ/T4DA6x9He6I/AAAAAAAAB2k/WZnjYKE2jCs/s640/114.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lAOD6-Ln3fM/T4DA7hJqJuI/AAAAAAAAB2s/rZ4-WLhWld4/s640/115.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-37UTOkJthWY/T4DA8PfNSJI/AAAAAAAAB20/rt5yCOOlp3c/s400/dons-lift-control.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-36lBVRH2DwM/T4DA8ikMjdI/AAAAAAAAB28/yTnQgQIrMOE/s400/dons-lift-control2.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nfnRkBliNP0/T4DA9KRx4vI/AAAAAAAAB3E/wwm9v9NJcQc/s400/photo.JPG

[Blue World Aquariums]

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[Blue World Aquariums]

2nd post reserved

[Blue World Aquariums]

3rd post reserved

[RCFA]

Looks interesting. What will the controller actuate?

[MarkoD]

Looks interesting. What will the controller actuate?

Looks like a controller for the actuator that will raise and lower the canopy

[Blue World Aquariums]

Looks like a controller for the actuator that will raise and lower the canopy

Exactly. I wanted to be able to press a button and have the canopy raise to the ceiling (via limit switch), and press a button to send it all the way back down. I don't think a controller like this exists...or at least I could not find one, so we made one.

This is the design for the glass case it will be housed in. Illuminated push buttons for Up, Down, and Stop:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uJYrTsd9pM8/T4jWgSAg2kI/AAAAAAAAB40/G1Y9QlVgadA/s640/control%2520box.jpg

Can't decide what color LEDs to use on the board itself...going to ditch the current ones, they were just what was on hand.

[MarkoD]

Princess auto sells controllers for their actuators
They plug directly into the harness of the actuator
Exactly. I wanted to be able to press a button and have the canopy raise to the ceiling (via limit switch), and press a button to send it all the way back down. I don't think a controller like this exists...or at least I could not find one, so we made one.

This is the design for the glass case it will be housed in. Illuminated push buttons for Up, Down, and Stop:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uJYrTsd9pM8/T4jWgSAg2kI/AAAAAAAAB40/G1Y9QlVgadA/s640/control%2520box.jpg

Can't decide what color LEDs to use on the board itself...going to ditch the current ones, they were just what was on hand.

[Blue World Aquariums]

I see. That's not really something I wanted to find out afterwards! Oh well, I enjoyed making it...

[untamed]

I admire your work...I got my actuator from this place

http://www.firgelliauto.com/

[MarkoD]

I see. That's not really something I wanted to find out afterwards! Oh well, I enjoyed making it...

sorry.

at least you saved 80 bucks

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/8272676/Controls/Linear-Actuator-Controller

[tim the toolman]

sorry.

at least you saved 80 bucks

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/8272676/Controls/Linear-Actuator-Controller

Did it ever occur to you that absolutely no one on this site has any use for your comments. Why not jus say " hey great build" and move along

[tim the toolman]

Hey great build.

[Blue World Aquariums]

Hey great build.

Thanks! Much appreciated. :)

I was not offended by MarcoD's comments whatsoever. Let's just leave it at that please!

[Cade]

Drawings look sweet buddy, didnt you add water today tho??

PICTURES!:mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

We will accept iphone pictures.... for now. :wink:

[Blue World Aquariums]

I admire your work...I got my actuator from this place

http://www.firgelliauto.com/

Yep the actuator for this build is from there as well. It's one of the 200lb track actuators. We're also using a 50" heavy duty bearing rail with extra bearing blocks from them. They seem to be very high quality components.

[Blue World Aquariums]

Drawings look sweet buddy, didnt you add water today tho??

PICTURES!:mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

We will accept iphone pictures.... for now. :wink:
Hey Cade, you're thinking of the Microsoft tank: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=85094 :D

[Cade]

Hey Cade, you're thinking of the Microsoft tank: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=85094 :D

Oh, thanks. and sorry... :redface:

Looking forward to Tuesday.. ;)

[Blue World Aquariums]

New toys! Solid-state mini-pc with Windows 8 and multi-touch monitor that will be installed behind a cabinet door in the canopy.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gcqFw_1xi4U/T5hrtuPtxUI/AAAAAAAAB8c/e_4ExG9yJs4/s720/003.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TcO0qp1-lAM/T5hrv7A8wyI/AAAAAAAAB8k/-NsVBdKovVk/s720/004.JPG

[mseepman]

Loving this...where did you get the mimo? Is it a deluxe or the basic? Is that the beta for Win8? Didn't think that they had much functionality yet with that.

