Now that I have everybody confused by the whole downsize/upgrade thing let me explain. Current setup is a standard dimension Oceanic 135 gallon starphire front 72" long 18" front to back full SPS that has been running for about 7 years.
I have had pretty good success over the years but I have never really been happy with the tank mainly due to the 18" depth that when you add in two internal overflows doesn't give you much room. Combine that with townhouse living and three kids and I decided it was time to downsize.
Now for the upgrade part. I ended up finding an amazing deal on a 36" long, 24" deep, 18" high custom built rimless tank with an external overflow on the rear. So while I am downsizing in overall capacity I am super excited about the dimensions of the new tank, especially the 24" depth and consider the change to be an upgrade.
First item of business was to build the stand. I'm sticking with the old tried and true 2x4 skeleton and then will be adding solid wood panels stained to match the furniture and attached with french cleats for easy removal.
I built the stand 6" longer then the actual tank to give myself am small work area/place to set things down when fragging, feeding, etc and also built in a separated compartment to house all of the apex gear.
I test filled the tank everything looked good so I added a jug of vinegar, let it sit for a couple of days and then went to work scrubbing off all the old gunk. Previous owner did not appear to be very enthusiastic about cleaning the glass as the entire tank was coated in thick dried up coraline. Once clean the tank was filled with a combination of new slat water and water from the current system.
For now the tank will remain in the garage until I can get the old system broken down and out of the living room. Hopefully tonight when i get home all parameters match between the current system and new system and I can start moving things over.
I have had pretty good success over the years but I have never really been happy with the tank mainly due to the 18" depth that when you add in two internal overflows doesn't give you much room. Combine that with townhouse living and three kids and I decided it was time to downsize.
Now for the upgrade part. I ended up finding an amazing deal on a 36" long, 24" deep, 18" high custom built rimless tank with an external overflow on the rear. So while I am downsizing in overall capacity I am super excited about the dimensions of the new tank, especially the 24" depth and consider the change to be an upgrade.
First item of business was to build the stand. I'm sticking with the old tried and true 2x4 skeleton and then will be adding solid wood panels stained to match the furniture and attached with french cleats for easy removal.
I built the stand 6" longer then the actual tank to give myself am small work area/place to set things down when fragging, feeding, etc and also built in a separated compartment to house all of the apex gear.
I test filled the tank everything looked good so I added a jug of vinegar, let it sit for a couple of days and then went to work scrubbing off all the old gunk. Previous owner did not appear to be very enthusiastic about cleaning the glass as the entire tank was coated in thick dried up coraline. Once clean the tank was filled with a combination of new slat water and water from the current system.
For now the tank will remain in the garage until I can get the old system broken down and out of the living room. Hopefully tonight when i get home all parameters match between the current system and new system and I can start moving things over.