My tank... 144 gallon half circle...

[Mr Cob]

Thanks, Joel, my arms hurt now!

I can't wait to get started on it. We move in one month into a rental home until we can buy our new home...funny thing is it's right down the road...and all of my livestock will also get a new home!


I just painted the back with like 4 coats of paint.
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs143.snc1/5296_1036078398314_1716090084_68562_1196992_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=65082&id=1716090084)


Added (12/2009)... Link to livestock thread: http://maast.org/showthread.php?t=54162


*EDIT* I'm adding this info below due to the PM's I get on a regular basis of how I worked the foam on this tank:

Some quick details of my process for this project:
1) Drilled small holes to both of my overflows and then zip tied large black PVC tubes to the overflows. Made sure all tubes were slanted so that detritus would not build up.
2) Spread aquarium sealant across the tubes, overflows and glass. I used about 6 tubes total. I started using this sealant a few tanks back because after about a year the foam will begin to peel off from the glass.
3) While sealant was still wet, I began to spray foam on everything. I used Black pond or waterfall foam found in the “pond” section at Home Depot and Lowes.
4) Added about 10 very small 1-2" black PVC tubes throughout the foam to act as blenny tunnels and or frag mounting tubes...perfect for long tube worms.
5) Sprinkled dry aragonite across all of the wet foam.
6) While foam was still wet, I used a stick to distress the foam…any sections that bubble up, I would just poke them to get a more natural reef look.
7) Let cure dry for 7 days.
8) Filled with freshwater for leak test and let sit for a couple of days.

[JimD]

Thats gonna be fun! Whats the lighting? Details man, details!!! lol

[Mr Cob]

I'm seriously thinking about purchasing the canopy for it built by oceanic and installing my T5 bulbs and reflectors...but the tank is 29" deep so obviously there will be some limitations there...my SPS will only be able to go high up. I'm still up in the air about the lighting...my wife does not like open top tanks...so....well you know how that goes. Gotta find a canopy.

I already have a MAG 18 and that should handle both returns.

Already have a sump.

This weekend I'll be foaming the back with pond foam and rock.

[txav8r]

What?!! Dude, I would have been there in a heartbeat to help you move the tank. Let me know when you are moving to the rental house and I'll lend a hand. I have a small truck but it can carry a few things.

[Mr Cob]

Thanks, Jack... darn thing was heavy...and Joel and I aren't exactly body builders...LOL!

I should be moving it to the new house next week...I'll let you know. Thanks, man.

Your bowfront inspired me to go for the curved glass...lol!

[Gseclipse02]

nice score !!! i would love to have that tank !!! how wide ??? im assuming 4 feet?

[Mr Cob]

nice score !!! i would love to have that tank !!! how wide ??? im assuming 4 feet?

Thanks, Julian.

It's 57.5 x 29 x 29...it looks much bigger in person.

[JimD]

If you need a little aged rock to seed the tank, let me know!

[Gseclipse02]

Thanks, Julian.

It's 57.5 x 29 x 29...it looks much bigger in person.


nice dimensions ... a little deep for my shortness but very nice lol

[joelb]

holly snap!,, is that thing bullet proof or what?? i want it back! jk. Enough t-5's IE. 12ish X 36"ers, with enough actinics, youll be an SPS Farmer motha!! guarenteed!

[blindside]

Beautiful tank!

[RayAllen]

Half circles are awesome. Nice score!

[Big_Pun]

wow im jealous i just showed my g/f and she likes, finally a tank we both like, but any how congrats i know this will be nice when its done

[Mrs. z28pwr]

Love this tank!!! I can't wait to see it up and running. I purchased one from Drew last week but I haven't had a chance to play with it:( Tell Raquel to call me:callme: if you misbehave I will pick it up on the porch with or without the box........:rofl: Full circle would be nice.....

[Mr Cob]

LOL!!! She's putting your number in speed dial as we speak...

I got a canopy lined up from Gabe's too, so can't wait. Miziny, is yours' the same size and what kind of lighting are you going with? Using canopy or open top?

