Utah Reefs Homepage
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Do it myself or buy it from scratch?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Do it myself or buy it from scratch?
 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
bbauman View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: July 09 2006
Location: Italy
Status: Offline
Points: 1201 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bbauman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Do it myself or buy it from scratch?
    Posted: July 16 2006 at 4:25pm

Let's start off with some background. I have a 75g acrylic tank that I got from my uncle for free 2 years ago when I started this hobby. (43x13x30)  I was always so excited to go look at his tank that he noticed and wanted to help me out. After giving me this tank, and some HOT stuff (skimmer, powerheads) he had laying around, and showing me where to buy some things, I was on my way. I had a custom stand built that fit the dimensions of the tank and began buying other things to complete it. My first mistake was not researching reef aquariums enough to know the benefits of a sump or fuge. Another problem I have is that this tank bows, doesn't have a top of any kind whatsoever, and I live in an apartment where I don't believe I can drill holes in the ceiling to suspend my tank lights. I have them just sitting on top right now at an angle. (stupid and scary  ) Now that I know about sumps, fuges, overflows, etc. and with my lighting condition, should I try and fix the situation myself or buy a new tank, stand and hood? If I did do it myself, I don't know if acrylic is drillable, nor how big of a sump or fuge I could or should have to make it worth my time. Am I better off just buying new or used? I have been really tempted to just buy one of these other tanks I see in the board.  Any clues, suggestions, thoughts, opinions, or anything else are appreciated! Thanks!

-Brandon
Back to Top
Gahlenfr View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: December 01 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 1061 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gahlenfr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 16 2006 at 5:33pm
If you like the tank, take it to Eric at Marine Aquatics and have him Euro brace it for you.  If you want a new tank then if you are patient you can find a great deal on this forum.  Many of us have done that and saved a lot of money.  You don't have to suspend lights from the ceiling.  I have had mine suspended from an arm mounted on the wall via a stud.  I had two of the hangers and I purchased them from HD.  The held my T5 light fixture and MH pendant just fine.  Even a ten gallon fuge is better than none at all.  I am sure others will speak up with more advice.  That is the great thing about this members.
Back to Top
bbauman View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: July 09 2006
Location: Italy
Status: Offline
Points: 1201 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bbauman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 16 2006 at 6:18pm

Thanks for the great advice. Sorry if I sound dumb, but what is a Euro brace?
Back to Top
Shane H View Drop Down
Presidency
Presidency
Avatar

Joined: March 09 2003
Location: Brigham City
Status: Offline
Points: 7921 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shane H Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 16 2006 at 10:40pm
Euro bracing is simply a an acrylic top with large access holes. It would solve your bowing problem.  Eurobracing is common with acrylic tanks.  Hunt around and you should be able to find some examples either here or around other sites.
 
If you decide to have it done, I'm sure Eric at Marine Aquatics will do an awesome job.
Back to Top
bbauman View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: July 09 2006
Location: Italy
Status: Offline
Points: 1201 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bbauman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 17 2006 at 12:15am
the only problem is what do I do with all my fish and stuff while he's doing that?
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.03
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.250 seconds.