ArizonaReefer's 240 Desert Reef Build Thread

[woodwrangler]

Personally, I'd try to keep as much open air in the canopy as possible, and build a rack for the lights to sit on using aluminum angle instead of a wood platform.

Something like mflamb did in his build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1533272&perpage=25&pagenumber=4

And here's another from glassreef's build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1482007&perpage=25&pagenumber=3

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Yes, I think it would be wiser to have maximum air flow to reduce any heat.

 

[ArizonaReefer]

The last of the items I recently got.

Hoping to get the rooms that we tiled painted but with the Superbowl this weekend I guess It will be the following weekend.

After that my wife will let me start on the stand. Hip Hip Hooray

 

[Bigred]

What no more updates? Looks good Bobby.

 

[MIKE HUNT]

wow, nice stuff so far. Where did you purchase your tank from ?

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Sorry no new updates, the purchase of the skimmer brought my available "Fish Tank Funds" down to $3.52

I'm now saving for lighting.

Will be able to start the stand once I get the room painted.

 

[ArizonaReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14390791#post14390791 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MIKE HUNT
wow, nice stuff so far. Where did you purchase your tank from ?

The tank is from Le-Mar, and I got it from a LFS called Pets-Inc

 

[Dave's Reef]

Just found your thread.... Looks good!

I've become a bit of an insomniac lately with my own pending build:lol:

Be nice when it's all done, maybe I'll get some sleep?

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Played around a little with some rock placement.

The trick will be doing it again when its time to move it to the tank.

Can anyone recommend the best type of bonding substance?

I like the very little contact at the bottom that I get with this placement. Once again I'm planning on bare bottom.

 

[ArizonaReefer]

UPS came today and brought me some new lighting.

“CoralVue Lumen Brights Large” with “Lumatek 250 Digital Ballast”

 

[ZOKU]

Looks like it'll be a great build!!

 

[ArizonaReefer]

I spent most nights and weekend of the last few months working with some software to design the stand.

This list shows me what ever piece needs to cut at and how many pieces I need of each.

The really nice thing about how I created this assemble is that it has a layout file where I can just edit a few dimensions such as the length and width of the tank or the stand height and all the cut lengths will change accordingly

Now that I had a cut-list I wanted to come up with the most efficient way to get ever thing cut up accurately.

Here is what I came up with, took a little time to think up but it will allow me to be very consistent with the cuts.

The only problem I ran into was that the tank was siting on my work bench, so it was to the floor I went. My knees are a little tired.

I can loosen the block and slide and secure it to just where I need to make my cuts.

I have a cloth measuring tape from the sewing isle sitting just below the surface.

Here is the results of a little planning.

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Here is the "Kreg Pocket Hole Jig" in action

I used wood glue and "Kreg Blue-Kote Weather Resistant Screws" to tie everything together.

And this is where I decided to stop for the day; one thing I have learned is that when you start to get tired that is when you start making mistakes.

 

[Justan]

Arizonareefer, where is a place to get some good deals in Tuscon.
I am coming down in a week and would like to get a heads up of where to go. The deal on the live rock and the Reeflo skimmer seemed pretty good, I don't know if they were second hand or new. Live rock is between 6-8 bucks a pound here. I know I can order off the web but I would kinda like to see what I am getting first and at the price it is up here I can afford to buy it down there while I'm there and have it shipped back up.
I am looking for the Vortech MP40W package too. Sometimes things are not as abundant and can cost a good deal more where I'm at.
Let me know.
BR

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Sorry but I'm up in the Phoenix area and have never been to any in the Tucson area

Here is a link to the stores near me.

Local Phoenix stores

 

[Justan]

Holy Crap, just a few stores in your area....LOL
Where did you get that good deal on the live rock??

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Got all my rock from others getting out of the hobby.

Here is someone trying to sale 140lbs for 300.00

click here

 

[Justan]

Thanks, I just sent him a PM.

 

[porthios]

you know it can be fun to watch big budget builds. lots of shinys and gizmos. god knows i'm a fan of the gizmos..

but there's just something extra cool about the builds that are done with a strict budget. you start to anticipate the accumulation of the author's funds and conversations about which skimmer to build/buy/steal become a lot more interesting.

$100/mo.? this may be my favorite build ever ..

 

[jasandenaw]

I'd have to agree... one of my favorite builds to watch... and possibly model some of my build after. Good luck and keep posting!