[Mrs. z28pwr]

Same size but in Cherry Oak color. I think I am going for 2 X 250w MH still thinking about it. Like Raquel, it needs to have a canopy (it looks pretty) but it's on back order. An ideas on how your going to place the rock? I just painted the back black last night...heehee

[Mr Cob]

I'm foaming mine tonight with black pond foam and I'll have a layer of aquarium sealant under it so it does not come apart from the glass over time.

I'm thinking of having two islands of different sizes in front of the overflows...and keeping the space between them open to increase swimming room and to keep a section with the full 29" depth! We'll see though.

[Mrs. z28pwr]

Hopefully Jose will build me 2 small racks tonight so I can play with. I wanted two hugh swimming areas but one island. I really like the way Jeremy had his half circle set up.

[BIGBIRD123]

Rob, let me know so I can help ya move it...

[Mr Cob]

K -Thanks, Steve.

Just finished applying the foam...I added a couple of black tubing to it for some blenny caves. Looks cool...I kept it to a slim coating though.

[Mr Cob]

Full shot:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/robart1208/img1251420756496.jpg

Closeup of one of the tunnels: All of the tunnels have two ends and are slanted so that detritus does not build up.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/robart1208/img1251420734128.jpg

[blindside]

Looking good!

[Mr Cob]

Thanks Dude,

I'm planning on mounting a lot of corals to the back wall...still need to put in a couple of shelf pieces and planning on building up a small island with the foam. Need more cans though.

...That took two cans to do the entire back wall and overflows. Very light application. $13/can = $26 + $8 Aquarium Sealant (applied first) = $34.

[Jarob]

VERY cool idea with the tunnels!! Looking awesome so far, I love that tank!

[Mr Cob]

VERY cool idea with the tunnels!! Looking awesome so far, I love that tank!

Thanks, Jarob! I was thinking those would make cool hiding places for blennies...it will be fun to watch and see what fish use them and what blennies make it their new home.

[Big_Pun]

looks like it's coming along very nicely

[rockmp]

looking good Rob! If you need help moving it let me know.

[Mr Cob]

Finished applying foam tonight. Added some large tunnels. The pictures do no justice for the depth of the tunnels but will give you an idea of what I have going on.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/robart1208/Frags%20for%20sale%20and%20trade/144g%20Half%20Circle/DSCF1829.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/robart1208/Frags%20for%20sale%20and%20trade/144g%20Half%20Circle/DSCF1807.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/robart1208/Frags%20for%20sale%20and%20trade/144g%20Half%20Circle/DSCF1832.jpg

[mabel_photo6]

Whoa, whoa, WHOA!
That looks so awesome!!!!

[Kyle46N]

haha....you used those big tubes! Awesome. It really looks good too. That's going to be a nice setup.

[Mr Cob]

Whoa, whoa, WHOA!
That looks so awesome!!!!

Thank you! :)


haha....you used those big tubes! Awesome. It really looks good too. That's going to be a nice setup.

Thanks. I spent like 3 hours trying to figure out how to use them...I was pretty determined...the island tunnels will be filled partly with the substrate, sand...about 4"...so it should look pretty cool.

I added like 5 more smaller tunnels too, but you can't tell in the pics...so hard to capture the depth in the pics.

[clone]

**** dude looks killer.
lmk if you need any help.

[Rychek]

Wow Rob that sweet! Can't wait to see it full of corals!

[Mrs. z28pwr]

Wow Rob it looks great!!!!

[BIGBIRD123]

Finished applying foam tonight. Added some large tunnels. The pictures do no justice for the depth of the tunnels but will give you an idea of what I have going on.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/robart1208/Frags%20for%20sale%20and%20trade/144g%20Half%20Circle/DSCF1829.jpg




Man, look at the size of those toes! lol...

[Mr Cob]

Please stay on topic!!! LOL!!!! Funny guy.

[Mr Cob]

**** dude looks killer.
lmk if you need any help.

Thanks, Kevin!


