ckimble

Given my ISTP personality profile, I wanted to tackle this project full-on and DIY as much as possible. Not neccesarily to save money, but rather to have things exactly like I want them. Case in point the stand. Looking at what is available in this size pre-built, I wasn't happy with my options. Most designs out there are all frilly with lots of crown moulding, raised panel doors and a general foo-foo design. Not to mention small door openings, and just good-enough structual design. I came up with my own plan and attached the photo documentary of the build... -enjoy

I wanted to document and share my upgrade from my current 90g reef to a shiny new 280g. My current tank has been up and running for about a year now, and I am quickly learning and outgrowing that setup. The 280 dimensions (72x30x30) fit what I was looking for as I like what the 30" width allows for aquascaping. Carlos @ RCA is giving me the hookup for the tank and misc equipment. The tank has been on order for several weeks and should be available the week after Xmas. The wait has been timed perfectly as several of the large components will be DIY. On to the details so far... Tank: Euro-braced 280G 72x30x30, center overflow, and will be drilled for closed loop Custom-built sump and stand by yours truly Filtration: Deltec AP851 I scored used from Reef Central Flow: Oceans Motion 4-way powered by a dart pump Return will be powered by a snapper pump Possibly will be adding a Tunze wavebox in addition to the OM depending on flow characteristics Lighting: 3 x 400W PFO ballasts Luminarc III reflectors 14K SE Hamilton bulbs VHO Actinics Custom Canopy TBD Control: Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper II

You could try a sea hare to mow down the GHA. Along with good water parameters, the lawnmower blenny could help keep it under control. easier than tearing the whole thing down....

I would drill it... all those bends in the pluming will cause the flow to be reduced and you will need to deal with priming the lines like James said. Get good bulkheads and it wil be fine. Let me know if it fits in your stand and we can work out a deal.

I've possibly got something that may work for you. In preperation for my new tank I have been honing my acrylic construction skills so I can build a custom sump. I built this to replace the crappy sump on my current 90. It is yours if you want it for the price i paid for the sheet of acrylic ~$80. This could easily be drilled for both external pumps. It is built from 1/4" sheet and has good solid seams with no leaks. Let me know if you are interested. Dimensions are 30x12x16

Given the multiple moves Dena and her family are going through they decided not to buy right now. So I am putting this back up for sale. I also have a 55g sump that I will include with the deal. I just ordered the new 280g so I would like to get this thing out of my garage and into a new home. Pictures of the sump...

That puffer is going to be so happy in that big tank Just let me know

Your right, it would be awesome as a peninsula without the holes on the back. I bought it used with the holes already drilled. However, I found I could get a replacement 84x30 glass panel for ~$150 so with a little work it could be "fixed". I am just not experienced enough to swap a piece of glass that big.

Thanks for the interest everyone... Dee is the proud new owner. Anyone available this Saturday evening to help us move it?

I just went out to look at the tank and try and get some pictures of the scratches and remembered there is also a small chip out of the top right corner. Pictures of the scratches and chip attached.

It has scratches on most of the panels, some worse than others. It is hard to get a picture of them, the best I can say is come take a look at it and decide for yourself. Plans have changed, we are actually going bigger

For sale is a 265g (84x24x30) glass tank and stand. Single overflow drilled for 2x1.5" and 1x1" bulkheads, Euro-braced, and drilled for a closed loop. I picked this up from a MARSH member in Houston a couple of months ago. After cleaning it up we discovered some scratches in the glass. I have owned and seen worse, but as this is going to very visible in the house we want it to be perfect. I have decided to go with a new tank so this one has got to go. I have filled the tank with 6" of water and no leaks for 48 hours. I have not filled completely to test, but from the cleanup we did looks like it should be good. I have removed the skins and doors from the stand to refinish, but haven't got to that point yet so it will need to be refinished and/or reassembled. Asking $500 or best offer to make up for the money I spent on it. Here are the pics...

Glad to hear the skimmer is working! It is going to be a very nice looking tank.

I'll take the OM

Honestly I am not sure how much it weighs, but we had 5 guys moving it and we were struggling to get it around. I bet 750 pounds would not be too far off thanks for the advice

Hey all, I just brought back a used 265g from Houston and want to see about getting it resealed and possibly replace a panel. Who in town here does great work at a reasonable price? Pictures of the tank cause everybody likes pics... Thanks, Craig

Thanks for hosting the meeting... Very informative and the timing is perfect as I am in the process of switching over from a 2-part to a CaRx. Unfortunately now you all have given me a Magnesium complex Craig