265 Gallon FOWLR

[slicktoppomp]

Well I'm just throwing out the plans for a new upgrade that is gonna happen. Ya you heard right a new freakin upgrade! My 70 was almost setup for 2 whole months and now I'm off to another tank. No rest for junkees! The tank rounds out to be about 265 gallons. The dimensions are 85x23x31. I'm planing on going FOWLR for a while before switching it over to a reef. I plan on drilling it for 2 overflow boxes (if the glass isn't tempered) and also doing a few extra holes for a closed loop system. I don't know how long it will be to get it running as time and money are the biggest issue but I look forward to taking my time setting it up. My 70 gallon took me almost 6 months to setup so I'm hoping this tank won't take longer than that. I'll try to post pictures of the tank once I get it to my house. Thanks for looking.

Raul

[DaveMorris]

If the tank is going to be custom built I would set it up for a Calfo overflow and a Bean Animal drain.

[slicktoppomp]

I like the bean overflows and was definitely thinking about doing that. I'm not sure what the calfo is tho. Could you pm me and explain what that is or you could just post it here. Your 500 build is what is inspiring me to go CL btw. :p

[fresh2120]

Dude I will help u build that thing hoe ever u want, well make it sick!
When ever u come over I'll hook u up with a ton of extras for the tank

[slicktoppomp]

Dude I will help u build that thing hoe ever u want, well make it sick!
When ever u come over I'll hook u up with a ton of extras for the tank

Sounds good man! I'm gonna try and get over there Wednesday to pick it up. If I don't have guys to help move it I can at least kick you the dough for it.

[fresh2120]

If we are smart about it I think we can get in ur truck...

[slicktoppomp]

That's if I can get that truck. If not I was thinking about using my brothers trailer to put the tank on. Won't have to lift it so high so it makes it easier for everyone.

[unbereefable]

Bean with a caflo...
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww190/nigga_T/B541387D-869B-4CE1-9789-56A54A53E4BA-144-0000001D11FD5090.jpg

Caflo is the best way to go. Its a coast to coast overflow that spans the length of the tank. Is was named after a guy named anthony caflo. He was a big pusher of this style overflow. But you can also do it with a traditional style overflow as log as there's enough holes drilled.

[slicktoppomp]

Got it! Thanks. The more I look at it the more I like that idea. Tons of surface skimming!! Is anyone on here currently running a coast to coast overflow?

[fresh2120]

Sdguy a tank is set up with an internal one pretty nice. That way u don't have huge towers going to the bottom of the tank. Tank to Mario about making u one for this thank.

This is going to turn into a sick reef tank

[slicktoppomp]

Nice I'll have to message him and ask him how he liked it. I'm getting excited about this thing. I've got a pump lined up to buy. The only really thing I have to do is figure out how and what I wanna build my stand out of.

[jschnepf]

That is pretty much the same as my overflow. Little bit different, you can come over anytime to check out how I set mine up.37363

[jschnepf]

I wanted a smaller overflow box in the display because the tank is only 18" wide, and I didn't want to loose a ton of space. So Larry and I drilled three 1" bulkheads in the back of the tank, and I built an external overflow box to hang off the back with bean animal drain setup. Takes some tinkering to get it perfect but it is very quiet.
37364

[slicktoppomp]

Sweet thanks for posting those pictures John! When I get closer to building that box I'll drop by an check out your setup again.

[saltybalz]

I would say build the stand out of steel. Not that much more cost wise then wood.

[slicktoppomp]

Ya I'm starting to lean more towards steel. Even if it does cost me a bit more money and time it will be worth it. So I was able to get the tank loaded and over to my house. It's still sitting in the bed of the truck tho while I make space to put it somewhere. Me and Adrian were able to get it in the truck by ourselves. Wasn't that bad. Here are some pictures. :D
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[h20poloman]

you guys are beasts getting that moved with only 2 of ya

[slicktoppomp]

Ya it actually wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Time for the fun to start. :)

[fresh2120]

Good stuff!

[fresh2120]

How the stand build going

[slicktoppomp]

Not going at all right now. Life is a ***** man. Cars been having issues. Protein skimmer broke. Most of the money made off my tank went towards fixing my car. Going to take a long time before I can save up to build a stand and get everything else. Got rough estimates on how much steels gonna cost me. Around 170-200. So over all it's going really slow as was expected.

