Gnaw

Very interesting thread. I don't mean to hijack, but how do you know when a female mbuna is holding, other than scooping them out and opening their mouth. Are their visual indications?

Yep, there's a sponge between my ears too! Be careful, if I think you seem like a knowledgeable person I may constantly start PM'ing you with many, many questions. I'm sure Boom regrets it already!

Thanks for your expertise boom, I'm always willing to save a few bucks. I'll get the lumber for the tank soon, after I make sure that glass is ordered. I was interested to know why 2x4 isn't actually 2x4 and here's what I found out: 2x4s are not actually 2 inches by 4 inches. When the board is first rough sawn from the log, it is a true 2x4, but the drying process and planing of the board reduce it to the finished 1.5x3.5 size. The more you know... :smokey: Also, I'm not sure if I can fit a sump tank of reasonable size inside the stand. I mean, wont it have to be 11" or less to fit inside the stand?

Easy-peasy huh? I guess you guys want some more entertainment! What fun would there be in just buying an FX5? My only concern with a sump is my lack of experience in building/maintaining one. Everyone says its easy, but this is me people! I think I would feel more uneasy drilling a hole in a new tank rather a used one. I mean, have you seen my tank? could it get any worse?

Its very cool. I might as well post a link for it. fishandtips

Alright, I got a little excited and carried away designing the stand. Its almost 2 am and I have class in the morning. I couldn't help myself!

Alright, so here are the materials I bought: GE Silicone 100% I x 2 CLR Scraper Orion rings are optional I tested using the CLR on the smoky white stuff on the glass 3 times. First time, I did 2 min soak on glass diluted. Second time was 3 min straight cleaner, and third time it was straight for 10mins. Before: After: I don't see a difference, maybe a little... Moving on. This was the first strip I attempted to remove. I think it was a good decision to redo all the silicone because I found moisture and algae under it and some even make crunchy sounds! Unfortunately, I didn't think about purchasing more blades. As you can see this single one is in rough shape. So after about 40mins on scraping I managed to get the front panel off using Boom's suggestion. This sheet was 1/2" thick and was 22 1/4" x 65". I'm going to order a new one from AquaGiant tomorrow. Maybe I can use the old one to construct a lid? What do you think? Here is a close-up of where the panel sat. You can also see the rusted angle iron, which is just a frame for it to sit on. I think I'm going to totally remove it altogether because it doesn't even provide any reinforcing strength for each of the four sides. Going to pickup some more razor blades and some acetone from HD tomorrow as well.

randy: Thanks, I found it very useful. GregL: Thank you, I'll continue with it until I'm finished. So keep checking this thread, it should be very entertaining! Alright folks some more pictures. Wait, cancel that... photobucket is under maintenance. I'll post as soon as its up!

Ah, Boom you're right! No wonder I wasn't able to find anything on the interweb about 'glue' to join the sheets :bang1: That method worked like a charm! tyvm

Currently working on removing old silicon, pictures will be up soon. I'm trying to figure out how to remove a panel since its glue in? Also what type of glue do I use for the new one?

So cool. I need to get this 100 gallon up! I like how the Red Empress is eye-balling that other fish. Its almost as if it where considering making it a tasty snack!

What a beautiful fish! I love those colours.

Way to go! Keep us posted on the progress. Anything with lasers is just cool!

My bad was in a bit of a rush. It is 1/2"

Even though I'm at this stage of the project I think its about time to decide the water circulation/filtration type. Sump or Canister filter (like FX5). I've never constructed a sump system before but I have done hours of reading (mainly supplied from Boom's links). Overall I really like the benefits of a sump tank being used for a larger aquarium. For you experienced people out there, how does the cost of building a sump compare to that of just buying a filter? (I have the tools) Is this something even I can do? I would like to make my final decision on this by the end of the week so I may incorporate the calculated size of my would-be sump into the plans for the dimensions of the stand. Thanks.

Boom: I've read of people using CLR on their tanks, but I was hesitant to use it mainly because of chemical residue. I never considered the coffee pot demo. Man, that's an old commercial... I'll give it a shot, see if I can find some around the house. Trying to avoid any over-head costs. I have been considering a DIY side2side back; back-round so I would be rinsing the tank out a number of times anyways. But lets do one thing at a time Tank and stand for starters... Boom, Slough: I have to admit that I actually never thought about replacing the front glass, I mean I and going to reapply silicon so why not replace the glass as well. Right? I'll think about it. I have read a little about it on DIY forums it doesn't seem too hard, but how do you remove the old one? The glass for this tank is 1" thick. Is there place locally where I can acquire a sheet of glass for the size and thickness I need? Will it be safe? (rounded edge). If I can't get 1" thick what is acceptable? I'll have to compare the costs of buffering the existing glass to that of replacing the sheet. I contacted C. R. Laurence Co., Inc and asked the for a list of business here in Edmonton which carry/sell CRL Cerium Oxide I received a reply this morning stating I can acquire it at: Gordon Glass (888) 663-9830 Glass Distributors (800) 969-3528 I may call an ask for a price, I will also need to factor in the cost of a buffering tool with disc(s) from Princess Auto. Because I don't think the drill attachment will be effective enough.

Pretty cool!

Yes, I found that as well. I will preform a similar process, but I'm having a hard time tracking down a local suppler for a large amount of Cerium oxide.

First time I've heard of that.

Thanks Boom. I've been trying to source some Cerium Oxide or a kit with an included buffer wheel locally. I haven't been able to find either. Suggestions?

Thanks, I think this is it. I'm link here for reference. Relining your tank

Is it easy to take off with just a razor blade? When I reapply it just use 100% silicon that is aquarium safe?

Should I replace the cocking? What is this cloudy white stuff? I can't even scrape it? like a stain or something?

Let the cleaning begin! Alright settled with trying some white vinegar and a razor blade. Here are the before pictures: The Tools: The Cleaning:

Alright guys and girls put on your hardhats and roll up your sleeves. This is the official thread for my 100 gallon tank project! I don't know anything about used aquariums or restoring them, but I love to build/make things, and I have a world of resources at my fingertips and lots of help from some great people. There is a common story amongst aquarists that is directly related to the number of tanks they own. Usually its something along the lines of: The fish are getting bigger, or I want more fish etc.. The result of such statements is another tank... a bigger tank! The Beginning: My beloved little friends have outgrown their home. I'm a student on my own who works seasonally, so funds are limited. On Dec 30, 2008 I responded to an add featuring a used 100 gallon aquarium with lighting and stand for $200.00, so I wanted to check it out. The first buyer never bothered to show-up and I happened to be next in line. The elderly man who owned it was moving soon and was very worried that he wouldn't be able to remove it from his apartment, so he lowered his price to $150.00 (sneaky old man) having only twenty's and no-one around to break it, final price was $140.00. Like a kid too eager for a new puppy I rushed in! I should have taken the time to really consider it. I would have noticed the large number of scratches, the awful amount of mineral and algae everywhere, the homemade stand and lighting, the base which sat within a rusty fame constructed of welded angle iron, the LARGE mouse-like hole in the front panel! Yep, what a great deal I thought to myself. I found out as I was disassembling it that the owner had cut the hole in the front for his pet cat to sleep in. Of course I find this out until after I reached in and felt something like a pillow inside which I than grabbed and yanked out. Unfortunately the cat was sleeping in it and my hand suffered his wrath! Eventually I got the whole thing, tank, lighting, stand (minus cat) back home in a single trip. This is going to be a big job!