Its been a long month and a half with this new tank setup. (15 days of searching, and 30 days of labor) I purchased a 260 gallon glass "basket case" in the hopes of doing a restoration on the cheap. So far so good.
I'm starting this thread with the intention of doing a progression of the rehab. And this is where it starts.
Bigger is better.
I was looking for an inexpensive way to upgrade my 125 discus tank. So I put a WTB add on Craig's list and was shocked at how many replies I got with people looking to unload there 200 gallon + aquariums. I had a lot to choose from, in size, condition, and price.
But the main goal was getting the best price, and having a fun project.
Well I settled on the 8 footer, 260 and started the process. It also came with what looks like a USA brand 50 gallon sump and overflow. Not sure of the size because I haven't really done anything with it yet.
BTW, stand, tank, and sump came home with me for $300. ?
After getting it home and in the garage, I immediately did a test fill to see what I had to work with.
Well, it held water just fine for 4 days. But the stand was super wobbly. There was only a 4' x 4' x 5/8" piece of plywood on the back, and a split/cracked 6' long 2" x 4" horizontally mounted on the top front that offered any real stability. And the front skin, with the only 2 functioning undersized cabinet doors were being held on by 1 1/2" brad nails. This thing rocked easily side to side by as much as 1/2 an inch with just a minor push. Keep in mind, fully filled with water, substrate and everything else, this is about a 3000 lb setup. Scary indeed. The vertical stability is just fine, with the corners doubled up with 2" x 4" and its pretty level despite the cobbled together base.
I'm inviting you to follow along this journey of ups, downs and "surprises". Hope you enjoy it at least as half as much as I did. Maybe even get inspired to take on your own project if you haven't before. Setting up a tank is one of my favorite parts of the hobby.
I decided to start this now because today is test fill #2 day! My 2 son in-laws are coming over to help me get the 400 lb beast on the stand.
Here are the initial pics after I got it in the garage 30 days ago. That's my son sitting in the pic. But he can't help me anymore. Mainly because he's in his 2 week of boot camp.
I'll be updating progress every few days, or as time allows.
Thanks for following!
I'm starting this thread with the intention of doing a progression of the rehab. And this is where it starts.
Bigger is better.
I was looking for an inexpensive way to upgrade my 125 discus tank. So I put a WTB add on Craig's list and was shocked at how many replies I got with people looking to unload there 200 gallon + aquariums. I had a lot to choose from, in size, condition, and price.
But the main goal was getting the best price, and having a fun project.
Well I settled on the 8 footer, 260 and started the process. It also came with what looks like a USA brand 50 gallon sump and overflow. Not sure of the size because I haven't really done anything with it yet.
BTW, stand, tank, and sump came home with me for $300. ?
After getting it home and in the garage, I immediately did a test fill to see what I had to work with.
Well, it held water just fine for 4 days. But the stand was super wobbly. There was only a 4' x 4' x 5/8" piece of plywood on the back, and a split/cracked 6' long 2" x 4" horizontally mounted on the top front that offered any real stability. And the front skin, with the only 2 functioning undersized cabinet doors were being held on by 1 1/2" brad nails. This thing rocked easily side to side by as much as 1/2 an inch with just a minor push. Keep in mind, fully filled with water, substrate and everything else, this is about a 3000 lb setup. Scary indeed. The vertical stability is just fine, with the corners doubled up with 2" x 4" and its pretty level despite the cobbled together base.
I'm inviting you to follow along this journey of ups, downs and "surprises". Hope you enjoy it at least as half as much as I did. Maybe even get inspired to take on your own project if you haven't before. Setting up a tank is one of my favorite parts of the hobby.
I decided to start this now because today is test fill #2 day! My 2 son in-laws are coming over to help me get the 400 lb beast on the stand.
Here are the initial pics after I got it in the garage 30 days ago. That's my son sitting in the pic. But he can't help me anymore. Mainly because he's in his 2 week of boot camp.
I'll be updating progress every few days, or as time allows.
Thanks for following!
