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ironwill723
07/01/2009, 01:29 AM
Hello there...My name is Craig and I have been on RC for a few years now and learned a great deal from reading other people's experiences building their dream tanks and sharing their excitement and concerns along the way. This build thread for me will be my way to document my progress during the build and hopefully help out the next guy who is thinking of setting up their next tank.

A little background about myself and my experiences so far. I have been involved in the hobby since about age 14 so being 30 now that puts me at about 16 years in the hobby on and off over the years. I started with a 30 gallon way back and failed miserably probably due to lack of knowledge and a lot of bad LFS advice more than anything else. Through college I kept a FOWLR 90g that was never much to look at but kept me in the hobby while finishing up school. After a few years off I caught the bug again and set up my current tank a 36g bowfront with softies and LPS. I knew I would soon outgrow the 36g but I wanted to see if I could successfully maintain the tank before going bigger.

I have always wanted another big tank so after about a year and a half of great success in my opinion with the 36g I was ready to make the leap to something more substantial.

I was able to get a great deal on a new Perfecto 120g long tank so I decided that would be the focus of my next reef tank adventure. I currently reside in an older townhouse that has a very large living room dining room area. In the process of doing the obvious cosmetic updating I decided to use my new 120g as a peninsula/room dividing tank.

The first steps for me were to redo an inefficient and drafty sliding patio door set that was more than 30 years old. The old sliding doors were 3x3ft wide so I narrowed them to a standard 6ft wide door opening. For the doors, my girlfriend and I redid a pair of solid oak french doors I got off craiglist for $75.

The first picture is the doors installed and to the right the old space where the third door panel used to be located.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LT2w6Nbv7fUefXXLCHWfdA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrQ7-HVmOI/AAAAAAAABV8/7qy66_UETEg/s800/P1040460.JPG" /></a>

I taped off rough outlines of where I wanted the new tank to be placed. I left a 12 inch gap on the back side of the tank for the bulkheads and external overflow box I will eventually be building for the tank. The tank will extend about 6 feet out from the wall.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6wCq1qSWNoEAiwBC8Rqkrw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrRMX5A9pI/AAAAAAAABWI/lB9T40n_Xfo/s800/P1040465.JPG" /></a>

The carpet will replaced with hard wood on the left of the tank and new carpet on the right side indicated by the line running across the floor.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yg47fcRDPvdjMDKZrimtZQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrROJz1u8I/AAAAAAAABWM/qGVgYsgpbj0/s800/P1040466.JPG" /></a>

Shot from second floor.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iP-q7x4lyVs3pP3Vqy_cOQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrRPvYDEiI/AAAAAAAABWQ/OVypmpfj60Y/s800/P1040467.JPG" /></a>

New tank waiting for some occupants!

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tr77gHtdXhRjjkIzCgrizQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrRSpfwelI/AAAAAAAABWY/uG3NWQW0MfE/s800/P1040470.JPG" /></a>

The next step was to build the stand. I used the plans designed by another RC member found at this link:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1169964&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

Super easy to follow and the stand turned out rock solid.

First step was to cut out the carpet where the stand base would go. I tacked the carpet in place surrounding the cut lines before cutting to keep the carpet from pulling back once cut. I also noted joist beams under floor and located the tank base directly over both cross beams to avoid sagging. I am also planning on beefing up underside of floor from garage below when I begin the overflow plumbing that will run through the garage ceiling.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FxMabJZG8PFtGDi1eXv_8Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrRUV6HrHI/AAAAAAAABWc/iOX95gws64U/s800/P1040471.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rvPknGm7-kYFHasv2MhmDg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrRV3jAlcI/AAAAAAAABWg/b4kkjoIeqy4/s800/P1040472.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E02k7YCxUI8DC4vtGAJlXw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrRXjLCM0I/AAAAAAAABWk/p5RVQP1O4CM/s800/P1040474.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V4SVeysAX8ifXDJWK7U02w?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrRZF15DQI/AAAAAAAABWo/RZwChUTjSw0/s800/P1040475.JPG" /></a>

At this point I am done with the stand but I decide that I have made it too tall. I am 6'2" and I had wanted to make sure I didn't have to bend over to see the tank as I usually have to do on most displays. In the pictures to this point the stand is 44" high. The tank is 26" tall so that put me about 70" tall without the hood. After a quick dry run with tank in place the stand just looked too tall. After some debate I decided to lower the stand to a more aesthetically pleasing 39" tall.

Taking the stand apart to lower...

