My 180 gallon beast….

[biggin]

Here is my 180g…. isn’t she beautiful? Hell of a mess right now. Not 100% sure what I want to do with it right now, I am thinking a big planted tank picked up a nice chunk of drift wood today that will look great in the tank.

Christine does not want me to set it up….

It was previously a reef tank and measures 28” wide X 48” long X 30” tall. I have started the scraping process but it is going very slowly.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_11_09_Tank_Update_01.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_11_09_Tank_Update_02.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_11_09_Tank_Update_03.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_11_09_Tank_Update_04.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_11_09_Tank_Update_05.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_11_09_Tank_Update_06.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_11_09_Tank_Update_07.jpg

[greeneyed]

That is a nice piece of driftwood.

How do you "scrape" a acrylic tank?

[biggin]

There are scrapers that are designed for it, think credit card.

[rolloffhill]

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idproduct~KM2611.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/IMD/250/KM2611/KM2611_99.jpg

[biggin]

I think we should have a G2G and everyone take turns scraping....

[Jim2982]

Awesome, thanks for showing all of us your wood. lol ;)

[rolloffhill]

I had my turn scraping when I got my tank...I hate coraline algae.....

[fishman76092]

Cool tank-probably not great for plants though. It looks quite tall which will make it difficult to get light to the plants. (if its more than 24", Id do something different unless you want to buy a 400W Metal Halide light-thats about all that will work here). Also, the overflow will make it impossible to keep CO2 in the tank-you could use Flourish Excel for your carbon source instead.

If you have your heart set on it-you could have a low light tank with Crypts, Java fern, moss and some other similar low-light plants. You have to find a way to plug the overflow. Fish will still swim in there and it will be difficult to clean, but you could to it.

[tsunderl]

Nice driftwood. You're gonna have Popeye arms when you are done scraping that tank!

[biggin]

It is really not that bad. I thought it was going to be a real whip but it took about 45 mins to get one side and about half the back done.

Nice driftwood. You're gonna have Popeye arms when you are done scraping that tank!

[mrsbiggin]

anyone wanna make us an offer on the tank? I don't like it....*crosses arm and makes the girl grumpy face*

[tsunderl]

anyone wanna make us an offer on the tank? I don't like it....*crosses arm and makes the girl grumpy face*

Oh, MrsB.... Wait until it's cleaned and MrB has a chance to make it look good. It looks like dookie now with all the gunk on it, but you may change your mind once it's cleaned. Or, maybe not. :rolleyes: roflmao

[poel_19]

after your done scraping it hit it up with acryllic polish......make it gleam!!

[bra8ndy8]

It looked small in the first pic....but a lot bigger in the REST!! WOW what a fun weekend CHORE!! And after your done...CLEAN THE GARAGE!!!

[EAST_TX_RN]

After you are done cleaning the tank and garage, cook Mrs. B. some dinner! Chop! Chop!

[fatfutures]

Yeah... you can use the "new" dutch oven that I've got ready for ya!

[greeneyed]

I seen you an old stove in the "Come and get it" section of the fort worth star telegram today. Don't remember the exact model though.

[xtc]

dangerous acusation to make with Blake in Austin....

anyone wanna make us an offer on the tank? I don't like it....*crosses arm and makes the girl grumpy face*

[mrsbiggin]

you may change your mind once it's cleaned. Or, maybe not. :rolleyes: roflmao

Yeah, no...It gives me nightmares about that much water hovering over my living room floor - then gives me nightmares about the 60G water changes....:wha:

It looked small in the first pic....but a lot bigger in the REST!! WOW what a fun weekend CHORE!! And after your done...CLEAN THE GARAGE!!!

AMEN SISTA! - I can't put my car in the garage b/c of his "lil project" :twitch:

After you are done cleaning the tank and garage, cook Mrs. B. some dinner! Chop! Chop!

