Blog Comments

Two coats of white acrylic enamel spray on the inside... but you may be correct. We'll see how well it handles the moisture. I couldnt figure out how to post all the pictures in one message. It seemed to run out of space. I guess I probably should have read the helps on the website first huh?

Thanks for all the kind replies. I will try to get some specs together the next time I get over to my kids place pepper'scove. Few things I would do differently... perhaps even skipping the inner fram altogether. More to follow

What are you trying to say?

man talk about taking the wind out of your sails after all the hard work I'm sure. It looks great

Very nice and went and looked at the video too. Awesome job!

Would you mind posting specs and dimensions. Maybe even a cut list and a couple pre-build drawings. I just recently aquired a 75 gal tank and plan to do something like this in the future. Learning from you would be great. Maybe even some suggestions on things you would change. Thanks!

Looks good, as long as you seal it well. That hardboard isn't very good around moisture.

You can post as many pictures as you like in a single blog entry.

Sounds like you are right on track. Now let that tank break in, and don't overload it with more livestock for a few weeks.

Thanks to all...
I generally wouldnt travel more than a week at a time... so if it is possible to set it up right to accomodate that amount of time... then lean on my son or someone else to pick up the slack... I may just have to push the button! This absolutely is an intriguing hobby!
8 weeks into my son's conversion and here's where we stand...
75 G display tank
35 G refugium (home made)
2" sand bed in each, some cheato in the fuge
110 pounds of live rock
2 fish, 8-10 snails, 1 small crab, 1 leather coral (hitchhiker with some of the LR we bought from a guy breaking down his tank)
What a ride!

I would join a local club. From there you'll be able to find some trustworthy people who can watch your tank while you're away. You'll likely earn a good friend or two as well. :-)

If you choose to travel, you need to have a plan of whom can watch your tank whilst you are away. Some fish stores will offer to check on your tank for a fee. Or maybe your son can help when you are away.

3-4 consecutive weeks or separate? If you automate/simply your system well enough you can safely leave it for a week. however, without an auto top off and solid temps I would not advise it. the fish in an established aquarium will find nourishment within the system just feed them well before and after. I am able to leave my tank for a week at a time with no worries and no babysitter. you just have to keep it in mind during the design phase... also it can take up to a year to actually design and setup your system depending on the design and peripherals. and how much DIY equipment/furniture you incorporate into the system.