ReeferMike's 180 gallon come-back build

[Coral Frenzy]

Coming along nicely.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Very nice. How did you get the cut carpet edges to look so nice?

Tom

[ReeferMike]

Thanks,

You just need to cut it with a fresh blade along a straight-edge. Getting it straight isn't that hard, getting it square when the walls aren't is a little more challenging. The carpet trim helps to hide small imperfections. I've done some similar carpet work in the past, so this wasn't my first rodeo.

[ReeferMike]

Being a DIY kind of guy I decided to build my own overflows. They are similar to a Glass-holes design, but they will be glued directly to the back wall of the tank. I took some acrylic in to the shop this morning, cut it on a tablesaw, milled the slots in it, and glued them up. I'll paint them black before installing them on the tank. I plan on drilling the tank and painting the back black this weekend also.

[Dmmz]

Those look great might have to copy off you for mine

[ReeferMike]

Busy as heck this week with life, but managed to get a little bit done. I painted the overflows, and then hated how they turned out... so I got a hold of some 3/16 black acrylic and re-made them. I decided to put a back panel on them and drill them, then attach them with a bulkhead. Very similar to the overflow I had on my old tank. they aren't perfect, but they pass. Once I paint the back and get water in it im sure any imperfections wont be noticeable.






I got a stand made for my sump. Should be nice and comfortable to work in, and also possible to syphon it. This weekend I'll be finishing the fishroom walls and floor, and if I have time I'll start work on the sump. In the pic you'll notice that I also got a hold of a 5" DIA x 5ft long piece of cast acrylic tube. I have something in mind for that for sure.

[ReeferMike]

Despite a crazy weekend I got a few things done on the tank. One thing that bothered me about this tank and all acrylic tanks with top bracing are the tiny square access holes that dont let you access the tank without being on a ladder.

I sketched up what I wanted to do and talked to our engineer at work about it. Being a structural engineer I value his opinion, and he basically gave the green light. Out came my router for better or for worse and I'm pleased with how it turned out. I'm confident the tank is still structurally sound, but, in reality I wont really know until I get some water in it.





After that I got the tank plumbing pretty much tackled. Pretty basic, dual 1.5inch drains, and a split 3/4 return. Once I slide the tank into position for good I can finish up the plumbing in the fishroom. Still need to paint all the exposed piping black, and I'm half-tempted to drill and install 3/4 bulkheads for the returns instead of going up and over like I did.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Looking good! What's the ETA for adding water?

Tom

[ReeferMike]

Got my pipes painted. Let's see if my first mobile upload will work.

Tom I'm not really sure. I need to get ahold of a rodi system or make lots of trips to the water store when that time comes. Maybe the weekend after next.

[MizTanks]

Some great pictures! Almost feel like I'm there. Feeling kind a tired even-lol. That's a lotta work!
Love how you painted the pipes. Blends in nicely with the back, great job!
That euro bracing looks much much better! Lots more room for sure. Still looks pretty sound