225g Journal, mostly DIY rock (also 55g current tank pics)

[argan]

I got my 225g from surrey yesterday, and had to leave it outside because we haven't figured out where in the house we are gonna put it.
So my first question for the journal is, Has anyone had problems leaving an aquarium out in the cold/outside for the winter before using it?
Glass cracks or silicone faults? The glass is 1/2 inch.

[christyf5]

Don't let it fill with water. If it freezes the ice will expand and crack the tank. I learned this firsthand

[argan]

ok so as long as it stays dry it should be ok? and then when i finally do fill it, wait a few days for it to warm to room temp right?

[dsaundry]

If you can find a place inside I would probably move it. It probably wont hurt it outside but you never know when a stray rock or branch gets tossed by wind or punks can come your way. Gosh that sounds pessimistic

[christyf5]

Yeah i'd seriously look at putting it inside somewhere, even if it is just for storage. It would be a shame to have something happen to it, or you get it all filled with water and a seam lets go or something. NOT that that would happen, I'm just sayin, after that kind of investment you want to protect it. Although it would definitely happen to me, I have luck like that

[argan]

So im just saving money up now, for lights and such. Making more DIY live rock, Planning plumbing and Sumpfugium.
Heres some pics of stuff in my 55g waiting for their bigger tank

El diablo Crabo






The Abalone



Humbug and Damsel in the DIY rock



Six-Line peeking out from under a Majano



5 species mushie cluster



Orange leg Hermit in his Wide-load Shell

[argan]

Here's a drawing of my sump plan








Pump is 3600 gph, about 4 ft of head. SCWD's can handle only 1400 gph so im thinking i'll put a 4 way "Cross" PVC fitting instead of the "T" before the SCWDs. So that would make 5 returns so i'll have lot of options for flow.

New equipment i have got in the last month or so,

* 5 250w MH mogul based, with 5 ballasts
* Mag Drive 3600gph
* 2 SCWDs
* Hydor Korallia 4
* 2 Hydor Flo deflectors
* brine shrimp Continuous hatch and feeder
* Lots of pvc fittings, wood, and some aluminum sheet to make Reflectors, light hood, plumbing, and rock structure respectivly.

[argan]

Gonna make reflectors today, and get softener salt and try to do another batch of rock.

[banditpowdercoat]

Softener salt, for water softener?? I read somewhere that that water isnt good for aquariums!??! Love to see some pics of your DIY LR though

[hillbillyreefer]

I'd bet the softener salt is for Diy rock. You put a bunch in and when you cure the rock the salt dissolves leaving lots of nice big holes for the little critters to hide in.