Sounds good to me....I would like a 1 1/2 inch thick New York Strip with Homemade mashed potatoes, country gravy, and corn on the cob...thank you very much :hehe:

[EAST_TX_RN]

Sounds better than what I had at the movies tonight....a limp wiener on a dried up bun! Me no likey limp! We were supposed to have gone out to dinner first, but it took longer than we thought to get the grandkids ready! Afterwards, all the restaurants in hicks-ville were packed! Grrr!

[biggin]

Sounds better than what I had at the movies tonight....a limp wiener on a dried up bun! Me no likey limp! We were supposed to have gone out to dinner first, but it took longer than we thought to get the grandkids ready! Afterwards, all the restaurants in hicks-ville were packed! Grrr!

Sounds like personal issues.... maybe better suited for the NSFW area....

Yeah, no...It gives me nightmares about that much water hovering over my living room floor - then gives me nightmares about the 60G water changes....:wha:

AMEN SISTA! - I can't put my car in the garage b/c of his "lil project" :twitch:

Sounds good to me....I would like a 1 1/2 inch thick New York Strip with Homemade mashed potatoes, country gravy, and corn on the cob...thank you very much :hehe:

1. I am working on a scheme for water changes....
2. Your car is never here anyway....
3. Whatever, you do not even like NY Strip.... and you like gravy from a packet.....

dangerous acusation to make with Blake in Austin....

Everything is for sale.... just have to find the right price.... every time I scrape the side of it the price goes up...

Yeah... you can use the "new" dutch oven that I've got ready for ya!

I do need to get the dutch oven, I am looking forward to that.

After you are done cleaning the tank and garage, cook Mrs. B. some dinner! Chop! Chop!

HAHA.... funny people around here....

It looked small in the first pic....but a lot bigger in the REST!! WOW what a fun weekend CHORE!! And after your done...CLEAN THE GARAGE!!!

My garage is fine.... fits 2 cars and all my crap.... I am good with it.

after your done scraping it hit it up with acryllic polish......make it gleam!!

Yup been looking into this.... need to find the best way to go. Canh suggested going with the stuff they use on video game units. I have not had a chance to look into it yet.

anyone wanna make us an offer on the tank? I don't like it....*crosses arm and makes the girl grumpy face*

Funny....

Oh, MrsB.... Wait until it's cleaned and MrB has a chance to make it look good. It looks like dookie now with all the gunk on it, but you may change your mind once it's cleaned. Or, maybe not. :rolleyes: roflmao

She will like it when it is all setup.

[bra8ndy8]

OHHH MY GODDDDDDD!!! I thought I was reading a ANdrew reply!!! Replying to everyone in one freakin minute!! LOL

[biggin]

OHHH MY GODDDDDDD!!! I thought I was reading a ANdrew reply!!! Replying to everyone in one freakin minute!! LOL

I was out of town today and did not want to run my post count up....

[xtc]

I was out of town today and did not want to run my post count up....

:rofl:

[mrsbiggin]

1. I am working on a scheme for water changes....
2. Your car is never here anyway....
3. Whatever, you do not even like NY Strip.... and you like gravy from a packet.....


1. The word SCHEME is NEVER good....:twitch:
2. No my car is here, just when it is, YOU AREN'T.:blahblah:
3. I love NY Strip it's my favorate YOU Don't like NY Strip. and there is NOTHING wrong with gravy from a packet...works just fine and is easier to make when i'm in a hurry.:chef:

Bite me:flipa:,

MrsB

PS Love ya ;)

[bra8ndy8]

LMAO!!! you GO Mrs B!!! LMAO!!!

[dcacjc]

Hey Chris you can buy this , make Mrs. Blake happy, give blake visitation and add to your MTS. :D

[biggin]

*Yawn*

1. The word SCHEME is NEVER good....:twitch:
2. No my car is here, just when it is, YOU AREN'T.:blahblah:
3. I love NY Strip it's my favorate YOU Don't like NY Strip. and there is NOTHING wrong with gravy from a packet...works just fine and is easier to make when i'm in a hurry.:chef:

Bite me:flipa:,

MrsB

PS Love ya ;)

[AndrewH]

Cool tank-probably not great for plants though. It looks quite tall which will make it difficult to get light to the plants. (if its more than 24", Id do something different unless you want to buy a 400W Metal Halide light-thats about all that will work here). Also, the overflow will make it impossible to keep CO2 in the tank-you could use Flourish Excel for your carbon source instead.

