finally beginning my 480g 5'x5'x30" SPS Reef Tank

[kamico]

Oh that sucks Tom! Im sorry! I was soo intersted in seeing how cool it looks finished! Maybe we could all potitation the government and get them to override it? lol

[jnarowe]

I think Potitation is considered a crime against humanity right?

[Cadwalader]

I hope I was included in one of the two people you can trust. Just kidding. If you need me to babysit anything in my tank I would be more than happy to. Also your corals would look great and not cost money which is always good with this hobby. Also if you want me to set up the Aqua Controler I think I could do it and if not ernie could. Let me know what you need. Also you MH look sick on my tank I cant wait to get my corals back in it.

[thirschmann]

paul - pretty sick isn't it.

eric - I have just switched attorney's and have renewed high hopes.

Kevin - Thanks man, I'm working hard at finding a solution. I want this thing done more then anyone else, trust me.

Jonathan - lol, only since the patriot act is in place.

Henry - Absolutely you are. I will try calling you again later today to see if you can help set that controller up. Make sure you send me some pictures of your tank so I can check it out, looking forward to seeing how you make out. Good luck bud.

[pcostanzo]

Good luck with the new attorney. Keep sticking it to them.

[erics3000]

Good luck man. From previous work related experiences I have really made it point for legal advice on any big decisions.

[thirschmann]

yeah I've learned that the hard way, as it goes. I'm just trying to keep on keepin on.

[jnarowe]

switching attorneys is a good idea. It's amazing the results a well motivated attorney can get, and unfortunately, most you meet are really more interested in billing than working.

[erics3000]

Originally posted by jnarowe
switching attorneys is a good idea. It's amazing the results a well motivated attorney can get, and unfortunately, most you meet are really more interested in billing than working.

Isn't that the truth. I guess you have slackers in every field doesn't matter how much money they make.

[thirschmann]

Thanks. that's exactly the experience I have had. I'm happy that I have switched. Plus my new attorney is considered the best immigration attorney in the US. So that should help a little

[jnarowe]

One thing about the USA...most problems can be fixed with cash (O.J.)

[kamico]

Oh wow Tom thats Great!!! maybe you cut the tank to 240gal and use the extra $ to pay the right people off like Jonathan said. it would still be a killer tank! lol J/p

[thirschmann]

Im just going into debt and then paying for the tank off the ticket sales I'll make off of letting people see it

[pcostanzo]

Add a couple more exhibits and you can charge more.

[thirschmann]

don't tempt me... I already like the idea of a cuddlefish tank way to much

[pcostanzo]

After this my next tank will be a 30x30x30 braceless cube for seahorses and pipefish.

[erics3000]

Damm do we all think alike. NanoGurls doing the same. I have always wanted a seahorse and pipe ish tank... I like the zero ede tanks

[thirschmann]

damn we all have problems. We are all just getting to our first big tank and already planning to make moves on another. I'm telling you reefing must be worse then crack.

Now, a productive questions. Anyone know where I can get a block of 4"x4" solid PVC or acrylic? Might as well work at machining my overflows.

[danskim]

I just checked www.mcmaster.com. They have 4" thick sheets of 12x12" acrylic blocks. They are almost $300 though.

[thirschmann]

damn, that's pretty pricey. Maybe I can get a scrap piece from them, I don't need close to that much material and shipping will probably kill me.

Thanks for the information.

[jnarowe]

I go to the local plastics distributors and rifle through their scrap bins. The one I use most is Interstate Plastics and that's because the local branch actually merchandises scrap pieces and sheets. I got these 8" x 5" x 3" pieces for $5 each.

[thirschmann]

That's exactly what I'm looking for Jonathan. Thanks for the info. I'll see what's available over here and maybe I can find something to work on while I'm stuck.

I came across weatherson.com the other day and was inspired to start honing my acrylic working skills. That guy has made some amazing DIY projects. Love that wavemaker he made and his skimmer is a work of art. I hope that I can gear my passion for sculpture into the realm of acrylic production. Anyway, looking forward to trying my hand at milling acrylic.

[jnarowe]

yeah, that sinusoidal valve is bada$$ isn't it! It's not as easy as it looks either. I found from a local acrylic worker to use certain typre of files, drills, etc. and I do flame polish some stuff I make. That piece above kind of sucks because it's actually two pieces. There is a thin piece on the top side that is lamenated to the base, and when I did it, the glue ran and crazed the inside. But you can see that I routed the edges and flame polished them, and they didn't turn out too bad. Had i not messed up with the glue, that piece would be crystal clear.

[thirschmann]

I'm sure it takes a lot of practice to get that good and I got mountains of stuff to learn. But I learn fairly quick and work well with my hands so i'm looking forward to taking on this kind of work.

That piece looks pretty good to me. I really like the clean look of properly worked acrylic. Who knows, maybe I'll find a new favorite medium to work in, seems to change every few months anyways. Looks like I'll be diving into the DIY forum for a few hours.

[jnarowe]

I have some good DIY & acrylic links on my favorites page.