My "New" 30 Gallon Build

First let me start off by saying 3Reef is an AWESOME source of information. I have been contemplating starting a SW tank for some time now. I have researched for a while using several books and what I could find on various forums, youtube, etc... Then I became a member on 3Reef, and after posting 3 threads and seeing the response I received from those I have finally been persuaded to move forward knowing I now have a resource to find answers for my many questions.

I am starting this thread to document my progress along the way and so that hopefully other members will follow my progress and offer help along the way.

I am calling this my "New" tank build because the tank is not new, but it is new to me. One thing everyone talks about in this hobby is patience, and today was a perfect example of how important it is and how it can pay off. I live in West Texas and as such only have access to 1 LFS. Needless to say they are overpriced ($880 for a 20g setup). After being discouraged by this I did some more research and found better/more affordable ways for me to do this. Today I was looking at craigslist thanks to advice from other members. Low and behold I found a 29g with a stand for $80. Less than half what it would have cost me at the LFS. Turns out it wasn't a 30" 29g it was a 36" 30g(what I wanted!). Obviously I bought it.

So now my adventures begin. I now have the tank at home. I have re-inspected it and it looks overall in good condition. I leak tested it and can't find any, but after a closer look at the silicone I think I need to reseal it. From what I can tell it seems like a fairly straight forward process with very low cost and and necessary materials. Some may think this is discouraging, but I think it is just the opposite. it is something I can do to make progress that will take some time to do. Time that can be spent doing more research and saving up to do this right instead of trying to rush the tank through a cycle and drop a bunch of money all at once on equipment, livestock, etc.. like my LFS would want me to do. Sorry for the book, but please leave suggestions and advice on the resealing process. Oh yea, any recomendations on which silicone to use? I have read alot of people use GE 100% silicone 1.

Wish me luck!

 

I liked the book. It was fun to read.

Yeah, $880 is ridiculous for that size tank. lol. The tank you got is pretty cool dimensions. I myself have a 29g.

As far as silicone, use GE Silicone 1 window and door, clear or black(either one, just personal preference). Make sure it says silicone I and not silicone II. the II is not safe for aquariums.

I have a 55g tank I got used which I need to reseal completely. It was a mess when I got it, but now I just need to do the silicone. It won't be an upgrade, but instead given to my sister to be used for her FW tank.

 

First welcome to the reef! +1 on the silicone I. Removing the old silcone is time consuming but can be made a little easier buy using baby powder. It helps keep the old silicone from sticking to the glass and helps show the left on residue. Just use a new razor blade and stay away from gouging the silicone that is used to hold the pains together. Hope this helps.

 

Sounds like my LFS. I was in there a few days ago, and asked what a glass 180 gallon tank went for...just the tank, not drilled, no stand, no canopy, no equipment. I was told with a straight face, $1800. I promptly left. I have been quoted online from acrylic dealers for a 225 gallon tank, sump, drilled with OF installed, and then packed up, put on a truck and shipped out to me for less than $1800. Some stores will always be overpriced, and there is nothing you can do. The best way to acquire "new" equpiment is CraigsList or local Reef Clubs. I've had a little success with eBay, but not for tanks obviously. GL with your new build.

 

Planning to do the reseal tomorrow since I am off work and will have plenty of time. In the mean time I am still researching and compiling a parts list. I just order 2 Koralia Evo 550's. Should this be sufficient for now?

When I was at the LFS and had them do a quote, they included a power filter in the list. I am not sure this is necessary as I am planning on running a skimmer, live rock/sand, circ. pumps etc... For a skimmer I was looking at this:

Odyssea Protein Skimmer

I have read some people say they are good with some modding but they didn't really go into it. I kinda like the design because it seems like you could use the left chamber for a mini fuge or for a carbon bag.

 

I hate to be the buzz kill here, but this is just plain wrong. Only redoing the silicone that you "see" on the inside of the tank, is a waste of time.

To properly reseal a tank the RIGHT way, you need to completely disassemble the tank, into 5 individual pieces of glass. Then you need to use acetone on the edges of all of the pieces, to make sure EVERY single bit of old silicone is removed. After that you would reassemble the tank using new silicone, so that the silicone that HOLDS the tank together is all brand new.

The silicone you see on the inside seams of the tank is simply there to protect the bead of silicone that is in between the panes of glass and actually holds the tank together.

Just simply scraping out the silicone you see and smearing a new bead in the corners with your finger is just a band aid.

 

I was considering this, but after check for leaks, there were none. I wanted to do the reseal because it looks like the previous owner was a little rough in the cleaning department and some of the thin edges were a little rough and lifting a little. I definitely don't want to just put a bandaid on it, but I also don't want to end up with a stack of 5 pieces of glass I can't properly but back together.

 

If the tank doesn't leak, and u feel like the tank isn't older than dirt, then I would just run it. Like I said, the silicone inside the tank is there for that very reason, to protect the bead that holds the panes of glass together. Without pics its hard to give my advice, but if its just minor wear on the silicone I wouldn't worry about it.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

 

Yar!

Pennstatereefer's signature says it all. However, this is your tank and what you ultimately decide to do is up to you. We merely offer opinions and experience.

If you are uncomfortable taking the tank apart and putting it back together properly, then don't. If you think the inner seals need to be replaced, then go for it. I will however follow your thread to see how this goes because I haven't personally had a saltwater tank in many years, but I have in the past. I have 2 55g fresh water tanks with a oscar in each tank and I couldn't even imagine trying to maneuver panes of glass that are 4ft long and trying to get it all square and put together correctly.

Good luck with the tank. I am interested to see how it comes out. ;D

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Update on the reseal.

After starting the project, I decided to take the top frame off since it didn't have a center brace and 3' seemed like a long run to not have one with a SW tank. After doing that I figured I was that far I might as well do a complete disassemble so I did. Reassembly wasn't bad, here's what I did.

1. Removed top frame and inner seal.
2. Removed bottom frame (very carefully since I was reusing)
3. Cleaned all glass and bottom frame with razors, acetone and non scratch scrubbing pad. ( Scrubbing pad worked really well for little residue left after razor blades)
4. Set bottom frame on counter and levelled with shims(didn't need much)
5. Ran GE Silicone 1 in bottom frame and laid in bottom glass.
6. Ran silicone and the installed back and sides. Used framing square and tape to square these.
7. Ran silicone and installed front glass. repeated squaring.
8. Ran inner seal
9. Used 2 ratchet straps to "clamp". Made sure to pad ratchets and hooks.
10. Double checked square.
11. Curing in process. Been overnight so far, but not 24 hrs.

Top frame is ordered and will be installed as soon as I receive it. Will fill after frame is installed and has been cured for several days to leak check. (Fingers crossed)