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Unread 01/17/2018, 09:16 AM   #151
Wally.B
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Quote:
Originally Posted by reefmutt View Post
Clear silicone always looks a bit cloudy but it’s better than a solid black line, no?
I guess this a personal preference thing..
No idea, never owned a clear Silicone tank. At least it will be different.
Who knows I may love the look. (That was the plan)

But speaking of Silicone. I've been inspecting edges of my tanks.

My 15 Year OLD+ 65 Gallon is showing it's age.



Good that this is only at top, but 1/2 the silicone is open.
I did read up that typical Silicone lifetime is 15 years max.

So upgrading this oldest tank was good timing.


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Unread 01/17/2018, 09:56 AM   #152
tenurepro
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My Project ★ GENESIS ★ 110G (Miracle) SPS Dream Tank - (I) Pre-Build Thread

You can probably just cut s long strip of black acrylic and glue it to the silicon (from above, it would look like a triangle with two sides being glass, the third being the black acrylic and the silicone in the middle). If the silicone is translucent, then it would look black with the acrylic behind it.


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Unread 01/17/2018, 10:51 AM   #153
Wally.B
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A ton of solutions.

Thanks everyone.

Let's see what tank look like when it arrives.

Things can change when the Silicone Cures....
....and ALSO when tank is full of water (and Glowing with Light)

I may love it, and maybe it really won't matter since I like Wood Overlapping EDGE TRIM look.

Moving on to STAND BUILD. (( After looking at my other tanks, .....I have decided on 32" hieght, but on top of that will be plywood, the foam, and the Glass Bottom. Tank Viewing area (bottom) may start at 33" approx)
I already drafted it out on paper (wood cuttting is next)


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Unread 01/17/2018, 11:43 AM   #154
Wally.B
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THE Aquarium STAND (Mini Mock up MODEL)

I need the stand Super SOLID (no-wiggle) since OUTSIDE Panels will join (Drywall Edges).

Any movement will cause cracks is plaster (over time).

This is overkill but worth it for the LONG Run.



Yes, I decided against the 4x4 Fence Posts. Notch Cutting is tough, and screwing together has challenges.
This multi-piece method pretty well makes all CUTS (STRAIGHT)

Using multiple boards (SCREW AND GLUE) will be best (Strong, but will settle/adjust/flex/Stabilize/Level as TANK WEIGHT GOES ON)

FOR Lateral Strength (I may add middle Crossbars at Drywall sides,....)
.......since I want to glue Plywood onto STAND, not screw for possible Staining and not introduce screws into Wood Grain Beuaty)

Also I am going to go 1/2" Lower on BASE STAND.

I can add 1 or 2 (1/4" or 1/2") Plywood tops if needed to raise.

[ That's my Adjustable HEIGHT Flexibility, for Final Changes when Tank Arrives ]. Possible to Always Raise (but impossible to LOWER)



Last edited by Wally.B; 01/17/2018 at 11:55 AM.
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Unread 01/17/2018, 02:41 PM   #155
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@Reefmut & @Wally.B -- Silicone is a personal preference. There's clear silicone, and there's the invisible clear silicone. When you ask for clear, you'll get the cloudy white, when you ask for the invisible you'll get the crystal clear stuff (which supposedly turns cloudy white).

personally, I love the look of black silicone. To me it frames the tank, and is way less visually intrusive than cloudy silicone.

Cloudy silicone just looks cheap to my eyes for some reason. No matter how great the tank may be, it just reminds me of Petco tanks. I have no reason to really see it this way, just a quirk I guess.. But I prefer black to the crystal clear silicone actually.

Truthfully -- If I could have a custom tank made, I would have smoked glass trapezoids put into the corner for added strength and worry-free glass cleaning. it would also look exceptionally slick (to me).

But the only thing that matters is how YOU like it. And you'll probably be so happy for it you won't even notice after awhile Wally.


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Unread 01/17/2018, 02:52 PM   #156
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I hear you Rakie.

