180 Gallon Stand Build

[IUfan]

Looking for some input on my other thread over in DIY, any advice would be appreciated.

Link to pictures is at the bottom. Thanks

Hi, Just got a 180 tank and built a diy stand, taken a lot of hard work but the stand and canopy are now finished aesthetically speaking.

I now have to make sure I've not forgotten any other important steps before I move this baby indoors and put the tank on top, once that happens, its set and I dont want to have to move it again, if I can help it!

Steps I have in mind.

a. RedGarding the floor and 3" up the walls inside the stand.
b. putting soundproofing foam on the inside of the stand to keep noise down.

Questions.

1. Looking at the first picture, of the frame, does the design look like it will hold 180gallons, I actually bought the stand frame 2nd hand with the tank, it feels very sturdy, but I'm not an engineer, and 180 gallons is an incredible amount of weight alone, without a 300lb glass box thrown in on top! So if anyone can comment and put my mind at ease that would be great. - I did put a few steel corner braces on several of the corners to help reinforce those areas.

2. the stand is made of oak, the back is mostly open, do I need to use a protective coat on the inside to protect from moisture damage with the sump being in there?

3. same for the canopy, do I need to put protective coat on the inside, and if so, what kind, KILZ2?

4. Do I need to paint the cannopy white to reflect light? I plan on using LEDS?

Thanks for your advice in advance!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2250167

 

[vpaul79]

I have a question for you? Did you make those cabinet doors or find them prefab? If so where?

 

[IUfan]

I bought them from Menards.

Here's the link. http://www.menards.com/main/mobile/search.html?search=Oak+cabinet+door

You'll have to buy the hinges separate, and there was a kit there that helped make the fixing of the hinges easy, definitely want to get that.

 

[badazztealcobra]

You're more than fine.....

Here was my 180g stand:

2x6 top frame, 2x6 legs, 2x4 base. All glued (titebond III) and screwed together. Two coats of Kilz premium, then two coats of Behr exterior gloss white paint.

You can see little "cleats" added afterward in some of the pictures, those were added for clip on fans after the fact, not added for stability by any means. I had this stand for two years and the guy who bought my setup has been using it since for another three years or so to this present day.

 

[IUfan]

Thanks for your input, it will make me sleep better now, and also convince the GF that it isn't gonna flood the living room haha

 

[mdefo25]

That stand looks great. Nice work!

 

[N3gative Cr33p]

That stand looks great. Nice work!

Agreed. :thumbsup:

 

[IUfan]

Got the stand all finished, red garded the bottom, and kilz on all other surfaces.

Thanks for your help.

Another Question now, sump size.

Can I get away with a 40B sump? I know this is small, but I really wanted to have more space in the cabinet, I didnt want it mostly taken up by the sump.

I have measured it out, allowing 18x18 for Skimmer, 18x9 for return pump, and 18x10 for refugium. Would that be enough or does it sound like this is going to create problems later down the line.

Let me know your thoughts, appreciate the input.

The Petco in my area is having a $ per gallon sale this weekend so I'm keen to go and get the sump.

Have a great day.

 

[badazztealcobra]

Got the stand all finished, red garded the bottom, and kilz on all other surfaces.

Thanks for your help.

Another Question now, sump size.

Can I get away with a 40B sump? I know this is small, but I really wanted to have more space in the cabinet, I didnt want it mostly taken up by the sump.

I have measured it out, allowing 18x18 for Skimmer, 18x9 for return pump, and 18x10 for refugium. Would that be enough or does it sound like this is going to create problems later down the line.

Let me know your thoughts, appreciate the input.

The Petco in my area is having a $ per gallon sale this weekend so I'm keen to go and get the sump.

Have a great day.

A 40B will work but it'll have a really small fuge. A 40B is 36"x18", internal dimensions would get you closer to 35" in size. 18" for a skimmer, 3" for bubble traps (unless that's factored into your skimmer chamber size), leaves you with around 14" left, so you could technically do it, but I think a 75g like I used gives you more versatility.....

In any instance, yes a 40B will work.

 

[IUfan]

Here are pictures of the finished stand.

First 4 pics are a recap of the beginning that were originally posted in the other thread.

 

[IUfan]

Here is the finished stand.

The first 4 images are the start of the build, they were originally posted in the other thread, but will just post in this one from now on.

 

[IUfan]

more images.

 

[IUfan]

even more.