psychorugby
New member
I've been a member/lurker here for the better part of a decade and I can't recall if I have ever posted. I know I have drooled over numerous tanks here over the years.
My 125 gallon has sat empty for the better part of five years and it is about time to fill it back up. Previously, I used whatever parts I could scavenge from other tanks because of cost and being a college student. That means that a lot of my equipment is not really to the level it should be and I aim to fix that this time around.
At this point, I need to build a stand, canopy, and a side cabinet to hide filtration for the tank. I know exactly how I want the stand and canopy to look, but is proving difficult to flesh out the details. I want to use cabinet grade plywood (hole cut out for access and doors) with the tank sitting on top of the edge of the plywood, using a piece of 1x4 or similar to hide the plastic trim of the tank. I'm just not sure this would be strong enough. Obviously, I would tie together with a frame as well. See pictures:
The tank acts as a room divider between my kitchen and living room, so all of the filtration is on one of the small sides. I used to run an overflow box since the tank is not drilled. I would prefer not to have to deal with the siphon (I lost siphon enough times to scare me off), so I want to drill the end of the tank to create an overflow. Before I start construction, I need to test out drilling the holes. My wife said if the tank cracked she was fine with me getting another. Now I almost hope it cracks so I can go bigger!
The goals of the tank are to make this a reef tank (mostly LPS) and have as much color and movement with the fish as possible. I know enough to be danI have a 38 gallon tank that I plan to make a refugium, as well as a pretty good sized sump. My protein skimmer is a little lacking (like I said I cheaped out a lot before), as well as my lighting is not the best even if it is 3x150w 12k MH bulbs on an ancient ballast.
My questions really start with:
Can I drill the side (not the bottom) of this tank? It's an All Glass Aquarium that I've owned for going on ten years if that means anything.
What size holes do I need to drill? 1.75" for a 1.00" bulk head, correct?
Any recommendations or suggestions for my stand/canopy/cabinet plans?
What lighting should I look into? I am very interested in replacing my halides with LED to save some cost on the electric bill and hopefully reduce the heat in. I would love to do a track lighting set up with PAR30/38 bulbs. I could also phase these in as the tank matures.
What return pump should I use? I currently have a Little Giant 4x (I think) that I hope still works.
Suggestions for in tank water movement? I have one MaxiJet 1200 that still works.
What skimmer should I look into? I think the one I have is a Coralife for 75 gallons haha.
Any other suggestions, comments, or criticism? I am wide open at this point since it's just an empty tank sitting on an ugly stand in the middle of my living room.
My 125 gallon has sat empty for the better part of five years and it is about time to fill it back up. Previously, I used whatever parts I could scavenge from other tanks because of cost and being a college student. That means that a lot of my equipment is not really to the level it should be and I aim to fix that this time around.
At this point, I need to build a stand, canopy, and a side cabinet to hide filtration for the tank. I know exactly how I want the stand and canopy to look, but is proving difficult to flesh out the details. I want to use cabinet grade plywood (hole cut out for access and doors) with the tank sitting on top of the edge of the plywood, using a piece of 1x4 or similar to hide the plastic trim of the tank. I'm just not sure this would be strong enough. Obviously, I would tie together with a frame as well. See pictures:
The tank acts as a room divider between my kitchen and living room, so all of the filtration is on one of the small sides. I used to run an overflow box since the tank is not drilled. I would prefer not to have to deal with the siphon (I lost siphon enough times to scare me off), so I want to drill the end of the tank to create an overflow. Before I start construction, I need to test out drilling the holes. My wife said if the tank cracked she was fine with me getting another. Now I almost hope it cracks so I can go bigger!
The goals of the tank are to make this a reef tank (mostly LPS) and have as much color and movement with the fish as possible. I know enough to be danI have a 38 gallon tank that I plan to make a refugium, as well as a pretty good sized sump. My protein skimmer is a little lacking (like I said I cheaped out a lot before), as well as my lighting is not the best even if it is 3x150w 12k MH bulbs on an ancient ballast.
My questions really start with:
Can I drill the side (not the bottom) of this tank? It's an All Glass Aquarium that I've owned for going on ten years if that means anything.
What size holes do I need to drill? 1.75" for a 1.00" bulk head, correct?
Any recommendations or suggestions for my stand/canopy/cabinet plans?
What lighting should I look into? I am very interested in replacing my halides with LED to save some cost on the electric bill and hopefully reduce the heat in. I would love to do a track lighting set up with PAR30/38 bulbs. I could also phase these in as the tank matures.
What return pump should I use? I currently have a Little Giant 4x (I think) that I hope still works.
Suggestions for in tank water movement? I have one MaxiJet 1200 that still works.
What skimmer should I look into? I think the one I have is a Coralife for 75 gallons haha.
Any other suggestions, comments, or criticism? I am wide open at this point since it's just an empty tank sitting on an ugly stand in the middle of my living room.
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