Thor's Custom 80+ "kind of" Cube Build

Thanks for the drilling tips FOD. Since I busted that tank I went ahead and used it for practice until I got a feel for it. You are totally right though, let the drill do the work makes a huge difference.

I didn't think about the clutch aspect though, and once I buy a new 'fuge tank, I will be sure to engage it. I also was initially planning to run two pipes from the fuge, but I may just go with one. Less odd's that I will bust it out!


Thanks for following along y'all!

 

Was hoping to have pics again, but actually this is just to let you know this is going to be on hold for the next 4 to 6 weeks. Work is getting crazy, and its looking like my tank time will be work time.

My goal is to have it in and cycle by Thanksgiving!

 

Hi Thor,

Thanksgiving is the next holiday so that is really not that far away.

Do not work too hard.

 

In reality, that word is not in his vocab. ;D;D;D

 

Ha, ha! That's right Bruh! All I've been doing is working hard, just not on the tank. Soon to resume I hope as my main big deadline at work is next week. Should taper off and allow me some time to start getting this tank in place.

Hope you all are well!

 

Hard work is necessary though. Gotta have something to do other than stare at your fish and corals all day right? Glad to hear that things can move forward again soon. Post pictures when you can!

 

can't wait to see this tank come along with a cube light that you can do some cool rock work.

 

Yeah, I promise more pictures!

 

Damn Thor! tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow! lol bro, glad to see some stuff done, cna't wait to see some liquid hit those walls Gonna be great to have some fish in the background of turkey day!

 

Okay, so real life has just continued to be crazy lately. The new job I took for less hours/stress hasn't really worked out that way yet . Also, my son is about 2 1/2 now and he is more than a handful! Long history there, but the short version is that he had 3 brain surgeries in his first year of life and so he has very special needs. He is doing great, but man is he a handful even more than many other 2 year olds (if you can believe it).

So, between work and taking care of him (as well as giving my wife some well deserved and much needed breaks on the weekends) the build is slow. Progress as been made though! Even if it is not as much as I would like.

Not to worry! I snapped some other picks to at least get something visual up here .

First, I finished the small stand--sans door yet to be fabricated.



and



I am actually pretty excited about this--I am still learning much about carpentry, especially joinery. This build was also the impetus there. In any event, I built this guy from scratch, including the trim. Its basic, but turned out well.

Also, after finishing the quarantine stand, I was not really thrilled with the finish. It is hard to explain, but the texture and tone just didn't quite end up the way I wanted. So, I tried a coat of matte poly, and I think it really evened everything out. So, now both stands need that treatment. What's one more delay, right?

The following are just pics of all my goodies laying around. First, here is my tank on its side in the alcove that will be its final resting place (once the gawd awful orange paint has been changed. Yup, on the list too). Setting inside is my skimmer (thanks to Jon Warner) bio-pellet reactor, and calcium rx. I've been vacillating on whether I will used the Calc Rx, and I think I am going to sell it and dose instead. Just don't want to deal with the complexity.



Next--plenty of rock. Should be able to pick and choose a nice 'scape when the time comes.






Also, many of you have had experience with Mr. Coral. Well, the retail store is actually less than a mile from my house. A new gentlemen has taken over the retail location (although Mr. Coral online is still from Sonny). Anyway, the new guy is doing a great job, and really trying to make that a special place. I've met a few great folks there, including one I bought the tank from. Anyway, one guy I met there a few weeks ago gave me an old sump. Here it is:



Definitely better then the 20 long I was trying to make work.

I also had acquired a 250 Lumenbrite and ballast in my tank purchase that I had no intention of using, as well as an SWC Extreme skimmer. I loaned them to the new Mr. Coral Retail to help get him on his feet and donated the 20 long. I think it turned out okay as I got a better sump, and stuff out of my wife's hair (brownie points).

I bought a refugium to add to this, but it is a bit smaller than I thought. I may buy another instead.

That's about it! I gotta get the shelf/hood/cabinet built that will go above the tank. Hard to explain, but I will try and draw something up so you can get an idea. As I have previously mentioned, I plan to store about 20 gallons of RODI above it, and may work in a mixing tank as well. I am also thinking through if I can plumb this all in together and to a drain to ease water changes. Got a few ideas there, we will see if they work out.

I think there are a few surprises in store for you all...if you have the patience .

Thanks for following along on my journey to aquarist bliss