125 gallon Frontosa Setup on a budget (load warning)

[Wulfonce]

Hi folks.

I just thought I'd share the build progress on my 125g Frontosa setup. I'm working on a budget and I hope this thread will show just what can be done without burning a hole in your wallet. I'll keep the pics and updates coming as I get stuff done.


My "to-do" list:

Build the stand (done)
Paint the glass (done)
Modify my Fx5 output to support a spray bar
Build a dim-able Blue and White LED lighting system
Build a canopy (might do this)


Cost so far:

Tank = $120
Stand = $76
Black sand = $100
Fx5 (new) = $220
Mic. Stuff = $4.07


Firstly let me start by saying, this thread will be a combination of my stand build thread and what I'm currently doing...

I bought the 125g tank almost 2 years ago, for a whopping $120. Along with that I got a story about how the guys wife is sick and tired of his aquarium madness blah blah blah... Guys, I'm sure you've heard this before. Anyways I bring the thing home, clean the salt stains off it and realize, that the tank is in much better shape then I originally thought. Woot! What a steal!

Back then I worked in renovations. I regularly raided the job sites wood bin and slowly collected the materials I would need to build the stand. I salvaged 2x4's in good shape, long enough for the uprights and width pieces. I salvaged old cupboard doors from the 1960's. The only things I had to buy were, four 2x4's, a bucket of screws, 9 hinges and a used can of paint. Everything totaled around $76.

Here are some pics from that build...

Moving on to today...

I drained the tank and removed everything in preparation for my new plans. I called over my uncle for some extra muscle and together we wiggled the stand and tank away from the wall enough for me to work on it, (the stand is stupidly heavy... oops.) I got out my scraper, and a spray bottle full of vinegar and got to work cleaning the inside. The water deposits were caked on pretty good, but it cleaned up well without alot of effort. It only took 20min.

Cleaning begins

Having done my research, I decided to go with a black acrylic paint for the background. I chose this because it's so easy to remove, should I need to remove it for some reason. (I'll probably have some other crazy idea a year down the road lol) I bought the paint at my local craft store for $3.04.

After cleaning the glass with rubbing alcohol, I apply the first coat with my dollar store paint roller and tray. lol

20min later...

45min later...
Second coat goes on (the camera flash makes it look grey, its a lot blacker then that)

Looking from the front

That's all I've got for today. Overall I'm very happy with how it came out. Two coats is all it needed and I still have about 1/4 bottle left for touch-ups. Check back in a few days, I'll try to keep this updated as much as possible. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

 

[muskieboy]

Nice build. I've also used cheap dollar store paint before, it works great.

 

[Lyferxb9s]

Very nice

 

[Wulfonce]

I'm going to need to paint the spraybar black. From the bit of research I've done people are using a product called Krylon Fusion Interior / Exterior Paint, in a spray can. It's suppose to be non toxic but from what I hear they dont claim this anywhere on the can, probably for legal reasons? Has anyone ever used this stuff before?

I've also desided to install some strips of plexiglass into the back corners of the tank to hide my equipment. I hear glass companys sell this stuff? I'll check it out tomorrow.

 

[Wulfonce]

Picked up the plumbing parts, and the acrylic sheet for the corners. Will update with pics later today.

EDIT:


Cost so far:

Tank = $120
Stand = $76
Black sand = $100
Fx5 (new) = $220
Mic. Stuff = $18.97
Plumbing = $34.42

Total so far = $569.93
Goal = No more then $800

 

[rwellbaum]

Nice

 

[cl0wn knife]

looking good so far

 

[flip_mode]

yes the krylon is fine but i would sand the pvc before you paint it. i have learned it lasts alot longer.

 

[Wulfonce]

Yes, the roughness makes the paint stick better.

I picked up a sheet of clear acrylic for $13.00, intending to paint it black. I've been debating if its safe to paint it black, being that it'll be under water. I hear that it is safe but I don't think I'm going to paint it (just incase). I found a local plastics company that sells acrylic sheets. I'm going to check them out today and hopefully buy some black acrylic.

 

[Wulfonce]

I went to the plastic company and I can get black acrylic for a very reasonable price. I'll pick some up the first week of Jan. I finished sizing and cutting the plumbing and will have some pics for you guys tomorrow. I still have to drill out the spray bar holes, and will glue everything together after I test it, but this wont happen till after I install the acrylic corners.

I have a question for you guys about hole placement on the acrylic sheets.

On the left side I'm going to have an air stone. I figured if I drill the holes quite low on the panels (few inches above the sand) it would give the bubbles time to disperse before entering the tank, thus avoiding micro bubbles. The panels will actually go higher then the waterline and will touch against the top frame, making each end a closed system.

On the right side is the intake and heater. Where should I drill the holes? Top? bottom third? both? I want to keep the holes at least 4-5" above the sand to avoid accidental sand intake. The spray bar will shoot horizontally causing a "barrel roll" flow pattern. That being said, maybe it would make more sense to drill the holes near the top?

Your thoughts?