The Fish Tank Room Project

[Tink]

Time to play catch up and let you all know what I've been working on!:D

Okay, I'll try to keep this brief and to the point:lol: (not a strong point of mine).

My OH has been keeping fish for over 20 years. Some of you may know that we have a lot of tanks that we keep. Well, naturally, his obsession moved from freshwater to saltwater. This in turn took over our living room and kept the ferrets off limits from playing in there anymore as there were too many hazards and sumps on the floor to drown in, etc. etc.

Flash to several weeks ago. K (my OH) was due to go on a driving trip to California for several days. His new 225 gallon saltwater tank was to be my responsibility. Well, I had this strange fear the tank would spring a leak and I wouldn't know what to do and all the money, time, and love he put into it would be gone.

Well, wouldn't you know it... two days before he was due to leave it sprung a leak. Water everywhere, frantically trying to save fish and corals..disaster. To sum it up, everything survived but the tank. In the meantime everything is sectioned off into smaller holding tanks till the permanent solution can happen.
Now this is where it gets interesting...

To prevent such havoc from happening again, we are redoing our garage into an extra room. All fish tanks will be in there. If there's a leak, the water will simply run down the driveway and not ruin the house. Also, the ferrets will be allowed access to the living room again. Also, Kuan Yin will be delighted to finally have access to this coveted "no no" spot once it's finished and cat safe.

Now on to the picture story...

[Tink]

Oh, and I forgot to mention K has ordered a new bigger and better tank...a 750 gallon:shock: It will be HUGE and is being custom built as we speak. Shipping date is estimated at May 8th. It will need it's own truck for delivery and will be sent down the street to K's work where there is heavy machinery to get it off the truck (yes, it is THAT big).

Okay, on we go..

The original 225 gallon before said epiphany causing disaster...

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090321_1677.jpg

After leak started, me siphoning water out of the big tank into little tanks in attempt to help save corals and fish

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090409_1903.jpg

The demise of the tank..*sigh* (and living room..flooded)

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090409_1904.jpg

Garage before we emptied it out to take on the remodel project (note the lack of ceiling and the rafters)

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090409_1884.jpg

A shot of the ceiling while drywall was being done

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090409_1883.jpg

RIP, tank (actually we might try to salvage it to grow algae, we'll see)..we put it on wheels so we can move it around easily for now till we decide what to do with it

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1920.jpg

random shot of the laundry room where a sink will be installed to assist in water changes

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1923.jpg


Area that is goin to be demolition (everything from right of where it was hacked into will be one big open space) and connect directly to the kitchen which then goes to the living room

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1910.jpg

Here you can see on the right where it segways into the laundry room where the sink will be installed

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1916.jpg

Time to paint!

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1931.jpg

Will have about 2000 watts of lighting in here once we're done so we picked a dark blue that won't take away from the prettiness of new aquarium

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1934.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1929.jpg

Where the ventilation fans will be installed

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1919.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1912.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1908.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1905.jpg

K after inhaling fumes all day "Hooray!":lol:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1918.jpg

Now, K has built his own stand for the tank. He welded it himself.

Here it is when he first dragged it home on his trailer from work
It's 10 feet long, 4 feet wide. Keep in mind those wheels are not permanent and just for getting the dang thing in where it's supposed to be. Then they'll be cut off

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1943.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1942.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1941.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1940.jpg

Second coat's on, paint is drying

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1968.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090418_1967.jpg

The painting of the floor commences...

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090424_2040.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090424_2041.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090424_2038.jpg

Grinding the stand he welded

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2043.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2047.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2049.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2054.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2060.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2064.jpg

Pretty sparks...(I'm easily amused)

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2067.jpg

A comparison of grinder wheel before and after example, LOL..there are lots of the "afters" hangin around..

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2052.jpg

Puttin on primer

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2070.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2071.jpg

Evidence we had a visitor while the garage was airing out

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2066.jpg

Trying out one coat of a liquid rubber on the top to see if we like it when it dries before we buy more..