[Blue World Aquariums]

I got the Magic Touch directly from the manufacturer. It's a deluxe, but I believe the diference is only in the stand, which I'm not using. They upgraded to the deluxe for free due to a longer than expected lead time.

Yeah, Windows 8....I will get back to you on that. Right now I need to find a workaround to get the touch screen working fully...the resolution is just shy of the minimum requirements to run the Metro apps. And Internet Explorer just stopped working altogether for some reason. I'm hoping it gets updated significantly before we put the tank together or I might have to go back to Windows 7.
Loving this...where did you get the mimo? Is it a deluxe or the basic? Is that the beta for Win8? Didn't think that they had much functionality yet with that.

[lastlight]

Great build so far it's got some creative flair to it which I'm liking!

So your controller only requires a single push for up/down and the actuator operates until it reaches it's limits? I just had a simple toggle switch this is way nicer =)

[Blue World Aquariums]

Thanks Brett! I had a look through your current tank build but I couldn't find an actuator (great idea with the table of contents...might have to borrow that one!) Were you talking about a previous build?

This tank will have a lot of wiring, and I needed a nice solution to keep everything organized while accomodating the movement of the canopy. All wiring between the canopy and base will be routed through these coiled cables:

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aTnKD0fDrJ1s-7L1Sh9lMV6NQ1ZYtAScyNHsYitWJt8?feat=directlinkhttp s://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1F9ImG6hTOQ/T5lzQiuosVI/AAAAAAAAB9U/5eGwzqiZUbQ/s400/IMG_00024.jpg

A bit heavier than necessary for most of the power going through them, but too big is better than too small!

Weatherproof junction boxes will keep everything tidy, adaptable, and dry. There will be a total of 3 boxes in the hood. This large one will accommodate wiring for the actuator controls and sensors, ventilation fans, and will route the USB to another nearby junction box serving as a USB hub (for touch screen, Vertex V-link, and webcams). A small junction box will handle the power for the Illumina LED fixture.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9waMlJvngHk/T5lrqedPsNI/AAAAAAAAB9A/LupTjQZugCw/s640/IMG_00026.jpg

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3kli5b1K8-7NK5MEuQqnuV6NQ1ZYtAScyNHsYitWJt8?feat=directlink

[tinman]

New toys! Solid-state mini-pc with Windows 8 and multi-touch monitor that will be installed behind a cabinet door in the canopy.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gcqFw_1xi4U/T5hrtuPtxUI/AAAAAAAAB8c/e_4ExG9yJs4/s720/003.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TcO0qp1-lAM/T5hrv7A8wyI/AAAAAAAAB8k/-NsVBdKovVk/s720/004.JPG
So what will this lovely piece of modern tech do for you i have not seen this toy before but i want one!

[Blue World Aquariums]

So what will this lovely piece of modern tech do for you i have not seen this toy before but i want one!
I'm liking it too...I want to put one in my car!

This will provide:
-Wireless network gateway for the tank controller (Apex and later...Cerebra)
-Vertex Desktop for control and programming of Illumina LED
-Webcam hosting for remote monitoring
-Tank journal
-Virtual networking for remote control of all of the above with mobile devices

[lastlight]

Thanks Brett! I had a look through your current tank build but I couldn't find an actuator

Here's a link to the mostly finished lift (box wasn't filled/painted):

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=436398&postcount=194

Videos (beware it's loud - wasn't near that bad in reality):

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/build/lift_up.html

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/build/lift_down.html

[Blue World Aquariums]

Here's a link to the mostly finished lift (box wasn't filled/painted):

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=436398&postcount=194

Videos (beware it's loud - wasn't near that bad in reality):

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/build/lift_up.html

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/build/lift_down.html

Oh I remember that tank! Just didn't make the connection.

[Blue World Aquariums]

Had to play before building the case for the canopy lift controller... I really like these buttons.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lIwbGji7rPs/T5tIv3-60mI/AAAAAAAAB90/mujHdHWviVo/s640/009.JPG

[mseepman]

Okay, where did you get those? Very nice indeed.

[subman]

What model shuttle is that? Love the look of the toys in this build!!

