ChrisQ0904's tank upgrade build

ChrisQ0904 · Dec 8, 2013

Hello everyone,
I've currently been working on my new project which is an 80gallon (from what I was told from the people who gave it to me). I've been trying to take as many pictures as possible throughout the build. I am not finished yet but thought I would share what I have accomplished so far.

This is a recent full tank shot of my current 36gal hex tank. This is from when I moved just a little less than a months ago.

Getting the legs and frame ready

Good enough to hold me and my uncle. 2X6 for the top frame and 2x4 on the bottom.

Testing the fitment of sump and tank just a little bit tight but it should work just fine.

Starting to cover it up.

Now on to one of my problems. What to do with my drain? As mentioned in another thread of mine I plan on using the herbie system. I mentioned this to my lfs and was informed that because I have 2x 3/4 bullkheads I'll have to run both of them as a main drain in order to have a 3/4 return. Does this sound right? If so then how should I go about running an emergency drain??

Here are some pics of what I am talking about.

Also, I don't NEED an internal overflow box with the Herbie system do I? That's just more for cosmetics right?

Thanks to everyone for reading and following along on my first build like this. All comments, concerns and opinions are more than welcomed!

-Chris

ChrisQ0904 · Dec 10, 2013

After some thought I am going to drill a new hole for a 1inch bulkhead to use as my main drain and I'll just use the two 3/4inch bulk heads as emergency drains.

mike007 · Dec 10, 2013

Looking good keep us posted.

ChrisQ0904 · Dec 12, 2013

I just put in an order for a mag 9.5 (needs to pump ~5ft up) which will hopefully be here by Monday.

then I can start working on my plumbing. Since I've never drilled glass my stepdad talked me into just running both my 3/4 holes as main drains and leave it at that. He also decided to surprise me with a pair of mis-barred clowns for my current tank.

I think they are amazing! (note stuff floating in the water is food)

revhtree · Dec 13, 2013

Great job so far bro!

ChrisQ0904 · Dec 14, 2013

Fitment of overflow box, just need to silicon it in place.

ChrisQ0904 · Dec 16, 2013

soooooooooo whats the proper way to install a bulkhead washer on the outside and tighten the nut from the inside Also, the washer I have has a flat side and one with ridges, which side makes contact with the glass?

ChrisQ0904 · Dec 28, 2013

Here's a pic of the tank full of water and running with no leaks. Did my last coat of paint today and plan to do the clear sometime this week. I still need to know how long until I can transfer everything from the old tank intimate new one?

ChrisQ0904 · Jan 17, 2014

I forgot to update this thread but here's a copy of the post from a different one.

The tank has cleared up quite a bit but still cloudy. Also my led lights came in!!!! I ordered them get led zeal due to all the great things I read about it on the forums. I just need my tank to finish cycling and I can transfer everything over. So far I LOVE how everything is coming along. I want to tank everyone again for all the help and advice it's awesome being a part of a community that looks out for others to help them succede!!

This is what it look like with everything to 100% still need to program it to my liking.

Flameback Pair · Jan 18, 2014

Subscribed.

ChrisQ0904 · Jan 19, 2014

I went to Orlando for the weekend, I saw an aquarium store the first day I was there. They had an amazing selection of corals... so I couldn't resist

It's a bad cellphone picture but I got an aquaman montipota and some kind of acro that they said they never found out exactly what it was. It has a purplish base with white polyps. I never saw anything like it so I had to pick it up.

ChrisQ0904 · Jan 22, 2014

The start of a new project.

ChrisQ0904 · Jan 22, 2014

And the finished project. I've been reading a lot about algae scrubbers and thought that they were a great idea. This is my shot and a DIY waterfall scrubber.

ChrisQ0904 · Jan 24, 2014

Here's an update on my algae growth with the scrubber from one day running.

This is what my skimmer is pulling out, im quite surprised that its even getting anything since this is a new tank.

ChrisQ0904 · Jan 25, 2014

My tank parameters have been stable for a couple of days now and did a 10Gal WC yesterday! My PH was reading around 8.0 this morning, im going to wait a few hours and check to see if it goes up and then start to transfer everything over. Ill post pics once i have everything transferred over.

ChrisQ0904 · Feb 6, 2014

I have ICH!! Before I move all my fish to a hospital tank I was wondering if a 35hex (with sand and LR) is big enough to hold a small yellow tang, clown, flame angel and engineer goby. All these fish are pretty small. Just curios because this is all I have for a hospital tank?

I also have a 20gal with no sand or LR if that is a better option.