Maybe the start of a build thread

[kgstei]

So today I'm playing around with dry rock to get a sense of what I want in my new tank. I ran out of dry Rock so I have two Brute containers with dry Rock and saltwater. I had added a couple of pieces of "live rock" that had been sitting dry, outside in the Sun for about a week. I was figuring the rot the rocks could be used to start the cycle. I needed a piece of Branch Rock for my new structure so I grabbed one from the brute. This is what I found crawling on it. Crazy! These rocks have been sealed 6 weeks in this container in my unheated basement. Maybe 55 degrees.

 

[JakeAndAmanda]

Looks like one of those bugs you would find outside under a rock

 

[kgstei]

That's exactly what I said. Its a chiton. I've seen them online before but never in person. Supposed to be algae eaters

 

[JakeAndAmanda]

You beat me to picking up those corals the other day from that reefer with the algae tank or whatever. How did they work out?

 

[kgstei]

Getting closer

 

[Dburr1014]

What size tank?

 

[kgstei]

It's in 8 foot by 2 foot by 2 foot 240 gallon

 

[kgstei]

It's got some issues so we'll see what happens. The Overflow has to be re siliconed. It also has two chips in the glass. I'm going to put some epoxy in them to hopefully smooth them out. One of them has me a bit concerned I plan on siliconing a piece of 1/2 inch glass on the inside of the tank to hopefully reinforce that area. It's a risk but we'll see what happens. When I figure out what I'm going to do to the stand cover up that area with a piece of trim

 

[Dburr1014]

Very nice size. You are braver than me my friend. I hope it works out for you, keep us posted!

 

[kgstei]

You always see posts about chipped tanks and the general consensus is stay away from them. I figured this makes sense to me so we'll give it a shot. I did put a drain in the floor though just in case. Hopefully if it goes it's a leak and not an explosion. Do I have to mention I'm not married so I can do what I want to do

 

[Dburr1014]

I guess if it's a corner, put pieces on the 3 sides. Or an edge, 2 sides. Makes sense that it will strengthen it.

 

[fltt]

Nice size I also have a 240g same dimensions. Good luck with the repairs.

 

[JMetaxas]

Plan on some free SPS frags from me once it’s up and running.

 

[kgstei]

This may be the only chance I would have at keeping a sps. That sweet spot between brand new and until my slacker ways catch up with me. But this time it'll be different at least I'll have the ability to do my water changes with a pump instead of hauling buckets from the basement.

 

[JMetaxas]

Maintenance will slack if it becomes too much of a PITA. My 180 gallon is now about a year old and really settling in nicely. There were several “cycles” I dealt with, including some difficulties like Dinos, Bryopsis, Cyano, Aiptasia, etc, but they all seem in control now.

I‘ve also incorporated regular ICP tests into my schedule. For $45 it’s great peace of mind. I typically do them once per quarter.

 

[kgstei]

Nice size I also have a 240g same dimensions. Good luck with the repairs.

Yes, thank you. I'm excited to get it going. I've been waiting on finding this size tank for a couple of years. I bought a 180 a couple of years ago but never set it up hoping I'd find the 8 ft tank. Could you share a pic of your tank?