[Blue World Aquariums]

Okay, where did you get those? Very nice indeed.

http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/PV8F2V0SS-311/EG4742-ND/2116221

Not the cheapest things, but they were by far the nicest push buttons I could find. They should go well with the stainless angles and standoffs that will join the glass together.

What model shuttle is that? Love the look of the toys in this build!!
Thanks, subman. It's the XS35V2 with 4gb ram, and 60gb SSD.

[Blue World Aquariums]

Canopy lift finished and stand getting ready for mill work. I am very, very pleased with the action on the lift....it's smooth!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g9on4B75Ymo/T572loVbs6I/AAAAAAAAB-c/dChcQbOFiOs/s800/006.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WWQgT1qHL4g/T572mEQA0hI/AAAAAAAAB-k/ZiAL26zYjuI/s800/009.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RcC4oTojNdQ/T572j2faCsI/AAAAAAAAB-E/FE_boF5yj7A/s800/001.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pxdqvdstykQ/T572kbXANBI/AAAAAAAAB-M/_eibjpYfY4o/s800/002.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rvleZjSJZlc/T572lKzf5xI/AAAAAAAAB-U/CVZnfzDt4i4/s800/003.JPG

[cordeiro]

Wow.. Looks good, you should try to send out a video on the canopy going up and down..

And cant wait to see it done and the next one too..

Nice job

[mseepman]

Wow.. Looks good, you should try to send out a video on the canopy going up and down..

And cant wait to see it done and the next one too..

Nice job

I second that motion!

[gridley]

This is looking very impressive!

[Blue World Aquariums]

The tank's not in a good position for photos but here's a teaser. 3/4" Starphire.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PePiwQ6L77Y/T6GtXFbwvuI/AAAAAAAACAI/BBo9oxmhEsU/s400/006.JPG

[Blue World Aquariums]

As requested, a video of the canopy lift in action!

http://youtu.be/buQuBfeXbyk

[Nano]

NICE!

[mseepman]

Very awesome! Seems so smooth. Looking forward to all the details on this build.

[Mike-fish]

what are you guys doing for corrosion protection on the lift

[Blue World Aquariums]

what are you guys doing for corrosion protection on the lift

The lift is made of aluminum and steel components. We've powder-coated everything we can, and the only tapped holes are in aluminum components. Our concern is with the exposed steel in the bearings, the bearing rails (the body of the rail you see in the video is aluminum), and the internals of the actuator. Our plan for corrosion protection of these components is splash protection, ventilation, and regular lubrication and maintenance. The design is such that all components can be removed and serviced while the aquarium is against a wall.

[ScubaSteve]

Damn dude, this is a nutty build. I love it! One day when I'm not a poor grad student (t-minus 1 year) I'm totally doing a build like this. I love the detail with the actuator board. And here I thought I was the only one anal enough to design my own circuit boards... :razz:

[Blue World Aquariums]

Very awesome! Seems so smooth. Looking forward to all the details on this build.
It's buttery smooth...and that was a necessity with this build. We had to make a minor design change after our first trial and the cost was more than originally planned.... but overall I am really pleased!

[Blue World Aquariums]

Canopy lift controller front panel artwork
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7WPmGhM7180/T6YYt7nvI6I/AAAAAAAACAk/es-4DWJLVTA/s800/glass-etching4.jpg

[Blue World Aquariums]

Here's the start of the canopy lift control box.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tTXZJ6h7qFE/T6sRKSfrtxI/AAAAAAAACBg/hZGcElQ8kfo/s640/006.JPG

[ScubaSteve]

Sexy!

[Mike-fish]

........ and whats the budget look like for this one:lol:

[Dive_dry]

look-in good I know I will be pick-in your brain when i start my tank room

[Blue World Aquariums]

I did not realize how geeky this was going to be until now!!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vQGXW8aiaLU/T6tYsSpl7CI/AAAAAAAACB4/u4hTIJXGQdQ/s640/015.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A0ocE-HVfsE/T6tYbhenigI/AAAAAAAACBw/AblaNoJj-Po/s640/016.JPG

Laser etching to come! lol. I might decide to change the wiring to all blue so it doesn't look so toy-like.

[Borderjumper]

Sweet! Anything with that many lights HAS to be cool!

[lastlight]

that is too cool! shame that glass hasn't been machined though...

[lockrookie]

that thing strangely reminds me of that movie the cube.. purdy cool

[ashr]

Looks bad ass! I want one

[Blue World Aquariums]

that is too cool! shame that glass hasn't been machined though...
I agree. Let's see what we can do about that...

