Tank of the Month - November 2007

[Skipper]

This month we are featuring Marc Froese's (Fudge) beautiful do-it-yourself reef aquarium:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-11/totm/images/RChomepage.jpg (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-11/totm/index.php)

More details can be found here (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-11/totm/index.php) or by clicking on the picture above.

Congratulations, Marc!


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<center><font color="#FFFFFF" size="-1">If you'd like to nominate a tank
for Tank of the Month, click <a href="http://reefcentral.com/forums/newthread.php?s=&action=newthread&forumid=189" target="_blank"><font color="#FFFFFF">here</font></a>
or use the button to the right.</font></center>
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<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="27%"><img src="http://reefkeeping.com/images/nominate1.gif" border="0" title="Click here to nominate a Tank of the Month"> (http://reefcentral.com/forums/newthread.php?s=&action=newthread&forumid=189)
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[marino420td]

One of the best ever! Congrats

[dc]

Another stunning choice. I love the tank photos. Especially the one looking up. Just beautiful. :D

[250G]

Great tank Marc. Well deserved.

[eddybabyhd]

absolutly awesome, I am building a plywood tank as we speak, and would love to see a build thread if you have one. Thanks

[Volkman]

Holy-Cow Marc, you need to get out more!! HA! J/K!!! That tank set-up is stunning!! All I can say is AMAZING JOB!!!!! Very deserving of Tank of the Year, much less Tank of the Month. Nice work.....

[bixbe]

Two Thumbs up :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[fishyface]

nice work, as always supafudge, your skills amaze!

[marinelife]

Awesome, I would also love to see a build thread or some more information on how it was made.

[Oldude]

Congratulations Marc! The article is awesome but this tank & set up need to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. The coolest I've seen in Canada, truly a world class reef & well deserved recognition. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy.:smokin:

[jaydub74]

Excellent tank, would you be able to provide details on how you attached the rock to the PVC frame. It looks excellent.

[myusername]

Grate looking setup.
I would love to see more info on how you built the tank and skimmer. And if you built any thing else. It’s grate to see someone save some money in this hobby. I like how you set up your lights also. I pland to do something like that when I get my next Tank. and I wish you lived nearby, so you could show me how to save some money in this hobby.
Best of luck if the future.
Charles.

[Skipper]

Here's Marc's thread where he provides more details:

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=686757

[myusername]

To Skipper:
Thank you for the info.:D

thats all old info. I would like to see how he was abel to have the glass stay there.
the pic's was deleted.

[Acro]

Congrats Marc, Fabulous craftsmanship!!!! It's been an honor watching you work your magic.

[murfman]

Infreakingcredible, very nice work. I'd love to hear how you built the rock structures.

[nateking]

Nice work. Very natural looking.

[slumpysix]

um.... speechless........ amazing.......congrats on TOTM!

[rjrobert]

Outstanding - Congratulations.

If that girl ever goes missing the first place the police need to look is inside your skimmer :)

[zotzer]

You've got to be kidding me with that skimmer....wow!!

Beautiful tank, and it's very evident that lots of love and commitment has gone into it.

Congratulations!
Tracy

[Waxxiemann]

Awesome tank, I can only dream that my signifigant other would allow me to keep a tank that big =)

[jnc914]

That is a simply amazing tank. Other than that I am speechless and drooling. Wow......

[chriis716]

Beatiful tank, nicely done! Wish I was there to see it in person...

[Lo0seR]

Whats blows me away with TOTM's is that you think after seeing that months tank, there is no way it can get any better. And not that the next months is any better "wrong choice of words" just different. This tank is proof of that, builder knew what he wanted from his perspective on reefing and took it to another level and it works perfect.

[anothermineral]

Congrats! Beautiful tank / setup. Love the mini sump.

[Fudge]

Wow ! Thanks All ! :D

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11122673#post11122673 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eddybabyhd
absolutly awesome, I am building a plywood tank as we speak, and would love to see a build thread if you have one. Thanks

eddybabyhd , The link skipper provided could answer a few questions you may have im sure.
If you have more, Fire away !

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11123395#post11123395 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jaydub74
Excellent tank, would you be able to provide details on how you attached the rock to the PVC frame. It looks excellent.

Jaydub, The rocks were drilled in several areas and then fastened with zipties, a whooole lotta them :)
The tabs mounted during building were criticle for support without using rock.
Again there is some info in the link provided.


