415 Gallon Plywood Tank Build

lubeck

lubeck

Active Member
Wow! This is the first pic I've seen of the tank in a loooooong time! I forgot what it looked like. JK. Looks great Shawn!
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lubeck http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1840#post_3508022
Wow! This is the first pic I've seen of the tank in a loooooong time! I forgot what it looked like. JK. Looks great Shawn!
Most weeks I get to look at it an hour or so a day, and weekends maybe 8 if I'm lucky.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1840#post_3507999
Looks good, Shawn. I see you added some molding to drop it down a bit. I don't think a few bubbles will take anything away from the grandness of this build.

Yeah added some molding to drop it down.....I thought we had talked about it a longggggggg time ago....Had to rip it down a bit to make it work, but pretty pleased with the outcome....I still have a bit of fine tune sanding to door on the front panel where it opens....I can hear it rubbing a bit, and not sitting quite flush, but I might be getting a little to anal about how it opens and closes, but I knew it closed perfectly before I added the molding.....
Next chore is getting my oldest daughters boyfriend over to help me unbolt the canopy and get it into the garage to do the final sanding and back inside for staining and poly.....I might have my buddy across the street shoot it with lacquer....Not sure exactly if I'll be able to tell the difference between the finishes or not.......

Quote:
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1840#post_3508002
This is going to be a show piece. Bubbles blah, tank looks amazing. Can we get a picture with you or someone standing next to it just for scale.
Thanks Al......The bubbles aren't bad, but it was more a rush job, and didn't get the surfaces complete smooth and clean.....I should have taken pics how the piece actually started out and having to cut it down on the table saw and then showing the rough cut with the blade marks and then taking the orbital sander to eliminate that, and then micro mesh through the 120000 grit stages and then a final polishing with Novus 3 and Novus 2....
Still have the issue or dilemma as far as filling the gap between the top of the stand and tank......I have a tentative idea in my mind, but I'm thinking that I'm probably going to have to rebuild the entire stand ledge or "counter top" portion....I'm hoping to not have to, but I need to make up almost 2"....Technically 3/4" due to foam under this tank, but would like to come up at least 1 3/4"......
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarvelFan http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1860#post_3508092
me likey!!! That looks sweeeet!
Thanks.......
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1860#post_3508058
Your hilarious.......Unfortunately wasn't anything good to drink.....Actually I keep water in it, so when I'm working with the epoxy putty, if your fingers are dry it has a tendency to do nothing, but stick to your fingers, but I found out that wetting your fingers down a bit, and then working with the epoxy and shaping it doesn't stick.....The water cup is a better bet....That epoxy doesn't taste to good......