If you have your heart set on it-you could have a low light tank with Crypts, Java fern, moss and some other similar low-light plants. You have to find a way to plug the overflow. Fish will still swim in there and it will be difficult to clean, but you could to it.

Yup, I told him about the lighting thing when he said he was looking to buy this tank and make it planted (I didn't know about the overflow, but not that big of a deal). I'm gonna set him up with duel ~300W Halogens, but it's gonna take some effort to get the temp in the tank just right (extra "cooling" fans if it's too hot, etc).

The overflow isn't that big of a deal. Simply "sponge" off the top so no fishes/critters get in there and plumb a canister to the non-stand pipe outlet and cap off the stand pipe (or use the stand pipe as the return from the canister but you'd want to avoid making a fountain).

At least that was my thinking...

[biggin]

I am planning to use the overflow. There are hundreds of different ideas on using a sump and overflow and there seems to be a lot of debate on what the effect of the sump and overflow on the CO2 levels.

One of the more interesting ideas is to close off the sump as much as possible and basically turn it into a big canister.

Yup, I told him about the lighting thing when he said he was looking to buy this tank and make it planted (I didn't know about the overflow, but not that big of a deal). I'm gonna set him up with duel ~300W Halogens, but it's gonna take some effort to get the temp in the tank just right (extra "cooling" fans if it's too hot, etc).

The overflow isn't that big of a deal. Simply "sponge" off the top so no fishes/critters get in there and plumb a canister to the non-stand pipe outlet and cap off the stand pipe (or use the stand pipe as the return from the canister but you'd want to avoid making a fountain).

At least that was my thinking...

[EAST_TX_RN]

Blake, you have such a dirty mind, lol!

[biggin]

Huh? Not arguing it just not sure what I have done here to expose me....

[bra8ndy8]

I'm not getting it either???? ETR....VERY RANDOM!! LOL

[AndrewH]

I am planning to use the overflow. There are hundreds of different ideas on using a sump and overflow and there seems to be a lot of debate on what the effect of the sump and overflow on the CO2 levels.

One of the more interesting ideas is to close off the sump as much as possible and basically turn it into a big canister.

Closing off the sump entirely might work, but you still have the overflow itself to worry about. Anywhere you have "falling" water, it'll aerate the CO2 out (to what amount I dunno).

[biggin]

There are ways around that also....

Closing off the sump entirely might work, but you still have the overflow itself to worry about. Anywhere you have "falling" water, it'll aerate the CO2 out (to what amount I dunno).

[EAST_TX_RN]

Sounds like personal issues.... maybe better suited for the NSFW area....



This is what I was talking about! I was just talking about limp food......:tease:

[kewlkatdady]

uh huh...
Sharon we know you better than that...

I was just talking about limp food......:tease:

[biggin]

Holy crap.... that was a long time ago.... how about a qoute to help jog the memory.

Sounds like personal issues.... maybe better suited for the NSFW area....

This is what I was talking about! I was just talking about limp food......:tease:

[fishyjoe24]

nice tank is that sand or algee on it. that drift wood is also nice. i think you should do a planted tank with some neon/rainbows/carneals(spellings?)

they also make algee pads for acrylic aquariums.

[biggin]

It is Coralline algae I am almost done scraping it off. Not too bad to get off. I will be done with the scraping this week. Maybe tomorrow.

[poel_19]

updated progress pics??

[EAST_TX_RN]

uh huh...
Sharon we know you better than that...



Yeah, it was me with the dirty mind...!:D

[biggin]

Everyone hold your breath.... I am done scrapping the sides for the most part it is pretty clean.... All the coraline is gone.

I am filling it with water....

