Newbie with a 300...

[MDFiend]

Okay, so I'm starting this thread when I'm already a bit into it. I got a used 300 with 3/4" starfire all around and a leaking seam. I've been doing alot of work, and there's alot more to go, but this is a start, and I'll keep you posted. Ask all the questions you want!

Machined some armored seams out of .350 acrylic. I want to avoid ever having to reseal this thing.

Still need to clean up the residual black silicone, but after that, they will look real sharp. That is the back of a scrap piece I am using to point at the corner compound angle joint.

I got a used external skimmer in a large haul my brother helped me out with last year.

Had a damaged housing. Epoxy and fiberglass mesh did the trick nicely.

Got a used return pump from a local reefer.

Integrating it all in a 72 gallon sump I designed.

ginger ale in the fuge chamber for scale.

Put a window in the fuge cover for my grow light.

All chambers covered, to minimize evap.

Made some experimental frag racks while I was at it.

More to come..

 

[Slombardi]

Looks good, following along!

 

[The Reef Matron]

Looks even better in person! Can't wait for the fish!!!

 

[PSU4ME]

Interested to see the clean up tank after the reseal. That SonReef’s old tank?

 

[MDFiend]

Interested to see the clean up tank after the reseal. That SonReef’s old tank?

Yes it is. Great guy.

 

[Edward]

following along, good luck with this project!

 

[this is me]

I don’t recommend the armor seam unless you don’t mind the look of coraline growing in it or if you want to cramp in your hand to scrape it off.
The guy who came up with armor seams should be stoned to death. The silicone used in these custom tanks is more rugged than people realized.I never run into issue with damaging it as long as I’m careful with it. With the armor seams, it’s a b**** to scrape off the coraline and almost impossible to get with the eurobrace.
good luck with the build.

 

[MDFiend]

I don’t recommend the armor seam unless you don’t mind the look of coraline growing in it or if you want to cramp in your hand to scrape it off.
The guy who came up with armor seams should be stoned to death. The silicone used in these custom tanks is more rugged than people realized.I never run into issue with damaging it as long as I’m careful with it. With the armor seams, it’s a b!tch to scrape off the coraline and almost impossible to get with the eurobrace.
good luck with the build.

I'm too far down the rabbit hole. Seams are already in. I'll live with it rather than pull them. I'm just gunna have to learn the hard way.

 

[hurdbird]

I don’t recommend the armor seam unless you don’t mind the look of coraline growing in it or if you want to cramp in your hand to scrape it off.
The guy who came up with armor seams should be stoned to death. The silicone used in these custom tanks is more rugged than people realized.I never run into issue with damaging it as long as I’m careful with it. With the armor seams, it’s a b!tch to scrape off the coraline and almost impossible to get with the eurobrace.
good luck with the build.

I don't want to hijack the thread but do you have any pictures of how Miracles does the armored seams? I've never seen any good pictures of what the armored seams looks like.

 

[this is me]

Check out my build thread. Lots of pictures there.

 

[hurdbird]

Check out my build thread. Lots of pictures there.

Found it. Missed that originally. Thank you!

 

[MDFiend]

It's been a while since I posted. I got some fiends to help lift the tank onto the stand. Water tight. Then I started shutting down my 180 and my 125 and combining all of my rock into this new tank. I still have quite a bit of live rock left over that I will use to create some accent landscape within the tank but there is no way I'll be able to use all of it.

Mostly tangs in this tank.

and only softies at the moment.

I almost lost my clown tang down the overflow the first night they were in, so until I have a full guard across the back of the tank overflow edge I set up these safety nets made from the plastic mesh sheath I salvaged off of two old carbon block filters from my RODI system.

I will post some more images of the sump and plumbing once I get my electric more squared away, but suffice to say there were a few errors in the design of the sump, but nothing I can't overcome with a few fixes. I'll post sooner next time.

 

[PSU4ME]

Looks great. Glad it’s holding water!!

 

[Knight]

I am really liking that aquascape.
Those softies are looking really happy !
And the tangs appear to be getting along nice too
Looking good - I am following along

 

[The Reef Matron]

I am really liking that aquascape.
Those softies are looking really happy !
And the tangs appear to be getting along nice too
Looking good - I am following along

They are getting along really well! This is my favorite picture of them so far...it's from last week, before all the softies entered the tank.

 

[Knight]

Attention !!!
RIIIIIIIIIIGHT........ FACE!!!!

Fo'ard.... SWIM!!!

 

[The Reef Matron]

New rock scape and the whole setup. Also, MDFiend put in one of the frag racks he made on the left.

 

[Slombardi]

Cool scape. Love the vertical rocks

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

Any updates?

 

[MDFiend]

It's been quite a while. Moved to a new house. Setting up the system now. Here's a a shot of the tank on its new stand with an integrated light rack. It will eventually get a red oak wood raised paneled face top and bottom. Gotta get the sump setup in the basement.