Author Topic: JSLeedy's 240 rebuild (Read 11653 times)

JSLeedy · « **on:** February 10, 2009, 18:58:59 »

I am moving my 240 off it's stand tonight. (finally) I've been procrastinating for way to long. I am going to be drilling it and moving my 125 refugium to the basement. Here is the tank before the move. Figure I should post that incase we drop it. So when I show the peices you all can see a before and after pic.

slandis3 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2009, 19:09:42 »

about time you got started on it.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2009, 20:32:39 »

Well the tank was moved with very little effort. It really turned out to be a lot easier then I expected. It's still heavy as hell though.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2009, 20:38:04 »

As you can see the tank needs some cleaning. After I do that I am planning on gluing a 8x8 peice of 1/2" glass in the back 2 corners. Unfortunaly after more thought I might have to get a bigger peice of glass. I'm going to lay out the plan and see if the drain and return will fit ok. I have a band of 1/2" glass that runs around the bottom of the tank. By adding the square of glass I hope to be able to drill much closer to the corner. So next step is get the wife in a bikini and have her climb into the tank and scrape and scrub. Then glue the glass. Pics to follow.

UD Flyer · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2009, 20:41:15 »

Quote from: JSLeedy on February 10, 2009, 20:38:04

By adding the square of glass I hope to be able to drill much closer to the corner.

Is the bottom not tempered? I thought most big tanks were.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2009, 20:43:15 »

No the bottom isn't tempered. I had GlassCages.com make it for me. I called and asked them to be sure. They said it wasn't so I hope they are telling the truth or it's giong to really suck when the bottom blows up on me. I guess that would be a good excuse to go bigger.

bigfalcon36 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2009, 20:45:26 »

please post pics of the bikini...I'll say it if no one else will

JSLeedy · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2009, 20:51:03 »

Quote from: bigfalcon36 on February 10, 2009, 20:45:26

please post pics of the bikini...I'll say it if no one else will

I'll post them as long as the moderators will leave them. I was planning on it. No reason to skip any steps in the process.

She's cool with it. She just thinks she to pasty right now because it's winter time.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2009, 21:08:44 »

My refugium that also needs cleaned badly. Seems like taking everything out would make it cleaner not dirtier. I'm going to have to take the pannels out a reform it. I need to make room for my new skimmer and lower them to make room for the back flow. I hadn't thought about it but a friend reminded me to take into consideration the two 1 1/2" pipes dropping 10' as what drains from the tank.

slandis3 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 10, 2009, 21:10:26 »

what skimmer are you running?

JSLeedy · « **Reply #10 on:** February 10, 2009, 21:27:59 »

It's a ASM G-5. I also have a skimmer that was built for me. I've been running that for 2 years. I'm going to keep using it also. It's cell cast acrylic so I can use ozone with it.

ohioreef · « **Reply #11 on:** February 10, 2009, 21:52:21 »

Quote from: JSLeedy on February 10, 2009, 20:51:03

I'll post them as long as the moderators will leave them.

Doubt you'll have any problems from the male moderators!! LOL!! Maybe if you threw on a bikini for the girls.......

JSLeedy · « **Reply #12 on:** February 10, 2009, 21:59:36 »

They would be throwing up if they saw me in a speedo. Of course my wife might be 5'4" and way 300lbs. I'll have to oil her up just to slip her between the braces of the tank.

slandis3 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 10, 2009, 22:00:48 »

Quote from: JSLeedy on February 10, 2009, 21:59:36

They would be throwing up if they saw me in a speedo. Of course my wife might be 5'4" and way 300lbs. I'll have to oil her up just to slip her between the braces of the tank.

you better hope she dosent read this. The tank will be your new bed for a while

lazylivin · « **Reply #14 on:** February 10, 2009, 22:03:47 »

Quote from: JSLeedy on February 10, 2009, 21:59:36

I'll have to oil her up just to slip her between the braces of the tank.

