New tank stand build up for the man cave - updated 1/3

R

Racersk

Well-Known Member
Well phase 2 is well underway. Move the big tank off the old metal stand and onto the new stand has been accomplished- BIG shout out to the neighbors!!

Now onto phase 3 that is to complete the wall behind the stand and figure out permanent plumbing for the whole thing. I have it set up with the one clean 40 breeder on top. I have the other half breeder full of pothos and the other plants. I will move that over when I place it on the new stand for good- once the wall is fixed up and the plumbing if finalized.

20171030_125525.jpg 20171030_142301.jpg 20171030_125548.jpg 20171030_142337.jpg 20171030_142423.jpg

The final product for today - minus the wall repair that happens tonight.

20171030_174312.jpg 20171030_174450.jpg
 
R

Racersk

Well-Known Member
Still a ton more to do. I have the week off so the tank project got attention 1st. I need to use a couple of these days to swap the transmission on my Toyota 4x4 and the IFS front gear diff. More if the weather holds for me.

When it gets too cold or starts raining, I will be throwing more mud on the wall so I can get my garage back!
 
R

Racersk

Well-Known Member
Still working on the wall, but the tank stand and set up is pretty much done.. Here come the pics...

20171102_214629.jpg

Back plumbing detail
20171102_214707.jpg

Side overflow to main tank
20171102_214744.jpg

'Waterbridge'
20171102_214800.jpg

Planters in the 40 breeder
20171102_214812.jpg

20171102_214856.jpg 20171102_214903.jpg 20171102_214917.jpg 20171102_214926.jpg
He LOVES his mirror!
 
FishBeast

FishBeast

Well-Known Member
Great job, looks really good!! Fish look happy, even grumpy gourami is smiling inside :p Really enjoy this build, brother. Rock on!
 
R

Racersk

Well-Known Member
It is the last 5% that takes the most time... just like car building.:zzz

Here is todays progress in a few pics. Major hurdles passed...

The back wall is DONE

I have a mirror behind the top tanks to add tons of depth.

I made a DIY overflow to clean up my water flowing to the sump. I moved the green overflow from the back of the tank to the 2nd upper tank that flows into the 120. It is lower prigile and fits that spot.

I also just moved my outflows to hide plumbing/heaters and painted it all to camaflage it all.

Having to wait each time to verify flow and ANY potential leaks is a major concern and consideration on this build.

There have been a couple leaks already, but all were easilly spotted, seeing as the tank is 2' from the wall!

Wall FINALLY done and painted.
20171119_182755.jpg

Plumbing before
20171119_182829.jpg
After
20171122_005501.jpg

20171121_204255.jpg
20171121_204310.jpg
20171121_204310.jpg
DIY overflow.

20171119_182755.jpg 20171119_182755.jpg 20171119_182755.jpg 20171121_204303.jpg 20171121_204420.jpg
 
VickiK

VickiK

Member with a lot to say
Wow. That looks awesome!

And to top it off, you're making me hankering for an Oscar.....or three.

Edited to add: LOVE the water bridge feature!
 
VickiK

VickiK

Member with a lot to say
Racersk said:
My oscar is in need of a rehome now too. The Giant Gourami is gettinh very agro lately...
Click to expand...

Um. How big is he? Maybe I could keep him with Tankie until I get the 'big tank' for both of them? Is a Texas Red Cichlid and an Oscar a good combo? Tankie is a sweet boy. Not aggressive at all.
 
R

Racersk

Well-Known Member
Updated Mancave pics. Working on trimming out the sump area of the stand- Also note the new curtain 'hood' for hiding the lighting.

FB_IMG_1514695421707.jpg FB_IMG_1514695264287.jpg 20171125_163402.jpgexpanded MAN CAVE shot

20171214_184302.jpg me and The cat watching the tank

20171128_203831.jpg
my newest inhabitant
 
R

Racersk

Well-Known Member
VickiK said:
@Racersk - AWESOME!! Keep those pics coming and pet that kitty for me!
Click to expand...

Plan on closing up the lower suml area, not sure how to break down the trim work... 4 sections, more? Should I add a center support to attach too? I got some scrap thin plywood to work with, I will make it work. I plan to keep the suml light on all the time to encourage algae growth im the sump instead of the tanks.

If you know anyone that can take my Oscar, send them my way, ViciK. He/she is in a 40 breeder so he/she won't continue to be attacked by my gourami.
 
R

Racersk

Well-Known Member
Friday night water change with the family...

20180112_195753.jpg

I also just made a big purchase today, a DC sump pump...I need more flow and the x2 locally purchased pumps ain't cuttin' it!

Screenshot_20180112-202626.png





So far, I had to move heavy stuff around to be sure that the upper drain into the lower tank stayed put. The bigger fish moved it and caused a small back flow issue a couple times. Also, the floating bio balls can NOT reside in the upper left tank. One fell into the overflow and clogged the tube tight!

No harm no fowl, but this stuff can't happen once I skin the bottom up!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top