My 150G Build Thread - Page 4

calvin415 · 07/04/2007, 05:17 PM

The blade was one I picked up at Lowes, I don't recall the brand but it was like 45 bucks and teeth had 0 rake on them, it was the only one they carried. If you are doing a smaller job, they carry a DeWalt blade for cutting plastic that works great and is only 9 bucks, just doesn't last as long and is a smaller blade.

vincent843 · 07/04/2007, 09:39 PM

thanks calvin, but the blade for cutting plastic?

calvin415 · 07/04/2007, 10:28 PM

Not sure I follow your question, but I'll try.

Acrylic is plastic, so any plywood, fine finish, or plastic cutting circular saw blade will work fine for acrylic. You want as many teeth as possible, and with as little rake (angle on the teeth) as possible. You want all the teeth in alignment, not angled out from the blade.

HTH,
-Eric

vincent843 · 07/05/2007, 08:11 AM

Thanks, I see. I once buy a blade it said for plastic cutting, It's exactly like you describe ( 6" wide). Problem was the cut did not give me smoothcut, due to melting. Do you do make a fast cutting, meaning feed the arclyric thru the blade fast or slow? vincent

Deuce67 · 07/05/2007, 08:14 AM

We fed it at a medium pace I would say. It was a brand spanking new blade when we built my tank. I believe it was a Dewalt brand IIRC. The edges were pretty smooth when it was cut.

calvin415 · 07/05/2007, 08:14 AM

Sounds like you were cutting extruded acrylic. Cell cast is what you want, and it should cut pretty smooth unless the material is really thick at which point you'll want a larger blade to keep it cool.

Thurge · 07/05/2007, 09:37 AM

I think I asked Calvin about it once and he told me he uses a normal Wood, Finish blade, to cut his acrylic. I got lucky when I bought my blade and found a Freud plastic blade for $75 at a shop specializing in cutting supplies in Cleveland. A good plastic blade is usually well over $100. When it comes time to replace the blade I have now I will just go with a Finish blade.

I also tend to use thicker pieces of Extruded Acrylic from the scrap bin when building sumps.

Deuce67 · 07/05/2007, 09:50 AM

So now Im deciding on what skimmer to put. I leaning towards the ATI Bubblemaster 200 or a DAS EX 2. I cant decide. No, I can not do a BK!

calvin415 · 07/05/2007, 11:19 AM

Got that ER 6-2 that we could modify Russ, it a 6" tube 24" tall...

Deuce67 · 07/05/2007, 11:35 AM

Thanks for the offer Eric but my current skimmer is bigger than that. I really like the choices I mentioned.

racer69 · 07/05/2007, 01:04 PM

Russ, how is that PBT doing? We haven't had any updates or pics of him.

Deuce67 · 07/05/2007, 01:37 PM

Its doing good. It started grazing 30 mins after I got it in there.

reefkoi · 07/05/2007, 01:42 PM

From what i've seen on the net the BM250 seems good.
If you can wait I will scope out whats new at MACNA in 2 months and maybe see whats hot?

Deuce67 · 07/05/2007, 01:47 PM

Thanks Chris. I got a quote from Orca skimmer on a skimmer I designed. The quote came back at a good price. I kinda need a skimmer soon since my rock came in. Im going to cure it in the garge and seed it with some live rock. Im going to need a skimmer for that. I figure I can get a bigger skimmer now and put it in my 90 and use the existing to cure the rock. Sell it afterwards. The skimmer is the last big item I need for the upgrade. I still need some smaller items such as fans and moonlight.

LarryW · 07/05/2007, 04:27 PM

Type: Package
Status: Delivered
Delivered on: 07/05/2007
3:24 P.M.
Delivered to: PEYTON, CO, US
Service Type: GROUND
Multiple Packages: 13

looks like I have 13 boxes sitting on my front porch.

when did you want to pick it up?

Deuce67 · 07/05/2007, 05:26 PM

Thanks Larry! Ill call in a bit here. Anyways, I just recieved my Tunze upgrade to go from 1800 gph to 3200 gph. With both Tunzes, that would give me around 6400 gph turnover plus my CL. I still have a pair of Seio 1100s if I need more. Now i think I got the flow part covered. Ill be recieving my 400W ballast and lamps tommorow so lighting should be covered. Heaters, return pump, sand and my sump is on order through Scott so im getting close now.

Deuce67 · 07/05/2007, 07:45 PM

Thanks again Larry for organizing the group buy. I recieved 4 boxes today. I had to open them up as soon as I got home. Wasnt to impressed with the tonga shelf but still look pretty good. The fiji base however is really nice. I ordered a total of 150lbs. I bet this thing would weigh around 300# once it gets wet.