[slicktoppomp]

Did a water test today to see if there were any leaks. Not one whatsoever so that was good. Took the time to re silicone some of the trim that was pealing off. Also i scraped the black paint off the back of the tank cause I would like to do vinyl. That about as much progress that has been made. Hopefully I can get crackin on my stand by the end of this month. Next on the list is getting all the holes drilled. I'm thinking three 1 1/2" for the bean drain. Not sure on returns. I was thinking four 3/4" for returns. Any advice on return quantity and size would be appreciated. Also suggestions on holes for my closed loop. Thanks.
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[Octoman4]

bad ass wish my wife would let me set up a biger tank

[fresh2120]

Good to see things r moving on that tank

[slicktoppomp]

Ya one step at a time. Just pissed that most of my sale from my 70 gallon went into my car. As is life. If that didn't happen I would at least have a stand built and have the tank inside. I'm going through mad tank withdrawals right now. Cold sweats and all. I almost wanna go and pick up a 10 or 20 gallon at Petco just to have something to look at in my room.

[unbereefable]

Fight the temptation. Trust me. One big ass tank is enough! I'm just about done with my 180 and now my chick says, "I want a big lion fish like we used to have. We should do a big tank just for fish that eat other fish!" Riiiiiiight. Too many tanks creates frustration which leads to liquidation.

[slicktoppomp]

Fight the temptation. Trust me. One big ass tank is enough! I'm just about done with my 180 and now my chick says, "I want a big lion fish like we used to have. We should do a big tank just for fish that eat other fish!" Riiiiiiight. Too many tanks creates frustration which leads to liquidation.

Haha it's so tough tho. Just cause I know it will probably take a few months before this thing will even have water in it. The longest I've gone without a running take in my house is 2 days. I've always had some sort of tank up and running for almost 5 years straight up until now.

[unbereefable]

Two words: beta fish :)

[fresh2120]

Trust me stick with one. U saw how bad it was to have to move more then one tank. And i still dobt have either running everythings living in my " look down tank " right now.....

[slicktoppomp]

Well if I did get another tank it wouldn't be any bigger than 20 and I wouldn't do saltwater. Just a fresh planted or something. Just need something to hold me over.

[poakley723]

Nice I wish I would have went with a tank longer than 6 foot.

[jada1]

Not going at all right now. Life is a ***** man. Cars been having issues. Protein skimmer broke. Most of the money made off my tank went towards fixing my car. Going to take a long time before I can save up to build a stand and get everything else. Got rough estimates on how much steels gonna cost me. Around 170-200. So over all it's going really slow as was expected.
Man I know how you feel having to wait sucks..
Who's building your stand for 170-to 200 dollars that's a good price for a steal stand..

[slicktoppomp]

Well me and my brother are going to weld the stand. The 170-200 dollars was the quote for just steel. I still have to settle on a design for my stand but a rough estimate was around 60-70 feet of steel. Most places I called said it would be around 50-60 bucks for 20 foot sticks.

[jada1]

I want to see how that stand turns out maybe u can build one for me.

[slicktoppomp]

Ya I'll definitely post pics when I get thing thing rolling.

[fresh2120]

That seems a little short on metal. I went with a tall stand and i want to say i used close to 100 ft but i braced the hell out of that thing. U know im here if u want mw to help u weld it.

I love welding

[slicktoppomp]

Well almost 3 months since my last update but here is a small but big update. I was kinda in a slump and a bit discouraged on pushing forward with this tank but believe it or not what got me wanting to start up again was that freaking "Tanked" marathon that just happened. I was originally going to build my stand out of steel but the more and more I thought about it I just decided to go with another wood stand. I got crackin on it today. The dimensions are 85x30x40. Still going to need to save up some dough and sheet it. Hopefully that won't take another 3 months.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/06/egyhepu5.jpg
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[fresh2120]

Looking good it's a start tho...

[DaveMorris]

Stand looks good. Make sure that you add some lateral support as well. Some angles in the corners or a solid sheet of ply. It will definately hold up your tank built like that.

[slicktoppomp]

Thanks guys. I'm gonna add some lateral supports for sure. I ended up changing my design mid way through and that left me a stick short. I'm gonna go with 3/4 inch ply on top. When I get a chance to skin it i will probably do 1/4 or 1/2 ply on the sides.

