dhogan

Rockwork Did my rockwork... it didn't come out exaclty how I envisioned it, but overall I'm satisfied... for now. I wish it was higher in the tank, but what do you guys think? Please ignore the piping, I took out the black acrylic temporarily, and haven't put it back yet.

More Livestock and Pics! I just got back from BRK a little bit ago... I need to learn how to turn the macro feature on, but I added snails and a shrimp for my CUC... Here's some more shots, this side shot of the tank to show you how I hid the overflow piping. The control panel, still need to clear some wires and get the ATO storage built and in place under the stand. For now I'm just using a bucket. And a picture of my sump, has all kinds of crap in it, still working on getting it organized. I am still trying to get the skimmer configured correctly.

I'm goign to try and finalize my rockwork tomorrow. I am hoping my coralline will cover the back wall to take care of anything that's visible.

That's the best I could do, I did not want to have paint inside of the tank or overflow because I didn't want it to chip or leach anything.

Tank with water! Sorry I haven't updated recently, I've been super busy. But I have completed the stand, and filled the tank with water. Even added my first to fish. Still working on my sump, I have a major microbubble issue I am working on getting rid of. The pump seems to be building up an air bubble and sending it up to the display periodically. Everything else seems good so far. The rockwork has not been done yet, but so far I am pretty satisfied.

I really don't think its working right. I have two other crappy thermometers and its like 8-10 degrees difference. I then plugged my heater in an always on plug, put it at 81, and over night, ACJr. now reads that it is almost 90 degrees. Its my understanding that this thing comes calibrated. What's the deal?

I put water in!!! It is very cloudy now, due to the salt. Should I leave the pumps/return on to mix it? Or do I need to turn everything off so it can settle?

It's in the top of my durso standpipe, it is there to prevent the hole from getting clogged.

Stained, Plumbed, and Wired Well I've been extremely busy coaching football, so I haven't had a ton of time to get this done on schedule. But it's getting there. As you can see I've stained it, done all the plumbing, and setup the control panel. All I need to do now is wire the lighting and the GFCI. SCrew the doors back on. Comments?

Exactly, I don't think a glass cutter would help any in this situation - it's a different type of method, I would guess it would still chip out. Jason, let me know if the above made sense, if not I'll draw a picture or something (no clownfish though)....

I actually would go to Lowes if there was one as close as HD.... I don't ever talk to the employees at any of the stores, unless I need to find something. It's just a little ridiculous to not have any of that part left, good thing it's not a critical piece for me. Sureeeee. I bought it at HD, it's a dremel bit. As far as tips, be prepared for a long process, it is very very slow. I also would not have cut my overflow as deep if I were to do it again. It helps if you have someone to spray spray spray with a spray bottle, otherwise find a way to have water on the part you are cutting nonstop. I rocked the bit to get it down (hope this makes sense). I would tilt it, then put it upright, and continued to do this over and over. Another small thing, when I got towards the end, I finished it from the outside in, to prevent chipout. Let me know if i need to clarify anything.

I hate HomeDepot... how do you not have any 1" Sched 40 90 deg elbows.....

For you superglue guys, are you talking about Handibond? Or what kind?

What method do you guys use to mount frags in your display?

Don't worry, I'm not rushing it. It os getting plenty of time to dry.

I put on the stain today, it looks good, I picked a pretty good color in my opinion. Have some blotchyness going on, but nothing horrible. Couple coats of my clear coat and marine varnish for inside of hood/bottom of stand and I'll be good to go. Should be done Sunday night. Filled with water on Monday... hopefully.

That's what I was thinking - I plan to get the stain on tomorrow - I can't wait!

Hood Completion I've completed the hood, looks pretty good. Thoughts? Door And a full shot I'm satisfied with it for the most part. What do you guys think? Do I need to add some molding or some type of design to the hood where it meets the glass. What are your guys thoughts? Honest opinions only please! Thanks.

It's a drawer

Anyone?

Minor Update I've been sanding, I had to rebuild some of the hood due to how I wanted to mount the door, so I finished that up. Just need to mount the hood door. And some other small things here and there. I've sanded the base, and it's pretty much ready to go. Have to put a small piece of wood in the door to prevent light from coming through the door gap. Here's what it looks like right now...

Look on Melev's site, specifically this page: http://www.melevsreef.com/make_a_sump.html I know he has also used another method of a small compartment with rock rubble to stop bubbles.

Jason, all you have to do is make sure the the first baffle (assuming skimmer is in first compartment) is at the same height of any other baffles (except the unders). My pump is in the last compartment, that is where the water height will change due to evaporation (assuming my ATO fails).

I would get a corded drill, any kind should be fine as long as it is not a cheap wimpy one. I would avoid battery powered and you don't want a hammer drill for this application.