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Deuce67 · 07/05/2007, 07:49 PM

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LarryW · 07/05/2007, 10:51 PM

hehe, hey Russ, there are a few huge pieces in there.... That top 50# box I got had 2 pieces that were at least 10#, and that one must be close to 15# I layed mine all out as well, and The tonga is nice, but the fiji is really sweet. did you end up with any rubble at the bottom? I might have a couple #'s maybe.

Deuce67 · 07/06/2007, 06:42 AM

I got a couple of # of rubble. Not to mention enough small pieces to glue frags on to last me a lifetime. LOL!

vincent843 · 07/06/2007, 07:55 AM

Nice rocks Duece, Are they been curred or just took out from the boxes.

Back to the blade, so you use that blade to cut at least 1'2" thick . I want to try next time.

LarryW · 07/06/2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vincent843
Nice rocks Duece, Are they been curred or just took out from the boxes.

Back to the blade, so you use that blade to cut at least 1'2" thick . I want to try next time.

the rock is dry rock from Marco Rocks. He is going to seed it with existing LR that he has while letting it cure.

murfman · 07/06/2007, 11:28 AM

NICE!!!! It's getting close!

Deuce67 · 07/06/2007, 12:31 PM

It is getting close. Maybe in another 2 months or so, it should be up and running. Wife finally gave in and gave me the spot I originally wanted!! I dont have to build a closet now. Woohoo! I can use my existing equipment room for the 150!

Deuce67 · 07/10/2007, 05:40 PM

Ok, I decided to get my skimmer custom built by Orca Skimmer. I stuck with a recirculating skimmer since I have had good sucess with them. It should be here in about a month or so. I pretty much designed it to match an H&S A200-2XF2001. they will be using the same aquabee pumps too. Its less than half the price of an H&S.

07/04/2007, 05:17 PM	#76
calvin415 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: C. Springs, CO Posts: 4,530	The blade was one I picked up at Lowes, I don't recall the brand but it was like 45 bucks and teeth had 0 rake on them, it was the only one they carried. If you are doing a smaller job, they carry a DeWalt blade for cutting plastic that works great and is only 9 bucks, just doesn't last as long and is a smaller blade. __________________ -February 2007 nTOTM "The problem with America is stupidity. Why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself" Current Tank Info: ADA 60-P

07/04/2007, 10:28 PM	#78
calvin415 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: C. Springs, CO Posts: 4,530	Not sure I follow your question, but I'll try. Acrylic is plastic, so any plywood, fine finish, or plastic cutting circular saw blade will work fine for acrylic. You want as many teeth as possible, and with as little rake (angle on the teeth) as possible. You want all the teeth in alignment, not angled out from the blade. HTH, -Eric __________________ -February 2007 nTOTM "The problem with America is stupidity. Why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself" Current Tank Info: ADA 60-P

07/05/2007, 08:14 AM	#81
calvin415 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: C. Springs, CO Posts: 4,530	Sounds like you were cutting extruded acrylic. Cell cast is what you want, and it should cut pretty smooth unless the material is really thick at which point you'll want a larger blade to keep it cool. __________________ -February 2007 nTOTM "The problem with America is stupidity. Why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself" Current Tank Info: ADA 60-P

07/05/2007, 09:37 AM	#82
Thurge Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 2,707	I think I asked Calvin about it once and he told me he uses a normal Wood, Finish blade, to cut his acrylic. I got lucky when I bought my blade and found a Freud plastic blade for $75 at a shop specializing in cutting supplies in Cleveland. A good plastic blade is usually well over $100. When it comes time to replace the blade I have now I will just go with a Finish blade. I also tend to use thicker pieces of Extruded Acrylic from the scrap bin when building sumps. __________________ What have you done with my Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator Earthling? The memories of a man in his old age, Are the deeds of a man in his prime. Pink Floyd

07/05/2007, 11:19 AM	#84
calvin415 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: C. Springs, CO Posts: 4,530	Got that ER 6-2 that we could modify Russ, it a 6" tube 24" tall... __________________ -February 2007 nTOTM "The problem with America is stupidity. Why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself" Current Tank Info: ADA 60-P

07/04/2007, 09:39 PM	#77
vincent843 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 163	thanks calvin, but the blade for cutting plastic?

