300xl Build

Peace River

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

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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
 
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Bob E

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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
 

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Bob E

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some updated pics for some of the rockwork
 

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Bob E

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

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Bob E

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

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Bob E

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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

269749394_651549049307444_2267718032337726949_n.jpg

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.
 
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Bob E

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I forgot to take many before pics to the water station in my basement.
Here is the wood platform created
1642369222102.jpeg


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
1642369313780.jpeg


on the otherside of the wall from I will have the RO units. Hung 2x4 for mounting
1642369420244.jpeg
 
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Bob E

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I switched out the barb and hose and changed them out for a 3/4 inch tube and barbs
1642543899062.png


added a marine pure blocks. I have them here for short term. I'll move them to another chamber
1642543745150.png
 
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Bob E

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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
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1642565275605.jpeg
 

Sean Clark

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Can some one call the fire department? Fire hazard..... as in I am fired up about this!
Rue Fist Bump GIF by euphoria
 
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Bob E

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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
 

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Sean Clark

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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?
 
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