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pAXF_-Ew-oJIXHLzWvR-Xw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrRfgogWHI/AAAAAAAABW4/hu2gVP28ats/s800/P1040479.JPG" /></a>

ironwill723
07/01/2009, 01:37 AM
The tank will have a drywall skin on two sides and a shelving unit with wood trim below and surrounding the tank, back overflow/power station area, and hood. I had to redo and add some electrical switches and outlets to accommodate the new half wall and tank. All plumbing and filtration will take place in laundry room sump area and I will be using my old 90g as the new sump for the tank.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KkuFtLSiK6gkDOh5uLxvkg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrRg_By_nI/AAAAAAAABW8/TzdfkRA_IeU/s800/P1040480.JPG" /></a>


<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uv3jBCNomea7bO342O6Tdg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SkrRiKWrjII/AAAAAAAABXA/6mkpj39RCVY/s800/P1040481.JPG" /></a>

So that is where I am to this point. The tank will be an open aquascape design and I have about 120lbs of live rock to work with at this point. I also picked up a used ASM G3 skimmer for $80 today that will serve as the skimmer for the tank. More picture and progress to come. Thanks for following along so far!

pugbreath13
07/01/2009, 06:32 AM
Very nice! I wanted a peninsula style setup but the wife said no.

cloakerpoked
07/01/2009, 07:00 AM
looks good so far Craig.

Stray32
07/01/2009, 10:57 AM
Craig, let me know when you get it set up, I will help you fill it with some sweet frags!

ironwill723
07/02/2009, 12:29 PM
Starting to get more things organized for the tank. I have had about 60 lbs of live rock in a rubbermaid container for about a month.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tjALPWJg-uy1EHTvyneLMQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Skz3Dunqd5I/AAAAAAAABYQ/CUHwQafPEuo/s800/P1040483.JPG" /></a>

The piece in the center is actually about 18 lbs and has a large hole going all the way through.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-ThGsiwMHxKKIWZ4A6JKuw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Skz3E9JSuVI/AAAAAAAABYY/pnFon77LjHs/s800/P1040484.JPG" /></a>

Picked up a ASM G3 Protein Skimmer from a local guy who was moving for $80. I thought it was a good bargain.

Purchase condition:

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/R2a-aXMBoh8gH2G29MqoxA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SksSvMTEQoI/AAAAAAAABXc/p4NXlAWlYMk/s800/new%20skimmer.jpg" /></a>

After some cleaning and a vinegar bath:

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_dhmeQRcEkMCHoukwdYUsg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Skz3HXpUavI/AAAAAAAABYo/dggOF3DCqUs/s800/P1040486.JPG" /></a>


I'm not sure if I will keep it or sell it on RC. I was leaning more towards the MSX 200. I'll have to sleep on it a few days...

Also picked up 60 lbs of aragonite reef sand:

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ijmp2h52sOSwESqNF5xpiQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Skz3Gv-EdZI/AAAAAAAABYg/TtCoXN-PGcU/s800/P1040485.JPG" /></a>

mcoomer
07/02/2009, 12:52 PM
A G3 that already has the recirc mod for $80! I dare you to find a better deal! That skimmer will do a good job on a 120G.

Good luck with the build.

ironwill723
07/02/2009, 04:52 PM
I knew it was a really good deal when I saw them online for over $300 new! My total gallons should be between 180-200g with a 90g sump I will be using downstairs. The skimmer I know will work fine, I just don't want anything I have to adjust often to function correctly. As I said, before I picked up the G3, I was looking at the MSX 200 or 250 and also at the Marineland Marine Series Advanced In-Sump 300 Skimmer.

bigmatt1992
07/06/2009, 03:09 PM
looking good cant wait to see this thing all finished i love the peninsula style cant wait till i have my dream 250 penisula. good luck on the rest of your build. nice job!!!

evogames
07/06/2009, 03:12 PM
Its looking really good so far. That ASM for $80 is a steal. Nice find!

H2Ojunkie
07/06/2009, 07:19 PM
Looking great! I love the peninsula style tanks!

ironwill723
07/06/2009, 11:54 PM
Some more updates from this weekend's work. As I mentioned earlier the left side of the tank is my dining room. Most of this weekend I spent redoing the floors in that area. I ripped out the green carpet that was about 25 years old and replaced with some heavy duty laminate wood flooring that will hold up well to my dog and a high traffic area.

