125 gallon build in progress

[rickbrown85]

Just wanted to give you guys an update went yesterday and picked up the tank and started building the stand. Attached are some photos of the progress.

 

[Ratpack]

It appears those are 2x4's on your stand, if so, you will want to add bracing in the center at least. I would even do two braces along the length if they are 2x4's. Also, that one corner may be an issue if that is a true gap. It could settle and cause undue stress on the tank leading to a crack or worse.

 

[rickbrown85]

That is not a gap that is just the top laid on there. We have not started bracing it all yet we just threw that up so I could take a picture. As far as bracing we are going to brace it very well, and when we get the cabinet grade wood for the siding that is also going to help brace it as well

 

[EricGRIT]

New builds are always fun, keep the pics coming!

EDIT: You can disregard the below - I was writing while you posted the above and the fact that the stand is not finished. Still going to include the text, though.


Regarding the stand, it is sometimes hard to tell from pictures whether something is square or not. However, it appears that the stand could use some additional work. I'm not sure if your pics are of the completed stand, but if you are done with it then I'd take another look. Things are not flush, do not appear to be straight, and you could use some bracing for the middle span and some lateral reinforcement from the looks of it.

I'm no engineer, so I would suggest taking a look at RocketEngineer's thread for stand building: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1169964 This is what I've used on my last two builds (90g and 180g most recently). Pretty much bullet proof stand design from RocketEngineer.

 

[rickbrown85]

Yeah we are no where close to done. I just laid the top on there and took a picture. It is all squared up now I will update you guys with another picture with it being squared up.

 

[rickbrown85]

All squared up putting 3/4 inch finishing board on it.

 

[rickbrown85]

Hey guys just wanted to give you guys a little update. We got everything together and we are about to polyurethane the stand.

 

[rickbrown85]

Here's another update with the tank on the stand.

 

[rickbrown85]

Hwy guys just wanted to give you guys an update. I have got the lights hung and the sump in. Working on plumbing now.

 

[rickbrown85]

Hey guys here with another update. Got the plumbing dry fitted and put the Vertex omega 150 in to make sure it would fit. It barely made it.

 

[maddmaxx]

those photon 32s look good. but i really hope you plan on raising them several inches off the water surface? that wont be good to leave them that close to the water. i would raise them atleast 6-8"...

 

[rickbrown85]

those photon 32s look good. but i really hope you plan on raising them several inches off the water surface? that wont be good to leave them that close to the water. i would raise them atleast 6-8"...

Yes sir I'm going to raise them they are just hanging there for now. And thank you they cost enough lol. As much light as they put out together I will probably be leaning toward the 8 inch mark.

 

[maddmaxx]

ok cool.. i was like noooooo when i first seen it lmao.... and yes they are pricey. almost a grand for both. but they are worth it from what ive seen in person...

 

[maddmaxx]

and i really like how you only have one center brace. all my 6ft long tanks always came with 2 center braces....

 

[rickbrown85]

and i really like how you only have one center brace. all my 6ft long tanks always came with 2 center braces....

Yeah I really like that also I think it Is a Perfecto 125. I hope it is a good tank.

ok cool.. i was like noooooo when i first seen it lmao.... and yes they are pricey. almost a grand for both. but they are worth it from what ive seen in person...

Lol yeah they are so awesome, there is so much you can do with them as far as programming.

 

[newbie2]

Looking great so far, what were you thinking of using for a return pump?

 

[rickbrown85]

Looking great so far, what were you thinking of using for a return pump?

I ordered a Eheim 1260 Universal Pump (640 GPH).

 

[newbie2]

sweet. looks like its all coming together

 

[rickbrown85]

Slowly but surely just drop the last 1300 today on it. Got the apex controller, gfo and carbon reactor, media, return pump, 150 lbs of dry rock, and 160 lbs of Sand.

 

[newbie2]

Ouch. gotta love the start of a build though. I stopped telling my wife how much it all cost after the first two month. lol. she couldnt figure how it was still costing so much after it was already wet with fish in it