I thought I would post an update to this thread since I still get pm's from people building similar set ups.
Here is a fairly current picture of the tank
The sps tank itself hasn't progressed to the level I originally envisioned but it is getting there.
This tank is the focal point of my basement family room. Everytime someone sees it for the first time, they comment on how nice it looks which naturally makes me feel pretty good.
I often get asked if I would change anything about the stand and canopy and here are my thoughts on that:
1. Don't underestimate the corrosive power of saltwater. The canopy is holding up well but it is showing some signs of wear on the inside that occassionally gets splashed. Only a small area right at the front near the water line.
2. Don't underestimate the corrosive power of saltwater
. The hinges I used have rusted and need to be replaced. If anyone has any suggestions on hinges that will stand the test of saltwater, let me know.
3. The flip front on the canopy is a nice feature but it is too heavy to utilize by myself. I need people holding it up when I need to work in the tank. So I usually do my work through the doors (which has probably contributed to the slight damage referenced in #1). I would still build a flip front but I would have incorporated gas shocks (like the ones on the trunk of your car) to assist in lifting and holding up the front.
4. I wish I had built a light rack so I could easily lift the lights in order to work. I can still do this, just haven't gotten around to it yet.
I would not change anything about the stand. It is great and I love it.
Here is one added feature that I really like. I installed a paper towel holder and a food rack inside the doors
I always need paper towels and this puts them handy right where you need them.
Another key feature is the electrical panel I built and installed into the stand. It houses the timers for all of the lights. I also installed 3-way switches that allow me to turn off the pumps that are in the sump room right from the stand. This keeps me from having to walk into the sump room, turn off the pumps, feed the tank, then remember to walk back in and turn the pumps back on. It can all be done from the panel.
I hope this bump was an interesting read for those who followed the thread a few years ago (I can't believe it has been that long!). And to any newcomers, maybe there is something here that will help you as well.
If you want to see more info on my tank, click on my red house. The whole setup process is documented in that thread. I'm a DIY kind of guy so you will see a rubbermaid sump, diy refugium, diy auto top off, mixing station, electrical panel, closed loop, diy moonlights and more.
Happy Reefing!
I'll leave you with a recent FTS
