Article: The breakdown of my 280-gallon reef tank

**melev** · 07-20-2010, 01:02 AM

You can view the page at http://www.reefaddicts.com/content.p...llon-reef-tank

**Snakebyt** · 07-20-2010, 12:07 PM

awesome post documenting the whole ordeal, I really hate to see this tank coming down, but i also look foreward to the new one taking its place, it will be amazing im sure

**upster** · 07-20-2010, 02:14 PM

Thanks a bunch, that was a great read. I was amazed that you found the sand bed un-clumped. How long did the entire tear down take?

**melev** · 07-20-2010, 03:58 PM

We had it down in a matter of hours. Maybe five, as we didn't have to rush fortunately. There was some prep time with the vats & plumbing, but the tank was empty for all but that last two fish in hiding by 10pm, which is when we went out for dinner.

**agsansoo** · 07-20-2010, 04:57 PM

Six years to build ... five hours to take down. Ouch ! Question: How long is the silicone seams suppose to last in an aquarium ? I've heard around 5 years.

**Ryan** · 07-20-2010, 05:06 PM

Wow Marc, that is some setup to get all that livestock into. I hope I can help with something on your new tank. I know it can't be fun to go through all of that, but at least you have a lot of people to help you through it. Just in the last year or so of being in this hobby I know you've helped me out a bunch with your knowledge and I really appreciate it. Let me know if I can help in any way...even if it is grunt work.
This is definitely interesting.

**jays333** · 07-20-2010, 06:59 PM

Marc,Thanks for documenting this in such a calm and systematic manner. There are many opportunities for disaster in our micro worlds, and you have proven they can be dealt with. Looking forward to the updates. My wife's reaction was "This could happen to us?........."