It's now January 2021 and I finally have confirmation that my custom build 215 from Planet Aquariums is on the production schedule and due to deliver within a few weeks. And there's enough design and fabrication work completed, along with MORE than enough equipment purchases to consider this one a reality. So here goes yet another build thread...
The Parameters
* 6' long Peninsula tank at least 28" tall because I'm a fish guy! 72x24x30
* Not rimless, trying to learn from others who had gone rimless and said after several years they wish they hadn't (for valid reasons)
* 3/4 glass bottom.
* Low-iron glass on three sides.
* No filter socks, fleece roll system.
* Skimmer-less filtration with refugium and kick-butt algae scrubber (CW Aquatics CW-300).
* UV system.
* ATO system.
* Continuous Water Change system.
* Open Frame Cabinet (no center supports).
* Stand must fit with the look of the house since it will sit as a space divider between Living Room and Dining Area.
* Lighting must support Softies/LFS in all areas, SPS optional in a such a deep tank.
* Lighting must NOT extensively spill out into the adjacent spaces.
* No canopy or hanging of lights from ceiling, must be supported by the tank rim. Sleek, modern, Open-top appearance is a must-have.
Key Challenges
* Everything except RO and Mixing systems must fit underneath the tank.
* Floor is hardwood but web-truss design (not on grade). Addition of jack posts and support beams required.
* Finding the right tank! Lots of Chinese made tanks fit the size criteria, but rimless with both top & bottom euro-bracing is definitely not my thing.
* Designing a cabinet stand with suitable aesthetics, structural strength for no vertical support dividers, hinge-less lift-away panels.
* Designing and building the cabinet without jumping ahead of confirmed tank dimensions, but far enough in advance of tank delivery.
* Automation and how far to take it on the "first pass".
Pictures posted next...
The Parameters
* 6' long Peninsula tank at least 28" tall because I'm a fish guy! 72x24x30
* Not rimless, trying to learn from others who had gone rimless and said after several years they wish they hadn't (for valid reasons)
* 3/4 glass bottom.
* Low-iron glass on three sides.
* No filter socks, fleece roll system.
* Skimmer-less filtration with refugium and kick-butt algae scrubber (CW Aquatics CW-300).
* UV system.
* ATO system.
* Continuous Water Change system.
* Open Frame Cabinet (no center supports).
* Stand must fit with the look of the house since it will sit as a space divider between Living Room and Dining Area.
* Lighting must support Softies/LFS in all areas, SPS optional in a such a deep tank.
* Lighting must NOT extensively spill out into the adjacent spaces.
* No canopy or hanging of lights from ceiling, must be supported by the tank rim. Sleek, modern, Open-top appearance is a must-have.
Key Challenges
* Everything except RO and Mixing systems must fit underneath the tank.
* Floor is hardwood but web-truss design (not on grade). Addition of jack posts and support beams required.
* Finding the right tank! Lots of Chinese made tanks fit the size criteria, but rimless with both top & bottom euro-bracing is definitely not my thing.
* Designing a cabinet stand with suitable aesthetics, structural strength for no vertical support dividers, hinge-less lift-away panels.
* Designing and building the cabinet without jumping ahead of confirmed tank dimensions, but far enough in advance of tank delivery.
* Automation and how far to take it on the "first pass".
Pictures posted next...
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