300xl Build

[Bob E]

Hi just getting a build thread started I will update as often as I can remember. Currently just getting started
The Tank is a RedSea Reefer 300XL

 

[Peace River]

Congratulations on the new adventure! We look forward to seeing pictures - we're cheering for you!

 

[Bob E]

A start of the list
Reefer 300XL
Sky light with hanging kit
2 Vortec Pumps
Will have sand bottom
Skimmer I'll find out Christmas day
I'm going to try the RedSea slide out for cabinet
the Vectra M2
BRS heaters and controller
Pentair UV, no solid plan for it yet how to hook this up yet
Narrow Fit Auto Top Off Reservoir
Tunze Osmolator
Will be using socks. was planning on changing to some type of roller mat, like a new trigger system next year. but after redsea is going to release a roller mat this spring I may go that route
Doser I was thinking the Versa

 

[Bob E]

Just getting started on some of the rock work. I'm not looking to get to elaborate but want to make something that has many swim thru locations

 

[Bob E]

some updated pics for some of the rockwork

 

[ReefRondo]

Looking forward to seeing this take shape. I’ve just ‘finished’ my 300XL. Love the tank.

 

[Bob E]

I don't think clown is very impressed with the carpet anemone. :D

 

[Bob E]

Our cat checking out the new tank
a couple of videos of the rock work

 

[Bob E]

A couple of videos added to show the two rock structures
Getting closer to getting something I think will work

 

[ShakerBreaker]

Nice Scape! Can't wait to see it in water

 

[Bob E]

The rock work turned out better than I thought I could do. I hesitated to get even started because I had little confidence I could create something that would look good and be solid so it wouldn’t stress me out that it will fall apart and impact the glass one day.

What I learned from trying my own aquascape.

I approached the start with the intention of only working on it an hour at a time. This I think helped me from not getting overwhelmed and when you come back I was ready to continue or make a change if needed.
Personally I didn’t a big wall of rock covering most of the view of the tank. I was thinking half way up for height no more. Wanted swim through locations, maybe a cave and several smaller overhangs. I was afraid of creating long stretching arms because I didn’t believe I could make them strong enough to stay together in the tank.

I used for the rock build
10 oz of Gel glue ( used 65% of it)
1 2 oz insta-set (I found out after starting, this is a must have)
6 sticks of two part epoxy (only used 4.5)
1 pound of general boding glue( used 25% of it)
I saved all the the broken rock pieces and powder(from breaking them into smaller pieces). Used this to help cover the epoxy and glue
I used some cardboard and Styrofoam for my envelope to work within

I did this while sitting on the floor. if I ever so this again it will be on a table. it will feel better and be able to see the scape better

the rock (Marcorock)
4 small base rocks
3 medium base rocks
Guessing here maybe 60 pounds of extra rock
Also had some shelf rock I got from BRS in there gifting over the holidays

While working with the aquascape. I would pick it up and turn it around to re-enforce all the seems. In this process one piece broke. Actually the rock broke in half not the bonded seem. I just bonded the pieces back together just at a slightly different angle then before. The more I moved it around the more confidence I had that it was going to stay together. After all said and done I'm happy with what I have ended up with and in the future I would definitely go this path again.

 

[Bob E]

Scape in the tank video

 

[Bob E]

I forgot to take many before pics to the water station in my basement.
Here is the wood platform created

I'm adding features for leak control. So the water goes only where I want it. this side I will use Brute tash cans. following the plumbing that others have set up

on the otherside of the wall from I will have the RO units. Hung 2x4 for mounting

 

[Bob E]

I switched out the barb and hose and changed them out for a 3/4 inch tube and barbs

added a marine pure blocks. I have them here for short term. I'll move them to another chamber

 

[Sean Clark]

Ok, you've got my attention... Following.

 

[Bob E]

I've been working on wiring management. This is definitely a bit of a challenge
This is the Redsea slide out.
I made some 3/4 thick inch strips to pull the panel A little further away from the inside of the cabinet so I could place some of the power supply's

 

[Sean Clark]

Can some one call the fire department? Fire hazard..... as in I am fired up about this!

 

[Bob E]

The hard to see video is just the Mp40 just starting for the first time. At the start it was quite nosie. This was from weeks ago. now I can't here anything from it. Happy it cleared up

 

[Sean Clark]

The hard to see video is just the Mp40 just starting for the first time. At the start it was quite nosie. This was from weeks ago. now I can't here anything from it. Happy it cleared up

I have video but can't hear anything. Is that because it is super quiet or can you give a youtube link?

 

[Bob E]

I have video but can't hear anything. Is that because it is super quiet or can you give a youtube link?

I edited post with a link to youtube see if this works better. Thanks for letting me know a change was needed