Some pictures of the finished product:

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oZY3su1z6YYP5vW6D9a0zA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SlLedAirC4I/AAAAAAAABiY/N-rm202X3_I/s800/P1040489.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yY4cyLjjdaN2V20gG1FqZg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SlLed4jN83I/AAAAAAAABig/rDTvgyV6W8Q/s800/P1040490.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WNTIyHrWs2-gLEEcsYRDoA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SlLefeukMwI/AAAAAAAABio/K86b2JNjkrY/s800/P1040491.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0wnJ0gnCvsk06CcaDNFKUA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SlLeheyI3wI/AAAAAAAABiw/78mCQGEbfOI/s800/P1040492.JPG" /></a>

Also, I am waiting on my diamond hole saw to drill the tank. I should be receiving it by the end of the week. This tank will have 1.5" bulkheads and will utilize and external glass overflow box that I will be fabricating once the holes are drilled in the tank for the internal overflow box.

Got these in the mail today...they are lot bigger than my current 3/4" bulkheads on my 36g!

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/saIhpNO8LDfiI8wo41BCPQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/SlLgCDjZyuI/AAAAAAAABjU/YhkG5L_5aiY/s800/P1040493.JPG" /></a>

ludnix
07/07/2009, 01:57 AM
Very cool! I love penisula tanks and I say that without any bias at all :p

vbjimmie
07/07/2009, 08:24 AM
Good stuff. Look forward to seeing completion.

ironwill723
07/07/2009, 11:17 AM
Thanks guys...each week it gets a little closer. Seems like I have been doing more remodeling in preparation for the new tank than the actual tank build. It is exciting though to see it start to come together finally.

jyuen
07/07/2009, 07:12 PM
That is nice... i wanted to get a peninsula tank so I can use it as a room divider for my office, but wife shot it down cause the room is too small.... keep us posted.

ironwill723
07/28/2009, 10:08 AM
Well it has been a long time since I did some updates to the build thread...work has slowed down so now I have some time to work on the tank build some more.

Diamond hole saw came from Ebay awhile back:

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1dzWJ7bi9Hbm8YX-PJ1aNA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Sm8Zog9RIaI/AAAAAAAABpw/Mror34AIsLE/s400/P1040541.JPG" /></a>

TJ (Tswifty) hooked me up with his friend Keith in Ohio to make my internal overflow box. It came out fantastic. Dimensions are 12"x 6" x 1.5" I will be drilling 3 holes through the tank wall as a pass through to an external glass box where I will use beananimals drain design.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k-EN8Isw9cC4pLc2BBiGjw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Sm8ZZouLv-I/AAAAAAAABoI/mOq111l_NGA/s400/P1040537.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LIoSRTSAajoHIUe_oxEjfQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Sm8ZclNqKgI/AAAAAAAABoQ/DWSoxEjxmRw/s400/P1040538.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mGmn-tr1TC1CixdVUFf_zQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Sm8Zgt-S7vI/AAAAAAAABp4/tZR6MzLnbHs/s400/P1040539.JPG" /></a>

I had some luck on Craigslist and picked up this 48" 6 x 54w T5 TEK Fixture for a a couple hundred bucks. (Thanks Mike!)

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UDU8wdVFamOOaSf5Fc8ySA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Sm8ZQ01Tj9I/AAAAAAAABnE/W0rWk8Fwm4w/s400/P1040534.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nvK8YqZlqHLJVUytBAIZ1A?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Sm8ZTSdlN_I/AAAAAAAABn4/rTQI6VioxxE/s400/P1040535.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lw4a8QY6-PwbgwF3GpRtjQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Sm8ZWUbEEQI/AAAAAAAABoA/GP0w7SAihKc/s400/P1040536.JPG" /></a>

And finally another RC member PM'd me on here when I posted a question about Vortech pumps and offered to sell me 2 brand new unopened MP40s Gen2 for $350 a piece. I was originally thinking closed loop but these were too good to pass up.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Fd4UA_tkRR-B38xHQGQZKA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqv1c_AjJfouwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gYlUjvbQmnM/Sm8c6_6cI4I/AAAAAAAABpg/NgOvM-NPhHo/s400/P1040542.JPG" /></a>

So the work continues...next up I am starting on plumbing and finishing up the stand and wall behind the tank. Hopefully more updates to come.

Guyerson
07/29/2009, 08:55 AM
Build is looking great, Craig! Can't wait to see this with water! Are you planning to transfer the livestock from your 36, or starting fresh??

ironwill723
07/29/2009, 11:12 AM
I'm going to transfer all of them over to the new tank. I am however going to put them in the 29g hospital tank I am setting up for a month beforehand to treat them for the mild ich I got when I added some frags a while back.

firewill65
12/02/2009, 01:41 AM
Any updates on the tank?