Project ZERO

[Katrina71]

This is a super cool build! Hurry up already. I'm stealing ideas for our build.

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

Stuff is going to happen!

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

Stuff is going to happen!
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[Ef4life]

Very cool project, I have seen one of these tanks at an lfs before and it was just beautiful

 

[infinite0180]

Nice! Excited to see this come together!

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

Considering everything goes to plan, I'll have filtration done today and water happening tonight!

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

Sorry guys. I know it's been awhile since I've posted an update. I promise there's good reason though. I've been working hard building a 100% aquacultured fish/coral facility. The good news is... WE'RE FINISHED AND OPEN! Go check us out @ https://www.oceansgarden.com/

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

Passed the leak test. I've got some leveling tweaks to make but it's alive! miss me?

 

[maginter]

Nice....

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

 

[Sleeping Giant]

Now that we have a proper stand, let's take a closer look at the aquarium. Keep in mind, this thing had been shipped around the country multiple times before it made it's way into a remote hanger in the middle of nowhere Florida. Zero needs a shower, and maybe a hug and some tacos.
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Mostly just dusty, but this thing is acrylic and even dust can cause some gnarly micro scratches if not cleaned with care.
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It can be difficult to tell how bad damage can be with acrylic, I knew the system was always handled with care. I expected there to be some minor scratches and scuffs, and there are. Over all, not bad. Some wouldn't even notice but considering this thing has doubled wet surface area, I didn't want to take any chances leaving scratches and having to decide if they were inside or out once it is running.
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Started with a thorough rinse.View attachment 1515968View attachment 1515970

Already a massive improvement. Now to dry off and head back in for a closer look at the scratches.... dun dun dun....View attachment 1515976
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Really starting to get excited! This thing is so sick! Let's look at the damage.
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There were a few around the rim, inside and out.
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Also a couple longer scratches on the inside walls. I think from the lighting system box being stored inside. Thankfully none of them were very deep.
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To prep for scratch removal I added one drop of dish soap to a spray bottle filled with warm water. I gently mixed as not to create any suds. Then misted the entire tank inside and out.
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Then I patted it dry with paper towels, and wiped with a microfiber. I am sketched out by the thought of a rogue grain of sand getting into whatever cloth I'm cleaning with and creating a new scratch. If it seems like I'm going through a lot of steps to clean an aquarium, that's why lol.
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I tiny bit of soap in a water bottle works amazing for cleaning glass and acrylic by the way. I probably could have stopped here, but that wouldn't be any fun so let's embark on a wonderful trip into the magic world of removing micro-scratches! Said no person ever lol
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For my DIY buffing compound I used baking soda and water. I like a consistancy a little more wet than toothpaste. I don't know how much that matters, but it works for me.
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For fine scratches like these, a bit of the paste on the fingertip works great. I typically use a tight circular motion, wiping and inspecting every so often.
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Cleaning areas again with water soap, paper towel and microfiber after buffing.
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No more scratches!
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Longer scratches on side panels also removed in the same process. Time to polish it off! I am not promoting the product I am using next. To be honest, I was given some aquarium supplies by a neighbor and this was included. It says acrylic safe so why not give it a shot.
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I highly recommend using a test area whenever using cleaning products, but this stuff smells pretty so I just went full send and applied an ample reckless amount all over the dang thing like an absolute legend. Followed up again by patting with paper and finally polishing out with a clean microfiber cloth.View attachment 1516195

We started here...
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This is what we ended up with! View attachment 1516231View attachment 1516236View attachment 1516239View attachment 1516240View attachment 1516242View attachment 1516265
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What do you guys think so far?

Great job and beautiful tank, I can't wait to see it in action.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

was there another zero? ;Nailbiting you can pm me if needed

Me too

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

Me too

When I eventually get their new one I'll let ya know lol

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

Great job and beautiful tank, I can't wait to see it in action.

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

It's in mid cycle. Of course that's when I decide it needed to be elsewhere lol.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

That's cool, very loud though, does it quiet up as more equipment and livestock are added?

 

[AlgaeBarn]

Following! ~ Shaun K.

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

Rock is just holding the polymer down for now. I think I may stay up late and start the scaping. Guess we will know in the a.m. lol. This thing is so sick! It's so surreal to finally have this thing running.

 

[oceans garden aquaculture]

That's cool, very loud though, does it quiet up as more equipment and livestock are added?

It definitely does. I don't have the baffles in the drains or the door on the stand.