Not sure what Miracle uses (Clear on Invisible Silicone), but so far I see Above&Beyond quality in everything they have done. (more to see when they finish).

As far a BLACK FRAMING, that really doesn't apply to my tank.
TOP,BOTTOM and all EDGES will be behind trim/wall.

Only the one corner will be exposed (and that is why I chose clear).
A black single edge might not be as nice as an semi-invisible edge/corner.

Well see in two weeks time. Can't wait.

Just leaving to HOMEDEPOT to pick up wood for stand. Everything measured out down to 1/8".
In past I paid home depot to do the 2x4 cuts on their accurate saw so every piece is exact & matching. (it's a few pennies per cut. First cut per wood piece is free).


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Unread 01/17/2018, 03:01 PM   #157
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Good deal. I like to have them do my cuts as well. My table saw is a little janky.. Doesn't make the best cuts, and it basically needs some repair that I'm incapable of. Get everything cut up by HomeDepot, Mark up the wood with a sharpie, and then it's like putting together a lego set instead of 'building' -- building is a very ominous word for someone that isn't you, apparently


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Unread 01/17/2018, 09:37 PM   #158
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The Aquarium Stand (110 Gallon 46x24x22)



We it's not the stand yet.

I just made the Kit.

Coming soon.....


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Unread 01/17/2018, 11:28 PM   #159
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Happy with 46" Width and Thinner 1/2" Starphire Glass (Good Trade off)

When I put the (Stand Top Frame 46" Wide), over the (Plywood 48"), I notice there isn't much of a difference.

ON PAPER I had this vision it would be.



I didn't mention this before, but the 46" Tank Width decision was driven by design considerations with Miracle Aquariums. I originally thought Standard 48".

If I went 48" in an Aggressive Flow (SPS Tank) with Gyre's, I'd have to go 5/8" glass. (Miracle has stringent Engineering Specs for Strong Tanks)

That raised the price out of my budget reach.
Trade off was drop (the Starphire Clear Glass), or lose some of the 24" depth.

I chose Starphire, and 1/2" Glass, for price and also weight.

With thinner 1/2" Glass I get back some inside tank Space over 5/8" as show in photo.

Now I see it's nothing much. Any 48" Lighting Fixture will be fine.
24" Depth was worth keeping (since everyone voted for that).

I'm happy I also get 2" back on my desk.

So things worked out.

( I also Happy with Clear Silicone since I checked Photos. If a flash goes off from Outside Tank the Clear Silcone shows up. But with no Flash it is clear. So when Tank lights up with Blue water (light from within tank) it will be fine)


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Unread 01/18/2018, 12:29 AM   #160
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Oops (4 Stand Pieces missing)

Real wood mock up (no screws or glue yet), just using Masking tape. (So things are not yet PERFECT SQUARE and lined up)

Funny. All good on paper......
....... but I forgot to cut the 4 (2x4) pieces for the bottom of the Stand



Well at least there were no calculation mistakes (Stand is correct size and height).


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Unread 01/18/2018, 09:23 AM   #161
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You can park a giant truck on that stand, it won't move a bit.


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Unread 01/18/2018, 01:44 PM   #162
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Thanks for the "vote of confidence".

I'm not a carpenter and certainly don't know much about structural integrity, so I like to "over do things, to overcome my lack of build knowledge".

Stand should hold vertical weight no problem.

However I really want no "side-to-side" movement (like when cleaning tank glass with a magnet, since my old stand would wiggle a bit on the resistance.

Thinking "one-crossbar" across for wall facing side.
Mostly since the top of the stand will be attached to TOP-PLYWOOD and the side "FLAT 2x4's"

So far the whole wood/screws/glue cost was $55 which is much MUCH cheaper than the metal stands I looked at ($645+tax)

Biggest Next Challenge will be screwing the boards together (with hope I can make it all SQUARE and LEVEL).

