A Golden Reef Tank (v2)
- Thread starter halmus
- Start date
halmus
New member
I also picked up a few more pieces of the aluminum strut so I was able to complete the mounting of the Reefbreeder LED's over the QT tanks. The tanks are pretty dirty right now. They're also scratched because they were originally salvaged from a store years ago. I modified them and buffed them as well as I could (or was willing to). They're QT, so I'm not extreemly concerned that they aren't show quality. They do the job.
halmus
New member
The aluminum is a lot of fun to work with. I probably wouldn't use it to build a stand out of even though I know that's totally possible. I would just worry about deflection so I would end up way overbuilding it. There is deflection calculator software available. Still, I really like a solid tube steel frame.
For other less critical frames like a hood, it's nice. I will be able to adjust the rails on top to best fit the lights I end up with. Then, it's just a thin wood facade for aesthetics that doesn't need to hold any real weight.
For other less critical frames like a hood, it's nice. I will be able to adjust the rails on top to best fit the lights I end up with. Then, it's just a thin wood facade for aesthetics that doesn't need to hold any real weight.
halmus
New member
Once the woodwork is on including trim and crown mounding at the top, it won't fit through the hole into the fish room.
I tried to think of all of the possible ways to access the tank and this was the only solution I could come up with. My wife didn't want the hood to extend all the way to the ceiling for esthetic reasons. She didn't want a massive tall hood like we had on our last tank, which did look odd. But, the shorter hood is also too close to the ceiling to allow flip up sides that provide enough space for me to reach all the way into the tank.
Basically, in the end, I had to find a way to move the entire hood out of the way at least periodically if I need to go snorkeling.
The wood facade will have access doors or panels of some sort to allow daily feedings and maintenance without moving the entire assembly.
I tried to think of all of the possible ways to access the tank and this was the only solution I could come up with. My wife didn't want the hood to extend all the way to the ceiling for esthetic reasons. She didn't want a massive tall hood like we had on our last tank, which did look odd. But, the shorter hood is also too close to the ceiling to allow flip up sides that provide enough space for me to reach all the way into the tank.
Basically, in the end, I had to find a way to move the entire hood out of the way at least periodically if I need to go snorkeling.
The wood facade will have access doors or panels of some sort to allow daily feedings and maintenance without moving the entire assembly.
JonCubb
New member
Good feedback, thanks!
halmus
New member
Thanks again for breaking your back to help get the tank down!
I think I need to light off some fireworks once I finally plug in the first pump to start moving water. Signal all the locals to come over and check it out.
I'm sure there have been slower builds over the years but from my perspective it feels like I'm going for the Guinness record.
Lighting will be a huge milestone. Hooking them up will be pretty simple. Dialing them in might take forever. Still, one major step towards being wet.
I think I need to light off some fireworks once I finally plug in the first pump to start moving water. Signal all the locals to come over and check it out.
I'm sure there have been slower builds over the years but from my perspective it feels like I'm going for the Guinness record.
Lighting will be a huge milestone. Hooking them up will be pretty simple. Dialing them in might take forever. Still, one major step towards being wet.
Mind absolutely blown!
The attention to detail has a very pleasing effect. Too often people settle for good enough. Your setup is one of the best if not THE best I've seen to date. KUDOS!
This thread should be used as a guide for striving hobbyists when designing and building their fish rooms. Your extensive skills are amazing as well. EXTREMELY WELL DONE!
The attention to detail has a very pleasing effect. Too often people settle for good enough. Your setup is one of the best if not THE best I've seen to date. KUDOS!
This thread should be used as a guide for striving hobbyists when designing and building their fish rooms. Your extensive skills are amazing as well. EXTREMELY WELL DONE!
halmus
New member
A Golden Reef Tank (v2)
Thank you for all of the compliments. I have put a lot of effort into making this as ideal as possible based on my priorities. I owe a lot of inspiration to everyone out there who's ideas I'm adopting and I'm bringing some of my experiences into the mix.
Not everyone has the same priority. There are probably a HUGE number of people skimming through that would probably use the funds to have a front display twice the size and a much more reasonable filtration room.
Thanks for following!
Thank you for all of the compliments. I have put a lot of effort into making this as ideal as possible based on my priorities. I owe a lot of inspiration to everyone out there who's ideas I'm adopting and I'm bringing some of my experiences into the mix.
Not everyone has the same priority. There are probably a HUGE number of people skimming through that would probably use the funds to have a front display twice the size and a much more reasonable filtration room.
Thanks for following!
Where did you get the "C" Channel, I am assuming its all Aluminum.
Are the pipe holders (clamps) AI as well?
Thanks in advance.
Strut channel! couldn't remember what it was called even though I've used plenty of the steel type for facilities wiring. There are so may attachment accessories for these systems. I'll check local Grainger to see if they stock the AI so that I can use it around SW; worst case scenario I'll have it shipped. Great idea and makes organizing a snap. Thanks
BTW. Keep us updated on the progress. Let the pictures speak for themselves.
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