Heidi's Bedroom Nano

What an exciting project, Heidi! Should be a beautiful tank. Do those folks sell the Weldon stuff to put it all together? Are you drilling the bottom for a durso standpipe sort of return or doing a hang on the back overflow/filtration setup? What sort of lighting will you use? Sorry for all the questions, but it's a new project that keeps the wheels turning! Good luck with your project and keep us in the loop.

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Originally Posted by MyNemesis

What an exciting project, Heidi! Should be a beautiful tank. Do those folks sell the Weldon stuff to put it all together? Are you drilling the bottom for a durso standpipe sort of return or doing a hang on the back overflow/filtration setup? What sort of lighting will you use? Sorry for all the questions, but it's a new project that keeps the wheels turning! Good luck with your project and keep us in the loop.

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They do sell the Weldon. I was not going to drill this tank although I might change my mind. If I drill it will be on the back panel. I have a hang on filter that I will run with carbon on and off. I have a small clip on t5 fixture that I am going to try. If that proves too dim for growth I will do an led fixture maybe a couple of the stunner strips or something similar. :) thinking I covered all your questions let me know of you have anymore and thanks for following along!
Heidi

Good luck Heidi! Can't wait to see this take off :)

SO here is a photo journey of my tank being brought to life today. Tomorrow I am going to buff the edges to a shine, and start a 24 hour water test ;) For all of you who have built acrylic sumps and tanks . . . whoot! Its way harder then I thought. First off "weldon" is some NASTY stuff. It smells like getting your nails done.... :snorkel: Yes I know most of you don't know that smell but it is super potent. It sets FAST so you have to be faster. It was fun and exciting and once it is all buffed up it will looks SUPER sweet Im sure. SO here are the photos, feel free to ask any questions you may have up to this point.

Heidi
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0593.jpg
My helper and Me peeling back the paper so it stays out of the way of the Weldon.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0594.jpg
The bottom's ready.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0595.jpg
The sides are peeled back and ready. You remove the inside paper and the edges of the outsides.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0596.jpg
The chemicals. I only used the 3. I had the other to fix any "oops" but didn't end up needing it and its so toxic.. It says if inhaled seek emergency medical attention and administer CPR.. really... yikes.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0597.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0598.jpg
Taped and ready to weld! (I did the bottom first)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0599.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0600.jpg
Shims are used for pressure in spots where the Weldon needs an extra nudge to go and stay in the cracks. Weight of the tank itself and shims that apply a small amount of direct pressure are better then clams because they keep the acrylic more relaxed and I guess it makes for a better bond. I got a HUGE tutorial from the acrylic guy in Granger and then from my teacher Christian, BUT I did ALL of this myself though they made good cheer leaders.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0601.jpg
One of my 4 perfect seams. Out of 8 and the first time was pretty good I would say :)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0602.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0604.jpg
Finished and setting. Well she got in it after it had set up for about an hour it was how I bribed her to stay back while I was welding.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0605.jpg
Taped and ready to sand and buff edges tomorrow.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0608.jpg
Required paper in tank picture :)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15...f/IMG_0610.jpg
In its permanent home, It will get buffed here because it is safest from the kids. One of the little ones picked up the block with the "160 grit paper" on it to "help" and she put some scratches in the front and side that I will have to get something to "buff" out. There is a product I think its Nova or something like that... I will need to have that stuff on hand with an acrylic tank. :doh::roll_eyes::thumbsup:

Looks awesome, Heidi! I have always wanted to try my hand at acrylic work but always get scared off at the end. That's great that you had a mentor to guide you through it! I can't wait to see this filled!

Wow! That looks amazing! I think Novus is the product you are thinking of.

You make it look so easy! It really looks great all put together.:thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by rosebud161616

Looks awesome, Heidi! I have always wanted to try my hand at acrylic work but always get scared off at the end. That's great that you had a mentor to guide you through it! I can't wait to see this filled!

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Thanks rosebud! Yeah, I was so fortunate to have his help. I think the same thing about glass. I had thought about doing this tank in glass but figured I had a better chance at "not leaks" with acrylic. Only thing now is the kids are already trying to "help" and one of them took the 180 grit to the side for one quick swipe... Let's just say I need to order some of the acrylic buffing stuff now :(
Anyone have suggestions and recommendations for dry scratch remover?

Heidi

Oh and so I follow all the rules to a "t" :). Here is my official entry photo:

Looking good !

The fill test... Eekkk! Wish it luck :)