My 180 Gallon Build

[Autumnsky]

Good point...I like sponges too. This is a 55 gallon tank that the previous owner was using for a trickle sump. What size sump tank do you have on your 180? Would a 55 be too big or would a different size tank with better dimensions make a better sump? I have an old 29 gallon or could buy a new 40 breeder or something. This tank is in need of a reseal and the bottom plastic support is cracked on the corner. With the dollar a gallon sale coming up that would be a good time to switch. Thanks for the advice too. I just want to do it right the first time and not have to tear stuff down in a year or two.

This stuff held a metal bracket which holds an alternator under much tension/pressure in an engine compartent for a 4x4 truck for 2 years, until a yahoo went off roading like a rock crawler with it in Moab . It should hold a frame together.
https://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-828...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VM0EFMSPPMVRRFMBF8HY

 

[t-bone]

I got the glass polish in. It works GREAT! It will just take a little patience. It removes those hard water stains that I can never get off. The glass is clear after using it. It will get light scratches out easily and deep scratches out but it takes a while for the deep ones. I really just want the deep ones less noticeable not completely gone, that will be ok with me. Got rid of all the haze on the inside of the aquarium. I am extremely pleased. Here is a test piece I polished before and after.

I also got my substrate while I was out. $5.99 for 40 pounds. I got three bags to start. I really like the color.

 

[t-bone]

Here is the polish I used. Amazon....[emoji1303]

 

[Autumnsky]

That is a pretty good looking result! Keep hearing positive things about the safe-t-sorb, like - why would I want to spend 4x the amount for a useful substrate. Seems like high on upsides and not much of a down side!

 

[t-bone]

I like the color but it will take a lot of rinsing. There are some pieces of clay in the mix that are still soft. It will have to soak for a while to soften them up and rinse. But for $125 dollar difference it is worth the work. I'll get some pics of the soft clay tomorrow.

 

[Autumnsky]

I like the color but it will take a lot of rinsing. There are some pieces of clay in the mix that are still soft. It will have to soak for a while to soften them up and rinse. But for $125 dollar difference it is worth the work. I'll get some pics of the soft clay tomorrow.

Yes, BIG $$$ difference!!!

Will be interested to see what the soft clay looks like. Somewhere I have a bag/part bag of this, I have only used it for spills! Maybe need to dig it out and see all about it!

 

[flchamp89]

My last tank was soil capped with safe t. Used to be real popular. It works fine imo. Yes...dusty lol. I like it better than kitty litter.

 

[t-bone]

Is that STS supposed to be soft? I can crush about 75% of the clay with my fingers. It seems like it will turn to mush real quick. I thought the fired clay was supposed to be hard? This batch must not have been fired very long. I don't think I am going to use it. Anyone else have this problem with STS or any other fired clay or is that the way it is supposed to be? It just seems a little too soft to me.

 

[Autumnsky]

No clue. It is supposed to be firm I think. Maybe thinking of the cat litter being the hard one. But it is dense, not airy. Hmmm. Maybe I will look for the one lost in my garage this week.

 

[flchamp89]

From my experience yes it broke down within the first year. Ive seen others threads say the same thing. Wasnt a huge deal for me.

 

[t-bone]

I just got finished resealing the overflows. There was a sloppy clear silicone job on them. It looks 100% better. I just did the lines on the inside of the tank that you would see all the time. The inside of the overflows could use a redo but I really don't want go that far. I really like the consistency of this Dow 795. It is very easy to work with. I have buffed all the glass also. It got all the hard water stains off. It is starting to look like a new tank. I am very pleased so far. I was kind of worried at first with the condition but it is starting to come together.

 

[t-bone]

I started sanding down the stand and I was thinking of spray painting it black but I kinda like the stand with the finish half sanded off. I could rub it down with some finish oil and leave it distressed looking. What do y'all think? Or go with a traditional black.

 

[Autumnsky]

Distressed is in if it fits within your decor. Seeing wood grain is nice.

 

[toolman]

I like the black but my wife usually disagrees would like the distressed.lol
Autumnsky is right depends on your decor.

 

[flchamp89]

I vote no black

 

[toolman]

If we're voting definitely distressed, my vote never counts at work, at home, politics, etc. Lol

 

[t-bone]

Possibly go over with a lighter stain? Then the darker stain would show through? Wood is yellow pine though. Not hardwood unfortunately.

 

[flchamp89]

Coffee stain?

 

[t-bone]

Please elaborate. Do you use real coffee or is it a type of stain. Hmmmm...

 

[flchamp89]

Real coffee...were poor in the south. Make it as dark or light as ya like. Looks good on pine imo.

Google it...it works