The Nautilus peninsula aquarium

[Cyclist]

Thank you!

I added a pilot bit to the counterbore bit. It was walking on me and made a sloppy start. I need to drop my rpm's down on the drill to around 800. This will help.

The jig will make this go a lot quicker.

Yup, did a test run at 600 rpm with a pilot bit and had minimal wander. Looks like I am ready to start.

 

[Cyclist]

The stand:
Almost done. This thing is solid and most likely over built.

I have to pause as I've used more $3.15 connectors than I originally planned. I need about 36 more.

 

[Cyclist]

The Stand:

So I've been thinking about adding feet onto the stand to make leveling a snap. Just not 100% sure about putting all that weight on four 3/4" round bolts.

Anyone who has done this can you share your thoughts?

 

[Cyclist]

Ok, the overflow is complete.
I have a weir that is toothless also, but the one pictured below is a toothed weir.

 

[Cyclist]

Well with the lack of updates, I am sure I've lost some followers. I am sorry.

Any ways, the stand is almost complete. I've been tossing the idea around of adding a 1/4" aluminum panel to the top of the stand. Yesterday I put it in ink and paid the bill.

The aluminum top is being milled currently and should be in my hands in 3 weeks. I'll post some pictures then.

This is what it looks like currently with 1/2" top. I am ditching the wood top for the aluminum top.

 

[Cyclist]

Major success today. I want to pat myself on the back.
Today I positioned my last long side euro brace. Not one bubble in the black silicone and perfect lines.

It's taken much practice, but I have achieved perfection. Now to remove the other euro bracing and redo it.

::smallgreenguypattinghisownback::

 

[Cyclist]

Well the time has come! Finally we are about ready to do a water test and complete the pluming. We will also check the running water level and make any adjustments at this time.

Realizing there has not been one picture posted of the full tank, I promise I will not keep you all waiting much longer.

 

[Cyclist]

Ok,
Today was to be the day the aquarium saw water for the first time. Although it did see water, it happened to be my drinking water in a cup sitting on top of the euro bracing. That was the closest water got to it.

But here is a teaser of the simple plumbing.

 

[Cyclist]

Today I ordered the glass for the sump. I am anxiously waiting for the top of the stand to be completed.

 

[fragit]

Looking good! I am still following the ride. Stand looks great! My build has been slow going also. Stay the course, it will get done.

 

[Cyclist]

Slow?? Wow I can't believe this has been a year in the works already!

I need more time!

 

[Cyclist]

Today I received the glass for the sump. Spent some time dry fitting before I prepare for sealent.

The surfing mag is a place holder for my non existent skimmer.

 

[915MANG]

Wow thats pretty cool, even making your own sump. Stand looks LEGIT!

 

[Chrisfish]

Wow, really enjoying your thread. Your stand looks awesome!!! Can't wait to see more.

 

[Cyclist]

Wow thats pretty cool, even making your own sump. Stand looks LEGIT!

Thanks, not sure I would do it again but I've become an expert using silicone on the tanks! No bubbles and solid lines.

Wow, really enjoying your thread. Your stand looks awesome!!! Can't wait to see more.

thank you for checking out my build!

Now, I need advice on a good DC skimmer!

 

[Cyclist]

This morning I filled the sump to running level and added a pump to cycle the water thru each chamber as if it was running. No leaks. Next step is to build platform to hold both filter socks.

Received a call letting me know that the aluminum top is ready for pick up today!

Get ready for a few full tank shots!

 

[Cyclist]

Sump going through a leak test

 

[Cyclist]

This is the stand with the aluminum top. It's going to take me a couple of days to secure it to the frame. But once that is done, using the pre-drilled holes, this thing will look great

 

[FrankAbagnale]

Nice!

 

[fragit]

Looks very cool, I like the aluminum top.