dlogfx's Neo 65 remodel

[dlogfx]

So I've had this tank for a few years and recently it crashed due to power failure when I was on vacation. Since everything was wiped out I lost interest until recently when I found an overflow on eBay (http://tinyurl.com/nrakh9v) that gave me the idea to remodel my tank.

Ever since I got my tank I always had a problem with how much space the overflow would take away from the display area.

Here are some details with my tank:

Tank: Deep Sea Aquatics Neo 65 Gallon (36"x20"x21")
Lighting: Kessil A360W
Return: Tunze Silence 1073.020
Powerhead: MP10W
Heater: Eheim Jager 250w
Skimmer: AquaMaxx ConeS CO-1
Dosing: Neptune DOS
Controller: Neptune Systems (fun fact my serial # is 9 so I've been a fan for a while), AFS and WXM

This is what my tank looks like today. I included a side view to show how much space is wasted with the current overflow system.

 

[zoo]

I have the same tank, but I epoxied rocks together to make a bonsai look with a lot of shelf rock

 

[dlogfx]

So like I mentioned before was that I didn't like the overflow system that is currently on my tank.
I purchased this (http://tinyurl.com/nrakh9v) overflow box with these custom specs:

• the front box that sits in the box was unchanged
• the rear box was changed to a 3" width (original is 4")
• only 2 bulkhead drains to the sump ( 1" and 1/2")

I plan on using a Spears gate valve on the 1" drain that way I could dial in the flow to cut down on the noise it will produce.

This is my mock up on how much space I should have after the upgrade.

 

[dlogfx]

I have the same tank, but I epoxied rocks together to make a bonsai look with a lot of shelf rock

Great idea. I've always wanted a shelf look so might just do it with the remodel. My current scape is not final, its really just temporary until I makes the changes to the tank.

 

[dlogfx]

Leak testing the sump I built before it goes in the tank stand for good. Really hoping there are no leaks.

 

[dlogfx]

A new piece I got Thursday. I have it rubber banded between two rocks so it could attach.

 

[dlogfx]

Picked up some black paint this afternoon to blackout the back panel. Pretty happy with how it came out. Now I just need to wait for my overflow to come in.

Before

After

 

[dlogfx]

While I wait for my overflow to come in I thought I might as well give the ugly white PVC a spray of black.
4 coats later this is what it looks like.

 

[dlogfx]

Here are a few pictures of this weekend's work.

Old overflow box was removed. That's was a lot harder than I thought it would be. They really siliconed it well.

New overflow is in and return hole is also drilled.





Original drain/return holes are plugged.

 

[dlogfx]

Temporary home for my little guys.

 

[dlogfx]

I kind of just threw rocks and corals in but I'm kinda liking the scape.

I'm temporarily running my BRS reactor with a setament filter to clear the water from the new sand dust.

 

[dlogfx]

 

[dlogfx]

Here is what the sump looks like. Still need to clean it up a little bit.

 

[dlogfx]

Here's what the tank looks like today. The water cleared up.

 

[dlogfx]

 

[dlogfx]

 

[dlogfx]

I got a surprise today. I wasn't supposed to get this till tomorrow. Guess BRS fast shipping really works.

Can't believe how quite this thing is. It's even quieter than my MP10.