My first DIY project... And its big!

[Manafel]

After a lot of brainstorming, and phone calls, I have decided to make my own frame... Made out of metal. My lfs got back to me about the manufactured frame and it would be about $140 if I wanted one. I know people who do welding for a living and I'm going to ask them to make the frame for me. I don't know what metal I'm going to use yet, but I'm going to have them but two or three support braces on the bottom for added support. Still waiting on a chance to talk to them.

Today I removed the silicone on the inside so that I can re seal. When I was looking, I noticed a few things, one being that the previous owner had to have tried to seal it before because the old silicone job wasn't that great. Also I'm starting to doubt if this is an oceanic. My big problem will be removing the top frame. I looked closely and the glass center brace is connected to the top rim. I provided a picture. Any ideas?

It seems I have more brainstorming to do. Until then, I will apply the new silicone next time. My thumb hurts from the razorblade

 

[Manafel]

Got done sealing the tank today, started to remove the bottom trim and realised I needed a hand saw to make it easier. I think I have decided to just replace the bottom trim, and just re paint the top(that's all that's wrong with it really) but found out that the bf and I male a good team. Just going to let it sit for about a week to let it cure before I do anything else.

 

[Manafel]

Well it has been a while since I posted, but I have gotten a lot done. I could never get hold if my welding buddy, so I gave up on the metaframe idea. When my bf and I sealed the tank, there were air pockets in the silicone because I used a spoon. I stripped it back out and repeated the process, but I used an actual calulk tool for corners this time. I don't see any bubbles, so hopefully this time its good and sealed.
I had ordered a bottom trim piece from my LFS, took 3 weeks to get in, and cost $75. It's was completely custom made and all one piece with two support braces. Up until about a week ago, it has been sitting there since I didn't have a means to transport it. I have mostly been procrastinating because I had been needing to flip the tank upside down, which I needed at least 4 people for, so that I could get both sides of the bottom trim.

Today I went to lowes and bought a hand saw so that I could get the bottom trim off.
About 3 hours, three broken boxcutter blades(the industrial kind), and a huge pile of trim pieces later, I was finished removing the trim. I went through and cleaned up the leftover silicone on the glass.
The more I go into restoring this tank, the more I start to think that it had been restored previously.
I heard that oceanics were hand made, but I pulled the bottom trim off and there are multiple places where the glass is smooth, but its bumpy, and it doesn't look normal. This is the first time I have taken the trim off of a tank though, so I wouldn't know if this is normal. There were no glass pieces on any of the trim that I pulled off.

I cleaned off one side and the bottom of the tank, I decided that I was going to tape off the bottom and sides for where the new trim will go, so that we would know exactly where to put down the silicone. Since it has been so hot where I am, the silicone is going to dry very quickly, so I will need at least 3-4 people putting down the silicone at the same time.
I grabbed the new frame, lined it up with one side of the tank, lowered it down gently and clack! The trim is short by a foot!!! :banghead::banghead::banghead:
I am frustrated at this point, because I told my LFS owner it needed to be seven feet long, the trim is six. I knew I should have measured it before walking out the door!!! I'm not sure whats going to happen tomorrow when I call him because the trim was a special custom order. Keep your fingers crossed that he will be understanding
Here are some picssorry for the poor quality, I stopped at 9 tonight, so it was dark out

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[dudley]

WOW, that is a big screw up on the trim, 6 foot is the standard length so I don't know why that would be considered custom built and cost $75.

Hopefully your LFS will refund your money and order the correct size.

 

[Manafel]

I just got done calling the LFS and they needed to call their wholesaler, and discuss them taking it back, so things are looking good for me getting a correct replacement.

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[CWO4GUNNER]

On the same size CL tank I purchased that had a much larger and deeper chip, I had no problem resealing the inside with a spoon and using gray angle PVC trim at $2 a foot instead of the pricey "aquarium trim". The PVC trim is far stronger, easy to cut to size, the dark gray almost black color looks modern compared to wood trim, and much easier to work with since its angled and fits right on the corners with silicone. Hope it all works out.

 

[Unikorn]

Good Luck!

 

[Manafel]

Finally got the LFS to call their wholesaler. apparently, the wholesaler only makes 6x2x2 frames, and so despite the fact that I and the LFS said 7x2x2 they went ahead and made a 6x2x2 frame and sent it like it's no big deal. I should be getting a call from the LFS tomorrow regarding if I will be able to get my money back. I called another LFS and am waiting on a call back about getting a frame from them. looks like I'm back to square one with this stupid frame, and even closer to possibly having to make my own.

 

[tolawdjk]

Only makes 6x2x2 and they are a "custom" shop? Two plus two is not equaling four here I think.

"We can custom build any size trim...as long as its one of these standard sizes."

 

[Manafel]

That's what I'm wondering, nothing is really adding up here. After cooling off I believe someone really didn't get the right measurements, and they aren't wanting to admit their mistake. I'm not sure if its a business specifically working on making these frames. But I asked my coworker "If I wanted a standard Frame for a standard sized tank, why in the world would I be asking for a custom trim in the first place?" I have half the mind to call and try to get the wholesaler's name and number so I can really find out whats going on.

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