Paul’s 240 gallon upgrade!

[Dubs83]

09/05/18 -Update! Warrants a title change!

Confirmed the aquarium size. After getting a few quotes for a 84x24x24, we ended up with a 96x24x24. Don’t ask me how it happened but my wonderful fiancé gave me the thumbs up so I didn’t ask any questions.

It’s standard 5/8” glass all around with tempered 5/8” bottom. It was drilled today and looking at a delivery time of about 3-4 weeks. This is good. I have a local stand builder that does a lot for the Monster Fish Keeper community that will be fabricating a metal stand for me and should have it ready in about two/three weeks. This gives me some time to think about and plan the move.

Can I ask and get some advice on how you moved your live stock during an upgrade? I’m currently planning to do this in phases but I just want to me sure I don’t miss anything.

Phase 1- move the current display and the inhabitants to the fish room and continue running it for a weekend with a hang on back filter while I set up and fill the new display.

Phase 2- when done filling, move over livestock and rock to the new tank and continue running it using the current sump.

Phase 3- once the new display is running, clean up and turn the 125 into a sump.

Phase 4- once the sump is done, remove the new display from the current filtration system and make the necessary changes to the fish room and plumbing to accommodate the new 125 sump.

I maybe over thinking it but I can’t help but stress about losses. Amazing, the attachment we make with our fish!

I still have yet to solve the heating issue. Winter is looming and I’d like to get a solution. I like what @neilp2006 had suggested but I’d like to keep it from the homes water heater as id like to avoid stagnant water in the line and potentially causing a bacterial growth of some kind in the home water.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know where I can source a reasonably priced titanium heat exchanger?

 

[User]

Fishstreet have a titanium evaporator coil that could serve as a heat exchanger. Wouldn’t be hard to remove the ends and add appropriate connections to a small on demand water heater.

https://www.fish-street.com/aquariu...rch_string=Titanium&category_id=117&ri_page=2

 

[jrlg]

Following along, have my own 200g building and I had the same image on my phone a bunch of goodies coming my way. But you got me beat on sump size only doing a 45g

 

[Dubs83]

Following along, have my own 200g building and I had the same image on my phone a bunch of goodies coming my way. But you got me beat on sump size only doing a 45g

Following along! Build looks great!

 

[Dubs83]

Fishstreet have a titanium evaporator coil that could serve as a heat exchanger. Wouldn’t be hard to remove the ends and add appropriate connections to a small on demand water heater.

https://www.fish-street.com/aquariu...rch_string=Titanium&category_id=117&ri_page=2

I saw that one. My only concern is the copper fittings at the end...

 

[User]

I saw that one. My only concern is the copper fittings at the end...

I’d chop those off and use appropriate ID silicone tubing and a bunch of zip ties, or try to flare it and use plastic flare fittings... but I’m not even sure where to get those

 

[Dubs83]

I’d chop those off and use appropriate ID silicone tubing and a bunch of zip ties, or try to flare it and use plastic flare fittings... but I’m not even sure where to get those

Can you do that with hot water? Will the silicone tubing hold up? I don’t know these things lol

 

[User]

Can you do that with hot water? Will the silicone tubing hold up? I don’t know these things lol

Sure- silicone is resistant to high heat. They use it in car radiator hoses. Plus oven mitts are made from it.

Example- https://www.mcmaster.com/5236k229

 

[Dubs83]

Update: some new toys

I went ahead and moved on the steel stand, the only thing I still need to give the builder is the height. He’ll be using 2x2x1/8” square tubing- anyone see any issues with that?

On to the height:
With the tank at 25” high, for those that are following and care to share, do you think I should go with a 30” or 35” tall stand? Also, my floor isn’t completely level and I was thinking of using some heavy duty leveling legs and swimming around them Incase one fails. Again, any input on this?

Paul

 

[jrlg]

On to the height:
With the tank at 25” high, for those that are following and care to share, do you think I should go with a 30” or 35” tall stand? Also, my floor isn’t completely level and I was thinking of using some heavy duty leveling legs and swimming around them Incase one fails. Again, any input on this?

Paul[/QUOTE]
I'm 6 foot 3 and I feel having a 24 inch tall tank on 30 inch stand is perfect good eye level for viewing and if you do need to get to the back a small step stool works.
Also that is counter height if I remember correctly

My vote 30"

 

[User]

Mine is 42”... but I needed it high to get the frame over the top of the couch...

 

[Dubs83]

After some discussion with the boss, we are going to go with 35” stand. My current stand is 32” and it’s about the right height. At 24 inches tall, the aquarium should top at just above my nips. I’m 6’1”. Maintenance maybe a little tougher but nothing a small step ladder can’t fix.

Otherwise, not much to update. Waiting on the rest of the toys to arrive and I started working on the new sump stand but that’s it.


Still needs legs.

 

[Dubs83]

I’ve been away for the last two weeks so not much in terms of an update. The stand builder did promise to send picture of my stand coming together so I figured I’d share what he sent me so far.

 

[Dubs83]

Taking shape. Update from the builder while I’m away.

 

[Victoria M]

Very cool. I enjoyed your past build and fish room so I have high expectations sir. Lol

 

[Dubs83]

Very cool. I enjoyed your past build and fish room so I have high expectations sir. Lol

Oh man! Lol. No pressure. I feel guilty for the lack of updates on this thread this week but I’ve been away for two weeks!

 

[Victoria M]

No pressure!

 

[Dubs83]

Update 09/18/18:

Came home from a long trip and found me another box of toys in the garage.

This time, it’s the Exotic Marine Systems, 35” over flow.

 

[Dubs83]

So, I’m starting to really get used to walking up to the front door and finding presents. I like it even more when the UPS guy is thoughtful enough to cover my packages with a plastic bag to keep them dry. This makes me happy!

What’s inside? Well, I’ve recently been trying to get a hold of a slight aiptasia problem and have debated whether or not I should “nuke” the existing rock in bleach or acid and just start fresh. This, as we know, will basically kill anything beneficial on the rock as well. I decided to continue the battle in a more natural way...

15 peppermint shrimp

And in the other, a little help from the swabbie between maintenance.

I also got the call from my stand builder to pick up my stand! It’s ready! I’ll be taking it for powder coating tomorrow but I’m being told the lead time is roughly 2 weeks which should coincide with my aquarium delivery!

 

[najer]

Nice, hope the peps do well for you!