[tsunderl]

This just in... Flood warnings have been issued for all of North Texas. http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra3/swim.gifhttp://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra3/swim.gifhttp://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra3/swim.gif

[mike]

This just in... Flood warnings have been issued for all of North Texas. http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra3/swim.gifhttp://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra3/swim.gifhttp://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra3/swim.gif

thats just wrong ,, lol

hope it goes well :)

[kewlkatdady]

any updates?

[bra8ndy8]

Waiting.....................If something bad happened Mrs Blake would be on here quick!! Like Kewl with the diamond!! LOL

[biggin]

It is fine. I thought the overflow was going to leak but it is not.

It felt like it did not have a good seal in the corner when I was cleaning it but it has not leaked at all. Been a couple hours now. I will post pics tomorrow.

[biggin]

She is at work.... I would have plenty of time to clean it up before she gets home.

Waiting.....................If something bad happened Mrs Blake would be on here quick!! Like Kewl with the diamond!! LOL

[bra8ndy8]

Well I will cross my fingers for you!

[EAST_TX_RN]

I cannot wait to see it all set up! Gee, I am wanting a big tank....

[AndrewH]

Everything still going good?

You planning to add silicone to the overflow box as extra insurance?

[biggin]

Yup everything looks good. I am not worried about the overflow, it is on the corner facing into the tank, and even if it were to leak I do not think it would be much of a problem.

Also it is acrylic and I am not sure how well the Silicone would bond, I have heard not to well.

Everything still going good?

You planning to add silicone to the overflow box as extra insurance?

[kewlkatdady]

so is it just me or have we STILL not seen any pix...
:npics:

[tsunderl]

so is it just me or have we STILL not seen any pix...
:npics:

X2

[biggin]

....sorry been busy....

Before....
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_11_09_Tank_Update_06.jpg

Now....
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_11_14_Tank_Update_9.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_11_14_Tank_Update_7.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_11_14_Tank_Update_13.jpg

[biggin]

Here are all the pics so far....

http://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/?start=all

[tsunderl]

Wow! It cleaned up nicely. Looks like a tall tank.

[biggin]

It is very tall.

Wow! It cleaned up nicely. Looks like a tall tank.

[bra8ndy8]

WOW you did a good job!!

[kewlkatdady]

the "before" pic looks like someone sharted8ij9ikkil.;1bhjwsb

[kewlkatdady]

sorry...

shanna came over here and messed with the keybord...

[AndrewH]

the "before" pic looks like someone sharted8ij9ikkil.;1bhjwsb

sorry...

shanna came over here and messed with the keybord...

roflmao I thought you were giving a live demonstration of what sharted is :D


The tank is looking good biggin. You built (started on) the stand yet?

[biggin]

roflmao I thought you were giving a live demonstration of what sharted is :D


The tank is looking good biggin. You built (started on) the stand yet?

No have not started the stand. Maybe next week but I have not decided how I want to do it. Not sure how to make everything fit.

What are the measurements for the CO2 tank you have?

[EAST_TX_RN]

Wow! You have done some work to that tank! Looking good!

[biggin]

I thought it was going to be a pain but it really only took about 2 hours to get it here. I would work on it 15-30 minutes here and there. after that ADD would kick in and would have to do something else.

[kewlkatdady]

tank cleaned up nicely...

what are you ideas for the stand?

[bra8ndy8]

You gunna put the puffer in there??

[Trippy]

dude , that's a big tank . congrats .......

what kind of monsters r ya thinkin in there ?

[biggin]

Not 100% sure.... still planning and working on that.

dude , that's a big tank . congrats .......

what kind of monsters r ya thinkin in there ?

[xtc]

dude, that's how pornos start. :hehe:

sorry...

shanna came over here and messed with the keybord...

[biggin]

We started building the stand last night....

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/2007_12_08_Stand_Build_01.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/2007_12_08_Stand_Build_02.jpg

I also got a new toy yesterday....

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/2007_12_08_Table_Saw_01.jpg

[bra8ndy8]

what???????

[rolloffhill]

Tablesaw that holds beer...:)

[AndrewH]

I just can't believe how clean the garage is!!!!

Looks like a great start. Can't wait to see it progress.