[gridley]

That looks incredible! Great job!

[Blue World Aquariums]

Finished canopy lift controller!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2PaAZ04JGpk/T64KBY8d6jI/AAAAAAAACCU/GbQYg__4XDg/s640/016.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_DkKPuKccmw/T64KAxpRfJI/AAAAAAAACCM/g1Zz3yB4amo/s640/012.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LKd2oati-Ps/T64KAXB-F-I/AAAAAAAACCE/0S1b1ivDPo4/s640/011.JPG

[Nano]

that awesome! nicely done

[Blue World Aquariums]

After some delay due to factors out of our control, we're back on track and will be getting this running in the next couple weeks. Here's a teaser of the millwork, made to match the customer's surrounding furniture:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CfLcZF0QCZQ/T_PyPTjhDKI/AAAAAAAACL0/EZSKdVJRl_8/s800/007.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5Y5Rb8qN-sw/T_PwtPSxtxI/AAAAAAAACLs/HQEq4r8jcuI/s800/005.JPG

[Blue World Aquariums]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R1ttiZS3gwE/T_0RlX4iRMI/AAAAAAAACMU/93zwAoXHd-k/s800/IMG_00028.jpg

[mseepman]

Wow, nice job with the plumbing!

[Blue World Aquariums]

It lives!!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DqeoB1tZewM/UAoVtkICVvI/AAAAAAAACNA/1FuzzmgI-sM/s640/012.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SbcRluX_4_o/UAoVukZhDTI/AAAAAAAACNU/R69Pz33Ge7Y/s640/031.JPG



https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-crplEZ7Bg-U/UAoVtc1fteI/AAAAAAAACM4/b3Mvle5WhXE/s640/006.JPG

[ScubaSteve]

Bitchin'

[Nano]

Looks great! They didn't cheap out on the lights!

[NightShadeFairy]

Wow! For a beginner like me, that looks super crazy! I feel like I'm a neanderthal tank owner !
Beautiful job!

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Amazing looking new setup. Should be very proud of your fine work.

[Blue World Aquariums]

Amazing looking new setup. Should be very proud of your fine work.

Thanks!! Lots more of this setup to reveal yet... :D

[waynemah]

You definitely went the extra mile, I'm impressed. :biggrin:

[Blue World Aquariums]

You definitely went the extra mile, I'm impressed. :biggrin:
THanks! Although it feels more like 10 miles...

Just finished making a couple submersible webcams...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rWQWfgqNrms/UAzRfZjmejI/AAAAAAAAAFw/nw6L3GPDZ7Y/s800/042.JPG

The lenses will sit just below the waterline.

[FishyFishy!]

Hahaha thats so awesome!

[mseepman]

Okay, you can not show us that without some more detail. Did you have to fashion the cases yourself?

[marblesab]

Wow!!! What an amazing build!!

[Blue World Aquariums]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bizGMTFZy7Y/UA36GGmzvgI/AAAAAAAAAHs/BWqWkwUVhuk/s640/005.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-spq4wMu3xsU/UA36G80m8-I/AAAAAAAAAH4/JpoHz1Pv44Y/s640/001.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-to0diTK-bdY/UA36ERNNDNI/AAAAAAAAAHM/6BmImLEm9_o/s640/024.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0sArCY_tP-o/UA36E5fhx_I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/deK2BHQPrPA/s640/021.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-N-VQbAKVpMQ/UA36F3b0BlI/AAAAAAAAAHk/B66-mu7Rkpc/s640/008.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hrdRlxK9-hI/UA36FFxLBAI/AAAAAAAAAHY/NjtcYknIrNU/s640/016.JPG





Okay, you can not show us that without some more detail. Did you have to fashion the cases yourself?
Yep, I made the waterproof enclosures. :)

[gridley]

Incredible job! Very well done!

[Blue World Aquariums]

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A2rnGenKHJE/UA4j2dLOPbI/AAAAAAAAAJU/MUsTwAZHfP4/s640/Fullscreen%2520capture%25207232012%252092443%2520P M.jpg

http://www.donstank.com

Dedicated website so our customer can show off pictures and video of his tank, login to view webcams, control the Neptune Apex, control the dedicated PC, and activate an auto-feeder (to be implemented).

[FishyFishy!]

http://www.donstank.com

Dedicated website so our customer can show off pictures and video of his tank, login to view webcams, control the Neptune Apex, control the dedicated PC, and activate an auto-feeder (to be implemented).


