40 Gallon Build 12 Years Later

[coolsurf]

This is truly a work in progress and I don't know how long this will take since it's like restarting a Ford model T after 50 years! This is a tank setup I came across and decided to persue (am I crazy? :doh: ) with parts that date back 20 years. You will see the magnum 330 so you'll know what I mean! I got a lot of work to do to implement what I can and get this puppy up and running so I wanted to track the progress. Please note this was a functional running tank 12 years ago. Please wish me luck!
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[stacy22]

Looks like this can be an awesome tank! Is this the one you have been scraping on?

Are you concerned with excessive water loss with this set-up?

 

[coolsurf]

This is the one. I'm still digging through the usuable stuff and figuring out what I really need. A skimmer for sure. I hav'nt decided on lighting yet. As for the water loss, I may do a custom glass top for it.

 

[lees]

Good looking setup. Was it yours 12 years ago? I really like the stand.

 

[weaglereefer]

Haha, it's like a retro bowfront. You need some side tables with lava lamps and a disco ball hanging above it.

I like it, though; bow front shape without the headaches caused by curved surfaces. Are you going to leave the trim as is, or paint a different color?

 

[coolsurf]

Thanks....This was a setup I ran across for sale and decided to be adventurous. I'm basically leaving the tank as is and just going to work on the setup. I am going to leave the trim "as is" and add those lava lamps that were mentioned!!!! LOL :up:

 

[weaglereefer]

I've always wondered what a reef tank would look like with a background other than blue or black. Howabout purple or green?

I'm serious about the lava lamps, though. I've got a few in my bar and you can bet those are going around my nano when it's stocked and running.

 

[coolsurf]

au01st;304857 wrote: I've always wondered what a reef tank would look like with a background other than blue or black. Howabout purple or green?

I'm serious about the lava lamps, though. I've got a few in my bar and you can bet those are going around my nano when it's stocked and running.

Things that make you go hmmmm....? Good thought..noted!

 

[zdaytonaroadster]

i like it

 

[coolsurf]

The build is coming along better (for the most part) than I expected. I utilized a bit of retro and implemented some of today's technology as well. I was very pleased around midnight when we (Mrs. and me) wrapped up last night but I got up early this morning and went squish on the carpet! It seems the overflow box tube sprung a leak and lost it's vaccuum ability so the tank kept filling and filling and filling! It filled over the sides and all over the floor. What a mess. I repaired the tube and all seems well now. I am posting these 7 pics and will follow with 7 more. I attached the T5's, Koralia, and running a nice Coralife skimmer. Heat is now maintained at 78 degrees.
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[coolsurf]

Here are the next 7 pics. Wifey did the rock work and I played maintainence! Had to do a little custom work here and there to make things work but all in all, we were satisfied.
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[twocute2b4u]

This is a really cool set up. I love the mounts for the lights. Nice job though.

 

[weaglereefer]

No painted background?

 

[coolsurf]

Thanks everyone. It's been an adventure! We had to notch out the inside trim piece with a Dremel tool to properly fit the light mounts. They are supported much better that way.

We decided not to paint the background...I'm going to get my hands on some waterproof colored material I can adhere to the back. We havn't decided on color yet.

 

[lees]

Looking good

 

[sailfish]

Looks like fun.

Joe

 

[coolsurf]

Thanks everyone! I've got the 55 gallon African Malawi Cichlid tank, 24 gallon reef and this tank. I'll be breaking down the 24 gallon once this tank cycles and moving everyone over. I really can't wait since this tanks a whole lot bigger and has a lot more potential. Of course though, it's not as big as atreyu917's!

 

[coolsurf]

So far I've put about $450.00 into this setup with "everything you see". I searched out some deals where I could and cashed in on favors. I was very fortunate running into the basic tank setup and jumped on it as fast as I could...that was the so called "cheap" part!

 

[coolsurf]

Just to update:

I added mature live rock when I set this up as well as live sand and some original water from a well maintained tank. I also added beneficial store bought bacteria. I expected to see an ammonia spike but it never did arrive.

Ammonia 0
NO2...0
NO3...0
Calcium 350
PH...8.2

My pods have been partying all night on the rocks and my dusters love it as well. I decided Saturday to add ammonium chloride to test for the bacteria and brought the ammonia levels up to 3.5 ppm. Today being Tuesday, it has tailed off to about .75 ppm and I suspect at this rate it will read "0" by Friday...maybe earlier at the rate it's going.

To add, I had my brown diatom algae bloom start on day 2 and by day 6 it had already started to receed. I have some nice green algae forming on some of the rocks as well. Not the hair stuff!

To this point, it's been pretty unbelievable as to everything going according or better than I could imagine. I have not rushed anything and the tank is cruising along.

I will more pics later at another time.

 

[legalreefer]

Love the tank. Mine is VERY similar to yours, its a 52g same shape. It looks really good.