Quote:
Originally Posted by SRT8 http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1860#post_3508088
That is some beautiful craftsmanship
Thanks.......
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Yeah, I figured it was. I work with epoxy a lot in the taxidermy shop, actually. We sometimes fill in the eyes and nose with epoxy to fill in the gaps. We also use it to hide the screws in skull mounts. It's also used to make tongues in alligators and different taxidermy repair work. I use it also to fix the poly molds on occasion. Anyways, back to your regularly scheduled program...
I like it so far. You've done a great job getting everything put together. lets hope it's a manageable size when you try to put it in the tank. You may need a little help if it is too heavy.
How's that second vat of rock coming along?
Got a deadline just yet?
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1860#post_3508242
Yeah, I figured it was. I work with epoxy a lot in the taxidermy shop, actually. We sometimes fill in the eyes and nose with epoxy to fill in the gaps. We also use it to hide the screws in skull mounts. It's also used to make tongues in alligators and different taxidermy repair work. I use it also to fix the poly molds on occasion. Anyways, back to your regularly scheduled program...
I like it so far. You've done a great job getting everything put together. lets hope it's a manageable size when you try to put it in the tank. You may need a little help if it is too heavy.
How's that second vat of rock coming along?
Got a deadline just yet?
I love it Seth!!! You can tell you are going to be a teacher.
Way to hold him accountable!!!
Shawn,
I love the look of the rock work!! Very Bonsai looking. I love the look of a tank that has some thought put into how the rocks interact with the coral and fish. Not just a pile of rocks (I am trying to get rid of that look in my tank).
Is that rockscape just for one side of the tank?? How do you think the rock will work out flow wise? I know flow was a BIG factor on this build. Did you decide on a substrate?
Keep up the fantastic work man!!! I know it has been a slow build but it will be the exact system you want, with no regrets. LOL
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweatervest13 http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1860#post_3508308
I love it Seth!!! You can tell you are going to be a teacher.
Way to hold him accountable!!!
Shawn,
I love the look of the rock work!! Very Bonsai looking. I love the look of a tank that has some thought put into how the rocks interact with the coral and fish. Not just a pile of rocks (I am trying to get rid of that look in my tank).
Is that rockscape just for one side of the tank?? How do you think the rock will work out flow wise? I know flow was a BIG factor on this build. Did you decide on a substrate?
Keep up the fantastic work man!!! I know it has been a slow build but it will be the exact system you want, with no regrets. LOL
Accountable.....I work for UPS their the only ones who hold me accountable for anything.....I never set deadlines or time frames....To much varies in my work schedule at times.....
The latest pics of the rock work is just for 1 side of the tank per say.....Actually it's for the end of the tank that will be viewable from the side and the front....The other end of the tank where the overflow is located is actually in wall a bit, so you can't see it from the side.....The thought or plan is to have the 1 end come out towards the left corner of the tank, but at the same time have another ledge or structure come off the backside of it going towards the back left rear kinda like a "Y".....Kinda wanna be able to slow flow down a bit in that area for a possibility of clams....Who knows.....
As far as rock working with the flow shouldn't be a problem.....I had purchased 3 MP60's and sold them and leaning back towards Tunze's for the tank.....The MP60's were definitely enough for the tank, but I see certain advantageous to Tunze vs Vortech.....#1 being they are adjustable as far as aiming; which is a poor choice of words, but best describes what I mean.....As far as flow....I don't think there is that much difference between the flows of the 6305's and the MP60's.....I still the the MP60's would present an issue with sand....Not confirmed, but suspicion....The other is more a noise issue.....The noise from the MP60's aren't terrible by any means in my book, but even at 1/2 speed it's noticeable and that's scary knowing the pumps I'm running and what not, and if I totally quiet down my overflow, yes they are the loudest part of the tank setup.....Tunze, which are totally submerged are dead quiet, but you have a trade off of corded and submerged vs no cords and noise.....Tunzes in my case or instance might be easier to hide/conceal on the 1 end of the tank.......
Substrate........Yes I bought sand a while ago and it was debated back and forth, and I wasn't and still not totally sold on the sand idea, and that's why I took the extra time and effort to laminate black acrylic into the bottom of the tank, if and when I decide if I want sand or not....The verdict so far is to use sand, but the sandbed wouldn't be any deeper than 1" anywhere in the tank....Remember I'm not a big fan of sandbeds....It's natural looking, but hate DSB in a DT....My theory is it can be utilized elsewhere and a perfect place would be the sump/fuge.......
Regrets.......I don't know......I sold off most of my equipment a while back so yes some, but still toying with different ideas on the tank, but getting super itchy to fire the tank.....I'm still considering drilling the tank in the top corners of the euro bracing to put in another OM and utilize the OM revs in the corners, but not 100% sure I really want to or not....Kinda getting to the end to make up my mind.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1860#post_3508242
Yeah, I figured it was. I work with epoxy a lot in the taxidermy shop, actually. We sometimes fill in the eyes and nose with epoxy to fill in the gaps. We also use it to hide the screws in skull mounts. It's also used to make tongues in alligators and different taxidermy repair work. I use it also to fix the poly molds on occasion. Anyways, back to your regularly scheduled program...
I like it so far. You've done a great job getting everything put together. lets hope it's a manageable size when you try to put it in the tank. You may need a little help if it is too heavy.
How's that second vat of rock coming along?
Got a deadline just yet?
The rock won't be an issue at all to get into the tank per say.....Well somewhat....I still have to climb up the ladder and into the tank to get it in, but I think I'm going to get my buddy Dallas to come over 1 weekend and help me get everything inside the tank.....
There rock work that I showed actually is in 3 separate sections......So lifting a section at a time won't be to bad at all....I had started on the other rock structure of putting more of it together with epoxy, and the thought did cross my mind of man that will be an issue getting it all in the tank in 1 piece.....Better safe than sorry, since I've taken this much time to do it, so everything will be in small manageable sections.....
2nd batch of rock hasn't made it to the vat as of yet.....It's still sitting on my work table....Still have to do a bit more playing and toying, again not quite pleased, and thinking of maybe 1 more order....I want to add a bit more to the structure so it jets off more to the back left rear of the tank....Actually I will be able to put corals back in that area and sit on the toilet in my bathroom if I want and open the door and look into the fishroom out into the side of the tank......Not something I'd want my guests to do, but that's my added perk......
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
Quote:
Accountable.....I work for UPS their the only ones who hold me accountable for anything.....I never set deadlines or time frames....To much varies in my work schedule at times.....
LOL, I was just playing.
But you knew that.
I like your explanation for the powerheads. The ability to aim and point the flow for a Tunze is a major plus, and they will be silent. Can't argue with your reasoning one bit!!
I hear you about the sand. Yes, it is more natural looking but a major PITA when it comes to high flow tanks. It is a balancing act.
The layout of the rock work sounds very cool. I can't wait to see it all put together.
Quote:
..Actually I will be able to put corals back in that area and sit on the toilet in my bathroom if I want and open the door and look into the fishroom out into the side of the tank......Not something I'd want my guests to do, but that's my added perk......
So awesome... Don't sit too long or your legs will fall asleep.
 
marvelfan

marvelfan

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1860#post_3508345
Actually I will be able to put corals back in that area and sit on the toilet in my bathroom if I want and open the door and look into the fishroom out into the side of the tank......Not something I'd want my guests to do, but that's my added perk......
Eureka! My next tank add on is a toilet .. right in front of it! Brilliant! Best seat on the house!
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarvelFan http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1860#post_3508438
Eureka! My next tank add on is a toilet .. right in front of it! Brilliant! Best seat on the house!

Actually I wanted to remove the whole bathroom myself, but my wife said no....
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweatervest13 http:///t/376802/415-gallon-plywood-tank-build/1860#post_3508423
LOL, I was just playing.
But you knew that.
I like your explanation for the powerheads. The ability to aim and point the flow for a Tunze is a major plus, and they will be silent. Can't argue with your reasoning one bit!!
I hear you about the sand. Yes, it is more natural looking but a major PITA when it comes to high flow tanks. It is a balancing act.
The layout of the rock work sounds very cool. I can't wait to see it all put together.
So awesome... Don't sit too long or your legs will fall asleep.

 
srt8

srt8

Member
I was looking at two 6105 Tunze power heads and wave controller.serious $$$. I need to save my allowance lol
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I tell yah, I would be saving my allowance for ten years with as much money as Shawn has already put into this tank!!!
I'm ready to see some water in this bad boy.
A youtube video may be in order soon. :D
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
I tell yah, I would be saving my allowance for ten years with as much money as Shawn has already put into this tank!!!
I can't wait!!!!
I'm ready to see some water in this bad boy.
[COLOR=FF00AA]A youtube video may be in order soon[/COLOR]. :D
Agreed!!!
 
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