120 peninsula build

fragit · May 5, 2016

Ahgee said:
Are you currently cycling any rock or do you have another tank you are transferring over? I thought about setting up a brute before I even get my tank to save time but haven't yet

I do. Got a 32gal(I think) brute can with about 80lbs of Dry Pukani from BRS soaking right now. Did a regular salt water soak for a bout 2 weeks, with temp up around 90 degrees and man did that stink! Did a full water change pulled off what dead stuff I could and put it back in with 1/2 a bottle of bacteria in a bottle from two little fishies, and temp at 80 degrees. Water has been clear and does not smell since then. I have not done any water tests yet. I may do one more water change, before the tank arrives in early July but I'm not sure. I definitely need to get a hanna phosphate checker to check those levels, as I'm anticipating having to use some Lanthanum Chloride before the rock goes in the tank.

Pola0502ds · May 5, 2016

So what did you use exactly to keep the glass square and plumb in the sump? I am going to be building mine as well and want to start getting ideas.

fragit · May 5, 2016

I first measured where I wanted my baffles to be and marked with a sharpie. I then used a couple spring clamps and some other bar clamps and small blocks of wood to keep the baffles in place. Positioned them as close to my measurements as possible and used a framing square to make sure the were square to the sides and bottom. Next squeeze in you silicone and your done. Here's a link which helped me tremendously with measurements and the process, www.gmacreef.com. It is a very helpful site.

Pola0502ds · May 5, 2016

I just wish there was better way to make the silicone look more clean looking, but it is what it is. It's what i'll be doing.

fragit · May 5, 2016

Pola0502ds said:
I just wish there was better way to make the silicone look more clean looking, but it is what it is. It's what i'll be doing.

I'm sure there are some tricks of the trade. For me I tried to be as clean as I could because I wanted that look. But in the end there were just some spots that were hard to get to. And my sump is in the basement so I didn't really care.

fragit · May 10, 2016

Well, I just emailed my contact at AGE about what I should put on top of my "stand" for the tank, and to ask if there is a possibility of getting any photos of it during the building process. He said that he thinks it's actually in the drying process. I was told when I place my order that it would be an 8-10 week turn around. Which would put delivery sometime in early July. I'm still waiting to hear back from him, but I'm hoping it will be sooner. That would just be awesome. Also waiting to see if he can get me some photos so I can update you all with some eye candy! This weekend will be a big push on construction regardless of when the tank is being delivered. I will be posting lots of photos, for your viewing pleasure.

Ahgee · May 10, 2016

I saw this and thought of you brother! Excited to see the progress!

Pola0502ds · May 10, 2016

I paid for a 120 gallon tank at my LFS the other day, it came in today and i picked it up only to find out the bottom, front, and back cannot be drilled because it's tempered. I told the LFS what my plans were and I needed to drill it. Well, looks like there is going to be another 120 g build thread coming up. Keep us updated!

fragit · May 14, 2016

The demo is done! I was hoping to get a little more done today but that's how it goes. I took a break around 2:30 to change out all our exterior door knobs. Ran into one dead bolt that had these little metal plugs in the screw heads so you couldn't see the screws. Needless to say one of them would not come out. I ended up smashing it with a chisel (an old one) and was able to get enough room in between the lock and the door to get my multi-tool in there. The metal bit some how loosened the screw enough to get some pliers on there and un-screw it. Took an hour plus to get one stupid screw out! I was ready to smash something, boy was I frustrated. Finished the last door and I'm done for the day.
Anyway back to the tank. With the pantry gone I am really happy with how much more open the kitchen and dinning room feel. It's gonna be awesome with the tank in place. Tomorrow is stand building day! Here is some eye candy of the space.

fragit · May 15, 2016

Stand is built, leveled, and screwed in place. It is over built, very solid, doesn't move at all, and is perfectly level in all directions. Now I need to get some 3/4" plywood, sheet rock, build the frame for the access panel, and build the light chase above the stand. Still have a lot of work to do but hopefully it goes fast. Here are some pics.