Are you planning to keep it simple (plywood exterior painted black), or are you planning to do all kinds of decorative trim then stain it?

[biggin]

I just can't believe how clean the garage is!!!!

Looks like a great start. Can't wait to see it progress.

Are you planning to keep it simple (plywood exterior painted black), or are you planning to do all kinds of decorative trim then stain it?

I have plans.... but it will not be painted.... It is something a little different but it will be stained....

Tablesaw that holds beer...:)

Perfect isn't?

[biggin]

Actually I am toying with the idea of painting the interior of the stand....

I saw someone on DFWMAS who did it and I like the idea so I might paint the interior.

[rolloffhill]

Yeah they are good holders...you find that on CL?

Are you doing a plywood top?

[tsunderl]

Actually I am toying with the idea of painting the interior of the stand....

I saw someone on DFWMAS who did it and I like the idea so I might paint the interior.

So... Paint the interior and leaving the exterior the way it is??? :confuzeld:

[AndrewH]

So... Paint the interior and leaving the exterior the way it is??? :confuzeld:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Andrew_H/Smileys/x2.gif what's the interior paint for?

[kewlkatdady]

I painted the int of the stand for my 58...

I just used Killz rattle can.

The reason to paint the int of the stand....

to seal it.

[biggin]

Yeah they are good holders...you find that on CL?

Are you doing a plywood top?

Nope.... my dad had an extra I just had to go pick it up....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Andrew_H/Smileys/x2.gif what's the interior paint for?

Like KKD said to seal it and it looks better....

[mrsbiggin]

Blake you should update the pics...it's looking really good....

it's done now except for the stain..i really like it :cool:

[supersmirky]

Yeah Blake....show some pics!

[tsunderl]

If MrsB likes it, it MUST be good!!!!

Pics or else!!! http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra1/doghouse.gif

[biggin]

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_12_09_Stand_Build_03.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_12_09_Stand_Build_01.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_12_10_Stand_Build_01.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_12_10_Stand_Build_03.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_12_10_Stand_Build_02.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_12_10_Stand_Build_04.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_12_10_Stand_Build_06.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_12_10_Stand_Build_07.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_12_11_Stand_Build_02.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_12_11_Stand_Build_03.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2007_12_11_Stand_Build_04.jpg

[biggin]

There you go...

Lots of pics....

BTW that freakin thing is HEAVY....

[supersmirky]

Wow...I am impressed. Very nice! Now that's crafty!! :shocked:

[kewlkatdady]

Yeah...
my little 2x4 stand for my 58 weighed alot...

that thing will take a crane to move...
but it will not buckle:cheers:

oh yeah and it looks GREAT!

What color stain are you planning on?

[EAST_TX_RN]

That is friggin' great man! I love the tongue and groove and the Texas star knobs!

[tsunderl]

Impressive!!! http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra2/thumb.gif

[biggin]

:werdsign:

Wow... I did not think that anyone would notice....

Just wanted something a little different then plywood or the 1X4 idea....

I am happy with everything except the weight....

That is friggin' great man! I love the tongue and groove and the Texas star knobs!

[rolloffhill]

Looks good blake. I was hoping you were gonna beef it up more than the first pics you posted...;)

You kinda build like me, overkill....:hehe:

Good job.

[biggin]

You saying the 2x6s might have been a tad much?

[kewlkatdady]

For the way that you built it...
yes...

2x4's would have been fine.

But overbuilt is WAY better than underbuilt.

[biggin]

Yeah.... I knew it was over kill but I did not want to have any issues...

It is a lot of weight on a somewhat small foot print.

180g 180*8.34 = ~1500lbs
probably 200lbs of rock
~120lbs of sand....

~1800lbs on a 48x30 foot print made me a little worried about it getting a lean and not keeping square.

For the way that you built it...
yes...

2x4's would have been fine.

But overbuilt is WAY better than underbuilt.

[biggin]

Now if I can just get Christine to stain it....

[kewlkatdady]

Are you going to use the pre stain conditioner...

I did on the stand I built for my 58...It really brought the grain out and turned out pretty nice.

