Tank Upgrade 450-550g Planning

[JK47]

JK47 the painted bottom does look really good in those pics. Much nice than mine did. I guess a combination of the material and type of paint that was used.

I'll get you a pic of the exact paint I use when I get home tonight. I'm using it for the bottom of the current project as well. Did you use oil based? Latex is a must IMO

 

[nzafi]

Below are the two options I am looking at. It is not 100% at scale but close enough. You will see the overflow boxes will definitely take up more space as they will be 18in x 6in x 28in (tall).

JK47 curious on your thoughts as it relates to the position of returns/intakes. Goal is to make sure I get as much of all waste/dirt to minimize cleaning. I will say I am looking into eductors and their impact on reeflo pumps.

Option 1 w/hmf


Option 2 w/overflows containing K1

 

[nzafi]

I'll get you a pic of the exact paint I use when I get home tonight. I'm using it for the bottom of the current project as well. Did you use oil based? Latex is a must IMO

I used plasti-dip

https://plastidip.com/our-products/plasti-dip/

 

[wednesday13]

N nzafi , painting the wood underneath wont do anything... itell look black when dry...and back to mirror/un colored when full. ive painted hanously scratched tanks that look like fresh black material from the inside. painting the back or underside really gives it a nice sheen look from the inside even using matte paint like Justin is saying... i usually prefer black oil based paint but have used it all by now. just need a good 2-4 coats to really block all light coming through and give u a nice shell for when its time to get it on the stand in case u scratch it. oil based paint slides a bit easier also to get on a stand lol.. can be a pain prying tanks back off the stand so make sure it has a good week to dry solid.

 

[JK47]

Below are the two options I am looking at. It is not 100% at scale but close enough. You will see the overflow boxes will definitely take up more space as they will be 18in x 6in x 28in (tall).

JK47 curious on your thoughts as it relates to the position of returns/intakes. Goal is to make sure I get as much of all waste/dirt to minimize cleaning. I will say I am looking into eductors and their impact on reeflo pumps.

Option 1 w/hmf
View attachment 1303407

Option 2 w/overflows containing K1

View attachment 1303406

Could option 3 be external overflows similar to how a coast to coast would be set up? If you are having the tank built it could be possible and would give you the full floor footprint back.

If not I would vote for the corner overflows. I like as much open room in the middle as possible.

 

[nzafi]

Could option 3 be external overflows similar to how a coast to coast would be set up? If you are having the tank built it could be possible and would give you the full floor footprint back.

If not I would vote for the corner overflows. I like as much open room in the middle as possible.

External is not an option. The tank has to go up against the wall otherwise I cannot do a 48in wide tank. If I do 6in overflows I then need to do a 42in wide tank. Seeing I am having the tank built I can probably get the boxes installed in the corners. I am waiting to see how you do the K1 in your build to make a final decision.

Have you ever done drains in the middle of the tank like I am doing? I can move them to the back but once again they need to go through the bottom. They will either be low profile or I will raise them 6in so I can do sand.

 

[JK47]

External is not an option. The tank has to go up against the wall otherwise I cannot do a 48in wide tank. If I do 6in overflows I then need to do a 42in wide tank. Seeing I am having the tank built I can probably get the boxes installed in the corners. I am waiting to see how you do the K1 in your build to make a final decision.

Have you ever done drains in the middle of the tank like I am doing? I can move them to the back but once again they need to go through the bottom. They will either be low profile or I will raise them 6in so I can do sand.

yep. My 300 is setup that way. I usually close off bottom drains with a bulkhead. Not sure why I don't use them, it's a solid design, just not something I really incorporate into my style of build.

 

[fenton06]

Window tint instead of painting.

 

[nzafi]

Well I am happy to say that today I put down a deposit with fishtanksdirect for a custom 535g (8x4x30in) tank. I will be having a call next week with their tank builder to iron out the specific details. I have decided to go with a fully clear tank and I will be painting the back and bottom myself. I wanted to originally go with Midwest but found a lot of positive feedback on FTD and the price differential was too much considering they were both using 3/4in acrylic for all panels.

 

[JK47]

Well I am happy to say that today I put down a deposit with fishtanksdirect for a custom 535g (8x4x30in) tank. I will be having a call next week with their tank builder to iron out the specific details. I have decided to go with a fully clear tank and I will be painting the back and bottom myself. I wanted to originally go with Midwest but found a lot of positive feedback on FTD and the price differential was too much considering they were both using 3/4in acrylic for all panels.

Congrats man!!! I’m jealous! You must be pretty pumped about it