No matter how level I make THE STAND, I know the basement concrete floor may not be perfect (That is where the Cedar Wood shimmies will come into play...hoping not many needed)


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Unread 01/18/2018, 10:05 PM   #163
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AQUARIUM STAND (Completed)


Here are the steps of the build. (I did actually learn as I built, some interesting tricks to make it SQUARE).




To my surprise (thank's to Home Depot's Exact Cuts) and (My Build, Square, Set, as I GO method)

IT CAME OUT PERFECTLY (LEVEL and SQUARE)



HERE IT IS



It doesn't wobble a bit


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Unread 01/18/2018, 10:58 PM   #164
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IT JUST HIT ME (The Kitchen Tank Sump will Fit Under Stand)

I never thought about this AT ALL, and just noticed this with Stand Beside My Kitchen TANK SUmp..

With the DEEPER 24" tank, that sump will fit NO PROBLEM under the Stand.



That means my whole SUMP ROOM will get back a TON of SPACE.

It was never possible with the 18" x 36" Tank. IMPOSSIBLE!! (thus the crammed room and lousy access to clean old tank)

I'm really, REALLY HAPPY with this unplanned, unexpected turn of events!!!

Might be even room for a Utility Drawer at the TOP, even Raise Sump on a Platform Shelf a bit (WOW).


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Unread 01/18/2018, 11:34 PM   #165
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SNEAK PEAK (Into The Future) Still Work to be Done (but Getting Closer)

OFFICE Side



SUMP ROOM Side




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Unread 01/19/2018, 09:06 PM   #166
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FINAL Aquarium STAND Assembly (Glue and Screw) Built to hold up a "TANK"

So since the Stand Turned out (using only a few PILOT screws). Next Step is to PERMANETLY Put it together.



I decided against the (CONTRACTORS Adhesive) since it set's too quick, also is too thick (got some good advice from a friend).

Instead I'm using Carpenters glue. Dries CLEAR, Easy Clean up with Wet Towel, and gives me working time to wiggle the (TAKEN APART Leg) back into SAME GOOD POSITION.

The trick to keep stand from changing is, I AM DOING ONE LEG AT A TIME.

GLUE is like a 100 Screws across the joints (when it dries clamped tight).

CLAMP were to Set things in PLACE while glue was workable, then Screws went in (near clamp points), so I can move on to Next Leg.
Few extra screws were added in key points where I couldn't glue effectively.

BELIEVE IT OR Not.....I've never done this before (as effective and solid assembly).



Last edited by Wally.B; 01/19/2018 at 09:45 PM.
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Unread 01/19/2018, 10:50 PM   #167
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PHOTO BREAK (While 2nd LEG Glue Dries) 2nd Kessil on the Way.

The Kitchen Tank appears to like my Neglect, or maybe I notice things change when I don't pay attention for a while. (Noticed the Zoa Garden Filling in, and the Racordia's Spliting)



I mentioned before My Kessil went Flaky but I fixed it with Vaccum and Contact Cleaner Spray.

However since it may still go someday in the future, Kessil offered me a replacement at a fair POST WARRANTY cost. So I took their offer and a 2nd Kessil is on the way.

With 2 Kessil (linked), I may two Kessils and try removing the 4x T5's (2 on Dimmable Ballast) from Kitchen LPS/mix Tank and use them for NEW TANK.

If the FLAKY Kessil eventually fails, I have a backup.
I do hate the Kessil Shimmer so I turn down Surface Circulation when it's on for Evening Blue Viewing (but it's great for photos)


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Unread 01/20/2018, 12:18 AM   #168
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GLUING TRICK (Temp HOLDING Braces) To Keep OUTTER Frame Proper

I came up with this GLUING TRICK after a Bit of Struggle on the first leg.



The problem was when I removed the Pilot Holding Screws it was tough to line things up as originally set (SQUARE and Alignments).

I bought these braces with intent to use them (but gluing is better), so I used them as Temporary holders of the Outer Frame (While I remove in inner 2x4's for Gluing)

With the braces there, nothing shifted, and Gluing was a snap.

