Nwa's 85 gallon starphire diy almost cube updated 06/13/13

[NWA-Planted]

Mostly this is a place holder, but everything is on order and just got the first item of the build!!

The tank dimensions are
36" x 30" x 18"

It will be all glass made out of 3/8" and the three viewable sides will be LIG, sadly the glass will be last to arrive due to shipping but just gives me time to work on the stand etc!!

Lighting will be led, i was going to custom build a fixture but total cost was going to run near $600 and personally i couldn't justify this cost... So i ran across this fixture and will be giving it a try, it will be suspended, how high, well we will see.

http://www.aquatraders.com/EVO-36-LE...d-p/56233p.htm

Filtration will be internally housed much like my custom nano tank but refined and better will be using a740 gph with practically no head height.

Now the first picture to kick it off



This weekend.. The stand hopefully

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[sjb1987]

Awesome... Those dimensions are BA

[HD Blazingwolf]

No!! I was to be first post! But i digress, of course ima subscribe to my main planted tank guy's thread"
I expect nothing less than an exceptional tank and stand build with particular detailing on the internal sump!
Got a digital camera btw. I should have shots up in the next few days of tank inhabitants for ya man!

[NWA-Planted]

Thanks guys and please bear with me this is going to be a slow build due to waiting for glass and my shoulder surgery. My plan this weekend is to get the stand built This weekend at least.

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[sjb1987]

Slower is better... Less mistakes, more time to think about it... Btw are you goin pressurized with this setup

[NWA-Planted]

Yes i will have co2 setup up on it, will probably inject just because, have a 20# tank regulator, counter etc left from the old setup

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[NWA-Planted]

Few more items!!! The light and pump came in today.

However did not get anywhere near building my stand... So much fail, glass won't arrive until beginning of March.


Handy little head height flow chart


Adjustable in line flow thingy




The pump





The light fixture
* note this thing puts out some light* i will probably make a little more in depth thread in the lighting section, fairly impressed though!!



Moonlight feature**


Now just waiting on glass... And getting to Lowes!!

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[NWA-Planted]

Glass delivery is finally scheduled, should be getting it next week on the 28th, since it got delayed so much they are polishing all the edges for me!! I also found out... Won't need euro bracing but ordered the glass, go figure!

Finally got the stand built, after final construction, it's probably over kill but it's level and should easily support the tank :-) just need to put the plywood sheet on top and debating on the sides, should probably paint or stain. Yet to be decided.



The wee little one thinks it's her new play house


Also able to easily fit my 20# co2 with reg underneath


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[HD Blazingwolf]

ur right
overkill
but, isn't that kinda the point for a diy stand? we like to feel safe with hundreds of dollars worth of life and equipment suspended by our workmanship.
GLASS NEEDS TO GET HERE!!! Ima have surviving rainbow fry before this is over!!

[NWA-Planted]

Total cost to build stand, like 25 bucks though ;-)

Yea once I get the glass have to assemble and let set a week... Aarrgghh

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[NWA-Planted]

The glass has finally arrived!!! The front, and side panes are high clarity. The difference is to say the least.. Noticeable, hopefully I have time this weekend to get it assembled and let cure for a good week!!

Rough mock up to give you an idea :-)



Side beside of front pane(high clarity) and back pane regular glass, you decide



I am beyond excited to finish the stand and get the glass together... It's slowly starting to come together!!

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[HD Blazingwolf]

very cool! i look forward to the silicone job. that will say a lot!!

good luck and have a steady hand!

[NWA-Planted]

Originally Posted by HD Blazingwolf

very cool! i look forward to the silicone job. that will say a lot!!

good luck and have a steady hand!

Geez no pressure right???

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[HD Blazingwolf]

no of course not... i'd even come hold the glass for ya if i was anywhere close by

it may even be worth picking up one of those silicone edgers to have a nice finished look, but i don't know if those allow for a big enough bead?

[NWA-Planted]

Lol I appreciate that, really do!

Silicone edger? Don't think I have ever seen one of those..

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