[kewlkatdady]

Also...
I don't know what type of finish you are looking for...
but might I remind you to sand the entire outside of the stand BEFORE you stain...
I forgot that step and had to stain in twice...
I was pissed, but in the end it turned out pretty nice.

[biggin]

There is not much grain to bring out....

The trim and doors are really the only places, and I think it will be fine without the precondition.

[Kathy]

That stand isn't going anywhere...that's got more support than some houses. Blake, you really did a great job on the stand but for some reason I feel like I need to give Mrs. Biggin a hug.

[biggin]

Yeah we started sanding it last night. The finish shows any missed spots really well....

Also...
I don't know what type of finish you are looking for...
but might I remind you to sand the entire outside of the stand BEFORE you stain...
I forgot that step and had to stain in twice...
I was pissed, but in the end it turned out pretty nice.

Damn right its not going anywhere.... it is going to take 4 people just to get it out of the garage....(and it does not fit through the doors so I have to take it the long way through the house around the pool table....)

I did not think I was going to be able to flip it up right....

Why does she need a hug? I did all the work....

That stand isn't going anywhere...that's got more support than some houses. Blake, you really did a great job on the stand but for some reason I feel like I need to give Mrs. Biggin a hug.

[Kathy]

Why does she need a hug? I did all the work....

It's a girl thing...don't even try to understand it.

[AndrewH]

Very impressive!!!

I agree, that small of a foot print and than much weight, 2x6 were a good call. I think Jarod's design on the 58 stand using 2x4s would have worked, but at more than 3 times the weight, I'd definitely recommend beefier like you did.

I'd recommend tweaking the design/finish until the new years party then move it ;) when you have a few extra fellas around.

[mrsbiggin]

It's a girl thing...don't even try to understand it.

:exactly: what's funny is i do understand...thanks kathy...I do need a hug....

[kewlkatdady]

You may be surprised...
I stirred the conditioner with a stir stick and noticed alot of grain on the stir stick.

When I saw that I knew I was going to do every single inch.

There is not much grain to bring out....

The trim and doors are really the only places, and I think it will be fine without the precondition.

[xtc]

nice work Blake. Can't wait to see the finished product. Very cool!!

[greeneyed]

Very nice!!!

[bra8ndy8]

it looks great!!!! nice job mrs blake!!! lol sorry......wtg blake!

[supersmirky]

At least the tank is acryllic and will not add the extra poundage from glass! So what's going in this tank?

[biggin]

I bet the stand is 5x the weight of the tank...

Assorted Africans will be the inhabitants of the tank.

At least the tank is acryllic and will not add the extra poundage from glass! So what's going in this tank?

[tsunderl]

Updates???

[biggin]

Stand will be done tonight.

I have a started the process to take the scratches out. I could polish it up and be up and running tonight but I want to just take a little bit more time to get all the scratches out so I am not looking at them later getting ticked about them.

This coming up weekend I hope to have it all up.... .

[tsunderl]

WooHoo!!!! http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra3/jump.gif

[bra8ndy8]

well wtg!!

[Cowboys]

dude I love your set up!!!! Nice fish!!! I recomend some algea eaters though:)

[mrsbiggin]

we've got a couple "large" (about 6 inches) plecos that would have no problems making a humble home in it...

[supersmirky]

Is this tank set up and running yet?

[fishyjoe24]

update blake got any more work done to it.

[Shayman10]

Pictures Please!!:whistle:

[biggin]

It is sitting in the garage....

I am working on a few spots and I hope to get it setup next week sometime.

[fishyjoe24]

good to hear that, can't wait to see pictures of it set up.

[biggin]

Pictures....

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2008_02_07_180g_Below.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2008_02_06_180G_Before_Light_01.jpg

I know it is a mess but I have not done the wiring for it yet....

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/2008_02_07_Sump_02.jpg

More pics....

http://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/findme5x5/180g%20Progress/?start=all

[tsunderl]

Very nice! Worth the wait.http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra1/coolsmile.gif

[supersmirky]

I feel like I just visited the Dallas Aquarium! Very nice!