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11123521#post11123521 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by myusername
Grate looking setup.
I would love to see more info on how you built the tank and skimmer. And if you built any thing else. It’s grate to see someone save some money in this hobby. I like how you set up your lights also. I pland to do something like that when I get my next Tank. and I wish you lived nearby, so you could show me how to save some money in this hobby.
Best of luck if the future.
Charles.

Myusername, I almost begin to think i didnt save a dime, because i had to build the projects 3 times to get what i wanted. :D
Or at the very least re-do the same one 3 times....lol.
I lost the pics of how the glass was laid into place, but i vaugely rememeber 7 tubes of caulking, finger squashing and more than a little cussin.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11124649#post11124649 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rjrobert
Outstanding - Congratulations.

If that girl ever goes missing the first place the police need to look is inside your skimmer :)

rjrobert, naw, the "X" is occupying it right now. :P

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11124806#post11124806 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Waxxiemann
Awesome tank, I can only dream that my signifigant other would allow me to keep a tank that big =)

Waxxiemann, Please see above. :D.



Marc.

[pwhitby]

Hey Marc,

Very very nice tank....you did a superb job. I really love the aquascaping you worked there.

Very nice indeed.

I saw your thread a while past and stopped in from time to time. Very well deserved TOTM.

Paul.

[FibberMcGee]

Marc congratulations beautiful tank, great pick for TOTM.

[mlandrigan]

Hey Marc,

Very cool aquascaping. I too love the open look! A couple questions... Could you explain in a little more detail your maintainance regimen for the sand? I read in the TOTM writeup that you clean it once a month. How do you keep from sucking up all the sand? Also, whenever I've tried replacing sand in my tank, it looks like a cloud for a few hours. Does this happen to you?

Thanks!

Matt

[melev]

I've been following your build threads for a while on two different sites, and have always been blown away by your skills. Congrats on TOTM! It is very well-deserved.

[Freed]

Fudge, what's the deal with the trigger in your hand? Is that during feeding? Or does it just like to swim in your hand and get the squeeze?

[wbstyles]

Awesome tank Bro! What did you do with your old skimmers? Wouldn't mind having one fo those. Much props to ya man.

WB

[Dustin1300]

I'm rather new to the hobby...at least the saltwater aspect of it, just starting in June but freshwater since about 2003. Anyways, am wanting to build an in-wall (currently using 55 gallon) after I think I've got a good knowledgebase....But, I just wanted to say I LOVE the plywood idea since in-wall it does not really matter that the rest of the walls are not clear. I've got one question, how thick is the front acrylic? GREAT TANK MARC!

[Dxmarinefish]

Great Tank Marc. I am more impressed with all the DIY hard work you have put into it. "Where there is a will, there is a way".

[Daytonarick]

That tank is inspiring! Please, if you could, please explain how you did the rock on the PVC frame. I know several others have asked so please add me to the list!

[acro_reef77084]

Awesome Tank!!!

[Ziggy953]

WOW!!! That is one of the most incredible tanks I think I have ever seen. Can you post the link to your build thread for me I would love to read thourgh it and see how you built the tank!

I really like the way you did the wall around the tank, the viewable area what ever you want to call it. That really looks amazing!

Thanks for sharing your tank! It is an inspiration!

[RayAllen]

Id have to say out of the many amazing aquariums ive seen on here this one is up there in the ranks. Love the oval shaped wall view, gives it a very professional artistic feel.

[acrouse]

Amazing colors! Looks like a display that should be in a museum!!Congratulations-well deserved!!

jolene

[Flatlander]

:thumbsup:

An amazing total set up Marc. Many of can only dream of having DIY skills like that. :) Congrats on your beautiful aquarium and its choice as TOTM.

Great write up & photo work also.

[dphins]

This tank just makes me smile!

[rus]

Hey Marc , congrats and well deserved. Definitely on of my favourite tanks , lucky for me you live close by and I get to check it out and steal ideas all the time . By the way nice job on pics and article :D

[rus]

Hey Marc , congrats and well deserved. Definitely on of my favourite tanks , lucky for me you live close by and I get to check it out and steal ideas all the time . By the way nice job on pics and article :D

[fishdoc11]

An amazing piece of work:D
Your DIY skill and aquatic husbandry are to be commended.
Very very well done and well deserved!

Chris

[Fudge]

Thanks Paul,
When my corals grow up, i hope they look just like yours !. :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11125620#post11125620 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mlandrigan
Hey Marc,

Very cool aquascaping. I too love the open look! A couple questions... Could you explain in a little more detail your maintainance regimen for the sand? I read in the TOTM writeup that you clean it once a month. How do you keep from sucking up all the sand? Also, whenever I've tried replacing sand in my tank, it looks like a cloud for a few hours. Does this happen to you?

Thanks!

Matt

Matt,

I vacume the sand weekly and some sand is lost, but atleast one a month i will pull sand while vacuming on purpose.
Yes it clouds the tank for the day when a new bag is added, but i just expect that now.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11126067#post11126067 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Freed
Fudge, what's the deal with the trigger in your hand? Is that during feeding? Or does it just like to swim in your hand and get the squeeze?

Freed,

I noticed after hand feeding the fish for the first year, that the triggers were the dogs of the bunch.
They needed to pat me down on every occasion to see if i had treats :) .

It was kinda neat at first, but definatly a problem when thier teeth grew a little.

They actually jammed themselves into the cone of my hand in those pictures looking for morsels, and this was common.
For the last year i havent done this because it got a little out of control when gluing frags, rock placement, and small marks on my skin would promote sampling... :)
As you can see in the pics the tangs got quite comfortable too, but atleast they only plucked an arm hair or two a day.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11126557#post11126557 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dustin1300
I'm rather new to the hobby...at least the saltwater aspect of it, just starting in June but freshwater since about 2003. Anyways, am wanting to build an in-wall (currently using 55 gallon) after I think I've got a good knowledgebase....But, I just wanted to say I LOVE the plywood idea since in-wall it does not really matter that the rest of the walls are not clear. I've got one question, how thick is the front acrylic? GREAT TANK MARC!

Dustin,

The front and side viewing panes are glass, and 3/4" laminated Starphire.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11127719#post11127719 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Daytonarick
That tank is inspiring! Please, if you could, please explain how you did the rock on the PVC frame. I know several others have asked so please add me to the list!

Datonarick,

I preglued structures of pvc, of the shapes that i had wished to see.
I then drilled holes throught the framework, to avoid stagnant areas aswell as have areas to mount rock to.

The base structures looked much like this when trying to get the shapes.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/Rockwork014.jpg

In that picture, this was the base structure, and a piece was made to come down to touch it, but is supported by the eurobracing of the tank.

The top piece was hung down.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/AquaScaping239.jpg

Then it was just a matter of coral and small rock placment for the next little while... this was difficult as i had a hard time being patient for the corals to hide PVC that i could still see.
Some of it got pretty tedious as you can see in this photo, the little pieces needed attention too.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/AquaScaping235.jpg

I kept the structures very simple in hopes the corals would do the finishing work.

Most of the layout :

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/Tankshots317.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/Tankshots219.jpg

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11128823#post11128823 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ziggy953
WOW!!! That is one of the most incredible tanks I think I have ever seen. Can you post the link to your build thread for me I would love to read thourgh it and see how you built the tank!

I really like the way you did the wall around the tank, the viewable area what ever you want to call it. That really looks amazing!

Thanks for sharing your tank! It is an inspiration!

Thanks Ziggy,
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showt...threadid=686757

:D

Marc.

[Elliott]

wow, you have some serious DIY skills, absolutely beautifully thought out, stunning

[FunkieReefJunkie]

The aesthetics of every aspect of this tank just blow me away. Inside and out you've done a beautiful job!

[manosdr]

Congratulations Marc! Awesome Tank!

[shred5]

I have to say I have been in the hobby a long time and very few tanks just blow me away anymore, but wow that is awsum. It is not so much the life inside the tank even though it looks awsum too and is going to look spectacular in a few years, it is the tank and the fact you built it your self and the other equipment. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your tank it was very interesting. You should write a article for reefkeeping magazine on how you built the tank.

Come to think about it why do they not have a diy section to begin with in reefkeeping magazine.

Dave

[slapshot]

Ok, I know this has been said a number of times but the best tank I have ever seen. I have seen some nice ones but your captivates my attention. I love the rockwork and the DIY is amazing. Great job!

[JRaquatics]

Fudge: love your tank. I have been watching your tank build since your first posted it. Have always loved you rock structure. Geat job. Another amazing tank.

[Skipper]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11134392#post11134392 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shred5


Come to think about it why do they not have a diy section to begin with in reefkeeping magazine.

Dave We used to when the magazine started. Since then, I've asked many times with a sticky thread in the DIY forum for authors to write DIY articles. Only a few people were interested, and of those, they all said I could use their thread for an article. That's not quite the same as actually WRITING an article, hence, none were used. Bottom line... no one stepped up to write an article.

[Midnightbreeze]

Wow, you must have scoured the global outlets for all that coral variety.

[blue_monkey]

Fudge,
Your tank is absolutely amazing. Congratulations on a well deserved "Tank of the Month" award. I doubt that anybody has put more into this hobby than you have. You have inspired me (Don't worry, I won't tell my wife it was you).

Enough of the flattery, I have a question: What weight of fiberglass cloth did you use on your tank? Are there any special considerations that need to be made for a reef tank?

Thank you!

[mlandrigan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11132267#post11132267 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fudge

I vacume the sand weekly and some sand is lost, but atleast one a month i will pull sand while vacuming on purpose.
Yes it clouds the tank for the day when a new bag is added, but i just expect that now.



What sand do you use? When I've tried replacing sand (I've been using white play sand (southdown) it looked pretty much white. Could only see about 6-10 inches into the tank. Is this the same degree as you experience or is my sand just much more filthy? I've tried prerinsing it and that helps somewhat. I am just nervous that it is to 'thick' for the fish (I don't have any corals right now). Any thoughts and do you have a picture of after you do this?

I just thought that if I used a 2'' piece of PVC I could pour the sand in through there to limit the agitation.

Thanks,

Matt

[Growurown]

Well deserved honor !!!!

I would be interested in power consumption for this system.
Is that something you can share with us ??

[chaseracing]

I think we all strive to have a tank like this someday. Do you charge an admission fee?

:-)

-=E=-

[bourbeaue]

Inspiring tank.

Do you have your purple firefish and Bangai Cardinals in your main display ? Do they get a chance to feed ?

[Fudge]

Thanks all, i am glad you liked it.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11140010#post11140010 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by blue_monkey
Fudge,
What weight of fiberglass cloth did you use on your tank? Are there any special considerations that need to be made for a reef tank?

Thank you!

Blue Monkey,
I dont remember the weight, it wasnt the thickest....it was more like middle of the road, so that i could work with it a little easier as i was a rookie with fiberglassing.

Considerations... i think i would have to say i would vacume it next time...to get a nicer finish, it drives me nuts thast i cant clean the back and side wall very easy.
Bracing, ply is very flexible so bracing properly is one point i would not overlook on ply tanks. Resins wont like to be bent and flex too much after curing.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11140506#post11140506 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mlandrigan
What sand do you use? When I've tried replacing sand (I've been using white play sand (southdown) it looked pretty much white. Could only see about 6-10 inches into the tank. Is this the same degree as you experience or is my sand just much more filthy? I've tried prerinsing it and that helps somewhat. I am just nervous that it is to 'thick' for the fish (I don't have any corals right now). Any thoughts and do you have a picture of after you do this?

I just thought that if I used a 2'' piece of PVC I could pour the sand in through there to limit the agitation.

Thanks,

Matt

Matt, i used Caribsea`s aragamax select, and i place the whole bag in my sink and poke small holes in the bottom.
I cut the top of the bag off and rinse this way.
The i place the whole bag into the aquarium and slice it with a razor..this seems to keep clouding to a minimum, but a days worth is expected.

Ive tried using the pipe, but its tedious, bordering on painful.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11142908#post11142908 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Growurown
Well deserved honor !!!!

I would be interested in power consumption for this system.
Is that something you can share with us ??

Growurown,

With the old pumps and skimmer it was ridiculous, there was a total of 3-5800 seq at one point.
Now its 3 darts in total including the skimmer.
Lighting is about 2000 watts.
I would guess at an average consumption of 4000-4500 watts at peak use.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11145781#post11145781 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bourbeaue
Inspiring tank.

Do you have your purple firefish and Bangai Cardinals in your main display ? Do they get a chance to feed ?

Bourbeaue,

Yes they are in the main display. They are not as agressive at eating, though i will usually throw nori in and attract all agressive fish....then ill fire some pellets in and they get them fairly easily.

Marc.

[Water Box]

Incredible...

[SCIFI_3D_zoo]

I still don't understand how you zip-tied the rock to pvc. It would seem that the rock would slide around the pvc and not stay where you wanted it. I guess it couldn't move much and the other pieces helped hold others together. I liked Paul's TOTM last month and wanted to redo my rocks like his but I wanted more overhangs and shape like yours. Really kool. :eek2: Maybe I can fake it with some creative pvc. Just have to think about how to do it. Maybe even using glue of some type to hold rock. Do you guys use some sorta "reef safe" glue for rocks, pvc, etc.? I have a tube of something for frags.

[SCIFI_3D_zoo]

I have a good question. I was reading Paul's threads on his TOTM and he talked about using a hole saw,,, and how it must have been the type of rock he had or something b/c he ended up ruining the saw. What sorta equipment and problems did you enounter to drill all your holes. You have an entirely different method than he did of course. You went with little holes for zip-ties and he drilled big holes for pvc to slide through the rock.

[Ellery]

Truly Inspiring - I will need to someday build my own plywood fishbox.

[JESUS VILLASEÑO]

i LOVE THIS TANK , WOW, REALLY AMAZING, I ENVY YOU MARC. SALUDOS DESDE MEXICO.

[SCIFI_3D_zoo]

I tested out a small bit on a small rock and it broke in 1/2 pretty easily. Hmm.... I went to the store to ck. out bits for my 1/2" PVC (which the total diamter is actually 1"). The 1" concrete/masonry bit they had just looked too brutal. So I ended up with a hole saw bit 1.25". STill gotta test it out. What was the problem with yours Paul? You burned up your saw, or just broke the bit, and your bit was a wood bit too wasn't it??

Ooops... wrong thread.

[pwhitby]

you need a hole saw, not a masonary bit.

Hole saws are round with teeth around the edges and cut rather than drill...

but.............this is not my thread, so we should discuss the way i did the holes in my thread and not detract from Marc's thread....agreed?

P.

[fancyfish]

I love this tank. certainly worthy of tank of the month and one of the nicest that has been honored. Congratulations

[ScottC]

beautiful, and I LOVE the fish room!

[pwhitby]

Marc,

When I finally get round to swapping acrylic for glass I may hit you up for info and build a plywood surround with a starfire front.

P.

[myusername]

Fudge:
Thank you for the feed back.

[crazzy]

Congratulations on a fantastic eye on the Ocean and many thanx for sharing. At some point you mentioned that you had wished you had vacum done the epoxy. Why would you wish that? Stonger? Smoother surface? If so what difference what is the benefit?

[Aimforever]

Without a doubt, the nicest/cleanest install I've ever seen. Simply amazing. Thanks so much for sharing. Your creativity is very inspiring. WOW.

[kingnai]

WOW!!!

enough said.

[Kigs]

Congratulations on the win! Could you describe how the PVC skeletons were mounted onto the floor tabs?

[sirgeez]

Beautiful setup, keep up the good work!

[SCIFI_3D_zoo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11186085#post11186085 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kigs
Congratulations on the win! Could you describe how the PVC skeletons were mounted onto the floor tabs?

Unless I'm missing something in his TOTM article I don't know what you mean. It's just a pvc with rocks drilled and stacked on top with a couple of legs on the bottom. I'm still REALLY nervous about trying this out on my rock. I"m afraid it'll just crumble.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-10/totm/images/pillar3copy.jpg

[sport4doug]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11115204#post11115204 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Skipper
This month we are featuring Marc Froese's (Fudge) beautiful do-it-yourself reef aquarium:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-11/totm/images/RChomepage.jpg (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-11/totm/index.php)

More details can be found here (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-11/totm/index.php) or by clicking on the picture above.

Congratulations, Marc!


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<td bgcolor="#006699" width="73%">
<center><font color="#FFFFFF" size="-1">If you'd like to nominate a tank
for Tank of the Month, click <a href="http://reefcentral.com/forums/newthread.php?s=&action=newthread&forumid=189" target="_blank"><font color="#FFFFFF">here</font></a>
or use the button to the right.</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="27%"><img src="http://reefkeeping.com/images/nominate1.gif" border="0" title="Click here to nominate a Tank of the Month"> (http://reefcentral.com/forums/newthread.php?s=&action=newthread&forumid=189)
</td>
</tr>
</table>
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[pwhitby]

Sci Fi,

the question was about Marc's (fudge) tank. Not mine.

[fastfish]

Congratulation Marc! Dating back a few years ago to where it is now, your tank setup and all the progress have been very inspiring with many innovative ideas.

Awesome tank! Great setup with full of creativity!

[Fudge]

Thanks Again all,
Im sorry im so slow to respond....

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11152766#post11152766 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SCIFI_3D_zoo
I still don't understand how you zip-tied the rock to pvc. It would seem that the rock would slide around the pvc and not stay where you wanted it. I guess it couldn't move much and the other pieces helped hold others together. I liked Paul's TOTM last month and wanted to redo my rocks like his but I wanted more overhangs and shape like yours. Really kool. :eek2: Maybe I can fake it with some creative pvc. Just have to think about how to do it. Maybe even using glue of some type to hold rock. Do you guys use some sorta "reef safe" glue for rocks, pvc, etc.? I have a tube of something for frags.

The reason they dont slide is because i will do more than one hole in the rock and use more than one hole in the pvc when zip tying.
I did find this out the hard way tho, but now for the most part they have been in the same position for well over a year.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11153990#post11153990 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SCIFI_3D_zoo
I have a good question. I was reading Paul's threads on his TOTM and he talked about using a hole saw,,, and how it must have been the type of rock he had or something b/c he ended up ruining the saw. What sorta equipment and problems did you enounter to drill all your holes. You have an entirely different method than he did of course. You went with little holes for zip-ties and he drilled big holes for pvc to slide through the rock.

I did use hole saws aswell to seat some of the rock on the pipe, here i would just do a half hole or a channel down a side of the rock.Then i would zip tie it.

Yeah, it is pretty hard on bits, but i just went out and bought a cheapie set of bits and a couple crappy but solid hole saw bits.
and then i went about wrecking them. :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11168749#post11168749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by crazzy
Congratulations on a fantastic eye on the Ocean and many thanx for sharing. At some point you mentioned that you had wished you had vacum done the epoxy. Why would you wish that? Stonger? Smoother surface? If so what difference what is the benefit?

Crazzy, if i had of vacumed it i could have ensured the final finish was as smooth as possible, so that typical razors or glass type scrapers would have worked here.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11186085#post11186085 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kigs
Congratulations on the win! Could you describe how the PVC skeletons were mounted onto the floor tabs?

The skeletons were mounted to the floor and wall tabs with multiple heavy zipties.
This allowed me to offset the balance of the structures without building the huge base to accomodate the weight of the upper portion.
I slotted the end of the PVC to sit right on these tabs, drilled through the pipe in line with the hole on these tabs, and used the heavy zipties as sort of a cotter pin idea.

Thanks Again all ! :)

Marc.

[SLODEN53]

Beautiful, just beautiful! The layout of the rock is stunning and looks to make for some very happy inhabitants in a captive environment.

[docstrop]

Marc,

This is an absolutely beautiful tank. I love the rockwork and the DIY construction. It makes my 72 gal tank seem like mere childsplay!
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your passion with us!

[czerbe]

awsome tank i love it

[yellowwatchmen]

nice tank

[jonlmangahas]

very nice!!!

[frezel]

is there anyway u can give plans on how u made ur kalk stirrer?
i would like to tackle that DIY project myself

[Grins]

I am so pleased you won. Not only is it worthy but I've been trying to remember where I first read about your build for months! At last I can look at that envy worthy fish room again.

[bicolor]

Great aquascaping, looks really natural, "well done".

[Fanjays]

your tank is awsome!!!!!! and your right the people you meet along the way of having a reeftank is worth it all in its self! but seriously your tank is awsome!

[crazzy]

Great build.
When I come to Vancouver, how is chance to come and see in person?

[seansx]

Outstanding tank! Hey Marc How thick is the glass on that tank?

[MO Will]

Hi Fudge

Awesome tank and great DIY work - I am sure that is half the fun!!


Thinking about mounting a PH (tunze or MJ-mod) onto a wavy sea or seaswirl. Seems like it would be an easy project. Do you recommend Seaswirl or wavysea? Can you describe what you did or refer me to a thread? Thanks