Derek's Custom 180G SPS Reef Tank

[Darryl_V]

Looks great Derek...

 

[spyd]

One item that must have got overlooked during the tank build was the back piece was suppose to be laminated black. Since that did not happen, I am wondering what is the best way to get the back of the tank looking better? I do not want to paint the glass. I have a background on my current tank which I like the look, but, they are a PITA when it comes to mounting them. I taped mine on and it has slowly been getting peeled off from my mag float when cleaning it.

Any ideas? I was thinking maybe some car tinting and just using a few layers of it. Eventually, I know it may get covered in coraline algae but not sure I want to go that route this time around either. Opinions welcome as I would like to hide the plumbing in the back.

Is there a way to laminate a piece of acrylic on the back of the glass?

 

[Blob-79]

run to candian tire and get some limo tint

 

[Neopimp]

just paint the exterior black.... it is very easy to remove if needed and does not suffer from the issues that a background thing does.  Just use an oil based paint i think.  Works with glass tanks
I did mine and its perfect.. never have to worry about it.

 

[spyd]

The tank is glass. I just was thinking about mounting a piece of black acrylic to the back. I think I will try the window tint though and see how it goes. My only concern is once the tank is in place, I'm stuck with whatever is on the back because it will never be moved again for a LONG time.

 

[Petercar (RIP Dec 2017)]

Window tint then if yu want o remove yu just peel it off or paint with a roller

 

[Fraggle Rock]

If there's one of those Mobile Tint guys in your area might want to give them a shout and see what they'd charge to tint it for you. Might not be too costly and you'd get a pro finish.

 

[Blob-79]

the window tint is simple to do...especially on a flat piece of glass. the really dark limo tint is nice and thick too, so its much easier to do wrinkle and bubble free then the regular window tint. Really it all comes down to cleanliness. The cleaner the tank is, the better it will look. Also use lots of soap and water solution, work out thebubbles softly then squeegee it hard.

 

[Petercar (RIP Dec 2017)]

Ya getthe thick window tint. It will be a heavier roll  on a rack like at crappy tire.  Yu might have to keep looking to find one 72 inchs long  Amd get some masking tape  and get 4 stripsamd put on top corners on both sides  and have another person with a spray bottle I'll the clear skin off while yu hold the tinted peice yur fingers will grab them asking tape so yur Ingres don't touch the sticky side of film  while that other person is peeling the clear have the, spray the sticky side
Ots.  ...I mean lots not baby it ..and when it's off plop it right onto the glass  Then spray the glass lots  it's don't matter how much water and soap yu get on it can move ot around amd centre it ..I have did my truck windows myself 

 

[Duke]

you could also goto a sign shop and buy that film they make to stick numbers and letters on glass, apply it like you would tint.. except when it dries its not actaully glued to the glass

 

[Blob-79]

Oo thats not a bad idea, that vinyl stuff

 

[spyd]

I spoke to the manufacturer and they are going to supply me with the vinyl to get it done. If I screw it up, I'll be sure to get them here to do it for me. 

 

[davesolo29]

I spoke to the manufacturer and they are going to supply me with the vinyl to get it done. If I screw it up, I'll be sure to get them here to do it for me. 

thats what i was going to suggest.  im surprised flavio didnt just offer to come do it right away.

 

[spyd]

UPDATE TIME:

So................ After weeks of waiting on schedule 80 Hayward bulkheads and hard piping in my entire system, ensuring everything was perfect... It was time for aquascaping. After building a nice arch and finally getting everything just how I wanted it, I added sand, and finally began to fill the tank..... ONLY TO FIND A LEAK!!!! Yep... After the tank was 1/4 full of water, I found out there is a pin-hole leak somehwere at the bottom. BLEEPING BLEEP OF F#@Ken  oop:!!!!!!!! So, now it is time to remove the rock, remove the sand, remove the water, remove the plumbing, and basically start all over again!!!! Whenever the tank is repaired or replaced.... Probably another couple months down the road.... GRRRRRRR!!!!!! I can't win...

 

[dale]

o dude im so sorry, that really sucks, dont loose faith, it will work out eventually.,.,

 

[unibob]

Should the company who built it not have tested for leaks? Man that is such a bummer.

 

[Darryl_V]

So sorry to hear the bad news...

Structurally its probably sound...just a pin hole leak some where.  I wonder if getting them to fix it at your house is an option....it's really should have been tested.

 

[Bill@IA]

Bleepity Bleep Bleep Bleep is right.  :?  Man that sucks.

Sorry for your trouble Derek. I am sure it will all work out.

 

[davesolo29]

wow...that really sucks.  sorry man.  im sure it will be an in house fix.  what did flavio say?  i bet he his very apologetic.

 

[spyd]

Flavio is in Europe this week but I talked to Adam there and they are going to pick it up next week and repair it at their shop, then bring it back to me. They are going to block up the tank, then fill it and find out where the leak is.

When I put on the backing on the tank, some water got between the tank and the foam. I just figured it was that water making its way out. But, then I checked the salinity of it and found out it was SW.... So everything is now out. I just need to shop vac out the remainder of the water and clean up the bottom to see where abouts the leak is actually coming from...