CJ's Evo XII

[cbj25isback]

Never thought I would be typing this. I just bought a new Fluval 13.5 gallon Evo XII... and I am really excited about it. I am going to use it as a zoanthid & LPS tank to let me try some other ideas out in my 50 cube. I will be documenting the build here and I am going to try to take it slow. So far I have the tank, some rock (need to look at and prob get a chisel out), return, ATO, heater, extra powerhead (thinking about getting my MP-10 fixed or using a gyre 1K.

Waiting to arrive: ABS board, acrylic rods, masonry drill bits.

 

[Mom2Many]

I am so excited! Love nanos. That particular tank is a perfect size gallon wise for very easy care and maintainance. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

 

[jcook54]

If memory serves, Premier Aquatics has a some of those left over from Christmas and every time I go up there, I fight the urge to bring one home with me. Keep us posted on the setup!

 

[Eric_n_Ga]

Those are pretty nice platforms. Sounds like you have a good plan.

 

[cbj25isback]

ABS board cut and installed... still need to silicone it it but that will come later, thinking about doing a back panel too

 

[cbj25isback]

starting aquascaping. had an idea with the leftover ABS... I will be covering the epoxy the same way.

 

[cbj25isback]

Almost finished. One to go!

 

[Anthony king]

Almost finished. One to go!

Looking good

 

[ichthyoid]

CJ, where did you source the ABS & acrylic rod?

 

[cbj25isback]

Both on Amazon:

Haven't even used the acrylic yet. Just epoxy, superglue and aragonite rubble and dust

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JNGTQFT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JM44VK8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'd be willing to make custom pieces for people but they might be on the expensive side due to time, materials, customization and specs

 

[cbj25isback]

I think I am going to start my second rock tonight while I am waiting for pocket jig for the stand. Below is how I am planning on making the stand and floating canopy, obviously smaller and wood. I made some of the cuts for the stand but am undecided on the height I want. Also am making an overflow box. This build is turning out to be a lot of fun, never built a stand or worked with acrylic before so I am learning a lot. However, someone please tell me that all of the tools I am buying to do this is an investment and they will pay for themselves. At this point I could have just gotten a red sea and called it a day... LOL. I also have a Kessil A80 that should be here this week. I have heard mixed reviews on the light but it was cheap (for a reef light) and I am really not trying to grow-out acros in this tank so 150-200 PAR a few inches from the water surface level should be sufficient, if not I'll either put an XR15 or AI Prime HD and call it a day.

 

[cbj25isback]

Rockwork done. Need to silicone down the abs and the rockwork, then I’ll prob add water to start cycling while I work on the stand. Not using those black plugs on the shelves, cutting the stem off for items on the bottom or auction frags for better contrast macro shots... I wanted a color system so I don’t confuse something I haven’t fragged up too

 

[Eric_n_Ga]

Acrylic is very forgiving and easy to work .

2 main rules.

Don't get it to hot
Don't go to fast

If you have any questions shoot me a message .

Looks like you have it under control. Everything looks nice

 

[cbj25isback]

No acrylic was used in the making of this scape. However I did make a filter box that only a mother could love. First time with acrylic

 

[Mom2Many]

Trust me, the tools will pay for themselves over time...because if you like this project that much, eventually you will be doing it again at some point in your future! Plus, other house projects. It all looks great (nice rock structure) and you seem to have everything planned out so well. I like your filter box by the way!

 

[cbj25isback]

Thanks M2M! I just got a pocket hole jig that is sending me up the wall! I know they are easy once you get the hang of it but I have worn out a test piece of plywood figuring out all of the ways to do it wrong! Cant wait to start building my stand, I might need to ask for some help with a member who has a table saw, as I don't think my miter saw is going to be able to make a couple rip cuts, might be able to get it done with my circular saw.

BTW, my Kessil A80 came in yesterday, still in the box but I am already having buyers remorse its only 15W and when I hold the box I can feel its lack of PAR & PUR... I think if I don't like it I am going to make a floating canopy for my 50 cube so if that happens, Ill have an XR15 and A80 on the cube and a AI Prime HD over this one... But seriously considering just getting another Radion so when the inevitable happens (have my eye on a 93 cube or a 180) I can just throw the XR 15's up there)

 

[Mom2Many]

I am able to rip 2x4's very easily with my circular saw. Mine has the laser cheat beam though...I dont own a table saw either or a ban saw for corals. I was given a Kreg jig kit for christmas from my brother in law this year. I have trouble toe-nailing in suport beams without them moving from where I want them and saw him use one. Made a comment on how neat it was.... Great invention! I have a small non-tank related project I will be able to use it on soon!

My husband has always worked very long hours and is wonderful with electronics but not other stuff. I do all the repairs and building stuff around our house and on our small gentlemans farm. I own all the tools around here. My hubby is only allowed an electric screwdriver..he is dangerous with anything else! (not allowed to touch the yard or vegetable beds either!) No one is allowed in my tool shed to borrow or touch my tools. (found to many ruined or left out in the rain) When I have a job that needs doing, I just do some research, pray and jump into it. God always helps it turn out well. I hate wasting materials, making ,as we are ususally on a tight budget. I sure dont know how to do much compaired to the others on here. Some have made drool worthy stands, cabinets and lighting canopy's) Very professional!

I am sure you will be able to get all the advice you need on here from many!

Looking forward to seeing the results of all your practice and labor!

 

[cbj25isback]

Thank you for the encouragment! I have a knock of kreg, should have gotten the real deal but I figured out how it works and put together the bottom frame this afternoon, also siliconed the bottom ABS board. Going to silicone the rock work to the ABS tonight, give it a week to cure and start fill it up next weekend

 

[Mom2Many]

Sounds like you have been busy!! Progress is exciting!!!

 

[zoajohn]

That filter caddy looks slick! I have a fluval 13.5 and love it too


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