Wow Rob that sweet! Can't wait to see it full of corals!

I can't wait either! I'm selling a lot of corals at the moment, so I'll definitely have lots of room to fill her up with new corals.


Wow Rob it looks great!!!!

Thanks, Miziny, I'm going for a clean look on this one and going to try and keep the rock minimal and focus on larger swimming areas for the fish. Every reef I've done to date has been jam packed with rock so this will be something new for me.

[Mrs Cob]

Love this tank!!! I can't wait to see it up and running. I purchased one from Drew last week but I haven't had a chance to play with it:( Tell Raquel to call me:callme: if you misbehave I will pick it up on the porch with or without the box........:rofl: Full circle would be nice.....


Ha ha! Miziny, you're on speed dial alright! Everyone will know when Mr Cob misbehaves 'cause you'll have a collection of everything that used to be his... Uhm, buh-bye! :wave: ha ha ha!

Juuuust kidding...This one won't be going out on the porch anytime soon! Not unless he gets one like yours! I told him that I wished they made the half circle with wood...and then he told me about yours!! I really prefer the wood over the black and silver...it reminds me of something that should be in a bachelor pad... We'll see how long until I give an okay to buy the wooden canopy & stand =)

I certainly won't be changing my home decor around the tank anytime soon!

[Mrs. z28pwr]

I was originally going to get the black stand and canopy because I was told they no long make the cherry oak set. Drew surprised me with the cherry oak set up (I was thrilled):D. I was told that 144 half circle were going to be discontinued. That was the whole reason I wanted to get the tank as soon as possible (and it was a good excuse to buy a new tank):wink_smile:. Raquel I think it will look gorgeous!!

I have been working on my rock work for two days. I am driving my husband crazy since I refuse to sleep until I get it done. :Timeout:

[RayAllen]

I have been working on my rock work for two days. I am driving my husband crazy since I refuse to sleep until I get it done. :Timeout:


LOL, arent you in the medical field. You are already sleep deprived and now the tank.

[ErikH]

SWEET. :)

[cpreefguy]

Looks awesome Rob, can't wait to see it filled!

[blindside]

Put water in it already!

[Mr Cob]

Thanks Erik and Sean!

Gilbert, I'm letting the foam and adhesive cure...7 days. I stare at it every night though and vision the fish swimming in and out of the tunnels. I'll freak if they don't use the tunnels...LOL!

[blindside]

Ha ha, if they don't, you can always go with eels!

[corydrysdale]

hampters, hampsters use tunnels. LOl

[Mr Cob]

Finally got my lights set up in the new canopy. When I picked up the canopy from Gabe's my jaw almost dropped. For some reason I was thinking it would be wood with the silver trim....but, the entire thing is plastic! Well, I removed the plastic doors/covers from the top, cut some wood to fit, painted it black and mounted the retro set. I cut the wood smaller than the hole in order to allow some ventilation.

250w MH x 2 with reflectors and ARO ballasts. 20k bulbs.

Here it is...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/robart1208/img1252224570966.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/robart1208/img1252224551726.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/robart1208/img1252224599602.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/robart1208/img1252224516094.jpg

[hobogato]

looks great rob

[Mr Cob]

looks great rob

Thanks, Ace. My only concern with the lights is that the bulbs will be about 5" from the surface of the water....

Has anyone ever had bulbs that close before???

[aquasport24]

i don't see any cooling fans on the canopy. Are you be using chiller to cool the tank?

[Mr Cob]

i don't see any cooling fans on the canopy. Are you be using chiller to cool the tank?

I'll have 2 fans clamped to the back of the tank blowing on the MH.

I did the same thing on my 120 when I had 2 x 250w MH and never needed a chiller. I'm suspecting with more water volume on this tank I also will not have a problem.

I'm just wondering about the bulbs being too close to the water surface.

FYI: We keep our AC at 74.

[aquasport24]

One of my light is not that far from the surface. Just make sure to place the corals at lower location and move them up slowly.I also plug the fans to the same timer as the halides so they can come on together.

