AlexGs Basement Plywood Build 2 displays one system.

[AlexG]

This was very informative. Im in the process of designing a plywood build with almost identical dimensions to your 720 gallon. Im also going with 3/4" glass and just had a question about the install. Do you have a lip/ledge of wood for the bottom edge of the glass to sit on? or is the silicone strong enough to keep the glass in place after flipping the tank upright?

Since I installed the 1/2" PVC bottom on the 720 gallon tank the glass was butted against that bottom. If you are using RTV 108 to seal the glass in place it will not go anywhere. On my reef tank the glass only has a could of small shims of PVC to separate it from the bottom. RTV 108 is strong enough to hold it in place on its own but a couple of shims are a good idea to take that load off of the seal. I gave my tank 2 weeks to cure the glass once it was sealed. I know it was overkill but it worked. I did leave a 2x4 brace in place for a week or two when I flipped the tank just in case it somehow did not seal properly.

 

[AlexG]

Brief update. I added a few fish to the reef tank wrasses and royal grammas and transferred the little flag fin trigger from the reef to the big fish tank. After a day the little trigger has settled in. Had two acros not doing well so I removed them from the tank dipped them then attached them to plugs in the frag tank. It seems the tissues on them has stopped so I will be observing them for a while. The rest of the acros in the frag tank and main display are looking great. I just did a water change last week so I should be good on major maintenance for a while.

 

[vincel892]

Since I installed the 1/2" PVC bottom on the 720 gallon tank the glass was butted against that bottom. If you are using RTV 108 to seal the glass in place it will not go anywhere. On my reef tank the glass only has a could of small shims of PVC to separate it from the bottom. RTV 108 is strong enough to hold it in place on its own but a couple of shims are a good idea to take that load off of the seal. I gave my tank 2 weeks to cure the glass once it was sealed. I know it was overkill but it worked. I did leave a 2x4 brace in place for a week or two when I flipped the tank just in case it somehow did not seal properly.

Thanks! Not sure if already mentioned this but how many RTV tubes did you use for the 720 gallon glass installation?

 

[AlexG]

Thanks! Not sure if already mentioned this but how many RTV tubes did you use for the 720 gallon glass installation?

I believe I had 8-10 on hand but it might have been a couple more or a couple less. I remember that I used a tube of silicone 1 as test on a piece of scrap wood to determine how many inches long an ultra thick bead of silicone is. I did the math and made sure I had enough tubes on hand to lay an ultra thick bead down on the entire seal area and another bead around the outer perimeter of the glass once it was placed on the sealing surface. I then added one or two tubes to have on hand as extra in case I made and bo bo's.

 

[AlexG]

I wonder if it's time to clean the MP40 in the refugium tank?

 

[jsker]

I wonder if it's time to clean the MP40 in the refugium tank?

I think it could go a little longer ;Hilarious

 

[Dvanlier05]

What zoas are these? I'll have to get one when they grow out.

 

[vikinglord13]

Nah, that algae on the mp40 is loving its new home

 

[AlexG]

What zoas are these? I'll have to get one when they grow out.

I can't remember the name on them but I got them at RAP Chicago. I believe the vendor I got them from was out of Florida.

 

[AlexG]

Guess what day it is?

Mantis feeding day

 

[vikinglord13]

Gosh your mantis is so cool!

 

[AlexG]

Light upgrade on the 720 gallon tank is completed. The old AI Vega color units were 6 years old and failed fans were causing led burn out. Decided to go with a reef brite lumi light pro 72" 50/50 as a primary replacement. I will keep one AI going for now as a light ramp up and down cycle.

 

[AlexG]

How about some full tank shots.

 

[themcnertney]

Wow amazing. I just read from the beginning. Also gave you a follow on instagram. I promise, I'm not stalking.

Do you have a job? Seems like this is a full time gig.

 

[AlexG]

Wow amazing. I just read from the beginning. Also gave you a follow on instagram. I promise, I'm not stalking.

Do you have a job? Seems like this is a full time gig.

Thanks. I have a full time job. Most days I can get away with not having to do much other than feeding the tank and some basic maintenance. Once a week I normally spend a little more time on cleaning the skimmer and glass. I do a 200 gallon water change once a month now which does not take too long other than mixing salt and heating the water since there are no buckets involved.

 

[AlexG]

How about some fish pictures from the big tank. With the new reef bright light on the tank I can not photograph the fish again and they let me take some great pictures.

 

[AlexG]

How about a small update. Been spending a lot of time with my microscopes looking at the small life.

 

[najer]

Chiton?

 

[AlexG]

Chiton?

Yes that is a Chiton. I have a couple of small varieties that are reproducing in my system. These are pretty reclusive and I never really see them out plus they blend in with the coraline algae. This one was under a small rock on the sand bed.

 

[AlexG]

Wanted to share a video of the 720 gallon aquarium. Its just raw footage of the tank no commentary just some relaxing music.