Fluval Flex 32.5 Build - Drilled!

[InstructorMoe]

Hi everyone.

Just getting started on our Flex 32.5 build. This will have a couple of Bullet-hole clowns, maybe a nem, and probably a whole bunch of soft corals.

I picked up this used Fresh-water tank for a song. This is an upgrade project from our Fluval Evo 13.5 that we will be using as a sump/refugium now.

Today I have removed the rear chamber completely and drilled the rear wall for an Eshopps Eclipse overflow box.

Here is the video of me drilling the tank today......

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Congrats on getting it drilled!

 

[InstructorMoe]

Have the Eshopps eclipse mounted.

 

[emkovar]

Im looking at possibly getting a flex and was wondering what you were using as your sump. I was excited to see that the glass isn't tempered and that drilling was an option.

 

[InstructorMoe]

Im looking at possibly getting a flex and was wondering what you were using as your sump. I was excited to see that the glass isn't tempered and that drilling was an option.

Well, actually.... A Fluval Evo

 

[InstructorMoe]

OK two posts in a row....

First.

I have a bit of an issue regarding the desk this is going to sit on. The tank is going to straddle two separate desks. and they are slightly uneven heights. So that's a no go for placing the tank directly on the desk surface. The bottom glass would surely crack.

So the solution I came up with is basically a 3 layer base to sit between the desk surface and the tank.

Bottom Layer: 1.5" T-STRUT extruded aluminium frame in a rectangular shape. I ordered these custom cut from a place in Montreal and they shipped them to me.

Middle layer: Sitting on top of the aluminium frame is a piece of 5/8" MDF and I have the ugly edges wrapped in black vinyl.

Top layer : The leveling matt that came with the Fluval tank in the box.

I will be shimming the edges of the aluminium frame to further prevent any flex in the frame, but I'm hoping there won't be any flex anyways.

ETA: Perhaps it would be wise to simply put a 1/4" shim the full length of both SIDES of the base and fully suspend it above the seam of the desk tops.

 

[InstructorMoe]

Second....

I finally gathered the courage to drill the holes for the return bulk heads. I've been putting this off but I'm tired of having bad dreams about it

I am happy to report that I didn't crack the tank in the process so........

IT'S GAME ON !!!!

 

[InstructorMoe]

more pictures of the returns....

 

[InstructorMoe]

Have a concept for my Aquascape.

 

[emkovar]

Have a concept for my Aquascape.

It looks great! I really like the 2 little rock islands on the right.

 

[InstructorMoe]

So in the pictures you'll notice that the canopy is white. But what this really is, a black canopy that I plastidip'd white.

I like the look, but I don't like the feel of it.

So what I'm trying to say is:
1) Don't dip your canopy because the texture will probably suck
2) I ordered a white canopy from Fluval. It was only 50 bucks. Money well spent with my asthetic.

 

[InstructorMoe]

I was able to source a couple of old UPS's in marketplace and put some new batteries in them. Both of these will be daisy chained and strategically be supplying battery backup to one of the two return pumps, and one of the two heaters. Lights, skimmer, other return pump, other heater, and the wave maker will on surge supressor only.

Also in the back ground, you can see the four metal posts I added for support.

 

[InstructorMoe]

I have applied a white frosted vinyl background to the tank.

I was originally going for the clear on all sides glass water box look, but It turns out my wife maybe be doing some accent wood paneling on this wall and I don't want to look at that through the glass.

I'm still not sold on the frosted rear glass. I may do black vinyl instead. I just don't know. I don't know if I like the idea of the black even though most seem to think it contrasts well with the colours on the reef.

I think the white frosting will bounce light well. I just haven't seen many tanks with it and I hope there isn't a terribly obvious reason why.

 

[InstructorMoe]

So I haven't been super at ease with the ridge on the desk the tank is straddling.

So I've cut 2 strips of 3/8's HDPE and shimmed the ends. So now the tank is floating across the gap and I can shim the center part as I put some water in it and weigh it down.

 

[InstructorMoe]

Here's a shot of the holes I drilled in the top of the desk to pass the 2 drains, 2 returns, and misc wires.

(don't tell my wife I drilled holes in the desk)

 

[Wraven]

Second....

I finally gathered the courage to drill the holes for the return bulk heads. I've been putting this off but I'm tired of having bad dreams about it

I am happy to report that I didn't crack the tank in the process so........

IT'S GAME ON !!!!

Gosh I bet that was nerve wracking!! I’d be so worried lol

 

[Wraven]

Here's a shot of the holes I drilled in the top of the desk to pass the 2 drains, 2 returns, and misc wires.

(don't tell my wife I drilled holes in the desk)

As long as you never have to move it, she’ll never know LOL

Tips on how to get a husband into saltwater tanks? He did help me dig bristle worms out of a rock but that’s about as involved as he gets.

 

[InstructorMoe]

Gosh I bet that was nerve wracking!! I’d be so worried lol

Ya, I had drilled the drain for the overflow box, but I nervous about getting closer to the edge of the glass.

Supposedly the closer to the edge you get, the more you risk getting a large crack, or having a piece break right out the pane you are drilling.

The other option was to go 'up and over' but I didn't like the idea of that either. This way felt more 'professional' somehow.

 

[InstructorMoe]

As long as you never have to move it, she’ll never know LOL

Tips on how to get a husband into saltwater tanks? He did help me dig bristle worms out of a rock but that’s about as involved as he gets.

Is he involved with your fresh-water tanks? If yes, maybe it's just a matter of seeing the tank mature a bit and getting some corals thriving? Or getting a cool critter or two?

If he's not involved in your aquarium hobbies at all - well there's always divorce?