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2074.jpg

The sun's gone down..wheeled into the garage for the night to dry

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090426_2075.jpg

[Tink]

Our current project at the moment is tearing this beast down (the 300 gallon freshwater cichlid tank). It will be used as a sump for the new tank and needed to be torn down and ready to go as we prepare for the impending new tank arrival.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090420_1978.jpg

We have it all drained out, all the fish relocated into another tank, and now are in the process of bleaching and scrubbing it and then rinsing and draining again. Then we will have to figure out how to move it:lol: The other night, K was actually INSIDE it to clean it. That's how big it is:lol: I have some pics I'll upload soon to show THAT process.
We are hoping to have salt water in the new tank circulating by end of May. It is going to take awhile to fill a 750 the right way. We are actually dedicating a whole area/tank to just making the salt water so future water changes will not be as much of a hassle. This whole system will be tested out when we make the water to fill it!
We will also be doing something different with the garage door. We want windows but we also want something that is detachable so if we ever sell the house it can still be a garage. That particular plan is still in the works.
Once all the tanks are moved, I will be going over the living room with a fine tooth comb to make it ferret safe again. This will include K and I building a non climbable gate to keep them in starting from where the kitchen and fireplace are located. I think they'll be able to roam the living room just in time for summer. I'm thinking kiddie pool in the center of the floor, they'll love it:lol:

Okay, phew *deep breath*.
Now that you're all caught up, I'll keep you updated on our progress. We've definitely got AT LEAST several weeks to go!:D

[pookyandjo]

wow... lots of work! but a great deal of satisfaction in seeing it done AND doing it yourself...cant wait to see pics of it when it's finished andall installed... it will ook spectacular with the blue walls and bright lighting! well done!

[Tink]

thanks! i can't believe it but we were able to net approx. 60 cichlid babies out of the 300 gallon on top of all the adults. we got every last one. no fishy was sacrificed in the relocation :-)

[alexgirl73]

OMG!!! There is no way on earth I am letting my OH anywhere near this thread!! He is an avid fishkeeper, and this would send him into melt down lol, as we only have space for a little 3 foot tank! I cannot wait to see the finished result (and the pics of you siphoning made me laugh, I have done that so many times too)

[Tink]

OMG!!! There is no way on earth I am letting my OH anywhere near this thread!! He is an avid fishkeeper, and this would send him into melt down lol, as we only have space for a little 3 foot tank! I cannot wait to see the finished result (and the pics of you siphoning made me laugh, I have done that so many times too)

Ahh someone else who knows my pain;)

[alexgirl73]

oh yeah, I hear ya sister :lol: Do you get the same glazed look on your face as I do, when he starts talking about pumps and filters and PH levels etc?

[Tink]

oh yeah, I hear ya sister :lol: Do you get the same glazed look on your face as I do, when he starts talking about pumps and filters and PH levels etc?

I just nod and pretend I know what he's talking about:-D

[Leesy]

WOW that is one mega project, but it will look simply stunning when it is all finnished, can`t wait to see the finnished pics :D

[Mags]

So this is what you've been up to all these weeks Tink!! :lol:

Full marks to you both for taking on a big project like this, I'm sure everything will look fabulous when it's all completed.

Good luck with the installation of that monster tank! :lol:

[angieh]

That is a huge project Tink! Just have to say I am relieved that the tank sprang a leak before K went on his driveaway! Also very pleased you managed the whole relocation without sacrificing any fishies - you both must have very good eyesight! I do look forward to seeing the finished project and you'll be so glad that the furbabies have more wandering room.

[dandysmom]

Wow, what a monumental project, Tink! That's going to be absolutely fabulous when it's finished. Very good that it broke before OH left, and that you managed to save the fish and corals.And I'm happy that the boys, Kuan Yin and Hestia will have more places not off limits now. Please do keep the pics coming!

[Tink]

Hey, guys! So the 300 gallon got emptied out and is ready to be used as a sump.

Here's it draining

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07055.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07058.jpg

Rock from tank

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07054.jpg

Kuan Yin supervising

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07060.jpg

Empty

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090504_2115.jpg

view from top

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090504_2118.jpg

A neighbor came over and helped K lift it to the front yard so it could be rinsed off and everything...then we made salt water and started putting back in some live rock that's been sitting in a holding tank since the last one sprung a leak (it is much happier now, LOL)

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090504_2106.jpg

Over the weekend we left the garage open access to Kuan Yin (my troublemaker kitty) to work out the kinks in making sure it is "catproof".
So she was gone for awhile as I took a break and it got much too quiet. I went out there and what do I find --
Kuan Yin knee deep in the box of detergent digging and kicking to her heart's content:shock: I picked her up and shook her off and got the detergent out from in between her toes and she was very annoyed with me:roll: So now I know to keep the detergent box closed. Crazy cat:lol:

That is all for now...

[Mags]

What a mammoth task :lol: ......... that tank looks so heavy too!

Why is it that our cats are always able to discover the things they are not supposed to? :roll::lol:

[dandysmom]

What a job that was! I had to laugh at Kuan Yin and the detergent... the things they can find to do!!

[smokytopaz]

I am stunned at the size of the project! When it is all done you could sell tickets!

[janey83]

Only just seen this and cant wait for it to be finished! Its lookin cool.

[Tink]

Well, K is not following docs orders of "taking it easy" and is moving on to creating the entryway to the fish room (remove door, hack a bigger space into the wall). Just another Saturday night around here, LOL.

Enjoy.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090509_2144.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090509_2145.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090509_2149.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090509_2150.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090509_2156.jpg

[angieh]

Amazing Tink! K does need to take it easy, but perhaps it keeps his mind off his troubles doing something he really enjoys.

[Tink]

Just an update--
The company making the tank has informed us they are running three weeks behind schedule. So it hasn't been shipped yet:roll:

[calismum]

I have just caught this thread, no idea how I've not kept up to date. Wow - what a major task. I love following the progress. Used to have a small marine tank many moons ago butit got too hard to keep going as I was away weekends a lot. I am so looking forward to seeing the story continue.

[dandysmom]

Just an update--
The company making the tank has informed us they are running three weeks behind schedule. So it hasn't been shipped yet:roll:

How utterly annoying, Tink!!! :roll:

[angieh]

That's bad news Tink!

[Tink]

tank on k's trailer

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07368.jpg

two cherry pickers

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07376.jpg

heave ho

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07377.jpg

victory

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07378.jpg

me contemplating what have we gotten ourselves into (yes i'm smoking..shhhh)

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07381.jpg

took off garage door, gave to neighbor who helped lift the tank, prepare to install the windows he gave in exchange

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07386.jpg

wowza

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07387.jpg

this could house several mermaids, LOL

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07388.jpg

losing light..k gettin tired and dizzy...patched it all up for the night so it'd be catproof..will worry about the aesthetics of this part later

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07393.jpg

that's all for now! :-)

[pookyandjo]

wow... you are right about it being suitable for several mermaids!... ITS HUGE!!! keep up the good work... but K needs to take it easy too... but i can also understand that he's probably trying to get it finished before his surgery... just make sure he is careful :)

[Grete]

I'm in awe! Fantastic project to say the least :) Loving the picture progress too. I hope K isn't doing too much although I know what men are like ;)

[dandysmom]

Awesome!!! That's going to be stunning when it's finished and set up. I agree that K shouldn't overdo, but knowing men ........ :roll:

[alexgirl73]

Oh my!!! That is amazing, and I can't wait to see it with water and fish in (and tell K that if he doesn't take it easy he'll have a whole lot of Catsey members turning up on his door to make sure he does :lol:)

[calismum]

That tank is huge!!! Like the others please tell K to take it easy, there's always tomorrow.

Loving this thread, looking forward to seeing it established.

[Leesy]

WOW that is one BIG BIG fish tank, can`t wait to see the finnished product:D

[angieh]

AMAZING!! Can't think of any other words - are you going to open to the public when it's all finished????

[yola]

A veritable aquarium!!! That is a superb structure and it's been amazing looking at the development of the project. It's good that K has a focus to occupy him in the run up to surgery; slowing down a bit now all the heavy work is done might be best . . . take time to chill out and watch all those fish a-swimmin'. Lovely :D

[dandysmom]

Will you be getting any sea horses? They have always fascinated me for some reason ......

[Tink]

the subjects (k and his friend tim)

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07488.jpg

first things first take wheels off stand

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07491.jpg

moving into place

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07493.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07494.jpg

goal: take last wheels off without getting smushed

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07503.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07504.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07505.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07514.jpg

tim being peaceful

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07516.jpg

victory

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07519.jpg

making somethin to make the stand a tad more even though it's pretty darn close

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07533.jpg

now a word from our sponsor

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07577.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07579.jpg

mer-man??

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07572.jpg

next step-get rock creations made by k that are awkward and heavy into tank without scratching tank and breaking structures he's built with such care

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07546.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07541.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07582.jpg

breaktime

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07594.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07598.jpg

when something doesn't fit, improvise

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07608.jpg

contemplating

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07612.jpg

slowly but surely we were gettin there

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07588.jpg

water change tanks he picked up

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07633.jpg

me hidin from the chaos on a camera woman break

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07618.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07621.jpg

rough idea

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07630.jpg

first sand

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07639.jpg

inspector kitty approves

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/DSC07642.jpg

just a typical saturday..that is all for now.

[angieh]

What a mammoth project - are you going to publish in one of the aquaria journals???

(I also love sea horses!)

[dandysmom]

Tink, those are fabulous; it's like actually being there! What a good job the guys have done; can't wait to see it when it's completely set up and full of inhabitants! K did those rocks himself? :shock: Awesome. And, as a fellow beer drinker I was cracked up by "And Now A Word From Our Sponsor"! :-D And I'm glad the supervisor seems to approve of it!

[calismum]

This is a great thread. The rocks are superb and great shapes for the creatures to hid in, swim/crawl around etc. Great job by K making them.

You must all be keen to get the water in and start to get it all balanced.

I am so looking forward to seeing what is finally put in it.

[alexgirl73]

I am so loving this thread :D And waiting really impatiently to start seeing water and fish go in :lol:

[random]

Loving following this thread, how super! What a great job.

[Tink]

It occurs to me this needs to be updated...
With all the crises going on, we did manage to fill the tank and there are fish and creatures residing in there now :-)

[Tink]

Shot of the sump and one of the water changing tanks..
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/DSC07740.jpg
The other water changing tank in the other corner..
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/DSC07739.jpg
stuff that makes stuff function, LOL
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/DSC07747.jpg
some baby coral frags
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/DSC07910.jpg
prettier things..
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090711_2942.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090711_2944.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090711_2945.jpg
the brain
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090711_2955.jpg
starfish
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090712_3005.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090712_3044.jpg
pajama cardinal
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090712_2981.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090712_3001.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090717_3150.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090717_3153.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090717_3156.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090717_3158.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090717_3163.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090717_3164.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090717_3166.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090717_3168.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/20090714_3091.jpg
k's first pic home from the hospital
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/DSC08334.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/DSC08410.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/DSC08393.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Khaosinc/DSC08397.jpg
more to come...

[Tink]

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm211/darkpixietink/20090731_3481.jpg

[Tink]

will work on getting more of the creatures later today, the light is off for the night.

[yola]

Great to see K looking so well there Tink! I bet both of you are glad that things are getting back to normal :D
That tank room is one huge feat of engineering :shock: and the fish/creatures in the tanks are amazing . . . good job done there :smt023

[janey83]

You got Dori... (The blue fish from Finding Nemo!) I love that fish lol.

Nice work, cant wait for more pics.

[Mags]

The tank looks amazing Tink!

I agree with Yola, K is looking very good considering the trauma he has recently experienced.

[calismum]

Wow - it looks great, brings bck so many memories of my - very much smaller - marine tank.

Was that a little clown fish I spoted in one of the pics?

K looks v well considering all he has been through.

[dandysmom]

That is breathtaking! I don't recognize a lot of the things except the starfish, brain coral and (duh!) the fish! What a lot of work put in creating that gorgeous system. Do keep the pics coming. I too am amazed that K looks so well ,,,keep him from overdoing!!