Scottsquatch
Third times a charm?
So, I am finally starting my build thread. A very long awaited build for me. Years in the making and put on hold for almost 7 years after I finally acquired most of the equipment. This was due to health issues and I kinda covered that in my post on the "introduce yourself" forum. So first off, some of you may be wondering why I'm calling it the "sloth" tank/build. Well, that's an easy one to answer. I'm basically putting all of the knowledge I've collectively gained from my other forays into reef keeping into practice right from the get go on this build. The most important facts I learned were that "nothing good in this hobby ever happens quickly" and that "patience is key." In line with what I have learned, I am going to do everything on this build very slowly. You know... like a sloth! I'm gonna start it off simply by presenting my plans. So here it goes...
I do still want to make efficient use of my time with this build so I will be starting off my build on three different fronts. I'm calling it my "Three pronged plan of attack." Very original huh?
So, I ordered a new RODI unit from BRS yesterday (my other one is really old and due for replacement) and will initiate the first prong of attack by curing my rock. However, this time I'm taking a smarter approach by implementing what I've learned from past mistakes and oversights. I plan to start my aqua-scape tomorrow by mocking up the dimensions of my tank and fully assembling my scape before I start the curing/cycle process. I'll be using a band saw, table saw, or chop saw (whatever it takes) to custom fit my scape together by creating flat spots where needed to produce a very stable scape. I'll also use a hammer and chisel to custom fit my scape in an almost seamless fashion. I will assemble it with epoxy and fiberglass rods and make two solid pieces for my display. From there I will place the scape in the bottom of my brute can and also add my pre-washed sand. As soon as the RODI unit arrives I will fill the can, add a heater and some flow and let some of the crud in that dry rock start to break down. I purchased Marco rock back then and decided I'll still use it even though I like the appearance of some of the new man made reef rock better. After a week or so, I'll add some sort of bacterial booster to aid in the process. I plan to let the rock go a month or two in the brute can. However long it takes to complete the other two prongs in my attack. Also, this first stage of curing the rock will be done in the dark of my basement.
While this is happening, I will begin the second prong of attack: Assembly of my sump and the drilling of my tank. I will begin by planning the lay out of my sump, ensuring my gear will all fit together where I want it, and installing the baffles. Along with this I will order hole saws (hopefully tomorrow) so I can drill my tank. I have a low profile "ghost" style overflow to install, and I'll also need to drill two separate holes for return lines.
The third prong of attack will start with the design of my stand and canopy, purchasing all the materials, and starting actual construction. I plan to get the sump, tank, stand, and canopy completed in a two month time frame while my scape is curing. If all goes well, they will be ready to come together in early February. I still haven't decided if I want to do a closed canopy or a free floating design. If anybody has nice examples, feel free to drop pics here in my thread. hopefully I can get some inspiration and decide which way I wanna go.
Lastly, I will probably post a list of all the equipment I have cached away for this build in the next few days. I might even post some pictures of it too, because we all like to see pics right? I must say that every time I view my hoard of equipment, I get a smile of anticipation on my face. It's a sight to behold. All that shiny new gear... it's kinda nice to see. Especially because it will never look this clean and shiny again after it goes into service. Until I update this thread, happy reefing to all of you. I look forward to getting ideas and suggestions from you as my build progresses.
I do still want to make efficient use of my time with this build so I will be starting off my build on three different fronts. I'm calling it my "Three pronged plan of attack." Very original huh?
So, I ordered a new RODI unit from BRS yesterday (my other one is really old and due for replacement) and will initiate the first prong of attack by curing my rock. However, this time I'm taking a smarter approach by implementing what I've learned from past mistakes and oversights. I plan to start my aqua-scape tomorrow by mocking up the dimensions of my tank and fully assembling my scape before I start the curing/cycle process. I'll be using a band saw, table saw, or chop saw (whatever it takes) to custom fit my scape together by creating flat spots where needed to produce a very stable scape. I'll also use a hammer and chisel to custom fit my scape in an almost seamless fashion. I will assemble it with epoxy and fiberglass rods and make two solid pieces for my display. From there I will place the scape in the bottom of my brute can and also add my pre-washed sand. As soon as the RODI unit arrives I will fill the can, add a heater and some flow and let some of the crud in that dry rock start to break down. I purchased Marco rock back then and decided I'll still use it even though I like the appearance of some of the new man made reef rock better. After a week or so, I'll add some sort of bacterial booster to aid in the process. I plan to let the rock go a month or two in the brute can. However long it takes to complete the other two prongs in my attack. Also, this first stage of curing the rock will be done in the dark of my basement.While this is happening, I will begin the second prong of attack: Assembly of my sump and the drilling of my tank. I will begin by planning the lay out of my sump, ensuring my gear will all fit together where I want it, and installing the baffles. Along with this I will order hole saws (hopefully tomorrow) so I can drill my tank. I have a low profile "ghost" style overflow to install, and I'll also need to drill two separate holes for return lines.
The third prong of attack will start with the design of my stand and canopy, purchasing all the materials, and starting actual construction. I plan to get the sump, tank, stand, and canopy completed in a two month time frame while my scape is curing. If all goes well, they will be ready to come together in early February. I still haven't decided if I want to do a closed canopy or a free floating design. If anybody has nice examples, feel free to drop pics here in my thread. hopefully I can get some inspiration and decide which way I wanna go.
Lastly, I will probably post a list of all the equipment I have cached away for this build in the next few days. I might even post some pictures of it too, because we all like to see pics right? I must say that every time I view my hoard of equipment, I get a smile of anticipation on my face. It's a sight to behold. All that shiny new gear... it's kinda nice to see. Especially because it will never look this clean and shiny again after it goes into service. Until I update this thread, happy reefing to all of you. I look forward to getting ideas and suggestions from you as my build progresses.
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