New California Two Spot (Bimac) Build.

kchristensen8064

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This isn't my first tank, I currently have a 120 gallon mixed reef and a 20 gallon mantis shrimp tank that I don't have build threads for unfortunately, but this is a really cool and exciting build for me, so I thought I'd share this one, so I'll do my best to update this build thread. I got into this hobby about 15 years ago, and one thing I have always wanted was to have a octopus tank, I think I have gathered enough experience over the years to make this happen. I'm looking at a Bimac and so far have acquired a Red Sea 525XL that was the victim of the what seems to be common seam failure, I will be resealing this and making it my display. I was also able to acquire a 40b that I will silicone baffles into for my sump, a used oversized skimmer which will be needed for the bio-load of an octopus, a Maxspect Jump 10k for the return, a 1/4hp chiller to make sure I can keep the tank down near 70°, about 100lbs of pukani rock, and thanks to winning a decent amount of money from one of the contests around Black Friday with BRS, the sand, ATO, and all the other little items needed. I also scored all the 4040, 4080, and 40120 extrusion aluminum I need to build the stand from work for $40. I'll be working on the stand over the Christmas week. I also found a granite countertop for the top of the stand for $20 on market place, I'll need to cut it and I plan to live edge the showing edges, I'll see how that goes.
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kchristensen8064

kchristensen8064

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Stand is finished,
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I'm getting the back panel attached tomorrow and then I can move the stand into it's home in the house.
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I also got the 40b sump finished, went smoother than anticipated with cutting of the glass so that was a bonus.
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I was also able to get my cut edges on the granite top all polished out and it's ready to be mounted on the stand.
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Next will be, getting the granite mounted on the stand, getting the front and side panels made, and getting the display tank resealed.
 
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kchristensen8064

kchristensen8064

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Started dismantling and cleaning the Redsea 525xl today to prepare for the complete seam reseal. Old silicone is not easy to get off, but clean new razor blades, Acetone, and a melamine sponge with vinegar water and a lot of elbow grease is getting the job done.
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kchristensen8064

kchristensen8064

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Are you going to have any intake or exhaust for thst chiller? A good size pancake fan on the right side of the stand actuated by the chiller would work.
I am going to have ventilation on both sides of the stand, I am making custom vent grills on both sides so I can have good air exchange inside the stand.
 
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kchristensen8064

kchristensen8064

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I now have the whole tank dismantled and cleaned for the most part. I'll go back over everything to make sure all the old silicone is removed before the reassembly takes place. I'm going to spend most of next weekend trying to buff and polish out as many of the scratches and water stains on the 3 viewing panels as I can, put new black vinyl on the back panel, and give everything a good final cleaning. Then the reassembly will take place the weekend after. I will work on plumbing and getting it ready to get wet after the silicone has had a couple days to cure and I can move it to the stand. Then if all goes well I'll have water in it and running by the weekend of the 25th. The granite is getting moved to the stand tomorrow, I'm very excited to see how it will look.
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kchristensen8064

kchristensen8064

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Made some slower progress this weekend, I got the glass cleaned, polished, and the new vinyl on the back panel. I made an attempt at the scratches but crap would that take forever to sand out, so I ultimately decided that I can live with some of them. The polishing worked out most of the finer scratches and the water stains.

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I also started to build the frame for the front of the stand, I'm building it out of white ash and will whitewash it to give it a little bit of a farmhouse look. The doors will have a whitewashed frame with barnwood panels. My clamps were just a little short, so I had to improvise.

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I'm going to be putting vents on both of the side panels since I have the chiller in there so that I can get good air exchange, I'll probably also mount a fan to help push fresh air through. I am making these custom octopus vent covers just to be a little different.

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I also finished getting the silicone off the overflow, the plastic weir, and the bulkheads they are siliconed in for red seas plumbing. Next weekend the tank goes back together!
 
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becca10

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Following, looks like an awesome build. I have 2 stocky and 4 carberryi's in my 150 gal. Would love to add a few bimacs.
 

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Gumbies R Us

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Following along! This is some awesome work you are putting into your tank!
 
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kchristensen8064

kchristensen8064

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Following along! This is some awesome work you are putting into your tank!
Thank you! I've spent the last 1.5 years remodeling the house so this needs to fit in and be just as pretty as the rest of the house. Definitely one of the more exciting builds that I have done.
 

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