UDJustin · « **Reply #15 on:** February 10, 2009, 22:44:09 »

sounds hot

JSLeedy · « **Reply #16 on:** February 10, 2009, 23:07:54 »

I'm one of those lucky few that has a wife that doesn't really get mad at much of anything. Plus she is a good sport about me making jokes. Good thing or we would have been devorced along time ago. Actually she about 5'6" 120lbs.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #17 on:** February 11, 2009, 01:15:59 »

Here is the ASM skimmer I am going to be using as well as my calcium reactor and the 300gpd RO unit. I have 3 DI chambers farther down the line.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #18 on:** February 11, 2009, 22:41:41 »

My wife in here bikini as I promised. She is getting ready to clean the inside of the tank for me.

Lost Floridian · « **Reply #19 on:** February 11, 2009, 22:43:09 »

not cool

JSLeedy · « **Reply #20 on:** February 11, 2009, 22:48:43 »

It makes me fell good to see all the people watching her when we go to the pool or a beach. I can just read their minds. "damn that guys lucky. How the hell did someone that looks like him pull down a girl that hot".

UD Flyer · « **Reply #21 on:** February 11, 2009, 22:50:05 »

thats the biggest 120lbs ive ever seen

JSLeedy · « **Reply #22 on:** February 11, 2009, 22:50:49 »

Sorry, I meant 120 stone.

ohioreef · « **Reply #23 on:** February 12, 2009, 06:44:43 »

ROTFLMA!!!

bigfalcon36 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 12, 2009, 11:31:40 »

120 pounds on her Tricep

JSLeedy · « **Reply #25 on:** February 19, 2009, 23:23:33 »

Cleaning pics and the glass is nice and clean. Just a few scratches to take care of now.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #26 on:** February 19, 2009, 23:25:50 »

Here is the glass I glued in the corner so I can drill my holes. Hopefully I can drill early next week. If I can get off my but.

Riderc82 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 20, 2009, 17:11:11 »

Thats a keeper there, my wife complains if I ask her to feed the fish. Hopefully the neighbors didn't see that you may get some rumors started.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #28 on:** February 20, 2009, 17:24:58 »

There rumors started with the really bright light that leak out of my blinds. They all thought I was growning something (?). A State Trooper moved in 2 houses down and finally he said "I know your not dumb enough to be growing somthing in there. What is it?"

If that's a keeper get me a Dodge Viper and you can keep her.

Seriously though I am one of the luckiest guys on here when it comes to my wife. She really is patient with a retard like me. I have no idea how she does it. I would have killed me a long time ago if I was here.

Viggen · « **Reply #29 on:** February 20, 2009, 18:15:21 »

I just want to thank you for not posting a picture of yourself in a bikini

& yea, I do recognize her from v-ball

Amstar · « **Reply #30 on:** February 21, 2009, 06:10:05 »

what did you clean the inside of the tank with?

JSLeedy · « **Reply #31 on:** February 21, 2009, 12:59:46 »

Quote from: Amstar on February 21, 2009, 06:10:05

what did you clean the inside of the tank with?

I used a sponge that had a scrubber on one side and water. Mix that with some elbow grease and you have a clean tank.

After spending way to long talking to Andy (at least according to my wife)

I'm going to try something different with my over flows. I have to work out a few problems. I will fill you all in once I have it all figured out.

Thanks a lot Bagger now I have more work to do.

jungliztkruger · « **Reply #32 on:** February 21, 2009, 19:11:53 »

after reading this thread i am now bound and determined to have a fishtank large enough for my fiance to get inside.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #33 on:** February 22, 2009, 01:28:51 »

I plan on adding a calfo overflow to my tank instead of a standard corner overflows. I will be getting the glass cut on Monday and plan to start buildin the box the same day. I'm glad I hadn't drilled the bottom yet. Sometimes it pays off to be lazy. Here is a link on RC that kinda shows it and talk about it.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=908555&highlight=calfo

Thanks for the idea Andy.

cyberwollf · « **Reply #34 on:** February 22, 2009, 10:50:20 »

Is there a way to make the calfo more hidden? Can you paint the glass black? I have been wanting to do this, but hate the sight of 3 elbows. I had thought about integrating it into a foam rockwall.

