Key largo 375 g build [Archive] - Reef Central Online Community

RcToners

03/02/2011, 11:33 PM

Well my wife and I have decided to upgrade our 150.00 gal. After searching for some time we were able to pick up a nice 375 g acrylic tank. Our f150 gal tank is glass and I vowed never to buy another glass tank due to scratches, although my new acrylic tank may scratch a bit more on the easy side they are very easy to remove, its a given the tank will get scratched at some point in time so its nice to know I can remove them without much work. Here are some images of the build so far, as of right now I am aquascaping and have been for about 3 days. I purchased 400 lbs of marco rock and could not be happier.

Here is a quick sketch of the stand I built, I went with a taller stand due to the fact I dont like to have to bend over to look at a tank.
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/standsketch.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/build015.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/build014.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/build011.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/build009.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/build008.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/build006.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/build003.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/build001.jpg

RcToners

03/02/2011, 11:46 PM

We purchased the tank used and it had a few scratches, I figured no better time then now to refinish the entire tank.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/b15f71e4.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/18dec41b.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/de845106.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/0e7fd1e8.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/444d567c.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/5180ff97.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/334c3e8f.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/4919048a.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/cf806fbc.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/ab1e87a8.jpg

RcToners

03/02/2011, 11:48 PM

Left is all done right is almost done

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/d6bcc10d.jpg

dzfish17

03/03/2011, 01:07 AM

What are the dimensions on your new tank? Looks like a fun build. Good luck.

Ketchup

03/03/2011, 03:04 AM

Looks interesting :)

Reefnut2010

03/03/2011, 03:20 AM

Just know that acrylic scratches if you look at it wrong !!! I can't believe glass would be worse. Nice tank though, and it's coming along beautifully. I paid to get my tank polished. It was like $300.00. I don't have patience for something like that. Keep us posted.

D5HP

03/03/2011, 08:21 AM

Stand looks great so far!

silentscream

03/03/2011, 09:50 AM

RcToners, looks like you're off to a great start. Can I ask what type of blade you were using to cut that aluminum? Carbide tipped? Did you use any wax on the blade or cutting oil? Thanks in advance!

RcToners

03/03/2011, 11:28 AM

What are the dimensions on your new tank? Looks like a fun build. Good luck.

The dimensions are 96" x 30" x 30"

Stand looks great so far!

Thanks, its all welded and put together now, I'll get photos up soon.

RcToners, looks like you're off to a great start. Can I ask what type of blade you were using to cut that aluminum? Carbide tipped? Did you use any wax on the blade or cutting oil? Thanks in advance!

I just used a blade for aluminum, its got more teeth. I used wax on the blade to prevent it from catching on anything.

RcToners

03/03/2011, 11:35 AM

Here are some photos of welding day!

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/00de4505.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/1cfeac24.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/fd84da90.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/f83ab7ec.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/8195bb2f.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/e0dccf5b.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/f5ffd802.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/a4696af3.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/21aead1c.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/a1eed10f.jpg

RcToners

03/03/2011, 11:49 AM

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/16898b64.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/4280682f.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/15200f5c.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/69164dc3.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/bada2e35.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/5559f461.jpg

We then sanded the entire stand to help the spraypaint bond to the surface and remove impurities. I spraypainted the stand black and went on the hunt for something to span the top of the stand to support the tank.

I found 3/4" plywood and had it cut to size. I sealed it in Kilz & a lacquer. I also found 3/4" foam and cut it to size and spray glued it to the plywood. I used a caulk adhesive to glue the plywood & foam to the stand. I also managed to forget to take photos of this process. Here are a few photos of the "finished product" after it was moved upstairs.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/4f1195f6.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/2d340038.jpg

RcToners

03/03/2011, 11:52 AM

Currently working on the aquascape, should be done today :)

Kipps

03/03/2011, 03:42 PM

Oustanding workmanship - wish I was that talented - following...

JBarnes

03/03/2011, 03:55 PM

Is that your bathroom plumbing coming out of the porch ceiling? That standard practise in Florida? Sure wouldn't work good in Colorado when its 20 below for several weeks! Jerry.

Skins

03/03/2011, 04:10 PM

Is that your bathroom plumbing coming out of the porch ceiling? That standard practise in Florida? Sure wouldn't work good in Colorado when its 20 below for several weeks! Jerry.

looks like a patio or green roof overhang, not indoor plumbing with the drainage exposed.

cloons411

03/03/2011, 08:01 PM

I like the height of the stand, I wish I would have went about there instead of 40". Looks good so far, good luck on the build.

