jq1177's 240 starfire build thread

[jq1177]

Hi everyone I am getting my 240gal glasscages tank with front starfire glass on Nov 9th. It is 72"x24"x31" with one center overflow, and two holes one each for drain and return. My return pump is a quietone 6000 and for a skimmer I have a marineland 300 in sump skimmer that I will probably upgrade later although it does seem to work pretty good. Circulation will be my koralia 3 pumps from my old 120 these also will be upgraded to controlable K4's at some point. I started to build my stand yesterday and will try to get some pics of it up by tomorrow.

[OkR33Fer]

Take some good pictures of the tank when you get it, I am considering going with a GC 240 as well.

[FritoBandito]

I just picked up a 240g 72x24x31 on monday, should be puttin gthe substrate in along with my live rock and filling it up with fresh mixed saltwater from my new RO system tomorrow afternoon. Mine's not glass cages tho, purchased mine used, its a Perfecto, i've heard very bad reviews overall about GC.

[OkR33Fer]

First hand experience is what I'm looking for.
There is far too much "my friend's cousin" and such stories about everything out there. I have a GC tank now and It's great, I just have no experience with thier large tanks.

[Lowredranger]

I too am looking at the 180-240 range and i currently have a used GC tank but have been looking at selling it before even starting and getting a tank with the external overflows which GC won't do.

Should be an awesome tank can't wait to see some pictures.

[jq1177]

Hi guys I almost have the stand framed in and will try to post some pictures soon. I pick up the tank this sunday so I will try to get some tank picks up by Tuesday of next week.:D

[BMW535iTwnTrbo]

cant wait to see the pics!

[jq1177]

I just picked up the tank today. The tank is very solidly built and looks good to me. I will try to take some pictures of the tank and stand and post them tomorrow.

[jq1177]

Well everyone after a hectic week of two sick kids I was finally able to take some pics of the stand and tank. These are of the stand framed except for the front and rear center supports.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/69315Picture_1408__Small_.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/69315Picture_1407__Small_.jpg

[jq1177]

Here are some various pics of the tank.
This is the overflow one drain and one return.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/69315Picture_1413__Small_.jpg
Front of tank please excuse the mess I am still cleaning up the basement.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/69315Picture_1410__Small_.jpg
Shot of the eurobracing and center support.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/69315Picture_1412__Small___WinCE_.jpg
This last one is an attempt to show the silicone seal on the front of the tank.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/69315Picture_1417__Small_.jpg

[jq1177]

Quick question this is my first drilled tank and I was wondering if you guys use any type of sealant around the bulkheads to help stop leaks or will the gasget be enough?

[Tu Ku]

Sweet. How tall is your stand?

[jq1177]

My stand is 36" tall and the tank is 32" to the top of eurobracing.
The top of the tank will be at just below eye level for me.

[plyr58]

No sealant necessary. The gasket on the bulkheads will be watertight. Just make sure that you put the gasket inside of the tank, not on the underside and that the glass is nice and clean on the bottom of the overflow before putting the bulkheads in. 1 grain of sand can be enough to cause the bulkhead to leak.

Also, don't go Incredible Hulk on the bulkheads. Slightly tighter than hand tight enough. Any more than that and you risk cracking the tank.

[FritoBandito]

jq, keep up the good work. I'm keeping a close eye on this thread, pretty exciting cause I'm building a 240 as well. I got mine used as i said before, wish i woulda bought a new one and got the 240 8 long! Got mine filled and sand put in this weekend and began aquascaping today, can't touch the bottom! Its interesting trying to place a 25-30 pound rock on the eggcrate when you gotta stand on your toes on the step ladder! Anyway, keep up the awesome work and keep the pictures coming!

[jq1177]

I have another question. I am going to start my plumbing on the tank tonight and wanted to know if you guys use the purple pvc primer or just the cement? I'm not sure if the primer might have something harmful to inverts in it. Thanks

[jq1177]

Well I made some progress today. I got all of the plumbing in the overflow done today. I also got the back of the tank painted and the overflow cover on. I will try to post some pics tomorrow.

[jq1177]

Hi everyone I have some more pics for you. These are of the tank on the stand with about 45 gallons of water in it. I only put that much in for now so I can see how it settles for a day before I put more in.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/69315Picture_1424__Small_.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/69315Picture_1423__Small_.jpg
I still have to put the front plywood on the stand. Hopefully that will get done this weekend.

[Lowredranger]

Can you take some pictures of your stand, i would like to see how you put yours together need to start my stand next week.
Looking good.
Thanks
Jason

[Lowredranger]

Can you take some pictures of your stand, i would like to see how you put yours together need to start my stand next week.
Looking good.
Thanks
Jason