[khrister]

wow very nice:)

[Kathy]

SuuuWeet...That turned out really nice Blake!

[biggin]

Thanks everyone, and thanks everyone for the fish that are in it....

None of the fish came from a LFS....

Well....I have 2 common Plecos that have been hanging around for a while.... but they don't count....

[fishyjoe24]

now that turned out to be a really nice tank..

[kewlkatdady]

very nice...

gonna be full of little rabbits soon.

[AndrewH]

How's the UGJ system working?

What are the future plans? I mean, is it finished or are you still working on the decor/rock arrangement?

[biggin]

UGJ? - ugh... I did not like the original plan I had so I just have 1 output and if I can ever find the piece I am looking for I will put in the UGJ.

I am still going to get some more holy rock and a couple fake plants and then it will be done....

How's the UGJ system working?

What are the future plans? I mean, is it finished or are you still working on the decor/rock arrangement?

[greeneyed]

What shade of blue did you use to paint the background?
I am considering blue or black, but leaning more towards blue ATM.

[biggin]

I did not actually paint it. It is blue acrylic.... as for the color? Not real sure.

Personally I think a semi-flat black looks the cleanest, I messed around with this one night in my garage.

Blue looks LFSish to me(actually I have 2 tanks that are blue already but personally the black background just seems to be a little nicer)

[rolloffhill]

I agree on the black. My african tank is that and it pretty much just disappears. I painted my 75 blue and went through all of the trouble to get some mixed up in a color I thought would be good. It doesn't matter, the color changes once you get water in it because of the greenish tint in the glass.

[xtc]

I'm lookin for a blue green paint to try next. The blue looks LFS and the black is a bit bland IMO. With that said- most of my tanks are blue right now.

[rolloffhill]

Thats why I got a quart mixed up, its alot darker of a blue than most LFS tanks, but it just doesn't stay true. You have to test it on a full tank.

[biggin]

"color "deficient"":confuzeld:

I'm lookin for a blue green paint to try next. The blue looks LFS and the black is a bit bland IMO. With that said- most of my tanks are blue right now.

[xtc]

:hehe: It's selective- sometimes I'm real good with colors...most times, not so good. But as you know- the larger the tank- the more important to get a good color.

I love my 200 with the velcro sheets as backgrounds- if you get tired of one color, it's a quick change to the other. (Blue/Black)

[rolloffhill]

Kind of a crap shoot whether you can see it or not then eh?

[biggin]

I was trying to talk someone into doing this the other day. They did not like the idea.



I love my 200 with the velcro sheets as backgrounds- if you get tired of one color, it's a quick change to the other. (Blue/Black)

[xtc]

crap shoot is right- we'll practice that at your G2G. :D

I'm a big fan of the velcro background, I get a bug up my butt and change the color of a living room wall- it's a great piece of variety.

[EAST_TX_RN]

What do you attach the velcro to? Do you use cloth or what? That may be a solution for my tanks.

[AndrewH]

Blake, have you done anything new lately with the tank?

I have some fabric tacked up behind the tank. Kinna like the velcro idea (black). I like it.

[biggin]

The 180g? No just a bunch of fish swimming around. The rocks get rearranged every couple weeks but that is about it.

Blake, have you done anything new lately with the tank?

I have some fabric tacked up behind the tank. Kinna like the velcro idea (black). I like it.

[AndrewH]

Did you ever get that driftwood in there, or some more holey rock?

[biggin]

No driftwood, sold it to SS a while back... just a bunch of holey rock. Need some fake plants but still waiting till I find something I really like.

[AndrewH]

That makes since as you went with cichlids, which the driftwood would have dropped the pH.

[xtc]

I used sticky backed velcro to adhere it to the tank and a heated iron glue strip for the sheet- I figured it'd fall off, but I put a few strips along the top to ensure it would hold the weight- more is better.

What do you attach the velcro to? Do you use cloth or what? That may be a solution for my tanks.

[EAST_TX_RN]

That's a great idea, Chris, I will have to try it out!