ltkenbo's 75 Gallon Reef Tank

[ltkenbo]

Hello everyone. I haven't posted in a while because I had to get out of the hobby while I finished my degree (had no $ or time). Now that I'm finished, have a good job, and am moved to a different state, I have decided to continue in the hobby because it's something I really enjoyed before.

My previous builds on the forum were with 55 gallon tanks when I was in school and lived in TN:

https://www.livingreefs.com/ltkenbos-55-gallon-reef-tank-t22448.html

https://www.livingreefs.com/ltkenbos-55-gallon-rebuild-t26588.html

I just moved up to the twin cities area of Minnesota and have been searching craigslist for a 75 gallon tank. I found one today, went and saw it, and I gave the guy some money a little money to hold it and deliver it for me (I drive a honda civic lol) on Friday. I did take some pictures though with my phone:

The guy's dad used it in his dentist office for a few years (freshwater setup). It just needs to be cleaned up (mostly algae on the back and sides and a little bit of gravel and stuff in the bottom). Most importantly though, it's not tempered glass, because I plan on drilling the back to install a "glass-holes.com" overflow box (like I did in my second 55 build). It also came with some Current 2 bulb HO T5 fixture. I already have the nova extreme 6 bulb fixture, but maybe I could use this on the back if needed for an extra 2 bulbs :D

So what do you guys think? I would also like some tips on how to clean it. When I started my first tank like 4 years ago, I lived with my mom so when I cleaned out the used tank I just brought it in yard and used a hose and razor blade to scrape it and spray it clean. Now I live in an apartment where I don't have that luxury. So what's a good way to clean it inside? Spray bottle with water and vinegar and towels maybe?

 

[ErinCahir]

I think the spray bottle and towels are your best bet. It'll take a lot longer, but it'll be worth it.

 

[chichimom79]

You may still have to scrape with a razor, but sounds like a good plan.

 

[noy]

You may still have to scrape with a razor, but sounds like a good plan.

+1 on the razor - quickest way to scrap crap off used tank.

 

[ltkenbo]

So the tank is here :) it's really dirty, but I don't think it's anything the vinegar, razor blade and elbow grease can't clean. I know this tank is several years old but it is in good shape (good silicone seals) and it's got a nice big fat glass brace across the center. So tomorrow I plan to start cleaning it. Here are some better pics of the tank and stand:


Sorry this one is too bright and I can't get a good one to take:

Also as planned, I ordered a glass holes 1500 gph overflow kit and 2 3/4" return kits.
Overflow Box 1500 GPH

3/4" Inch Loc-Line Return Kit - Glass-Holes.com dope aquarium stuff

 

[ErinCahir]

Yay!!

 

[ltkenbo]

So the tank is clean :). Took me a few hours of scraping and spraying vinegar and water but it looks great now, with the exception of the top brace. For some reason I can't get it to not be foggy. I'm using a vinegar and water solution and let it soak some and scrubbing really hard but it's still foggy :(. Any tips there? It's more important I get that clean because it will affect light transmission into the aquarium.

 

[ErinCahir]

Spray it down really well with a stronger vinegar solution and just let it sit before you try scrubbing again.

 

[ltkenbo]

I tried straight vinegar from the bottle and let it soak and scrubbed really hard on both sides but it still looks about the same. I don't see how that portion of the glass could have been scratched previously.

 

[ltkenbo]

So I'm not gonna worry about the foggy center brace, from searches online it seems to be a common thing, I just won't put any type of SPS under there if I get some eventually. So I've got it all clean, I think I scratched the glass a little bit while cleaning it but it shouldn't be noticeable much once it's filled with water. Here are some pics with the light and on the stand:

After I get my overflow kit, I'll install that. What do you think of a 20 gallon long for a sump?

 

[ErinCahir]

I think that's a great size.

 

[ltkenbo]

So I'm trying to decide where I want to install my overflow box and I'm thinking either the left or right back corner, a couple inches from the wall of the tank. I've got 2 3/4" returns I plan to drill and install as well and was looking for tips of where to install them. I'm thinking about getting a pump to run my return at around 1000 gph (overflow is capable of maximum 1500).

 

[ltkenbo]

Any ideas?

 

[ltkenbo]

Well hopefully soon my thread will be interesting enough for more people to respond lol. So I sold my old 55 gallon stand and hood today on craigslist. The guy who called me happen to have a 20 gallon long (going to use it as my sump), so I got $30 and a 20 gallon long for my old stand and hood. Not too bad of a deal :)

Still would love to hear people's opinions about my previous post though...

 

[AnthonyTheNewbie]

I can't help ya with the overflox box. I made my overflow from PVC. So, yeah... other then that, I'm subscribed and following your build :)!

 

[ltkenbo]

Thanks Anthony for following :) Well I'm just looking for placement advice, I was wondering if I put it in the corner if that will have good flow, I had success once by putting a hang on back in the corner in a 55 gallon but just wanted to see what others thought.

 

[chichimom79]

I prefer a center overflow or both corners for a long tank.

 

[ErinCahir]

I had the overflow off to the side in my 150 (the brace prevented us putting it in the middle). It's more personal preference than anything.

 

[ltkenbo]

Yeah the center brace in mine is huge so it would be a pain to install and fish anything about that ever got stuck. So I think I will do left corner 5 inches from the left and the two returns in the middle so I can aim them either way.

My overflow box is supposed to come today, but I've never gotten a package at my apartment so I don't know how it will work since I'm not there (won't fit in my box), hopefully they'll leave it with the office. I'm thinking about using a Mag 12 pump for the returns, what do you think of that?

 

[ltkenbo]

So the kit is here!! Lots of pics!

I like how they have their own tape haha:

Here is the overflow box and 3 3/4" return kits (I only ordered 2 haha, guess they threw an extra in for free). My favorite is they always put fun dip in the package too :D

Placement in the tank:

Drilling:

and the first hole is done. About to work on the second, hopefully my drill doesn't run out of battery lol: