Custom Build 3' X 2' X 2' - Rimless With Euro Brace

[Andy Vox]

Firstly please excuse the iphone photos, I'll use a decent camera once its past the build stage.
 
This is my tank currently, a Juwel Rio 300, it doesn't fit into the alcove between the wall / chimney breast so we decided we needed something about 3ft long, but I wanted something tall and wide to make up for the water volume I will be loosing.
 

 
A 3' x 2' x 2' came up at the right price. It had a sump in the rear that massively reduced the space (about 6 inches in width) and came in a horrible grey colour, that really wouldn't fit with our decor.
 

 
First job was to use vinyl to refinish the tank, done in white as that matches the room best.
 

 
Refinished with the tank back on, trimming removed at the top. Rear sump completed removed.
 

 
I ordered some euro style braces from a local glass shop. Drilled holes on the rear for external filter pipes (I wanted this build to be as sleek as possible - without going down the sump route, which is difficult with 3 externals running on it)
 

 
First brace in, I've since done the rear but no photo yet, I also had to seal a bizarre hole in the bottom (hence the weights sitting on the glass) which was drilled for pipework by the looks of it. Will keep up to date with progress. I'm hoping to fill it on Saturday and get everything moved across.
 

 
I'll be using two t5's to begin with but im tempted to go down the LED route in the near future.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Nice

 

[balraj_bangar]

Looking good

 

[Andy Vox]

Thanks for the comments so far
 
 
Right photo update:
I've finished the bracing. Managed to get loads of silicone on the glass. Getting it off is a pita!
 

 
Water test done, everything is water tight, very little bowing from the glass - the braces are good! - excuse the mess, we are decorating / building fish tanks!
 

 
The braces are very unobtrusive, exactly what I was going for!
 

 
Rear brace, with holes for the external filters
 

 
Two bags of this for under the substrate
 

 

 

 
Possibly need another bag, what do you guys think?
Substrate wise I will be reusing my tesco cat litter from my rio. I'd get new but I hate how light it is for a few weeks, at least this way it'll be pre soaked and hopefully packed with some nutrients from the eco-complete underneath and the API / Aquarium plant food substrate capsules I've been using. I want to make sure I get off to the best start possible.
 
I've been given the thumbs up by my other half to spend this evening moving things across, so long night ahead. Work tomorrow isn't going to be good, but at least it will be done.
Layout wise I'm picturing something similar to my rio, I've got the bogwood from that and three other pieces to use. I'm hoping to use the extra height and depth of the tank to really stack the wood and have lots of branches coming out, then I'll fill the centre in with microsorum and crypts below, coming down to a glosso carpet on the left hand side.