James404

03/03/2011, 08:17 PM

Very impressive build so far, that stand came out sick!!

RcToners

03/03/2011, 08:19 PM

Oustanding workmanship - wish I was that talented - following...

Thank you, I was surprised how quick the stand came together. It could have been done in one day but we broke it into two.

Is that your bathroom plumbing coming out of the porch ceiling? That standard practise in Florida? Sure wouldn't work good in Colorado when its 20 below for several weeks! Jerry.

The photo you're referring to is a friends house, I'm not sure if that is his bathroom plumbing. I do live a couple blocks over and our condos have the bathroom plumbing coming outside underneath our walkway. Ive seen this at several other houses too so maybe it is common here.

I like the height of the stand, I wish I would have went about there instead of 40". Looks good so far, good luck on the build.

The height is 40" :) Thanks!

cloons411

03/03/2011, 09:23 PM

The height is 40" :) Thanks!
I see that now I was looking on the other side of the print. Sorry about that.

KeysKid

03/03/2011, 09:37 PM

Very nice man. I live in Marathon, would love to see this someday once you get it running. Also about the bathroom outdoor plumbing. Ive also seen plumbing like that at friends houses before down here in the Keys. Its quite common.

Keep up the good work, and keep us updated!!

RcToners

03/08/2011, 11:23 PM

Finally, some aquascaping photos!

Front view:
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/27d3ea6c.jpg

Angled view to show shelves and caves, etc:
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/e830fd3e.jpg

View from left end looking through caves:
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/d544a3ea.jpg

fsbbn@hotmail

03/08/2011, 11:35 PM

Very nice.

Can you please explain what you used (type of paste) and foam to remove the scratches. Everytime I tried on my first aquarium, i seemed to make it worse.

Thanks

ctmgardea

03/08/2011, 11:44 PM

mynameisjoe

03/09/2011, 01:58 AM

Nice rockwork. It looks interesting, even without any corals on it.

How do you plan on cleaning the acrylic?

And I can't really tell from the picture, but did you leave enough room between the rock and acrylic for easy cleaning access? About how much clearance would you say?

Great start...

qwuintus

03/09/2011, 03:15 AM

Looks great. Any tips on products/diy on fixing scratches?

psusocr

03/09/2011, 08:03 AM

Great aquascape~!

RcToners

03/09/2011, 10:26 AM

RcToners

03/09/2011, 10:33 AM

Very nice.

Can you please explain what you used (type of paste) and foam to remove the scratches. Everytime I tried on my first aquarium, i seemed to make it worse.

Thanks

I just used wet/dry sand papaer, started with 250 and went to 2000 then used novus 2 and 3 with a buffer. With the sand paper DO NOT use a random orbital buffer, it will leave curley q's all over your tank. Use a variable speed sander, keep the surface very wet and take your time, once the sanding is all done then move to the buffer, use a wool pad for novus 3 and a foam pad for novus 2. You can order sand paper disks from http://www.micro-surface.com/ they even have a complete kit for removing scratches, they state to use a random orbiatal buffer although I can assure you it is a terrible idea.

philip_r5

04/04/2011, 07:45 PM

Any updates on this? :)

RcToners

04/12/2011, 05:53 PM

Long time no update!

Transferred livestock and got all the plumbing tweaked. Here are a few shots of the tank as of now. My AI's are on their way, the tank is currently running on T5s

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/cc937d3b.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/93e15df3.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/dce3076f.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/89b1351a.jpg

DCG1286

04/13/2011, 09:59 AM

WoW!!! This is a beautiful setup!!! I will definitely be tagging along to see the development of this tank!

hul kogan

04/13/2011, 02:18 PM

Very cool project! I really liking the stand. When everything starts to grow out...wow.

Do you buy from Keys Critters? I always try to stop in and check things out when I'm down in KL.

RcToners

04/13/2011, 05:07 PM

Added a couple of things today. I picked up a blue spotted jawfish and a Kole Tang.

On a sad note, I lost my beloved Moby the Goby (my diamond goby) yesterday. He jumped for unknown reasons and the wife found him as jerky. :(

I stop in at Keys Kritters every so often, their prices are just too high so I prefer the mainland.

disaster999

04/14/2011, 05:24 AM

the whole that build was great up until you used that overflow...then it just ruined it for me

hul kogan

04/14/2011, 09:27 AM

Looks like you have a nice place, btw! Bay or ocean side?

fewskillz

04/14/2011, 11:51 AM

Your aquascape is incredible. I hope to upgrade to an 8'+ tank someday.

pawek

04/15/2011, 05:24 PM

Love the scape? Is that a frag shelf in the back?

kkiel02

04/15/2011, 07:25 PM

Awesome rockwork! Its gonna be a sweet setup when its all encrusted in coral!