07/05/2007, 08:11 AM	#79
vincent843 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 163	Thanks, I see. I once buy a blade it said for plastic cutting, It's exactly like you describe ( 6" wide). Problem was the cut did not give me smoothcut, due to melting. Do you do make a fast cutting, meaning feed the arclyric thru the blade fast or slow? vincent

07/05/2007, 08:14 AM	#80
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	We fed it at a medium pace I would say. It was a brand spanking new blade when we built my tank. I believe it was a Dewalt brand IIRC. The edges were pretty smooth when it was cut.

07/05/2007, 09:50 AM	#83
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	So now Im deciding on what skimmer to put. I leaning towards the ATI Bubblemaster 200 or a DAS EX 2. I cant decide. No, I can not do a BK!

07/05/2007, 11:35 AM	#85
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	Thanks for the offer Eric but my current skimmer is bigger than that. I really like the choices I mentioned.

07/05/2007, 01:04 PM	#86
racer69 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 1,446	Russ, how is that PBT doing? We haven't had any updates or pics of him. __________________ Todd Its better to burn out than to fade away..... Current Tank Info: 180 gal Reef, w 50 gal sump 33 cube w/15 gal sump

07/05/2007, 01:37 PM	#87
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	Its doing good. It started grazing 30 mins after I got it in there.

07/05/2007, 01:42 PM	#88
reefkoi Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 3,983	From what i've seen on the net the BM250 seems good. If you can wait I will scope out whats new at MACNA in 2 months and maybe see whats hot? __________________ 1Kw bulb club Current Tank Info: A 600gal. on Zeovit & a 240gal.

07/05/2007, 01:47 PM	#89
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	Thanks Chris. I got a quote from Orca skimmer on a skimmer I designed. The quote came back at a good price. I kinda need a skimmer soon since my rock came in. Im going to cure it in the garge and seed it with some live rock. Im going to need a skimmer for that. I figure I can get a bigger skimmer now and put it in my 90 and use the existing to cure the rock. Sell it afterwards. The skimmer is the last big item I need for the upgrade. I still need some smaller items such as fans and moonlight.

07/05/2007, 04:27 PM	#90
LarryW Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 1,778	Type: Package Status: Delivered Delivered on: 07/05/2007 3:24 P.M. Delivered to: PEYTON, CO, US Service Type: GROUND Multiple Packages: 13 looks like I have 13 boxes sitting on my front porch. when did you want to pick it up?

07/05/2007, 05:26 PM	#91
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	Thanks Larry! Ill call in a bit here. Anyways, I just recieved my Tunze upgrade to go from 1800 gph to 3200 gph. With both Tunzes, that would give me around 6400 gph turnover plus my CL. I still have a pair of Seio 1100s if I need more. Now i think I got the flow part covered. Ill be recieving my 400W ballast and lamps tommorow so lighting should be covered. Heaters, return pump, sand and my sump is on order through Scott so im getting close now.

07/05/2007, 07:45 PM	#92
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	My rock rocks!! Thanks again Larry for organizing the group buy. I recieved 4 boxes today. I had to open them up as soon as I got home. Wasnt to impressed with the tonga shelf but still look pretty good. The fiji base however is really nice. I ordered a total of 150lbs. I bet this thing would weigh around 300# once it gets wet. [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

07/05/2007, 07:49 PM	#93
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	[IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

07/05/2007, 10:51 PM	#94
LarryW Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 1,778	hehe, hey Russ, there are a few huge pieces in there.... That top 50# box I got had 2 pieces that were at least 10#, and that one must be close to 15# I layed mine all out as well, and The tonga is nice, but the fiji is really sweet. did you end up with any rubble at the bottom? I might have a couple #'s maybe.

07/06/2007, 06:42 AM	#95
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	I got a couple of # of rubble. Not to mention enough small pieces to glue frags on to last me a lifetime. LOL!

07/06/2007, 07:55 AM	#96
vincent843 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 163	Nice rocks Duece, Are they been curred or just took out from the boxes. Back to the blade, so you use that blade to cut at least 1'2" thick . I want to try next time.

07/06/2007, 11:28 AM	#98
murfman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 4,670	NICE!!!! It's getting close!

07/06/2007, 12:31 PM	#99
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	It is getting close. Maybe in another 2 months or so, it should be up and running. Wife finally gave in and gave me the spot I originally wanted!! I dont have to build a closet now. Woohoo! I can use my existing equipment room for the 150!

07/10/2007, 05:40 PM	#100
Deuce67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: CO Posts: 3,750	Ok, I decided to get my skimmer custom built by Orca Skimmer. I stuck with a recirculating skimmer since I have had good sucess with them. It should be here in about a month or so. I pretty much designed it to match an H&S A200-2XF2001. they will be using the same aquabee pumps too. Its less than half the price of an H&S.