1000 Gal Part 9---A brand new system.
by
, 09-07-2014 at 06:20 PM (6406 Views)
HOLY CRAPOLIE..........that is about all I can say. The new wrap and canopy are utterly amazing. It has really finished off the major work in insane fashion. I had already received lots of compliments and thank yous for all of the work that had previously been done on the inside, the difference between the old design and the new was fantastic and made a huge improvement but I wasn't happy, the change that was made wasn't enough, it didn't have the WOW factor that I wanted. A piece of the puzzle was still missing. And let me tell you Dritwood Aquarium Furniture was that missing piece. I am truly more than blessed to have Dion as a friend (even though he will tell you I am a massive pain in the ***) and Driftwood as the go to place for my builds.
Forgetting about the workability and ease a good stand and canopy can offer, I often catch myself wondering why I have a hatred for ugly woodwork. I'm an aquarist, I'm a reefer, hell I get paid to build, establish and maintain beautiful fish tanks. Why should I care about what is outside that glass/acrylic box that holds water. Everytime Driftwood builds something for me I remember why. It really does complete the whole picture. That is not to say that an open system can't be beautiful they can, look at Melev's tank or this system I just installed.
But in an office, or a formal living room, a foyer of a business it isn't the right fit. In part 8 we discussed all the issues that the previous problems with the old wrap and canopy. PROBLEM SOLVED........every last one of them. Access, check................stability..............check. ............security.............check.........no velcro............check..........and last but certainly not least..........BEAUTY..............CHECK CHECK CHECK.
It has been a few weeks now and everyday I turn the corner and the tank, my baby, comes into view, I still get chocked up. Phenomenal is really the only word that I can say. The build surprisingly went very smooth, other than my anxiety and stress level. This was the first time that I have ever had the pleasure to work side by side with Driftwood on a build and I quickly learned to keep my mouth shut and stay our of the way. I want to keep this one short and sweet and let Driftwood's work and the system speak for itself. Some pictures are poor quality and sideways, sorry, I was having technical difficulties, with formatting.
So here are the pics from the demolition to completion.
Coming Apart
More Demo
Old Canopy being destroyed.......THIS WAS FUN!!!!!
SHE'S NAKED
Work space
Professionalism........is in question here.........but it is well deserved.
Excitement
ASM G-4+ X2 with upgraded Sedra dual 9000's..............2x6 braces, with full sheet plywood base and foam. 150 W Emperor Aquatics UV.
TOPLESS.......... 4 3/4 Inch Aquarium Currents feed by a Reef-Flo Hammerhead, on a true closed loop system. Also you can see the 48" T-12 VHO Actinics and the dream.......the MAG FLOAT PRO--acrylic or glass up to 2" thickness.
Dallas Richens, the only one who did more leaning than me all day
Raising the high of the canopy 1 3/4 inches to reduce visable scratches from coraline removal.
A good view of the design ideas, two cut outs for new size spieces systems, the false doors on the side, and the two operating storage/access panels on the bottom.
Dual doors on the side with the SEAMLESS cutout for removing the 6" UV bulb
Buttoning up the backside to hide the plumbing and exposed overflow
One of the few quick on site design changes I had that Dion was quickly able to adapt and build quickly, adding on side panels
Driftwood Aquarium Furniture...........The finished product
Side View
Front Side Panel
Angled view with holder for the furture inerative device, to have aquarium learning tools, live stock information, system details and a comment and question section.
AHH.....HEAVEN
Its PURDY
Blurry sorry, side view with protected and secured cut out for the APEX display module.
Final Clean up.
Owner, Operator, Dream Concluder, Dion Richens of Driftwood Aquarium Furniture.
I honestly can not say enough about the, quality and professionalism that Driftwood Aquarium Furniture offers. I have used them and will continue to as my primary furniture builder, but working along side of them has changed my perspective of what they do, how they do it, and how good they actually are. Again if you haven't yet, visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Drift...60612167460740.
Look forward to updating you more, part 6 and 7 still to come, part 10 will be my trip to Fish Row in CA to fill a livestock order for this system. Stay tuned!