My new 140 custom GLA tank build

MMreef said:
Tank looks amazing Marilyn !!. Your sump should be ready for pick up next weekend,I will keep you posted.
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Great, but no rush. I'm filling the tank right now to just below the level of the overflow inlet so I can start cycling without using the sump. I can't do anything more anyhow. Before starting to fill the tank, I just made sure I would be able to fit the sump through the side door and it does, which means I can just slide it right in when I get it.

Hope you're finding good homes for all your livestock.
 
edsbeaker said:
I've been thinking really hard about what to put on the back glass. I wanted something unique. After looking around for some ideas I found this!
It was on sale for only $59.95

View attachment 13554

What do you think?








Just kidding! It will be the standard solid black. I'm using the vinyl that sucks in against the tank if you put salad oil under it. I've done it before, and it looks pretty good. I didn't want to spray paint. The tank is too heavy and I'm too lazy to carry it outside to do it. Also, if I ever have to look into the overflow from the back of the tank it's removable.
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Very nice looking tank

What else works great on the back is
I had a glass shop cut me a piece of plexi glass the size of my back glass
I painted the plexi black with spray paint
And then stuck it on the back of the glass
Looking at it through the glass it's still glossy and shiny looking
It's easily removable cause its a solid sheet
 
Jwblocal701 said:
Very nice looking tank

What else works great on the back is
I had a glass shop cut me a piece of plexi glass the size of my back glass
I painted the plexi black with spray paint
And then stuck it on the back of the glass
Looking at it through the glass it's still glossy and shiny looking
It's easily removable cause its a solid sheet
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I really like that idea and may actually do that. I already put the vinyl backing on, and it looks pretty good, but if the small defects bother me after I see the tank filled, I can easily take it off and change to your idea. Thanks!
 
Just have a piece of black acrylic cut to the size of the back glass, no need to paint. Any acrylic shop will do it for you.
 
wow Marilyn, I think their 85 wide is the tank I've been looking for. Thanks for posting! How log would you say I should expect in total time from placing the order to having it at my house?
 
Herbie said:
wow Marilyn, I think their 85 wide is the tank I've been looking for. Thanks for posting! How log would you say I should expect in total time from placing the order to having it at my house?
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Hi Nate,
I placed my order on Feb 23rd, and I got it yesterday, April 6th, so that's about 8 weeks for all three pieces. I think it ended up coming 1 week after the anticipated delivery date. They do have a storefront, so are only in the office Thursday through Saturday, but Steve does answer emails on the other days. He's very helpful with any questions you have, and doesn't make you feel rushed when on the phone with him. Really a great group there.
 
with the swiss cheese of a tank I'm going to need I don't think drilling it myself will be an option. Thanks for the lead. I'm probably a year away from ordering glass, but I won't have to look as hard for the builder now. Thanks!
 
numsie53 said:
Thats a very good idea, what would you use to attach it? I am starting a 90g build.
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I just used little pieces of black duct tape on each corner from plexi to the frame
Of the tank
It won't fold over or anything cause its ridged
Just need to hold it in place
 
Hmmm, not a bad idea, my wife wants to use paper background but I find salt creep gets behind it. Now the question is how to find colored plexi....
 
A quick update, I will be picking up my sump on Saturday, so will get updated pictures of the tank early next week when everything is up and running. The tank is 3/4 filled, (just not going over overflow until the sump is installed) and rockwork is in place. I am cycling it as well. I thought the rockwork was how I wanted it and mortared it all together. I really liked it until I went over to George's house last weekend and saw his! :banghead:

I have a few fish in quarantine right now, but was able to acquire the one that I thought would be hardest to get. I was looking for a heniochus diphreutes. Because these fish are often confused with heniochus acuminatus, (not reef safe) I didn't want to take a chance on buying one locally and it being identified wrong. The reef safe ones are found only near Hawaii, and the other not in Hawaii, so decided to wait until they were available from Pacific Island Aquatics, collectors located in Hawaii, which means there is zero chance of getting the non-reef safe variety. They also have a very good reputation. The fish came in yesterday, and is beautiful, active and eating like a pig. So, if you need a specific fish from Hawaii, I found them to be a great place to order from. Here's a picture. Excuse the dust algae and watermarks on the quarantine tank overlapping his image. He is definitely one of my favorite fish.

View attachment 13875
 
The new tank and sump are finally filled, and I'm starting to cycle. I'm doing a somewhat minimalistic approach with the rock work, so a lot of rock is located in the sump in both the drain and fuge sections. I purchased this sump from Mark, MMreef, and it has worked out great. A lot more space for the extra rock. Thanks Mark for the great deal on it also!

I still need to raise the skimmer about 4 1/2 inches, but otherwise everything is ready to go when it is finished cycling. The fish in the QT are doing well. I just started the second round of prazipro, and will start cupramine next week for 4 weeks.

All in all I'm happy with everything. The drain is a bit noisy, but not too bad. I did order a maggie muffler to try on top of the pvc pipe. Not a deal breaker if it doesn't improve. Since the sump is in our dinette, it really doesn't need to be silent.

A few pictures.

Full tank shot
View attachment 14070

Right side
View attachment 14066

Left side. I'm hoping I can convince :eyebrows: an RBTA to stay put on the lower right section of this island, to kind of isolate him from the other corals.
View attachment 14067

Drain section
View attachment 14068

Fuge section
View attachment 14069

Basement SW change brute, dosing pumps and dosing solutions
View attachment 14071
 
Your setup and tank are looking great! I really like your rock work. There is plenty of room for corals to grow.
 
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