Epic Overhaul/Builds: 3D Backgrounds 300g-125g-120g

[JK47]

Very nice. I can't wait to see the end result. I'm sure it will look amazing.
The 3D background just adds that missing something to any tank.

Thanks Joey! I really like your 3D background too. All three of my tanks are eartheater tanks. The background I bought for the 125g looks kind of like yours but I don't think the stump comes out as far. I'm looking forward to your 36" build. Check these guys out when you do. Save some cash.

Very nice, post more pics!

lol I did

Real nice. I love this build!

Thank you. I'm working really hard, that means allot. Thanks again.

Looking forward to seeing those backgrounds installed.

Me to Brian. These tanks still look ghetto next to your 450.

Those backgrounds are sweet!

Thanks Bobby! Did you check out the site? I think I bought the three best styles they have but am curious what other people would have chosen. Feel free to post it up I want to know..

hahaha i hate those dumb moments

Me too. I still feel bad for them. In my defense the lights in my garage are dim

 

[JK47]

One thing I forgot to add the day before yesterday I wanted to share was how I leveled the stand. My garage floor is really unlevel. When I cut the vertical posts for the stand frame, I used a scrap pice of the boards to cut about 20 slices of the 2"x6" with varrying thicknesses to use later as shims. It worked great.

I hate the idea of leaving the stand just as a bare frame but it will probably be a few weeks before I can skin and stain it and add the trim.






The vertical posts rest directly on top of the shims so I have no worries about leveling issues over time. This stand it way overbuilt anyway.





Task list coming in just a minute.

 

[ceeej31]

i dont know if this would work for you but i just pinned up a curtain around my stand, it actually looks pretty nice

 

[TRENT]

WOW! setup looks awesome. I'm loving the background. Lots of hard work man but it will all pay off. That was cool your wife jumped in and helped out and of course aclockworkorange. It was cool to meet you guys the other day. Wish I could of stuck around for the fun. I'm tagging along. Later


PS. Thanks for the kind words

 

[JK47]

Task List for the 300 gallon (not including 125/120 yet):

Stand:
100%---Build stand frame/ply
100%---Level stand
0%-----Skin stand (1/4" birch)
0%-----Decide on cabinet doors/buy or build
0%-----Decide on trim/buy it
0%-----Stain stand

Tank:
100%---Buff acrylic
100%---Drill tank for plumbing/FX5's
50%----Plumb for sump
0%-----Buy acrylic sump
0%-----Build driftwood
0%-----Buy stones, plants, decor
0%-----Build acrylic overflow towers
100%---Move everything from 220g

Background:
100%---Buy background
0%-----Move fish to 120g
0%-----Move sand, decor and filters to 120g
0%-----Drain/dry tank.
0%-----Cut background
0%-----Silicone background pieces together
0%-----Restore tank



The above brings me to my current problem. I am test fitting everything to make the swap faster and decide on changes to the pump/plumbing ahead of time. I wanted to move the sump that was on my 220g to my 125g. The stand is too low for a 40 gallon CPR sump. I really don't want to cut the stand. On the other hand if I trade this tank out for a 180g, I will need that larger capacity sump.

Sigh... What to do? Trade someone for a smaller sump and an overflow for this one? I need an overflow anyway.

Dirty sump.. Smells like crap. (literally lol)





Cleaning it up.. Not sure why I took this picture, kind of pointless but whatever here it is.







It's close but no cigar.. I swear I meansured this before and it was fine. Who knows though. Lots happened in the last couple days.

 

[peathenster]

That's awesome Justin!!!

I'll be following this thread. Lots of stuff to learn!

 

[JK47]

That's awesome Justin!!!

I'll be following this thread. Lots of stuff to learn!

Thank you Peter! My maps are showing intrerest in one another so it was time to seperate them from the orange heads and all their crazyness. Giving them a little privacy might as well make it look nice if you do lol

 

[aclockworkorange]

So have you reached a verdict yet on these decisions?? ^^

 

[JK47]

WOW! setup looks awesome. I'm loving the background. Lots of hard work man but it will all pay off. That was cool your wife jumped in and helped out and of course aclockworkorange. It was cool to meet you guys the other day. Wish I could of stuck around for the fun. I'm tagging along. Later


PS. Thanks for the kind words

Thanks Trent! Your always welcome at my place so if your ever in my area again, swing on by thanks again for the FX5/media.

So have you reached a verdict yet on these decisions?? ^^

Not really. There are not many deals on 180g tanks in our area. Have you seen any or know anyone? My wife wanted a nice 120g and now I bought 3 backgronds, another FX5 a 120g and now I gotta tell her I'm switching to a 180g too. I'll probably be having dinner at your place soon lol...

 

[aclockworkorange]

Heh... you can come over for dinner any time but it usually consists of pizza or cereal...

Are you thinking of using the 180 because of the size of the background? So you would be getting rid of the 125?

I saw a smokin deal on a 180 a few weeks ago on CL. Just wait, they are out there, and one will come up sooner or later. There was that 180 at A to Z, lord knows how much they want for that.