New to the hobby - Build Journal

[cdfjr1975]

It's been a while but I'm back at it.

Need to come up with a plan to fill the gaps in the floor boards. I'm going to fill the jig holes prior to painting. Looking into white marine paint as an option.

Haven't decided how to cover the front yet. I'm thinking magnets so I can remove the whole front to maximize work space when needed. Not sure though because I don't want to drill holes into the wood and possibly weaken them. Maybe use L brackets in the corners to hold the magnets so no damage.

Going to put the tank on, plumb it, and leak test in the garage. Sump isn't ready yet so I may leak test prior to adding the baffles.

After that, time to finish paint and trim.

 

[cdfjr1975]

Some more progress. Kilz complete first coat down. Going to seal all the joints before final coat. Placed 40 breeder and equipment to decide what I need to order to finish plumbing. Guess I need to design the sump and get glass cut soon too.

You didn't imagine it, that pipe moved. Had one test pipe I was using for measurements. This will be bean animal through shadow overflow so I put it in the first and third positions. Plus side is it is a straight run to the sump so no angles to meet with.

The return not as simple though. I need to angle towards the outer wall, didn't plan my drilling well enough I guess.

 

[cdfjr1975]

First leak test was a fail. The gard plumbed pieces were a success but the soft vinyl leaked at the barber, even with a clamp.

I will hard plumb tomorrow and see if there is a change.

When drilling the return I got a chip. I think this is also leaking so I will also turn the a bulkhead the opposite side around. Hopefully that takes care of the issue. May not look pretty but function over form I guess.

 

[cdfjr1975]

Second attempt at leak test and one hour in all is well.

I turned the return bulkhead around since the chip was causing a leak out the back. See thread below for initial info (I know it has been a long time since I started that thread to now)

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/drilled-tank-question.311675/#post-3870338


What I thought was the barb was actually the union connected to the barb. The ring gasket feel out so that was an easy fix.

Next topic will probably be about filling in overflow and what appears to be a significant gap between the DT water level and the top of the tank.

 

[cdfjr1975]

Noticed a small leak from the overflow. I think it might be from me messing with the pipes to adjust the flow. I haven't attached the pipe clamps yet so I think this will resolve when there is less movement. When testing is done I will check the snugness of the overflow fittings.

 

[cdfjr1975]

All is looking good so far, just the one small leak which evaporates before it goes anywhere.

Even turned on the skimmer for fun.

I still have to adjust the tubing on the return since it is too long.

 

[cdfjr1975]

More progress. It is now in the house. Still need to finish the front cover and paint it black.

 

[cdfjr1975]

Sump is put together but doing overnight water test before bringing it into the house. See the full story at this link

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...&share_tid=450739&share_fid=1020&share_type=t

Short version:
I made a mess, I was looking for neat but he ran far away
I learned you need to release the pressure on the caulk gun before putting it down because it continues to push out the silicone, which makes a mess
I measured 1/4 inch shorter than I should have, might have been slightly neater if I measured correctly because I could have used a smaller bead
I removed the tape too soon and the baffles moved all over making a larger mess as I tried to put them back into position
I panicked when the baffles moved and let the silicone tape touch the glass which made a mess

Each chamber is holding water properly, so it's not pretty but it is working for now.

Maybe I will try to clean some of the mess after water testing.

Pictures are in the other post but i will put some here too after I upload them. I don't have access on my tablet to those photos right now.

 

[cdfjr1975]

Overnight worked well no leaks between chambers.

Like I stated, definitely not pretty. My hat goes out to all of you who have done this neatly.

Some photos.

 

[cdfjr1975]

Sand and first two rounds of water in. Should be done with water tomorrow. I make batches of 20ish gallons of water for mixing.

Have one power head in the tank until it gets full.

Sand Carib Alive Fiji Pink and Florida Crushed Coral.

 

[cdfjr1975]

Tank is full and cycling.

Hooked up some stuff to the Apex tonight. I have some wire management to do. Just kidding. I have been a plan but wanted to see what wires I have. Not everything is connected yet, just wanted to connect return and heaters

 

[cdfjr1975]

Fish are in the tank. My two clowns have been living in their QT for a year now. Still working on setting up all of the equipment properly but all life support is up and running.

Funny, now that they have 100 gallons they still stay very close to each other (both on the left side of the tank right now)