Robert did most the sheetrock and left some for me to finish. I also did all the mud and tape. It looks pretty bad, but it's just a closet, right? I did learn that you aren't supposed to use an electric sander. The guy that did the floors told me to knock the big pieces off with my scraper and that worked much better. I was making quite a mess with the electric sander and dust going everywhere. I was pretty clueless but gave it my best shot.
__________________ Gwen - 2008 Atlanta Reef Club Board MACNA XX Committee 125g RR AGA "The Simple Reef Tank"
While I worked on the closet, I was looking all over for a used tank. I spent hours searching online and driving all over Atlanta. I remember one day seeing an ad in the paper for a 135g at a garage sale. There was no phone number and only an address. I got off work early Fri and drove 2 hours just to find that the tank was sold!! Events like this happened several times in which I had just missed the deal.
I finally gave up in February and walked into CapBay Aquarium and purchased one of their custom built stands and canopies, with the tank. It was $1800, but it was EXACTLY what I wanted. The tank would take 2 months to build and this was the first time they built one for a 125g. I was able to pick the stain and match the floors.
More to come later.. time for bed.
__________________ Gwen - 2008 Atlanta Reef Club Board MACNA XX Committee 125g RR AGA "The Simple Reef Tank"
Just a beautiful set-up.I think a 125g is my all around favorite size tank.Not to big..Not to small.
And having a closet as a "work station"...brilliant.
I've learned so many lessons with my 55g reef.If anyone asked me the top 2 they would be:
2.Get ready for some noise.The first time I set turned on all my pumps and skimmers and lights,It sounded like a freight train.
Of course it quiets down after time,but by having most of the "noise makers" in a seperate,enclosed room,you can barely hear the train.
2a.Tell the power company that life is not a rehearsal,and having a healthy reef tank is well worth the $ 100 a month increase.
And # 1.Total Human Access to all 4 sides of the tank.My fish love the fact they have a "safe side" of the tank,but by bucking it up against the wall ,I feel at times I'm missing half the fun.
We don't learn from our success's...We learn for our mistakes.
Way to Go Gwen,you're a credit to the hobby.
Nice looking tank Gwen. It must be a good feeling knowing you have all that water to fill. My 30g is going wonderfully and now it is time for a decision. A tank decision. After getting girlfriend approval a couple nights ago (the hardest thing to obtain in a tank decision) my mind was spinning like crazy and of course I would return to Talkingreef.
I am really eyeing a 120g (4ft x 24.5"w x 25") Oceanic custom drilled for another Oceans motions closed loop with 4 returns. My problem in ordering is I cannot figure out where to drill the holes. I will not bore you with details here. I have to start a thread to get some advice from everyone and more importantly to talk me into going through with this venture. The largest saltwater tank I have kept is my 65g and it went well for many years. I took it down as I was not comfortable with the seams after 10 years and now just have my 30g cube. I love this little tank and my clowns do too. I really have contemplated just reseaming my 65, restaining the stand and drilling my own holes again and creating a species tank for a dwarf lionfish, pair of mandarin dragonets(big refugium of course), or possibly sea horses and softies mostly ricordia. Decisions, decisions.
I really like the challenge of keeping a small tank and I am very pleased with myself for how well I have done. It is time to go all out though. I am very excited about it as I am sure you are as well.
I can't wait to see the water in the tank Gwen Good luck to you in your adventure. I know you will pick some beautiful animals to adore
__________________ Clarence 55g sumpless mixed reef(soon to be 120g)
DSB(2 to 6 inches)aprox. 80 lbs,LR aprox. 60 t0 80 lbs.,Coralife 220 Protein Skimmer,CPR HOB Refugium with Fiji Mud Member of TRS Member of SDMAS
RIP Sarracino Ciro 12/16/04 - 4/3/08
Nice! I just went through your photo album. That reef is looking good.
Dick
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
Good luck to you in your adventure. I know you will pick some beautiful animals to adore
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