JoeAyers · « **Reply #35 on:** February 22, 2009, 11:24:19 »

Quote from: cyberwollf on February 22, 2009, 10:50:20

Is there a way to make the calfo more hidden? Can you paint the glass black? I have been wanting to do this, but hate the sight of 3 elbows. I had thought about integrating it into a foam rockwall.

I didn't use elbows inside the tank, just had black bulkheads on black painted glass. But in all reality, once everything is covered in coraline, you hardly notice it's there.

You can see the OF in this pic.

Baggerhog · « **Reply #36 on:** February 22, 2009, 15:41:44 »

Quote from: cyberwollf on February 22, 2009, 10:50:20

Is there a way to make the calfo more hidden? Can you paint the glass black? I have been wanting to do this, but hate the sight of 3 elbows. I had thought about integrating it into a foam rockwall.

You could always buy black pvc elbows if you are wanting to make a durso. Look at Savko.com if none of our local sponsors carry black pvc fittings.

Amstar · « **Reply #37 on:** February 22, 2009, 15:45:15 »

for my durso I just painted it black

verper · « **Reply #38 on:** February 22, 2009, 19:24:36 »

You could also do an external overflow box. There are many threads on RC about them.

slandis3 · « **Reply #39 on:** February 22, 2009, 19:29:48 »

just to let everyone know. i painted my plumbing inside my overflow with krylon fusion paint 2 years ago and never had a problem with it.

JoeAyers · « **Reply #40 on:** February 22, 2009, 19:44:40 »

Quote from: verper on February 22, 2009, 19:24:36

You could also do an external overflow box. There are many threads on RC about them.

I had an external on my 24" cube and loved it. I just wanted to try something new when I did the 240. I'd say the surface skimming of the calfo can't be beat, but for looks the external is the best by far. I'll see if I can find a pic of the 24".

Joe

JSLeedy · « **Reply #41 on:** February 22, 2009, 22:05:40 »

I'm not sure I understand how an external works on a glass tank. I can see cutting a slit in an acrylic tank. Would you just have 3 or 4 holes in the back of your tank? Seems like that wouldn't give you the same surface skimming as an inside. Please inlighten me. I would rather do a external.

Baggerhog · « **Reply #42 on:** February 22, 2009, 22:26:28 »

Joes first cube was a 24"x24" with a external overflow. He just drilled like 12 holes that were 1/2 I think across the back pane at the top. Then the calfo was on the outside and the bottom of the calfo was drilled for the bulkhead drains.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #43 on:** February 22, 2009, 22:32:21 »

Did it look funny? Did fish and things get sucked through? Canyou go smaller and drill a ton of 1/4" holes? I would like to have it on the back. It would really suck if it fell of but I guess other peoples haven't so why should mine. Other then thats my luck.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #44 on:** February 23, 2009, 23:15:43 »

I ordered the glass for the Calfo today. I had a big peice of 1/4" glass left over from a disasterous 100 gallon build I did about 3 years ago. I am going to start a jig tonight. Hopefully I can have the glass tomorrow if not, Wednesday for sure. The more I read on it the better I like this idea. If anyone out there has any reasons why this isn't a good idea I would really appreciate your thoughts. I really would like to hear some cons so I can make as informed a decision as possible. Once it's on and the tanks drilled there will be no turning back.

Baggerhog · « **Reply #45 on:** February 24, 2009, 04:58:40 »

Quote from: JSLeedy on February 22, 2009, 22:32:21

Did it look funny? Did fish and things get sucked through? Canyou go smaller and drill a ton of 1/4" holes? I would like to have it on the back. It would really suck if it fell of but I guess other peoples haven't so why should mine. Other then thats my luck.

