A Near Disaster: an Un-Build Thread

Js.Aqua.Project

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So I enjoy checking out and getting ideas from people's build threads, but this week I was presented with a different situation.

This past Wednesday while scraping the glass of my 125g I found that my front panel had (what some made consider dramatically) shifted to the right. Instead of being flush with the right side panel, it was now between 1/16-1/8" over lapping the panel. So obviously the seams were failing. This tank was purchased used 3+ years ago and had previously been running ~10 years.

So unlike most build threads I found photos of the tank being assembled in reflection to now having a more spacious living room.

Original stand and metal halides (only one ballast worked) that came with the tank:
2014-09-21.jpg

The second fill up after we found the original stand was rotting, my friend Mike in the photo, DIY 55gal sump underneath (I blame the stand's color on my wife):
IMG_20150606_142643.jpg

Then came new black box LEDs to replace the MH (PVC frame to hold them up - reefing on a teacher's salary):
IMG_0001.JPG

Then an actual canopy frame and some built in outlets:
IMG_20151007_214845.jpg

IMG_20151007_214931.jpg

IMG_20151007_214916.jpg

Then I moved to a Eshopp's R-200 refugium:
IMG_20160305_095036.jpg

Then after a little accident involving broken acrylic and my finger tips (should I be more specific and say I teach guitar at a local high school?), changed to an IceCap 30 sump:
IMG_20170115_132746.jpg

IMG_20170115_132725.jpg

IMG_20170116_212125.jpg

Then came the Apex:
IMG_20170710_212905.jpg

Then the last upgrade, AI Hydra 26 HDs with HMS rail:
IMG_20171207_091013.jpg


So now on to the sad part, the tear down aka the Un-Build.

Sunday afternoon 5pm:
DSC_0447.JPG


Sunday evening 9pm:
IMG_20180122_221303.jpg


We removed about 90% of the water from my wife's 60, along with all I'd the rock. Then refilled using some of my rock and water the moved the live stock. And if course, the Apex:
IMG_20180122_221457.jpg


On a side note, if any one in the Central Florida area would like a free 125gal tank that needs new seals you just have to come pick it up. I would appreciate a donation towards my 265gal build for the stand. The tank will be going to the landfill in the next week or so if there are no takers.
 
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Sorry to hear about your challenges, but at least you had a place for everything to go and - more importantly - had the time to take it down in a controlled manner!

Looking forward to that 265gal build. :-)
 
He meant to say "my wife has such patience, she is awesome to let me steal her tank" and even more, "no, we don't have any space in our home and a new baby, but yes, of course, she is awesome and is fully supporting of this new tank."

Hahaha jk sorry, babe, I couldn't help myself!

And wow, how far we had come form that crappy tank to a beautiful reef, with some very difficult creatures. Being featured by reef nutrition (multiple times) and the people we have met because of this hobby.

Education people!
 
I am amazed the glass could shift that much without leaking!
 
Very crazy. I have never seen glass shift like that. You caught it just in time and someone was certainly looking out for you!

Can't wait to see the new build.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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