75 gallon tank

I want to keep my project moving forward, but as I said in my last post the oil base floor and utility enamel is taking a long time to dry. Fortunately, I learned my lesson and started painting without thinning first. When I painted the remainder of the stand, it dried much faster and I've been able to get two good coats on the top and sides. I plan on moving ahead with the plumbing this week prior to putting the second coat on the underside of the stand.

For tonight, I decided to move ...

A very busy work week and cooler temperatures have slowed progress to a crawl this week.

On Monday I got the top on the stand frame and lifted the tank into place for a trial. I wanted to confirm the height would be about what I'd thought and get the wife's approval. Here's a picture of the tank on the frame with my wife (5'2") standing next to it. I thought I'd also gotten a picture with the sump in place once I'd completed the lower platform, but I can't find it now.
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First let's take care of some house keeping. I ordered some more parts Friday (Mag 12 for return, (2) 150 watt heaters, and the biopellet reactor). I was a little disappointed because the Vertex reactors were out of stock, so I ordered the slightly more expensive Reef Octopus. Both reactors seem to get good reviews so I don't think I necessarily settled for a lesser version and I was into free shipping so I didn't want to wait for the Vertex reactors to be restocked. Everything should arrive by ...

The overflow I ordered came in today. Here's the package contents. I guess candy is a trademark thing for these guys, lol. Just noticed the hole saw isn't in this picture, but it came with the kit also.



Measured multiple times and placed the template.


Per the instructions, I got the holes started using the template and then removed the template.


I ...

I'm ready to order the overflow but wanted to get some input from some of you guys with more experience. After all I'm really liking the idea provided in one of my earlier blogs about using an MP-40 and maybe adding an MP-10 for flow over my planned use of a snapper hybrid (less electrical use and fewer holes in the tank). I've also just about talked myself into the AI Sol leds because they're more electrically efficient and if they last as long as advertised will be a significant savings in buying ...