Yes he did have fish get through the holes. It did not look bad at all. In fact with the way your room will be setup it would look better and give you more room in the tank with an external. I think the external would be less surface skimming than a internal true calfo overflow. I would go internal true calfo.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #46 on:** February 26, 2009, 21:18:03 »

After 5 hours in the dentist chair and 4 root canals I am feeling good enough to get back to my tank. I went to pick the glass up today and was really unhappy with the 2 48" peices. The cuts werent very straight. Hopefully those will be recut and ready tomorrow. I told them I didn't mind waiting for them to do it right. I aslo have a euro brace around the top of my tank. I am having the glass company cut a 3/8" notch out of the end peices. It will allow me to place to calfo about 1/2" from the top of the tank as opposed to having it about 3" from the top. If things go right I shouldbe able to post picks of the overflow Sunday or Monday.

cyberwollf · « **Reply #47 on:** February 26, 2009, 23:02:04 »

Quote from: JSLeedy on February 26, 2009, 21:18:03

After 5 hours in the dentist chair and 4 root canals I am feeling good enough to get back to my tank. I went to pick the glass up today and was really unhappy with the 2 48" peices. The cuts werent very straight. Hopefully those will be recut and ready tomorrow. I told them I didn't mind waiting for them to do it right. I aslo have a euro brace around the top of my tank. I am having the glass company cut a 3/8" notch out of the end peices. It will allow me to place to calfo about 1/2" from the top of the tank as opposed to having it about 3" from the top. If things go right I shouldbe able to post picks of the overflow Sunday or Monday.

Where'd you go? I got some small pieces cut at a place by fairfeild and dayton-xenia. It was pretty jagged. If i had to attach it to anything i would have sent it back.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #48 on:** February 27, 2009, 00:05:36 »

Quote from: cyberwollf on February 26, 2009, 23:02:04

Where'd you go? I got some small pieces cut at a place by fairfeild and dayton-xenia. It was pretty jagged. If i had to attach it to anything i would have sent it back.

Davids Reliable Glass. I didn't take the peices that weren't right. They weren't jagged but not as straight and smooth as I would like. Once the water is flowing over it every hump in the length of glass will show.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #49 on:** March 02, 2009, 19:43:09 »

Today I go my glass for the Calfo overflow. It was exceptable so I took it home. Here are some pics of the glass before I smear silicon all over it and make it look funny.

The other pic show how the notched peice is going to allow me to have the box sit nice and high in the tank. I guess the glueing can start tonight.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #50 on:** March 03, 2009, 23:33:19 »

I drilled my first hole in glass today. It didn't come out as good as I would like but I learned a lot from this one. I also had to take the glass for my overflow back to be cut again. One of the peices was 1/2" to long. For some reason on the section I forgot to account for the thickness of the two end peices. So maybe tomorrow I will get to attempt to build the overflow. I'm glad I am loging all of the steps of the build. It will be funny to me to look back and see all the screw ups along the way.

There will be many.

UD Flyer · « **Reply #51 on:** March 03, 2009, 23:43:13 »

The hole looks good. Remember the bulkhead will cover most mess-ups and blemishes.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #52 on:** March 03, 2009, 23:56:51 »

I know it will but the inside is kinda ruff. I need to slow up a bit at the end. I think I am also going to put some duct tape on the inside. I have about 10 more holes to drill for the entire system. I'm sure I will be a pro by the time I'm done.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #53 on:** March 07, 2009, 18:20:12 »

The overflow is done and ready to be installed. I am going to drill tonight and attach the over flow. Here is what it looks like in place.

Baggerhog · « **Reply #54 on:** March 07, 2009, 23:48:26 »

Looking good, hurry up and get it set up! Man you are a slacker.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #55 on:** March 08, 2009, 19:16:36 »

Yeah I am a slacker. The weather got nice so I HAD to golf. Now the Boys high school volleyball season is starting so i'm going to be in a gym everyday. I do really need to stop screwing around. By the way if anyone on here has a boy or girl that is interested in private lessons to improve any skill my wife and I are available and very good.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #56 on:** March 09, 2009, 03:19:24 »

Ok, after being scolded by Andy

I got off my butt and drilled the tank tonight. Sorry for the flash in the pic but I couldn't get a good one without using it. After I paint the overflow I will add it tomorrow. Then I have 2 scratches to fix on the front and I can put it back on the stand.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #57 on:** March 09, 2009, 22:54:24 »

Today I got the over flow painted and attached. I just need to let the silicon cure. I put super stealth camo paint on the over flow so it's kinda hard to see. It's actually almost invisable from the front. I bet fish will swim right into the sides of it and crack their heads.

