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Paul’s 240 Gallon upgrade!
- Thread starter dubs83
- Start date
Update: 10/19/18
Here’s another picture of the faux beam going up. The boss lady likes it so much she wants to do the dining room too lol. What have I gotten myself into?!
I’ve also finished the backing on the stand. Attached it using 6 self tapping screws and sealed them with silicone. Also lined the threads with loctite red to keep them from backing out.
The back was painted with three coats of white flex seal and I’m still working on the tub for the bottom. I’ll do the same to it and fill the seams with white silicone to make it water proof.
The top was sanded and painted with enamel paint and that also received three coats.
I had a few hours at home this weekend before returning on my grueling 2 week away from home “tour” and I decided to do a complete reset. Since I had about 5 hours, i started the first part of the 125 break down. I removed the rock and placed it in two brute cans. Did a 10:1 water / bleach and allowed it sit til I get home.
I know this is a drastic step but we gave it quite a bit of thought and we’re ready to put the work in. We had mounted two HOB filters on the sump prior to pulling the rock to keep any water quality issues to a minimum and then provide us with biological media for the temporary holding tanks.
I get home on the 29th and will be breaking the 125 down completely and clearing the fish room for a small amount of renovation that needs to happen.
Thanks for your patience.
Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Here’s another picture of the faux beam going up. The boss lady likes it so much she wants to do the dining room too lol. What have I gotten myself into?!
I’ve also finished the backing on the stand. Attached it using 6 self tapping screws and sealed them with silicone. Also lined the threads with loctite red to keep them from backing out.
The back was painted with three coats of white flex seal and I’m still working on the tub for the bottom. I’ll do the same to it and fill the seams with white silicone to make it water proof.
The top was sanded and painted with enamel paint and that also received three coats.
I had a few hours at home this weekend before returning on my grueling 2 week away from home “tour” and I decided to do a complete reset. Since I had about 5 hours, i started the first part of the 125 break down. I removed the rock and placed it in two brute cans. Did a 10:1 water / bleach and allowed it sit til I get home.
I know this is a drastic step but we gave it quite a bit of thought and we’re ready to put the work in. We had mounted two HOB filters on the sump prior to pulling the rock to keep any water quality issues to a minimum and then provide us with biological media for the temporary holding tanks.
I get home on the 29th and will be breaking the 125 down completely and clearing the fish room for a small amount of renovation that needs to happen.
Thanks for your patience.
Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hey there, so I’m back at home after a grueling two weeks away and I got straight to work. I have some man power showing up this Thursday (11/1/18) to help bring the tank inside so my work is concentrated on where the tank will sit.
I figured the best way to tackle it was moving the fish and coral over to the basement. For that, I purchased a few tanks since the dollar per gallon sale was going at Petco. Purchased a 40 breeder and two 20 gallon tanks.
I then prepared one of the 20-gallon tanks and moved my new additions that just finished the medicating portion of quarantine into it for observation. At the same time, I bleached and scrubbed the 40 breeder several times and then let it bathe in a strong vinegar solution before rinsing and setting it up as a temporary home for some of the fish. I know this is somewhat risky but I'm crossing my fingers that the time and effort I put into cleaning this thing will keep everyone safe. I just wish I had more room :/
While this was drying, I finished building a stand for one of the temp homes.
I have to be honest, this is the most stressful part of this entire upgrade. Moving these guys around and now having 3 tanks to look after while preparing for the upgrade is quite daunting.
Anyhow, after the fish and coral, we began the task of finding all the snails!
I have more, but must get back to work!
Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I figured the best way to tackle it was moving the fish and coral over to the basement. For that, I purchased a few tanks since the dollar per gallon sale was going at Petco. Purchased a 40 breeder and two 20 gallon tanks.
I then prepared one of the 20-gallon tanks and moved my new additions that just finished the medicating portion of quarantine into it for observation. At the same time, I bleached and scrubbed the 40 breeder several times and then let it bathe in a strong vinegar solution before rinsing and setting it up as a temporary home for some of the fish. I know this is somewhat risky but I'm crossing my fingers that the time and effort I put into cleaning this thing will keep everyone safe. I just wish I had more room :/
While this was drying, I finished building a stand for one of the temp homes.
I have to be honest, this is the most stressful part of this entire upgrade. Moving these guys around and now having 3 tanks to look after while preparing for the upgrade is quite daunting.
Anyhow, after the fish and coral, we began the task of finding all the snails!
I have more, but must get back to work!
Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
After removing the occupants of the 125, it was time to drain it and get it out of the house for cleaning.
Yes, it’s filthy. The muck lifted after removing rock and chasing fish around was unreal.
Sand is out
Time to get it out.
Go get this thing out of the house, I went over to Harbor Freight and picked up two hydraulic tables with a 1000lb capacity. I then built two boxes so I can get them level with the stand. This will also help move the new tank into the house tomorrow
With the tank out, it was time to remove the stand
And the panel and drains
And we finally have it out.
On the agenda today:
- sand and spackle the wall.
- install new drains
- hang out new beam
- prepare fishroom
- clean the 125
- go trick or treating
I’ll post updates as I go.
- Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yes, it’s filthy. The muck lifted after removing rock and chasing fish around was unreal.
Sand is out
Time to get it out.
Go get this thing out of the house, I went over to Harbor Freight and picked up two hydraulic tables with a 1000lb capacity. I then built two boxes so I can get them level with the stand. This will also help move the new tank into the house tomorrow
With the tank out, it was time to remove the stand
And the panel and drains
And we finally have it out.
On the agenda today:
- sand and spackle the wall.
- install new drains
- hang out new beam
- prepare fishroom
- clean the 125
- go trick or treating
I’ll post updates as I go.
- Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks!
Yes, I'm physically exhausted but must continue to work! Tank should be in the house tomorrow!
