ddr_phish Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 So do you just use the copper strands twisted to give it a slight gap so the Weld-On can get in? Quote Link to comment
calvin415 Posted August 2, 2008 Author Share Posted August 2, 2008 Oh, yeah... Sorry about that. Yes, the pins (twisted wires) are inserted between the two pieces to allow enough solvent to soften both pieces before removing the pins and bringing the two pieces together. When the pins are pulled any excess solvent will squeeze out and help to seal the weld, while the two softened pieces become one as the solvent continues to dry. For our climate (Dry Colorado Air) I use WeldOn 3 and allow the solvent to soak for approx 1:15 (min:sec) before pulling the pins. Quote Link to comment
dopamine Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 the pins do make a huge difference. Allows you to get a great, even seal. The only thing you have to watch out for the amount of weld on that now goes in there. It is easy to over do it opposed to the standard wick you usually get with thinner acrylic sheets. I had a problem with the pins allowing too much weldon in and then after dropping the sheet it presses little weldon balls out into the inside 90degree corner which is impossible to sand. looks awesome calvin. cant wait to see it with lights and water! kudos on the butt welds as well. Quote Link to comment
calvin415 Posted August 2, 2008 Author Share Posted August 2, 2008 Thanks Dopamine! Do this 4 times over the course of the day and this is what you have: Top and Bottom (plus flush cutting, sanding and polishing) are all that is left!!! Quote Link to comment
reefone Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 wow it coming along nicely. cant wait to see this thing full of water. was that u i seen asking about 1000w bulbs on the other site? if so is that what ur going to run on this one too? Quote Link to comment
calvin415 Posted August 3, 2008 Author Share Posted August 3, 2008 Thanks, yes that was me but for another tank. I have dual 1000w MH's on a 225 at my folks house. Here's a link to that build. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...hreadid=1050944 Quote Link to comment
gulfsurfer101 Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 You weren't kidding about really long. Looks good so far, can't wait to see how it turns out. Keep us posted on any progress you make. Quote Link to comment
calvin415 Posted August 3, 2008 Author Share Posted August 3, 2008 You weren't kidding about really long. Looks good so far, can't wait to see how it turns out. Keep us posted on any progress you make. LOL! Nope not kidding. Thanks, I'll be posting any and all updated here. Quote Link to comment
calvin415 Posted August 3, 2008 Author Share Posted August 3, 2008 Here's some pics of the flip w/ my 3yr old. I couldn't get any further away to try to get it all to fit, but that's almost 8' from left side to the seam (part un-masked) and then another 4' to the right side. I threw the top on it just to get an idea of how it will look. Reverse side. From the stairs coming down... Quote Link to comment
Uhuru Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 I wish I had your skills. Quote Link to comment
dan06277 Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Wow, this is a great thread. Thanks for taking the time to bring us all along. Quote Link to comment
Sexy Shrimp Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 OMG that is mammoth! Very impressive. I really wish I had the skills to do that - I struggle with my 24g AIO Tagging along Quote Link to comment
dtfleming Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 WOW, this tank is really coming along nicely. Quote Link to comment
iglowce Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 cant wait to see the next step Quote Link to comment
tyty22 Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 WOW this is amazing. your tank is going to be so awesome. i think best part for you is telling everyone "ya i built it all myself" wow im so impressed with your skills i wish i had them. cant wait to see more Quote Link to comment
Mickle Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Great build, hope you continue in the same vien! Quote Link to comment
calvin415 Posted August 4, 2008 Author Share Posted August 4, 2008 I wish I had your skills. Just practice and have patience, but more than anything just the confidence and courage to try. Wow, this is a great thread. Thanks for taking the time to bring us all along. Thanks, glad you've enjoyed it. OMG that is mammoth! Very impressive. I really wish I had the skills to do that - I struggle with my 24g AIO Tagging along LOL! See comment above. WOW, this tank is really coming along nicely. Thanks! cant wait to see the next step Lots and lots of steps still to follow... WOW this is amazing. your tank is going to be so awesome. i think best part for you is telling everyone "ya i built it all myself" wow im so impressed with your skills i wish i had them. cant wait to see more LOL! Thanks, yes that's always the biggest eye opener... Same thing happens on the current 225 I did. I think most people believe that aquariums magically happen and don't realize that people can actually build them. Great build, hope you continue in the same vien! Thanks! Quote Link to comment
fewskillz Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Looks great man, love the view from the stairs! Quote Link to comment
Roc! Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 Well I just spent an hour reading the thread at RC of the tanks at your dads house and you have some of the best DIY skills I have ever seen. Are you in the trades, or just a really good learner? Quote Link to comment
calvin415 Posted August 4, 2008 Author Share Posted August 4, 2008 Looks great man, love the view from the stairs! Thanks! It's my fav as well. Well I just spent an hour reading the thread at RC of the tanks at your dads house and you have some of the best DIY skills I have ever seen. Are you in the trades, or just a really good learner? LOL! No, I'm an analyst. Just love anything hands on. Quote Link to comment
Sea Slug Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Looking GREAT ! Will be taging along on this one . Quote Link to comment
AcroporaLokani Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 Looks awesome. If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for your acrylic? Quote Link to comment
tyty22 Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 LOL! Thanks, yes that's always the biggest eye opener... Same thing happens on the current 225 I did. I think most people believe that aquariums magically happen and don't realize that people can actually build them. i have never built an aquarium but i love DIY although with my cash flow i can barely afford my 20 gallon diy lol Quote Link to comment
calvin415 Posted August 6, 2008 Author Share Posted August 6, 2008 Thanks everyone! AcroporaLokani, The 4 12' pieces cost me 500.00 (took 2 sheets of 1/2" to build) and the ends and overflow box were about another 75.00 I just got the acrylic for my sumps, and that's costing me another 170.00 but still have to order the acrylic tubing for the skimmer... Quote Link to comment
fish_chips Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 bro, i wish i had you skills, your tank, and your money. lol cant wait to see the fisnished product. Quote Link to comment
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