[Mr Cob]

Cool. Thanks for the reply Giau.

[Gseclipse02]

Ive heard of fish splashing water and bulbs going out at that closeness...

[mabel_photo6]

Very, VERY nice. :)

[Mr Cob]

Ive heard of fish splashing water and bulbs going out at that closeness...

Well they better keep their tails in the water or I'll bust out the net!


Very, VERY nice. :)

Thanks, Mabel!!!

[mabel_photo6]

When might it be filled up??

[R.Allard]

hmmmmm those lights look familiar ... great set up man. cant wait to see it running

[Mr Cob]

Thanks Jack for helping me move this beast!

So glad that's over...oh and thanks for pointing out that my sump might not fit!

Man... it's always something!

Water coming soon!

[Big_Pun]

i know your pain rob

[txav8r]

Any time bro!

[Mr Cob]

i know your pain rob

First the lighting issues, now I have to figure out the sump...meanwhile I have SPS dieing in the 75 gallon while waiting for my budget reefing self to get things in order.

[blindside]

Your beating me to it rob!

[Mr Cob]

Your beating me to it rob!

I'm trying dude! :)

Going to tear my sump down today and try to get it installed on this tank. We'll see how that goes, I'm going to try and add the water this weekend, along with sand and rock.

[Mr Cob]

Thanks to Jack, I have this bad boy moved and set up in the new house.

You can see I started adding water too. :)

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6922_1040474188206_1716090084_77571_319936_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=75622&id=1716090084)

[Big_Pun]

nice modern look, i like stainless

[Third Coast Tropical]

looking nice...i didnt need to see this, now i want one

[txav8r]

Looks even better in person. Those tunnels are HUGE! Can't wait to see it up and running.

[Mr Cob]

At the rate Miziny (the other 144 gallon half circle) and I go...just keep an eye on our tanks...LOL!

Shoot, you may even get both of them and complete the circle! HAha!

Thanks, Chris! My wife is working it on re-decorating the living room...LOL! "You know you're a reef addict and your wife supports you when you design a room around the tank."

Thanks, Jack. I wish I could capture the depth of the tunnels and tank in the pics!

[txav8r]

Put your hand in the tunnel and have Raquel take a picture. On here the tank looks tiny compared to what it really is.

[Mr Cob]

Put your hand in the tunnel and have Raquel take a picture. On here the tank looks tiny compared to what it really is.

Maybe I'll just put my snorkel on....lol

[Crazyeyes]

Looks great, Jeremy's bulbs are about that close to the water at his shops. I wouldn't be worried that much.

[vman181]

I have a 72gal BF with the stock canopy. I did my two 250w MH just about the same way. I haven't had any problems with my bulbs.

[blindside]

No more new pics?

[Mr Cob]

Looks great, Jeremy's bulbs are about that close to the water at his shops. I wouldn't be worried that much.

Thanks, so far so good.


I have a 72gal BF with the stock canopy. I did my two 250w MH just about the same way. I haven't had any problems with my bulbs.

I'm very happy with how it all worked out. Wasn't too sure about MH in the plastic canopy and being so close to the water but it's working out great. My only complaint is getting in and out of the tank... I have to unplug the lights (thx for installing quick disconnects for me Jack!) and remove the wood to get in.


No more new pics?

I started a new thread now that I have coral and fish in the tank. In the large tank section with your massive 240! LOL!

http://maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=54162

[Mr Cob]

By the way... it's my first time with 20k bulbs and I LOVE THE COLOR!!!!!!!!!!!!

[blindside]

Rob, your tank is nice man!

[rsaulter]

Do you have any updated pics with the water and fish inside? I am interested in seeing the final result. I am going to start the same project toinght on my 115g.

[Mr Cob]

Do you have any updated pics with the water and fish inside? I am interested in seeing the final result. I am going to start the same project toinght on my 115g.

I created a new thread for the water, fish and coral:

http://maast.org/showthread.php?p=699360#post699360