240 cube tank photo diary.
 

Well, the stand is done (see other thread) and I'm awaiting the completion of the tank. Here are the first pics of its fabrication. Again, it will be 4'x4'x2' tall with a central back overflow, and as you can see, many returns on two closed loops. Open top, no bracing. I'll post more as I receive them.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...ebulkheads.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...arting-off.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...ch-acrylic.jpg

After seeing that stand I'm so freakin excited I can hardly breath!!! OMG!!! I'm hyperventilating!!!

**passes out and falls out of chair**

Looks awesome!!! I'm getting ready to do an acrylic tank with the same dimensions.
What lighting do you plan on using?

:eek1: I sure hope you're okay and didn't smack your head on anything during the fall :D
I don't think that even I'm quite that excited. Unless of course you're being sarcastic ;)
It has been alot of fun planning this tank and building the stand.

I'm considering using some pendant lighting of some sort to keep the open top access. I will probably go with 4 250 watt halides and some VHOs or T5s of some kind.
My goal is to keep it totally open so I have an unobstructed view of the entire tank from the top, giving me a tidepool look as well as the standard view from three sides.

Hey bro, that is awesome. Since I am working on a similar project I have a few questions if you don't mind.

I would love to get the open top you did, I have always shot for that look, however I am doing glass so its nearly impossible. Why did you choose acrylic?

Are you worried about the bulkheads on the bottom of the tank, as well as those toward the bottom of the back panel?

Looks like an incredible project, I am incredibly excited to watch this thread develop I know it has to be killing you =).

What are you plans for sump, and other equipment?

I debated for several months on choice of materials, starphire glass or acrylic. I decided on acrylic due to its clarity, flexibility with design and the drilling of holes, and probably most notably because of the great local fabricator we have here in town. All in all, he's buidling me this custom cube for less than most glass manufacturers would for just plain old iron glass! Also, with the extra thickness of the acrylic, I knew I could get the complete open top I desired.
Initially, I was a little apprehensive about the floor mounted bulkheads, but several members here on RC have done it and it works well. The priority was having flow directed back towards the overflow box, yet being able to hide the plumbing. So, underneath it went.
Having bulkheads in the floor or low in the tank walls really isn't any different. If the bulkheads are tight, and the plumbing secure, it won't leak. All bulkheads that are below water level will be hooked up to closed loop systems, so they can't drain anywhere and cause a flood. The only bad thing that could happen is if a pump seal starts to fail. With ball valves directly before and after each pump, stopping the water to that pump will be easy and I've heard that pump seals, if they go bad, start to leak very slowly and I should notice long before there is any real issue with water loss. I am hoping that this decision doesn't come back to haunt me.
I'm still looking for the right sump. It will be simple, basically just an older glass or acrylic aquarium, say a 40 or 60 gallon breeder, with enough room for the skimmer and some macro. With the design of the overflow box and the durso standpipes, if power goes out, this tank should only drain about 2 gallons of water down into the sump. I'll make sure the sump can handle that extra volume.
I'll be running Sequence Darts (3600gph each) on the closed loops and a GenX 35 (990 gph) for the return pump. I chose these pumps due to their decent water volume turnover AND their low wattage consumption. Getting around 8000 gph turnover for only 400 watts usage is pretty good.
Still making last minute decisions on the lighting and what to use for random flow.
Still looking for the right skimmer. Probably going to get an ASM G4 or 5 once I've saved up enough.
I already have a calcium reactor.
I think that's about it. What did I miss?

http://www.triggersys.com/index.html
These are by far the nicest bekett skimmers I have seen.
http://triggersys.com/images/ts800.jpg

jacuzzi type bulk head
 

where did you get your bulkhead and your tank

Not much progress to report right now. All four sides are together and flush routed. The overflow box and bottom should go on this weekend. I'll post more pics as they come. Several of my jacuzzi jet style bulkheads are on back order and this will delay me about 2 weeks.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...nished-box.jpg

More progress made tonight. All four sides and the overflow box have been installed. Bottom is going on tomorrow. All edges should be routed and polished tomorrow, as well as drains and several bulkheads drilled and installed.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...verflow-in.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...B-top-view.jpg

Re: jacuzzi type bulk head
 

I've ordered these bulkheads:
http://www.customaquatic.com/customa...dexid=pf-tj-t1
Tank is being built by Scott from:
http://www.fishheads.org/viewforum.php?f=27

Bottom is on. Water tested. Edges will be flush routed and polished today. Bulkheads by the end of the week. I'll bring home the finished tank this weekend!
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...water-test.jpg

Re: Re: jacuzzi type bulk head
 

make sure you order the long body, not the short

Wow that is amazing!!!

During the water testing, did you check how much the sides bow out?

Yes. 1/24 th of an inch deflection was measured when full. This beauty is sound.

Nice, gonna have to make one of those one day!

love the tank...very cool!!!:D

looking good! :)

ummm what kinda badass magnet do you have to use to clean this puppy?

I'll mostly be cleaning this by hand with an acrylic safe pad.
Found out last night that the jacuzzi style bulkheads I ordered came in too short. The 1" acrylic is too thick and the don't make this particular style in the longer version.
Tank will be completed on Saturday. I'll have it home and on the stand Saturday evening. I'll post more pics then.

looking forward to the pics!

Tank is done and setting on the stand in my garage. I'm going to start working on the plumbing and the epoxy sand bed right away. I'm leaving the protective film on until its actually sitting in its final place.
I'll take some more pics from above tomorrow showing the bulkheads and overflow box.
Doors for the stand will be done Monday. I should have them installed by Wednesday.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...nkandstand.jpg

great looking stand