I'm giong to try and work on the scratches tomorrow. I still need to do some drilling on the other tanks in my system.

Baggerhog · « **Reply #58 on:** March 10, 2009, 11:12:24 »

I hope there is water in it by this weekend! Lets go get going I know you dont work full time!

JSLeedy · « **Reply #59 on:** March 10, 2009, 15:08:04 »

That might be asking a little much but maybe. Volleyball season started so I do work full time now.

It sucks. Plus I need Joel to get my pump ordered. I'm going to go with the Barracuda Gold.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #60 on:** April 07, 2009, 22:47:44 »

Ok, I finally did something with my tank. It's been long enough I guess. It is now back on the stand. I tried several different things to remove a scratch to no avail. I am filling it with water and going to add salt and rocks then circulate until my pump comes in from back order. Once the pump is in I will plumb the whole system and add the remaining 300 gallons. Of course at the pace I am going it will be July by the time I get around to it.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #61 on:** April 07, 2009, 22:48:59 »

I have to admit my wife is a good worker.

aquavista99 · « **Reply #62 on:** April 07, 2009, 22:58:50 »

Your in-wall reef project looks very nice, Steve. What products did you use to try to remove the scratches out of your glass? Looking forward to your updates!

JSLeedy · « **Reply #63 on:** April 07, 2009, 23:00:07 »

I contacted Safelite auto glass, and a few local glass stores they all told me they couldn't help without making the glass look like crap. I also used Jewlers Rouge and a product I ordered off the internet. They also were a big failure.

aquavista99 · « **Reply #64 on:** April 07, 2009, 23:04:52 »

Quote from: JSLeedy on April 07, 2009, 23:00:07

I contacted Safelite auto glass, and a few local glass stores they all told me they couldn't help without making the glass look like crap. I also used Jewlers Rouge and a product I ordered off the internet. They also were a big failure.

Bummer. Hopefully the scratches will not matter once you add all the nice rock, corals and fish.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #65 on:** April 07, 2009, 23:36:37 »

I wish the scratches weren't there but luckily they are in the conner not in the middle.

Baggerhog · « **Reply #66 on:** April 08, 2009, 06:48:31 »

Quote from: JSLeedy on April 07, 2009, 23:36:37

I wish the scratches weren't there but luckily they are in the conner not in the middle.

Just buy a new tank. I have seen some great deals on reef central as of late.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #67 on:** April 08, 2009, 16:29:21 »

I have rather specific requirements on size. I really don't want to make the hole in my wall any bigger and I really don't want to go smaller. I can live with it until my wife and I move. We are going to build a house at some point and I will plan the fish tanks location as part of the build. I want to go somewhere around 1000 gallons in the main tank.

JSLeedy · « **Reply #68 on:** May 20, 2009, 22:03:02 »

The tank is up and running. I am still on a temporary 75 gallon sump. I have to plum everything to the basement and get the whole sytem running. I just really don't have the timr to run all that. Hopefully after we win the state title next weekend I can get that part done. For now the temp set up is working well. Here are some pics of the rock setup. I plan on adding more rock and making it taller when I get a creative urge. I am also adding some pictures of the corals I got from Brian. Enjoy.

ohioreef · « **Reply #69 on:** May 20, 2009, 23:07:01 »

lazylivin · « **Reply #70 on:** May 21, 2009, 23:40:03 »

lazylivin · « **Reply #71 on:** May 21, 2009, 23:41:13 »

Test to see if it is fixed

lazylivin · « **Reply #72 on:** May 21, 2009, 23:42:46 »

2024 Ohio Reef Frag Swap

Author Topic: JSLeedy's 240 rebuild (Read 11653 times)

slandis3

bigfalcon36

slandis3

slandis3

Lost Floridian

bigfalcon36

slandis3