Renton's Evolution from 200 to 440 gallons

[Renton777]

Tomorrow I am going to go get a bunch of dry marco rock. The boy and I taped out the outline of the tank and placed the closed loop intakes and returns down (their order is still subject to change).

The intakes will be mounted higher up to reduce the chance of sand getting sucked in. I also intend to keep the rock at least 6" from the class to give a lot of room for swimming and flow.

 

[nornicle]

I realise I recognise this room from tidal gardens based on that circular window?

 

[Renton777]

I realise I recognise this room from tidal gardens based on that circular window?

You are correct. In the Tidal Gaardens world my aquarium is know as Nathan's Aquarium.

 

[Renton777]

Got some rocks and played around. Built the first structure. I am trying to hide the closed loops so I have that limitation but I have some pretty good ideas in my head for the rest of the rock.

The tape measure shows the overall height of the tank

Then I grabbed some plumbing....a startling amount of plumbing. o_O

 

[Renton777]

Progress on the rock construction

 

[mattgsa]

I love the rock work

 

[Renton777]

If you like videos of rocks, well you have come to the right thread. I finished a third rock structure. The pile of rocks in front of the far left closed loop return and the rocks to the left of that are not complete, just stacked up to get a little look.



Also, a few pictures of the actual tanks with the holes drilled!

Display tank:

Frag tank:

Sump:

 

[Renton777]

More rocks

 

[tripdad]

Really liking the rockwork, especially the open, negative space at the sand bed level. The arch is a nice feature too.

 

[Renton777]

Aquarium Placement....getting closer

 

[Renton777]

Here is a video that Tidal Gardens made about the tank move:

 

[Renton777]

I wasn't sure if I was going to soak the rock structures I made in water prior to putting them in the tank until I was at Tidal Gardens and they had some rocks soaking and the water was clearly discolored.

So, I soaked the rocks in RODI water for about 5 days. A film definitely formed on the top or the water and the water clouded up. After draining the water a white residue was left in the tubs. I am happy I soaked them.

 

[Renton777]

Tanks are on schedule to arrive Wednesday morning. I am getting everything set to hit the ground running on plumbing the system Wednesday and Thursday.

 

[Wrangy]

Exciting times ahead!!
(I always recommend people soak their rock in RO for at least two weeks too, makes such a huge difference to the start of a tank and not dealing with so many uglies haha)

 

[Djtonton]

Cant Wait!!! If you need an extra hand during the process please let me know im right around the corner!

 

[Camaro Show Corals]

Cant wait to get your 200;)

 

[Renton777]

Thanks to some retired folks, neighbors working from home and a couple reefers we will able to get everything in place with a lot of sweat and muscle! Went reasonably smooth.

Started some plumbing today and now I am off to Lowes to get more plumbing odds and ends.

 

[Renton777]

 

[Renton777]

 

[Wrangy]

I am crazy excited for you!!! :D The tanks are just gorgeous!!!