Update 10/31
Okay not terrible so far. I’m forced to take a break as I have to start getting ready for the neighborhood trick or treat event. But here’s what I got done:
Wall has been spackled. Just needs to dry and I can sand it down and touch up the paint tomorrow
Drains have been removed. I plan on making a simpler arrangement. Will post pictures later as I MUST get this done before the tank gets moved inside tomorrow.
Fishroom side:
Foam has been glued to the stand. Weighing it down with various projects lol
MP40s and skimmer sitting in a vinegar bath. Will probably remain there over night.
I did not clean the tank, just ran out of time. I’ll have to tackle this tomorrow after I break the fish room down. There’s rain in the forecast but hopefully it’s not an all day event so I can get some things done outside.
I did take a break to get my pre Halloween now in! [emoji316]
We’re going to try and hang the beam up and plumb the upstairs to the fish room after we return home. This is in hopes of getting the mess out of our living quarters as I can see my fiancé getting somewhat annoyed with it.
-Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Okay not terrible so far. I’m forced to take a break as I have to start getting ready for the neighborhood trick or treat event. But here’s what I got done:
Wall has been spackled. Just needs to dry and I can sand it down and touch up the paint tomorrow
Drains have been removed. I plan on making a simpler arrangement. Will post pictures later as I MUST get this done before the tank gets moved inside tomorrow.
Fishroom side:
Foam has been glued to the stand. Weighing it down with various projects lol
MP40s and skimmer sitting in a vinegar bath. Will probably remain there over night.
I did not clean the tank, just ran out of time. I’ll have to tackle this tomorrow after I break the fish room down. There’s rain in the forecast but hopefully it’s not an all day event so I can get some things done outside.
I did take a break to get my pre Halloween now in! [emoji316]
We’re going to try and hang the beam up and plumb the upstairs to the fish room after we return home. This is in hopes of getting the mess out of our living quarters as I can see my fiancé getting somewhat annoyed with it.
-Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Update 11.1.18
It’s in! A good buddy of mine swung by today and he and I knocked it out. I was amazed that we didn’t run into a single problem bringing it in. Anyway, I’ll let the photos speak for themselves!
Stand and new drains
Backed the pick up truck right to the front door. This avoided two steps! We used the two yellow straps to pull the pallet right in the door...
...then slid one end of the tank on to the hydraulic cart.
As I pulled, he pushed so we can maneuver the second card under the other end of the tank and....
...it’s in!!!!
Painted the back, maneuvered the carts into position then lifted both ends to stand height and it’s officially in the house!
I will be letting my back rest today, so probably get some small things done but the last few days have been absolutely defeating in terms of my lower back. Will hopefully have more later!
-Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It’s in! A good buddy of mine swung by today and he and I knocked it out. I was amazed that we didn’t run into a single problem bringing it in. Anyway, I’ll let the photos speak for themselves!
Stand and new drains
Backed the pick up truck right to the front door. This avoided two steps! We used the two yellow straps to pull the pallet right in the door...
...then slid one end of the tank on to the hydraulic cart.
As I pulled, he pushed so we can maneuver the second card under the other end of the tank and....
...it’s in!!!!
Painted the back, maneuvered the carts into position then lifted both ends to stand height and it’s officially in the house!
I will be letting my back rest today, so probably get some small things done but the last few days have been absolutely defeating in terms of my lower back. Will hopefully have more later!
-Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well, it’s a rainy day here in North Jersey which means I can continue to let my back rest and get some of the small things done.
I started thinking about electrical needs and decided to start at the stand. I do want to mention that this part is strongly being influenced by Melevs article (http://www.melevsreef.com/tanks/280g-reef-elect...s-upgraded) and drummereef’s 180 gallon build (Reef Central Online Community)
To the details- I ran a heavy gauge extension chord and spliced separate electrical connections for three low energy items (MP40, MP10 and Battery Backup) and one light on each side of the tank. The center outlet will be connected to an Neptune EB832 and essentially act as a extension chord to the Maxspect Gyre controller. I forgot the 4 gang so I have to run to the hardware store. To finish the left and right side of the tank.
More later today.
Extension from downstairs which will be plugged into a 20 amp circuit. This will power the Vortechs and their batteries. The flow will be controlled via the WXM module.
Here are the individual runs to each outlet and the three wires coming from the basement fishroom which will be connected to the EB832
The weather proof plugs below the tank
What the concept is. Yea, the conduit is crooked. It’s not made permanent yet as I may want to add something.
I also started seeing some rust on my Veraspectra Fuge light. I cleaned it up with a wire brush and prepped for better sealing. More on this later
-Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I started thinking about electrical needs and decided to start at the stand. I do want to mention that this part is strongly being influenced by Melevs article (http://www.melevsreef.com/tanks/280g-reef-elect...s-upgraded) and drummereef’s 180 gallon build (Reef Central Online Community)
To the details- I ran a heavy gauge extension chord and spliced separate electrical connections for three low energy items (MP40, MP10 and Battery Backup) and one light on each side of the tank. The center outlet will be connected to an Neptune EB832 and essentially act as a extension chord to the Maxspect Gyre controller. I forgot the 4 gang so I have to run to the hardware store. To finish the left and right side of the tank.
More later today.
Extension from downstairs which will be plugged into a 20 amp circuit. This will power the Vortechs and their batteries. The flow will be controlled via the WXM module.
Here are the individual runs to each outlet and the three wires coming from the basement fishroom which will be connected to the EB832
The weather proof plugs below the tank
What the concept is. Yea, the conduit is crooked. It’s not made permanent yet as I may want to add something.
I also started seeing some rust on my Veraspectra Fuge light. I cleaned it up with a wire brush and prepped for better sealing. More on this later
-Paul
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