Daniel@R2R · May 16, 2016

Following!

fragit · May 22, 2016

So this past Tuesday I framed the ceiling panel for the lights before work. Today I made the door frame and fit the cabinet door for the access behind the tank. I'm kind of @//$$3&! It took me all day, it should have been like two hours. My wife convinced me to repurpose wood from the demo. And of course I spent an hour and a half setting up my table saw and cutting my rabbits. Only to cut two pieces too short. Poor math on my part. Anyway I went to HD and got the materials I needed, it's done now. Just need to sand the edges fill some holes and add paint. Electrician is coming on Thursday. Next weekend is sheet rock.

fragit · Jun 3, 2016

So, now I'm 2 weeks behind of where I wanted to be. My electrician friend blew me off twice, and was supposed to hopefully come today, BUT. He emailed me early this morning and said he is just too busy, and does not have the help to squeeze in my job. I actually had another electrician come by earlier this week to get a quote, and his estimate is almost $700. That's twice of what my friend told me ugh! So plan C is that I'm going to move the outlets, and wires you can see hanging myself so that I can at least move forward with getting some sheet rock hung etc. I do have an other buddy who is a contractor with some electrical experience who I reached out too asking for a hand. I think that the two of us should be able to do a lot of the moving and running of new wires ourselves. Then I can just call up this other electrician to come by and hook stuff up to the panel and run a couple "cheater circuits". That's the plan for now. The only other progress I have made since my last post is that the cabinet door and frame are finished and painted. My ghost overflow from Synergy is arriving today. Still waiting on the tank, and a possible delivery date. Oh and the baby is growing well, 16 months gestation! My wife is almost 1/2 way through her pregnancy, that little kid is gonna be coming before we know it. I have a lot to get done and ready!!!

BummersReef · Jun 3, 2016

just keep swimming ....

Chriscrna · Jun 4, 2016

It's looking good. I know your frustration though. Hang in there, before you know it, will all be water under the bridge.

fragit · Jun 4, 2016

Thanks for the encouragement @BummersReef, and @Chriscrna. I know things will move forward. Low and slow that is the tempo in reefing. While reading your posts I noticed a huge typo in my last post. I said we are at 16 months, when I meant 16 weeks gestation. 16 months would be the longest human gestation in history. LOL!

fragit · Jun 4, 2016

Well today I got all the wires moved and 2/3 of the sheet rock hung. Tomorrow I need to cut the plywood for the top of the stand and finish hanging the sheet rock and start mudding. I'm really pleased at how it's turning out, and how much work I got done today.

Chriscrna · Jun 4, 2016

fragit said:
Thanks for the encouragement @BummersReef, and @Chriscrna. I know things will move forward. Low and slow that is the tempo in reefing. While reading your posts I noticed a huge typo in my last post. I said we are at 16 months, when I meant 16 weeks gestation. 16 months would be the longest human gestation in history. LOL!

LOL I didn't even catch that. Yeah she'd give birth to a 30 pounder.....that wouldn't feel so good.

Chriscrna · Jun 4, 2016

fragit said:
Well today I got all the wires moved and 2/3 of the sheet rock hung. Tomorrow I need to cut the plywood for the top of the stand and finish hanging the sheet rock and start mudding. I'm really pleased at how it's turning out, and how much work I got done today.

But where is the beer? It's obvious you've had a designated driver for the past 16 months

fragit · Jun 5, 2016

I knew I forgot something yesterday @Chriscrna oh well. Today was a good day! Sheet rock all up, and the first coat of mud too. It's looking good, my wife said that she was impressed. Despite the fact that I used to build houses and cabinets for a living, I think she still has a little doubt in my skills. Maybe it's just that she has no idea what she's doing, and can't visualize things the way an experienced builder can. Here's some pics!!