Bill V.

I definitely will keep ya posted. Yeah the buffer was a plus, its 150 gal. so it should be easier with it.

Here we go. I got all of my stuff today to start taking the scratches out of my aquarium. (scary) Total cost was $37.00 (not including the automotive buffer, borrowed that) for the materials. I wll keep ya posted over the next couple of days on how it goes. Most of the scratches are light but there is at least 1 that is pretty good sized. Materials - Buffer, sandpaper (1000,1500,2000,2500 grit), sanding block, Novus polish #3, #2 and final clean and polish #1 Biggest scratch (bottom left corner) The worst section, right in the middle of the tank. I figure i got the tank (150 gal. tenecor), stand, pumps, and filter for $40 i might as well try to fix it. (fingers)

(laugh)(laugh)That didn't take long for him to come around, It was just sunday at the meet-and-greet that you two were kicking the idea around. Now look what has come of it. I just went to Upscales to look around and i was shocked to see the prices on their stuff. I thought it was going to be way more expensive to buy the corals that i like, but it really isn't that much. I can't wait to get my tank up and running.

Cost is pretty inexpensive. Most of us should have a bucket or 2 laying around that they can use. I know for the price and time it will take it is worth it to me to make most of what i need and then buy some that is already cured to seed it with. Got to try and save money anywhere i can.

Coastal Farm and Ranch has Crushed Oyster shells for $11.99 for a 50lb bag and course salt for purifiers for 5.49 for a 50lb bag. I've heard that WHITE portland cement works best for making rocks. not sure where to get that at though. I found portland White cement at Masons Supply in hillsboro for $23.00 for a 94 lb bag. the guy said i can get it without having a contractors license.

I am taking my time on this project so july is okay with me but sooner would be alright if people wanted to do that.

(rock2) I guess the next step is to figure out how much the materials are going to cost and see how many people are interested in doing it. I'm sure if we get enough people involved it will keep the cost per person to a minimum. Undrtkr's place in Oregon city seems like a good location for a meet, i think. not to far for most people to go. Any ideas out there?

im off to the store but when i get back i will put up a post and see how much interest is out there for a class on it. i know i am more then willing.

that would be awesome if hes wants do do it. i am willing to chip in some cash the learning experience will be worth it in money saved down the line.

Nice looking tank. I hope my 150 turns out as good.

I'd love to come. Which mcmenamins is it in tigard. There is 2. one on scholls ferry and one on sequoia parkway?

WOW, I hope everything works out. Sounds like its time to find someone and hit them over the head.(threaten)

I would be willing to buy some off of ya. About how much do you think i would need for a 150 gal. thats 72w x 24 deep x 22 high? i plan on making some myself also. any good pointers?

Got to love Craigslist, 1 guy is taking all my fish in trade for a couple of power heads. now its time to tear the tank down and plan a strategy for new plumbing. I am also going to try a couple different things for scratch removal. i'll take pics and see how it goes.

hmmm, a workshop on it would be cool to go to. I'm in no rush, i know its going to take awhile to get the tank set up anyway. But i will admit the anticipation is killing me.

Thanks for the info. I've been reading all i can about the DIY rock and now i have some more to read through. As far as the re-finishing goes i am going to cheat a bit and get the kit for an orbital sander i was told about. i couldn't imagine doing my tank by hand. I wouldn't have an arm left by the time i was done.

Okay once i get my FW fish gone i am going to give scratch removal on acrylic a try. I talk with a guy at Envision Acrylics and got some pointers from him and links for the equipment to do it. Has anyone done this before? If so how did it work out? Also i was reading a thread on here about DIY rock, The thread just kind of ended without results of how it went. (scratch) I am thinking about using some of this if it is worth doing.

Thanks CCR, No i haven't used any copper meds in my tank. Actuallly i've been lucky and haven't had to use any meds for the fish. Also its an Acrylic Tenocor tank.

Hey, thanks guys and gals. I can't wait to get started. I haven't thought about doing a build thread but that is a cool idea i think i will. Just talked with the wife today and she is letting me move the tank to the front room and get it out of the office. It'll be nice to sit and watch the tank from my easy chair instead of standing in the office all the time.

Hello, I'm totally new to the saltwater side of fish keeping and am getting ready to jump head first into it this summer. I have a 150gal. tank i am going to convert over and can't wait to start. I am so glad i found a forum in my are that i can get questions answered in and make some friends in this hobby. Sincerely, (fish)Bill(fish)