125g Build

I received my order from Marco rocks today. I got 50lbs plus a mortar kit. The quality of the coral is amazing! Packing was ok too.

 

Great,

We're all eager to see your masterpiece work on the background.

Take your time, your doing well.

I REALLY like your stand.

If/when I do it again (my current system working well), I'm going to cut out the top for a coast to coast overflow, with the o/v box on the OUTSIDE, then plumbed down to the sump.

 

LOL. Setting expectations there huh Todd? I will be happy if you guys don't laugh at me when you see the pics...not that it matters.

 

Here are some pics of the marco reef coral that I received. I am amazed at how many great pieces come in a 50lb box!

 

picked me up some materials for the Wall of Reef.

 

Looks great! I hope to be able to do a build like this one day.

 

The skeleton for the right side megaflow is complete. I'm not thrilled with the fit yet. Once I start with the foam rock wall it will stiffen up a bit. Having the euro braces on the tank is a PITA. I have to chop up the wall into three pieces to get them into the tank.



before final fit in the tank:

 

I spent a few hours today working on my 3D reef aquarium background. Working with foam board is messy. It takes as long to clean up as it does to carve it up.

I finished building the egg crate (louvers) wall for the megaflow. I was not pleased with the fit at all. So, I have decided to build the wall entirely with foam, cement, and coral rock. It took me 17 layers of 1" and 1.5" foam board to get to the top of the tank. I am also going to cut out the cross braces on the aquarium and make them removable. This way, I can build the 3D background all in one piece.

Here are some pics of the progress so far. I am going to finish the right side tomorrow.

left 2/3rds cut out:






Construction:

 

All of the foam will be covered with coral / live rock, white cement (colored), argonite course / sand, epoxy and/or GE Silicon I. Keep watching for more...

 

Looks great so far. Pretty ingenious idea.