72 Gallon Bowfront Build.

[chief hill]

Thanks to another forum member I took the drive out to pick up the new tank.
Tank is a standard 72 gallon bowfront.

The original tank overflow was removed, all silicone removed from corners and has been prepped for a new coating of silicone.

The new overflow is made to cut to size. Using my bandsaw the overflow was cut to size and a light sand with the beltsander to true up the cuts.

Sump are needs painting and some cleanup but I will be able to just fit a 30 gallon tank underneath.
I removed glass door to sand and clean hardware. I drew out a 12.5"X 30" area on the sump floor to ensure the tank will fit and added a piece of wood along door opening to determine height of the sump.
I have to ensure there is enough room for an Ato container, skimmer, lighting etc. With only 1 door it's going to be a tight fit and having all wiring clean and installed property will be essential.

This comes with the OEM plastic canopy so finding a way to hang my 2 D120 led lights will be a challenge.

Tomorrow I'll have to pick up the silicone and start to seal all the edges of the tank.
More to come.

 

[EricTMah]

Nice project!

You might need to customize the canopy and maybe hang the light off the ceiling and just keep the front flashing.

 

[heath]

it will be beautiful when its done, but I kinda partial to bow fronts.. good luck with the project, it always nice to be able to say " I built that "

 

[sunnykita]

It's going to be a beautiful tank when it's done, and what satisfaction to say you did it yourself. Looking good !

 

[chief hill]

Day 2 just got home from home hardware. 2 bottles of silicone. Bonus says safe for aquarium right on bottle. 1 applicator that will be altered to allow a thick seal. Finally 2 cans of ultra flat black spray paint.

 

[heath]

You are going to be busy today, I hand painted my tanks, helluva job. keep us posted on how it goes..

 

[TORX]

Day 2 just got home from home hardware. 2 bottles of silicone. Bonus says safe for aquarium right on bottle. 1 applicator that will be altered to allow a thick seal. Finally 2 cans of ultra flat black spray paint.

Just a heads up, that is white silicone, not clear silicone. If you want white, that is great, but it would be the first time I have seen white in a tank. Normally clear or black.

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[jeffopentax]

Just a heads up, that is white silicone, not clear silicone. If you want white, that is great, but it would be the first time I have seen white in a tank. Normally clear or black.

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That's the stuff I use, and it is clear. Unless it comes in white also, but I don't think it does.

 

[TORX]

That's the stuff I use, and it is clear. Unless it comes in white also, but I don't think it does.

Says white on the bottle.

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[jeffopentax]

Haha was just about to edit post after taking closer look at pic. Apparently it does come in white!

 

[chief hill]

Lol guess what everyone. I was like Shhhiiitttt just as I poped open the seal on the first one. Back to the store I went and swapped for clear. Here we go fast and furious work.

As you can see the tool has to be altered

Now it's adjusted and all ready to apply silicone

As you can tell on the Bottom I did a thicker coat and used my finger to smooth out slightly. I want that a nice liberal layer as it will all be buried in sand and will never be seen.
The overflow. I applied a thin layer onto the overflow then applied it to the tank, then tapped and sealed around the outside using the tool.

 

[chief hill]

Now onto the paint tank was tapped off and paint applied.
.

FTS
What your seeing on the back is the workbench in front of the tank. So the black background is reflecting 100% of the light.

 

[chief hill]

http://www.incredibleaquarium.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=38&products_id=678
Considering using this kit for this tank seeing as it comes with all the bulkheads. Anybody have any ideas were I can get the screw in return line for pump hose and discharge adapter for sump? I don't know if hd or Lowes carry anything like that.

 

[TORX]

If the bulkhead is threaded and you are doing soft braided nylon hose, look for a barbed fitting. When I have a threaded bulkhead, I just get a 'nipple', that is normally 4-6" pvc pipe and threaded at either end. Then I cut it in half and thread in the one half... make sense? It is always harder to put it to words lol.

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[heath]

Have you ever checked MOPS. they are located in Hamilton but also have on line too..

 

[heath]

BEAUTIFUL ...

 

[jeffopentax]

Have you ever checked MOPS. they are located in Hamilton but also have on line too..

They ship super fast. My orders always arrive next day in Brantford.

 

[heath]

they are awesome to deal with, very knowledgeable, check them out...

 

[TessG]

Can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[chief hill]

Found a YouTube video and the kit has everything I'll need including barb fitting
I checked out Mop website and can't seem to find what I'm looking for there. jl aquatics has them in Stock.