KAS/OTTY 210G Aquarium Set-Up

Keep the pics/updates comin!! Everything looks like it is taking shape great, Scott is a great source of knowledge, don't be afraid to ask questions!!

 

Kas I might have some already nuked and ready to add rock. I just need to see how much I might use setting my tank the rest of the way up. Display has all I'm going to add but I need to put some in the fuge. Don't know if a pile of rubble would be better than actual rocks though. if I use Rubble I've got at least 1 five gallon bucket full and maybe 2 five gallon buckets...

 

KOgle...Excellent! Going to start the frame this morning. Will post pics as I go along. I expect to do many changes as the frame takes shape. I've been stressing about this project for a long time. Everyone says this part of the set-up is the most enjoyable so I'm hoping all will go well. Also, I just read about the IN reef club. I would like to attend one of your meetings also. Kas

 

Well, I guess it's time to "bite the bullet" and try to put the frame for the rock together. Let's see, is it measure once and cut twice? Not sure where to begin, I start with the base for the frame:

And of course I don't have the correct PVC fittings so I make a Lowe's run.

And now home again (with more fittings than I'll ever use in a lifetime) I start again:

Meanwhile, my husband tells me he's started to wire the tank stand.....16 outlets! Cool! I decide to go into the house to check it out. Yikes! What a mess.....

Don't want to discourage him so I go back out to the garage and work on the frame:

And after many hours of reworking the design and cussing like a sailor (just ask Otty!), here's the result:

There are a few areas that still need some tweaking. When all the pieces fit nicely together, I'll separate the frame into 4 sections. The pieces for each section will be glued together. The 4 sections will then slide together to form the whole frame and can be taken apart to put into the tank or taken out later. The rock will be fastened onto the PVC tubing with plastic ties for easy removal if necessary. Tomorrow the rock will be added to the frame. Stay tuned............................

 

Looking great! That is the fun part of it.

 

Thanks Scott! I just remembered that I don't have a heater for this new tank. Any suggestions?

 

Finex makes a nice titanium heater with a controller.

 

Thanks KOgle! I'll do a search online today for the best price and order the Finex....none of my fish have chaps to keep them warm ;D

 

Time to fasten the rock to the frame:

Each rock was drilled at least once with a concrete bit and hammer drill. Porous rock was easy.....solid coral was very difficult to drill into. Will use the hard coral for rubble on the sandbed.

Each rock is fastened to the PVC tubing with plastic ties:


Coming together nicely. Will add more rock when the frame is set into the tank to fill in bare spots.


After rock was tied onto the frame, the whole unit was taken outside for cleaning. I power-washed each rock and hole in the frame to remove rock dust, PVC shavings and dirt. Then everything was dried using an air compressor. It's now ready to place into the tank:


*The frame can be taken apart into four sections. Base is one solid piece and rock sections are in three pieces. It'll be taken apart and each section lowered into the tank separately.

 

Man that looks awesome.....