Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!!

Varga · 05-02-2008, 01:22 PM

Since I have been so successful in this hobby lately

why not take it to the next step. leaving now to go shopping for it. following GARF's directions as I did 5 years ago to build my existing tank. (might decide to not go "in-wall") but most likely will (GF approval pending). GARF recommends keeping it under 24" tall otherwise I'd have to thicken the glass which doubles my cost. and it I keep it short I can still use my existing light fixture.

Goal: Keep it cheap and dont make the mistakes I made with the last tank.

GARF HOME PAGE | 0.96
Tank Information:

Material = Plywood w/ Glass
Tank Height = 24"
Tank Width = 30"
Tank Length = 96 "
Plywood w/ Glass Thickness = 3/4"
Approximate Gallons = 299

Cut List:

3/4" Exterior Grade Plywood

Bottom = 96 " x 30"
Front = 96 " x 23 1/4"
Back = 96 " x 23 1/4"
2 Sides = 23 1/4 " x 28 1/2"
3 Top Brace = 28 1/2 " x 6"
3/8 inch Glass Front
Glass Front = 94 x 21 1/4

Painting the inside:

These coatings are NSF 61/USDA/ANSI/AWWA and FDA certified and approved. Further, epoxy coatings are highly resistant to salts and corrosion and are recommended for marine use.

Some brand name coatings that can be used are:

----- sherwin williams brand "Epoxide HS Tank Lining"-----
----- rustoleum brand "9200" system epoxy with color choices one of which is "9271" dunes tan-------

Jeremy0322 · 05-02-2008, 01:29 PM

This is going to be saweet!!

Stacef · 05-02-2008, 01:37 PM

Wow, this is going to be a great ride. Sit back and watch the fireworks!

I am excited to see this all come together.

AQTCJAK · 05-02-2008, 01:37 PM

Pictures every step of the way I am really interested in this project

koffee · 05-02-2008, 02:02 PM

Back when I was thinking of building a Paludarium, I was thinking of going with Ames Elasto-Barrier. According to the manufacturer's web site:

Quote:

Super Elasto-Barrier has been specially formulated for colder weather and to resist fungus, mold, and mildew. Super Elasto-Barrier is potable water compliant, and contains no toxic substances after curing.

I'm not sure if it is a better/similar or cost effective option to the two-part epoxy paints for an aquarium. It might be easier to tint since it is one part. It is just another option for you to research if you want.

Craig Manoukian · 05-02-2008, 03:33 PM

Tagging along for the fun Varga!

Varga · 05-02-2008, 03:48 PM

thank you guys for the support. I will post alot of pix and hopefully you guys can stop me from screwing up

so far the only questionable thing is the glass which is 3/8" safety glass. recommended by GARF but seems a bit thin to me

going to clean the garage and paint the boards right now. While they dry, I'll start digging into the walls before my GF comes over and tries to stop me

ordered the glass and it should be here in 4-5 business days

Craig Manoukian · 05-02-2008, 04:02 PM

If the price difference isn't to reat what about 1/2" glass. Starfire glass for the front and sides would be a great improvement for a300 gallon.

Varga · 05-02-2008, 04:17 PM

sides are plywood

blue_eyes53813 · 05-02-2008, 04:28 PM

I wanna watch too!!!!!

dfurbee · 05-02-2008, 04:44 PM

I'll be watching also!!

Craig Manoukian · 05-02-2008, 04:50 PM

Starfire 1/2' front glass gets my vote!

BarbMazz · 05-02-2008, 04:57 PM

Wow what a project! This will be fun to watch.

Varga · 05-02-2008, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig Manoukian

Starfire 1/2' front glass gets my vote!

Ok I will ask the glass guy, hes coming today to get a deposit

naperenterprise · 05-02-2008, 05:34 PM

This is something I always wanted to try out.
I'll be watching your progress. Can't wait to see this thing movin along

05-02-2008, 01:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
Varga Manta Ray Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 3,350 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! Since I have been so successful in this hobby lately why not take it to the next step. leaving now to go shopping for it. following GARF's directions as I did 5 years ago to build my existing tank. (might decide to not go "in-wall") but most likely will (GF approval pending). GARF recommends keeping it under 24" tall otherwise I'd have to thicken the glass which doubles my cost. and it I keep it short I can still use my existing light fixture. Goal: Keep it cheap and dont make the mistakes I made with the last tank. GARF HOME PAGE \| 0.96 Tank Information: Material = Plywood w/ Glass Tank Height = 24" Tank Width = 30" Tank Length = 96 " Plywood w/ Glass Thickness = 3/4" Approximate Gallons = 299 Cut List: 3/4" Exterior Grade Plywood Bottom = 96 " x 30" Front = 96 " x 23 1/4" Back = 96 " x 23 1/4" 2 Sides = 23 1/4 " x 28 1/2" 3 Top Brace = 28 1/2 " x 6" 3/8 inch Glass Front Glass Front = 94 x 21 1/4 Painting the inside: These coatings are NSF 61/USDA/ANSI/AWWA and FDA certified and approved. Further, epoxy coatings are highly resistant to salts and corrosion and are recommended for marine use. Some brand name coatings that can be used are: ----- sherwin williams brand "Epoxide HS Tank Lining"----- ----- rustoleum brand "9200" system epoxy with color choices one of which is "9271" dunes tan-------

05-02-2008, 01:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jeremy0322 Tridacna maxima Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 4,743 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! This is going to be saweet!! __________________ UNCW 2011 -Marine Biology Major -Oceanography Minor The old 90 Gallon Build r.i.p Only after the last tree's cut And the last river poisoned Only after the last fish is caught Will you find that money cannot be eaten....

05-02-2008, 01:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Stacef Golden Moray Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dubuque Posts: 2,620 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, this is going to be a great ride. Sit back and watch the fireworks! I am excited to see this all come together. __________________ Stace My 72g Build-full of pictures, we all know you loce pictures! I've had to pay my price. The things I did not know at first, I learned by doin' twice. -Billy Joel

05-02-2008, 01:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
AQTCJAK Tiger Shark Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7,267 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! Pictures every step of the way I am really interested in this project __________________ A Wiseman once said build a stage add a pole & they will dance - Jack 2007 www.aquaticaggression.com

05-02-2008, 03:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
Craig Manoukian Regular Guy Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Marina Del Ray, CA Posts: 19,012 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! Tagging along for the fun Varga! __________________ Currently tankless. 20 Gallon mini reef with mated pair of Maroon Clowns given to Rougiem! 80 gallon reef given to Rougiem/Wooster HS.

05-02-2008, 03:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
Varga Manta Ray Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 3,350 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you guys for the support. I will post alot of pix and hopefully you guys can stop me from screwing up so far the only questionable thing is the glass which is 3/8" safety glass. recommended by GARF but seems a bit thin to me going to clean the garage and paint the boards right now. While they dry, I'll start digging into the walls before my GF comes over and tries to stop me ordered the glass and it should be here in 4-5 business days

05-02-2008, 04:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
Craig Manoukian Regular Guy Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Marina Del Ray, CA Posts: 19,012 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! If the price difference isn't to reat what about 1/2" glass. Starfire glass for the front and sides would be a great improvement for a300 gallon. __________________ Currently tankless. 20 Gallon mini reef with mated pair of Maroon Clowns given to Rougiem! 80 gallon reef given to Rougiem/Wooster HS.

05-02-2008, 04:17 PM	#9 (permalink)
Varga Manta Ray Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 3,350 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! sides are plywood

05-02-2008, 04:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 8,024 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanna watch too!!!!! __________________ 265 Gallon Reef built into basement wall. Lighting = 6x250 watts MH, 2x96 watt PC ,and 2x140 watt VHO for a total watt of 1,972 watts . New addition on 4-14-07 of 100 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. I think I have lost my mind. Gotta love this hobby Vicki Life is like a pathway of untrodden snow. Be careful how you step in it for every mark will show Definition of FRIENDSHIP: All lives touch other lives to create something new and alive My tank chronicles. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wall-reef.html

05-02-2008, 04:44 PM	#11 (permalink)
dfurbee Krankenschwester Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: In the hills Posts: 1,183 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll be watching also!! __________________ "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen" Michael Jordan

05-02-2008, 04:50 PM	#12 (permalink)
Craig Manoukian Regular Guy Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Marina Del Ray, CA Posts: 19,012 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! Starfire 1/2' front glass gets my vote! __________________ Currently tankless. 20 Gallon mini reef with mated pair of Maroon Clowns given to Rougiem! 80 gallon reef given to Rougiem/Wooster HS.

05-02-2008, 04:57 PM	#13 (permalink)
BarbMazz Madame Klanganator Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Near Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 4,052 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow what a project! This will be fun to watch. __________________ A Snail's Pace Beginning: an old lady's first reef http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...tml#post366161 ~not knowing how near the truth is we seek it far away~

05-02-2008, 05:34 PM	#15 (permalink)
naperenterprise Elegance coral Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Near Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,183 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Varga's 300 Gallon In-Wall Build!!!!!!!!!!!! This is something I always wanted to try out. I'll be watching your progress. Can't wait to see this thing movin along __________________ ~~~Jason~~~ The Hitchhiker's Guide to our Reef Galaxy

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