Fish building/man cave build!

[dantimdad]

Well, my framing help didn't show so I got a bunch of organizing done and made room for the 12 foot tank. I also built this:

I am waiting on some gussets for the cross pieces to add some extra strength and this project will be done.

I got up on it and it held me with no issues and I weigh almost as much as a full water tank.

I can not mock up plumbing for it.

 

[dantimdad]

Today is the big day! Going to bring the 12 foot tank home where it belongs!

The float valve for the RODI tank is out for delivery. I will figure out the positioning for it when it comes in and install it.

I also have some maintenance to do on the 75. I have to wait until Sherry goes grocery shopping to empty the skimmer because she can't stand the smell. LOL! I also need to tidy up the fuge/holding tank and kill the last few (I hope) aiptasia. BTW, there was one rock that had some unknown zoas on it that was just infested with aiptasia. I took the whole rock and put it in the tub and the filefish made a b line for it. There are almost none left on the rock. As soon as he's done, I will put it back because I am afraid he'll start on the zoas.

Anybody want to come help with the tank? It's only 800 pounds empty. ;Wideyed

 

[dantimdad]

The 12 foot tank is home!

was super easy to move with just 4 people. We just stuck to the plan and got it done.

I’ll take pics tomorrow.

 

[dantimdad]

Anyone have suggestions for flow in a 144” long mixed reef?

 

[fishguy242]

i'm running approx 4400 in 12'x 18x18" ,not enough...

 

[dantimdad]

i'm running approx 4400 in 12'x 18x18" ,not enough...

what are you using is what I should have asked

 

[Sean Clark]

So about those pics you were taking Monday...

 

[fishguy242]

what are you using is what I should have asked

dcp 15000 @ 75% on returns , couple 1200 gph pumps in tank ,
feel like i need 2 more 1200's,or an 1800.

 

[dantimdad]

So about those pics you were taking Monday...

sorry for the delay

This last pic is special. It's my son's handwriting because he took over the plant propogation and sales.

He is very good at it.

Besides being dusty, it's in pretty good shape for being stored for a year and a half and having cats all over it.

It'll take some paint and elbow grease to bring it back to it's former glory.

 

[dantimdad]

BTW, finally got the tickets to the expo. They went to junk mail and had 4 copies! lol

Printed and rarin' to go!

I also lined up some framing help for this weekend. I have to install an audio system in a 78 dodge colt in exchange. I used to do them professionally for show cars. This will be fun.

 

[Eagle_Steve]

BTW, finally got the tickets to the expo. They went to junk mail and had 4 copies! lol

Printed and rarin' to go!

I also lined up some framing help for this weekend. I have to install an audio system in a 78 dodge colt in exchange. I used to do them professionally for show cars. This will be fun.

Please tell me the Lancer (yes I am calling it what it is lol) has an engine swap.

 

[dantimdad]

Please tell me the Lancer (yes I am calling it what it is lol) has an engine swap.

Not yet. I could swap in the kohler off the lawn mower and do better than it is right now. HAHAHAHA! Still a hoot to drive though.

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Not yet. I could swap in the kohler off the lawn mower and do better than it is right now. HAHAHAHA! Still a hoot to drive though.

even with the 1.6, they are still fun. I have done quite a few lancer builds. all involve a turbo 3.8 from a GN or similar lol.

 

[dantimdad]

So, I messed around in tinkercad trying to get an idea across of how the 12 foot tank will look with the floating canopy.

This is close:

The canopy will be 120"x8"x7" and house 3 kessil 360we and two ap700s

I may even throw in a DIY violet bar because I like it on the a360x and these don't have it.

 

[dantimdad]

I went and got the lights and set to work figuring out the mounting solution. Here is what I came up with:

The lights can move in the x and y axis by loosening a couple screws. The whole canopy will move in Z by raising and lowering the hanging wires.

It's just 2020 extrusion, 3d printed corner brackets and some T nuts and bolts. Simple, lightweight, plenty strong and maneuverable.

Oh! And darn near free because most of it is left overs from other stuff. I paid $25 for a 2 meter section of 2020 that should be here Friday. Then I will cut out and assemble the floating canopy.

 

[dantimdad]

The last brackets for the water change rack will be here tomorrow so I can make it more rigid. It holds the weight but has a little wiggle to it that makes me nervous.

BTW, I am going to have to assemble the 36" acrylic tank stand in the room because it won't fit through the door. So, I think I will use 3030 and hang panels on it. That way, if I ever decide to take it out, I am not wasting material. Just unbolt it and pack it up.

 

[dantimdad]

The new brackets came in to firm up the water change station. They really did the trick!

You can also see the 2 meter stick of 2020 so I can build the light rack for the 12 foot tank this weekend while it's raining. Don't worry, framing the walls will happen as well.

 

[dantimdad]

I was thinking about building the 36x36x18 freshwater tank stand to the dimensions of 36x36x34 out of 3030 but, I found a great deal on some 2040 and 2020 and looked at the 8020 graph and sure enough, it's plenty strong if I do the top rails and a cross rail out of 2040 and the legs out of 2020. It will theoretically hold 3600+ pounds. Only needs to hold about 800.

So I ordered up the parts and zyltech had them on sale for Valentine's day. Way more pieces than I need for $126 including shipping. I already have all the other brackets and screws.

I will put 1/2"plywood on top painted black with some kind of thin foam. Still haven't figured out side panels or if I even want them, honestly.

This is going to look amazing!

 

[dantimdad]

I was going to wait until tomorrow to actually start framing, but, today was the day! I am almost through with the first 23 foot wall! I would have finished it but dorked up the window opening and had to redo it. Oh well, I am farther than I thought I would be this weekend and still have tomorrow!

Now, to get cleaned up and take my lovely wife out for early Valentine's steaks.

 

[dantimdad]

I finished the light rack for the 12 foot tank. The lumber will be here today to build the floating canopy it goes in.

120” long!

excuse the mess. I promise I had it cleaned up before my wife got home. lol

It will house three AP700 which is complete overkill. But a great deal was made to get them and I can run them on about 30-40% and they will last for years.