[unbereefable]

Looks good. But I would make some changes. Defintily add a 3/4" ply top. I'd also add 3/4" ply to the bottom, underneath so the ply is on the floor and frame is on top. Then remove all the front to back pieces from the bottom frame. Keep the sides though. Then zip in some screws to the bottom piece of ply about 6" apart from eachother. This will give you plenty of front to back support and will also create a basin for your sump. This is what I did with my stand and the bottom will hold about 25 gallons before going on to carpet/floor.

[slicktoppomp]

Looks good. But I would make some changes. Defintily add a 3/4" ply top. I'd also add 3/4" ply to the bottom, underneath so the ply is on the floor and frame is on top. Then remove all the front to back pieces from the bottom frame. Keep the sides though. Then zip in some screws to the bottom piece of ply about 6" apart from eachother. This will give you plenty of front to back support and will also create a basin for your sump. This is what I did with my stand and the bottom will hold about 25 gallons before going on to carpet/floor.

So you think that my stand will be fine without the lateral supports on the bottom of the frame? I've never built a stand to hold something this big or this heavy so I kinda tried to overdo it in bracing.

[unbereefable]

I think it will be fine. My tank is a 180, so not as big as yours, but not small by any means either. I think with a fat bead of wood glue, or some PL400 adhesive, and screws every 6" it'll hold just fine. But I also understand wanting to overbuild. There's nothing wrong with the way you have. It'll definitly hold. Add some cross bracing to back and maybe a brace that spans front to back in between the legs. So it looks like an H. That will help prevent racking.

Just giving you another way to build. My way will give you 3.5" more height and involves less cutting. You'd have to notch out the wood to fit around the legs, my way you don't.

Either way will work. GL.

[DaveMorris]

You will have a lot more lateral support if you remove the front to back braces and attach a solid sheet of ply to the bottom. So either way you should be fine.

[unbereefable]

Get outa my head Dave!!

[slicktoppomp]

Cool. Thanks for the advice guys!

[slicktoppomp]

Cool. Thanks for the advice guys!

[slicktoppomp]

So started doing some work today on my stand. My old man decided to help me out with costs of lumber since its going in the living room now. We went half in on the lumber together. Decided to skin it with 3/4 poplar. I know poplar isn't exactly the easiest hardwood to stain but its affordable so I'm gonna have to make do with it. The folks want it to match the furniture in the living room. Still not finished but I thought I would share some pics. Also the biggest change I'm making to this build is that it's going to be freshwater now. Yea FRESHWATER! I just can't afford a saltwater tank right now. Between work and recently starting school I just don't have the money and time for it and mainly the money for it. One day I'll convert this into salt but not anytime soon. Here are some pics.
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[slicktoppomp]

More pics.
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[scubasteve]

Ooooooooo big tank! :D

[fresh2120]

Man that's a nice stand.
I might have to pay u to build me a stand
My 300 will one day rise again and I would like a nice display stand

[slicktoppomp]

Well 10 months has past and I've put it off long enough. I'm GOING to finish my stand. Goal is to have it done before January. I'm still going to have to go freshwater on it unfortunately. Gonna still be in school full time so gotta save where I can. Finished putting trim and moulding on the stand today. Have to build door panels, paint it and it will be done.
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[unbereefable]

Back from the dead! You have a way to get down to scripps? Free water goes along way. Although nothing is easier that throwing the hose in the tank and turning it on then dumping some dechlor in.

[slicktoppomp]

Back from the dead! You have a way to get down to scripps? Free water goes along way. Although nothing is easier that throwing the hose in the tank and turning it on then dumping some dechlor in.

Very true. I do have a truck to get down to scripps buts it's a money thing for me. I'm not gonna bother going salt right now though because I'm going to run canisters on this thing. I know some people have done FOWLR tanks with canisters but that just seems like things could go wrong faster than they could go right.

[davocean]

Canisters would be fine as long as you remove media, that's how we did it in the old days man!
Especially if you only do a FO.
But either way, I've seen a lot of really nice FW tanks lately too, and either you choose will look great on that cabinet, nice job!

[slicktoppomp]

Canisters would be fine as long as you remove media, that's how we did it in the old days man!
Especially if you only do a FO.
But either way, I've seen a lot of really nice FW tanks lately too, and either you choose will look great on that cabinet, nice job!

Thanks Dave! That means a lot coming from a builder like you. Maybe I'll just do a little more research on FOLWR tanks with canisters. I've always just been under the impression that canisters with saltwater aren't ever that great of an idea. If I could work it out though that would be awesome.