D5HP

04/19/2011, 11:28 AM

Where did you get that rock? How much did you use?

How did you bond it together or is it simply stacked?

Those shelf pieces are really impressive.

Thanks!

RcToners

04/27/2011, 08:05 PM

the whole that build was great up until you used that overflow...then it just ruined it for me

I could not agree more, I spoke with another forum member and I am going to go with a coast to coast wier overflow, for the life of me I cannot remember the forum members name on here :(
Looks like you have a nice place, btw! Bay or ocean side?
Ocean side :) Pennikamp park is my backyard :)

Love the scape? Is that a frag shelf in the back?

Yes I have a little frag shelf in back, I plan on taking several frags to the frag swap.

Where did you get that rock? How much did you use?

How did you bond it together or is it simply stacked?

Those shelf pieces are really impressive.

Thanks!

Picked up my rock through marco rock, I used 400 lb's of dry marco rock, although they do charge a bit more for the shelf pieces I could not have been happier. I also purchased a mortar product sold by marco rock, its the same stuff sea world currently uses. Ive drilled my previous rocks, used pvc, zip ties, and this is by far the best.

on another not I did recieve my AI led's a few days ago and build a lighting rack for them. Had a problem with one AI unit so a replacement is comming once it arrives I will post new images :)

Mr. Brooks

04/28/2011, 07:20 AM

I also purchased a mortar product sold by marco rock, its the same stuff sea world currently uses. Ive drilled my previous rocks, used pvc, zip ties, and this is by far the best.

Did you use it in between each rock? Is it tacky like glue? Or more like cement.

D5HP

04/28/2011, 09:56 AM

Sweeeet thanks RC.

I got 50lbs base and 30lbs shelf for my 75g FOWLR...also picked up some of their mortar.

Your scape looks great I'm shooting for something similar.

Thanks again,
D

RcToners

04/28/2011, 11:14 AM

Did you use it in between each rock? Is it tacky like glue? Or more like cement.

Similar to cement although tacky depending on how you mix it. Working time is pretty short and makes it work well considering you can build and build.

Sweeeet thanks RC.

I got 50lbs base and 30lbs shelf for my 75g FOWLR...also picked up some of their mortar.

Your scape looks great I'm shooting for something similar.

Thanks again,
D

Your welcome, any questions jsut let me know. Thanks for the compliments on my aquascape ")

RcToners

05/11/2011, 09:47 PM

So Finally recieved my AI led's and built a light rack. Currently running 4 AI sol blues and have zero shadows, all corals have made the switch well and every one seems happy. Currently running MY Ai's at 50% and had to move a few things lower due to the par.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/bae0d80c.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/bae0d80c.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/a885871c.jpg

RcToners

05/27/2011, 08:06 AM

A couple of new photos.. A full tank shot and a couple of closeups.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/7ec0eb09.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/e5cb28c5.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/dc67919b.jpg

loweryster

05/27/2011, 06:53 PM

Looks awesome. Did the Rics acclimate nicely?

aquavista99

05/27/2011, 10:33 PM

Very nice build. Your rock layout is very nice. :thumbsup: Living in Key Largo must be fun!!! Are you close to Marina Del Mar?

Ketchup

05/30/2011, 11:24 PM

Awesome rockscape and nice light rack :)

krazysvede

05/31/2011, 06:31 AM

Nice! How high off the water do you have those AI units?

MHG

05/31/2011, 06:41 AM

Nice job... you said you habe SOL Blues... But there is obviously some whites in those. what is the ratio of whites to blues on those lights?

Barebucta

05/31/2011, 08:44 AM

Looks really good. Marvelous job on the sanding the tank looks brand new. I kind of like the pvc you used in the back for drainage into your sump. Very unique.

thebkramer

06/10/2011, 07:08 PM

Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the ground and wipe the drool away!!! :crazy1:

What a Gorgeous Tank!!! I absolutely lOVE the rockwork!!!
You showed your tank in New To Hobby and I just had to find your thread!!
I will be living my big tank dreams through you for sure!!!
Awesome Job!! :dance: