djc1026's upgrade to 150

djc1026 · #1 08/25/2007, 08:51 PM

Well, I'm making the move to a 150, so I thought I'd start my first build thread.

First, my current tank:

It's been running just over 2 years now.

The upgrade tank, a used Oceanview 150 (actual dimensions measure out to a 155 gallons):

The deal came with everything in the pic, including a 40 breeder sump, mag 12, the biggest CPR overflow with 1.5" drain. I am going to build my own stand and rebuild the canopy.

First off, the seals, didn't look so good so I stripped all of the silicone and re did the inside seals:

Then the new silicone:

Then came the leak test:

It's been running for 3 days now full without a problem.

The sump when I got it:

The sump now:

And the beginnings of the stand started today:

That brings everyone up to speed, I will update more later.

Dave

Little Bitty · #2 08/25/2007, 09:09 PM

Where did you buy your tank?

Lytehouse · #3 08/25/2007, 09:31 PM

Looks like a good bead on the silicone. No wonder it didn't leak. Thanks for sharing. Will follow along....

djc1026 · #4 08/25/2007, 09:47 PM

Little Bitty, someone brought it to one of our LFS for consignment. It's got some good scratches on what I presume was the previous main viewing pain. I plan to use the other side, I just need to get some calcium stains off of the glass. The tank is currently soaking with vinegar in it, with the hopes that will help get those stains off.

Lynn thanks for the comments, it was my first reseal job, and I've had a few others tell me it looked like a good bead.

Dave

dugg · #5 08/25/2007, 10:18 PM

dj, go to the grocery store and buy powdered citric acid from the canning dept. It will clean it like new with no chemical leftovers.

djc1026 · #6 08/25/2007, 11:07 PM

Do you apply it and use it like Comet?

Dave

dugg · #7 08/26/2007, 09:25 AM

No, just fill the tank and put it in the water and let the tank sit for a day or two then drain it and rinse.

cweber · #8 08/26/2007, 12:17 PM

Looks good.

peaceinusa · #9 08/26/2007, 04:59 PM

Nice tank. Keep the updates coming.

djc1026 · #10 08/26/2007, 05:15 PM

Well, I got some work done on the stand today:

I went with cheap plywood, so I will primer it and put a good quality exterior latex on it or something.

peaceinusa · #11 08/26/2007, 06:31 PM

Is the plywood going to be the final wood finish?

djc1026 · #12 08/26/2007, 06:59 PM

For now it is, unless I think of something else

That's why it will be primered and painted with an exterior latex.

Dave

jpitts101 · #13 08/26/2007, 11:50 PM

Dave, I had a really nice oak stand but decided to do something different being everyone has oak . I sanded it down really good and went to Lowes and bought some granite/stone spray paint and finished it in that. It looks really good, and somewhat cheap also. Just be sure you use pleanty of clear on it to make it look profesional. You can go that route for cheap and always change it later if you want. just a thougth.

djc1026 · #14 08/27/2007, 06:29 AM

JD, do you have a pic, that sounds interesting.

Dave

Serra · #15 08/27/2007, 06:30 AM

JD- I have used that look in the past and I liked it. I acutally used the pinkish looking granite in my bedroom but Dave probably won't.

I used a faux blonde wood finish on mine and I like that look too. It blends into the wall color so the actual tank is featured, not the stand and canopy.

jpitts101 · #16 08/27/2007, 09:04 AM

Dave, as soon as I get home I will get you a pic posted of it. There are many variations you can do. go check out the paint department if you get time, you'll love it.

cweber · #17 08/27/2007, 04:41 PM

very nice work on the stand!!!

pwhitby · #18 08/27/2007, 04:45 PM

I did a stone tex finish on my old stand/hood to match the rooms walls.

djc1026 · #19 08/27/2007, 05:02 PM

Thanks for the compliment cweber. Paul, is that the same kind of stuff J.D. and Serra are talking about?

Dave

jpitts101 · #20 08/27/2007, 06:38 PM

Dave, as you will see my digital camera isnt the best but here are a few pic's that will give you an idea. its really neat stuff. The hardest part will be sanding down the stand and canopy. I bought mine at lowes. The color and texture are on the cap so you know exactly what you are getting. These pic's do the stand and canopy noooo justice. I promise you will like it, its cheap and easy to do. If you dont like it then sand it down and do something else but i assure you that you will like it. ohh they also have many textures and styles to choose from, its spray paint you cant mess it up. like I mentioned above just use lots of clear coat to make it glossy when finished.

djc1026 · #21 08/27/2007, 07:08 PM

Thanks! Just got back from Lowes, the wife likes the stuff, so I think I will try it. What kind of coverage did you get out of a can?

Dave

jpitts101 · #22 08/27/2007, 07:19 PM

To be honest with you Dave I cant remember. Be sure you prime it fist with the color you are going to use. Mine is a granite looking color so I used that color as a prime then shot it with the paint. I think on my 180 I used about 6 cans. Im not 100 % on that, its been a long time ago. Be sure to shoot it with clear when your done to give it the finished look. let me know if I can help.

djc1026 · #23 09/01/2007, 12:30 PM

Well, I've got the stand sanded down and an application of wood filler on. I will hopefully sand it down tonight, and if it's all filled in well enough, put the primer on it. I'll post pics later.

Dave

djc1026 · #24 09/03/2007, 03:25 PM

I'm feeling a little under the weather, here's some pics from Saturday. I was hoping to finish the stand today, but hopefully I'll be feeling better tomorrow.

Here's how much filler you have to use when you choose low grade plywood

Here it is sanded and primed

And here it is with the Sienna Stone spray finish

Not too bad if I do say so myself. Thanks for the suggestion J.D.

Dave

peaceinusa · #25 09/03/2007, 03:30 PM

Very nice.....Not the everyday average tank stand.

Looking forward to more pics.