[davocean]

While canisters are not what we would first reach for, they do push water, all you need really when it comes down to it.
The main issue w/ them is media/sponge can increase nitrates, so just pull those out.
Scripps has your water.
You could do this SW and keep a tight budget IMO, and you could slowly bump it up w/ LR and maybe even add simple softies or something down the road when you have more money and time.
I bet you could adopt some fish here that have outgrown people's tanks(If my YT doesn't settle down I may be PIFing that lil bugger!)

[50 cube]

I've used canisters many times with success on salt tanks. The only real issue I had was the lack of surface skimming. Got around that by making a small 3x3 x12 or so internal over flow box. I would attach the box to a corner of the tank & stick the intake tube inside.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slicktoppomp]

While canisters are not what we would first reach for, they do push water, all you need really when it comes down to it.
The main issue w/ them is media/sponge can increase nitrates, so just pull those out.
Scripps has your water.
You could do this SW and keep a tight budget IMO, and you could slowly bump it up w/ LR and maybe even add simple softies or something down the road when you have more money and time.
I bet you could adopt some fish here that have outgrown people's tanks(If my YT doesn't settle down I may be PIFing that lil bugger!)


I've used canisters many times with success on salt tanks. The only real issue I had was the lack of surface skimming. Got around that by making a small 3x3 x12 or so internal over flow box. I would attach the box to a corner of the tank & stick the intake tube inside.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hmmm well I guess I have some new thinking to do about doing saltwater.

[slicktoppomp]

This thing looked a lot smaller outside. It's gonna end up going in the kitchen now. Brought it in to see how it fits. The mother is going to re decorate the kitchen and will probably pick out the colors for the stand. She was saying something about black and dark dark brown.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/08/ebume8ez.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/08/gury9ame.jpg

[davocean]

I often do an espresso finish using minwax jacobean and ebony, 3-1 respectively, looks like dark chocolate and still shows trim detail and some wood grain a little better than straight black.
Maybe try some samples on scrap lumber.
There's a place in San Marcos called doors unlimited, they make doors for what it costs me just to buy the lumber, might want to at least check them out unless you are set on doing it all yourself for pride sake, which I sometimes do myself(but lately that doors unlimited has been seeing me a lot, time and headache saving)

[slicktoppomp]

Thanks Dave I'll have to check those guys out. I like the sound of cheaper than buying material for a finished product.

[davocean]

The woman that runs that company is old, but sharp as a tack, knows her stuff.
She is sometimes slow at calling back, but well worth the wait.
She has never failed me in many years of dealing w/ her, perfect doors every time.
I just got 9 birch stain grade raised panel doors for $210, that is a deal.
Timberline moulding is catty corner to her, and worth a peek as well.

[Aaron]

While canisters are not what we would first reach for, they do push water, all you need really when it comes down to it.
The main issue w/ them is media/sponge can increase nitrates, so just pull those out.
Scripps has your water.
You could do this SW and keep a tight budget IMO, and you could slowly bump it up w/ LR and maybe even add simple softies or something down the road when you have more money and time.
I bet you could adopt some fish here that have outgrown people's tanks(If my YT doesn't settle down I may be PIFing that lil bugger!)

I too did the same on my first fowlr tank 4 years ago while on a budget. Tank ran fine! Eventually I got a CPR backpack HOB skimmer. Plus you have access to scripps! Go saltwater you won't regret it. Beautiful cabinetry. Looks awesome. Can't wait to see final product


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[slicktoppomp]

Testing the tank on the stand. This sucker is tall!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/14/2u6y9ape.jpg
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[slicktoppomp]

Few new pics. Almost finished with my stand. Tank held water fine and the stand stood strong. Just need to build doors or buy them.
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[ford4life]

Lookin good!!!!!

[slicktoppomp]

Lookin good!!!!!

Thanks Brandon. It's coming along. Slowly but surely.

[ford4life]

Let me know if you need help with the tank

[slicktoppomp]

Well it's been well over a year and the tank can finally see what the inside of a house looks like. Have the doors and canopy to work on still but my goal was to have the tank inside by the end I this week. Plus today I got my cheap RGB led in the mail today so I kinda just mocked up the thing on top to see what it looks like. I still need to buy 1 more all bright white led strip but I like the colors of this one. More to come soon I hope.

[slicktoppomp]

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