That site is awesome! And such a killer build. Can't wait to see this thing stocked.

[pinkreef]

how will you access the plumbing at the back spencer?:question:

[Blue World Aquariums]

That site is awesome! And such a killer build. Can't wait to see this thing stocked.
Thanks!

how will you access the plumbing at the back spencer?:question:
Shouldn't ever need to. At least not for a very long time I hope!

[Blue World Aquariums]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-v8CoXDCPWrk/UA82xJTpIjI/AAAAAAAAAKU/_fCQ1B4619A/s640/017.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D5_Y3FPOD18/UA82xV4es4I/AAAAAAAAAKc/DtKah0mzQJo/s640/014.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PdOIzyT8V0Q/UA82xkiQOhI/AAAAAAAAAKk/Zqy_ae-pD5U/s640/013.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uLPpZufCp0w/UA82yDdpOiI/AAAAAAAAAKs/-8MXLCnlUuQ/s640/007.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HLzYqBBIijE/UA82wqvbReI/AAAAAAAAAKM/B_VXZ1uI8ug/s640/021.JPG

[ddarkz]

Very nice build man!! do you have any suggestions on lifting vertex LEDs from the ceiling?

[ChrisKrillz]

What type of lights are you using?(I apologize if this question has already been asked)

[freezetyle]

He is using the vertex illumina fixture

[Youngster Dan]

Wow. Spencer, I am seriously impressed.

[Blue World Aquariums]

The last piece of the setup is finished!

Custom web-activated fish feeder!


Wifi connectivity
Built-in webserver
Over-feeding Protection
2 x Eheim Feeders
Integrated directly into the tank's dedicated website with webcam view!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dIblHRaocWA/UDLsGs5i4DI/AAAAAAAAAVI/nomTV2npaqQ/s640/feedomatic.jpg


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6V-PNx7sk5k/UC0z2RvcP3I/AAAAAAAAAUc/HtKHXJflHL0/s640/017.JPG


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wVzOl9YpqSM/UC0z227dueI/AAAAAAAAAUk/5B_7I8T19hE/s640/006.JPG


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OmE6JVKhw2Y/UC0z3b0_hNI/AAAAAAAAAUs/fpaLGTOObmo/s640/004.JPG


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9FSjodw-3SY/UC0z3twlNjI/AAAAAAAAAU0/cRJY91ueI3U/s640/003.JPG


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X1j_xDQusOU/UC0z4JDkkeI/AAAAAAAAAU4/5rQaURQoVjo/s640/001.JPG

[mseepman]

Very very cool. Loving this build!

[Bblinks]

Very cool!

[Blue World Aquariums]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-USM_soIptho/UEOWEPY392I/AAAAAAAAAVg/AYqSvJVZCMM/s640/DSC_2285.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qWsH3fNVHKo/UEOWEVpLL8I/AAAAAAAAAVo/7VvPUbWFAg8/s640/076.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pjzJcqVBewc/UEOWFzotMYI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Z1WtiH8EOm4/s640/074.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-thj6T9REiZY/UEOWGZeuTNI/AAAAAAAAAV8/tOSYd1sWtBM/s640/073.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GviB7T8D2f4/UEOWGqtMsZI/AAAAAAAAAWE/jErzVkk2ajk/s640/066.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fNs8i19hKfM/UEOWHv3diBI/AAAAAAAAAWc/QldbLKNOw70/s640/035.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pY61XinQ0RI/UEOWH675BgI/AAAAAAAAAWk/hzY07YyvzPQ/s640/021.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F7nxYqKqeXs/UEOWIbIRbJI/AAAAAAAAAWo/xoAsnOu2ATA/s640/020.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X8WlTVJNHMA/UEOWIsL-AFI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Hs1NdJrGsYo/s640/018.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XyPz5MPjWLo/UEOWJYp07yI/AAAAAAAAAW4/Ei_ibx_VJ_o/s640/009.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HOcLkiVQU1s/UEOWJuy4_hI/AAAAAAAAAXA/1MK2z55YBVE/s640/007.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e2H4gFHTmS4/UEOWKJwsb-I/AAAAAAAAAXI/4JI7HiLrxXs/s640/005.JPG

[ScubaSteve]

Super nice! Love that mixed colony at the end. This is a cool build. I'd love to come build tanks with you guys.