Once screws are back in, and glue dries a bit, the Braces come off.

Wish I came up with this idea for the first leg.


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Unread 01/20/2018, 01:02 AM   #169
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IDEA ( SUMP ROOM FLOOR) RAISED / Grated / Insulated-From-Concrete

Building things brings me peace of mind to think creatively.

I have to write down this idea.

-> New Tank will be on higher STAND, Plus the EuroTrim = (Harder to reach into tank)

Why not RAISE the FLOOR in the SUMP ROOM?

Maybe one/two levels and HIGHEST POINT in Front of Tank at the back.

With Kitchen SUmp out of way, that certainly will be Possible & Easy.
Something I can't do in my Kitchen but Sump Room is Game!!

I noticed when at home depot they have a pre-fab decking material. (Could work if price is right, if not then OLD Stool will have to do)]

Since new Reno on sump room will the 100% sealed, the GRATING idea will just allow spills to flow under raised floor (and flow into basement drain along designed path)

It would also Insulate me from GROUNDED Concrete (since on occasing I've gotten a small zap doing something in socks, and not rubber shoes)


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Unread 01/20/2018, 06:56 AM   #170
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Looking good Wally. Your project is progressing fast


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Unread 01/20/2018, 12:52 PM   #171
Wally.B
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tenurepro View Post
Looking good Wally. Your project is progressing fast
Thanks Tenurepro.

The STAND IS Finished and Dry. (I did some pushing and shaking. SOLID AS A ROCK)
This is last time I'll ever see it upside down.




I don't have much to do till tank arrives, so will now have time to drop by and see your Radion Diffusers.

You made that great YOUtube video (One the of best reviews vid I've ever seen. A must watch for anyone considering a Diffuser)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRqzWpJlqA4


but nothing is like seeing a light in person so I have to drop by.



Last edited by Wally.B; 01/20/2018 at 12:58 PM.
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Unread 01/20/2018, 01:09 PM   #172
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My Project ★ GENESIS ★ 110G (Miracle) SPS Dream Tank - (I) Pre-Build Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wally.B View Post
Thanks Tenurepro.



The STAND IS Finished and Dry. (I did some pushing and shaking. SOLID AS A ROCK)

This is last time I'll ever see it upside down.









I don't have much to do till tank arrives, so will now have time to drop by and see your Radion Diffusers.



You made that great YOUtube video (One the of best reviews vid I've ever seen. A must watch for anyone considering a Diffuser)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRqzWpJlqA4




but nothing is like seeing a light in person so I have to drop by.


Thanks Man
Me reef es su reef come on down


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Unread 01/20/2018, 08:22 PM   #173
Wally.B
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WALL Portal Cut Out (TANK INSTALLED on STAND)

With Stand in Place, I measured where Tank will Exactly be (Height).

The final rough cut has been done (It wasn't easy to keep wall from ripping apart, but it went ok EXCEPT for CORNER Trim....not an issue)



We'll that tank is a little smaller (100 Gallons Smaller), but gives me an idea of how things will be.

Now I wait for the real tank.


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Unread 01/20/2018, 09:52 PM   #174
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MOCKING UP ( Aquarium In-Wall) IDEAS

Fooling around with some of Trim/Panel Mock ups to help me visualize possibilities (and some Graphics Overlay).

Colors are way off, the visual help me think.





It's interesting to See Trim (Protruding from Drywall). For years I got use to tank being Receeded.

I Need to keep playing with idea's till I like something.

Views are a bit deceiving since Front Wall Below Tank will be my DESK and not seen at all.

I'm getting the feeling no need to be fancy. Just match Panels with DRYWALL, and GET TRIM COLOR right.

If I smuggle some of ED's Beautiful SPS over the border, nobody will notice Drywall, Trim or the Glass



Last edited by Wally.B; 01/20/2018 at 09:58 PM.
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Unread 01/21/2018, 02:41 PM   #175
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Looking great, keep it up! I'm surprised it's not wet yet


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