Asonitez's 180ish I think Dream Build
- Thread starter asonitez
- Start date
asonitez
Floodicus Maximus Flooris
The Entire Build is on HOLD
First Off Let me Preface this With What I KNOW for FACT.
SCA Used to have their stands build in China. When the tank would ship the stand and the canopy would ship as well. This allowed the teams to A) mass produce the stand and B) Test that the stand works well.
SCA's attention to details are excellent and this shows in the FLAWNESS tank I received.
My Cabinet was built by a custom shop in California due to my tank dimensions being 60 X 30 X 24. A Standard 150 tank stand would not work. (2) Cabinets were shipped from the Custom Shop in California. 1 (Regular 150) and My custom tank.
At first glance and measurement I could only check that the tank was the right size shape and dimensions. I also checked that the stand was the right dimensions as best I could due to the rounded corners. The Canopy Also looked ok but as
I did not plan to use the canopy initially I left it wrapped for its own protection.
After waiting a week for some help to place the tank on the stand we rounded up enough people to do the job. I was immediately heart broken and dropped what I was doing and walked away from the fish tank. I went outside for a long walk and had a few drinks before coming
back home and deciding how I was going to deal with this situation.
The Stand was Too small
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on Flickr
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on Flickr
As you guys can see once centered on the actual stand the edges hang over the sides of the stand.
It Gets worse
It was discovered also that the structural integrity of the tank may have been compromised by the stupid builder cutting the middle center brace in order to make space for the overflow plumbing
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on Flickr
SCA announced that they were making all the tank stands 36" high now which is great. However the builder clearly does not understand aquariums and decided to simply build a BASE elevating the tank stand 3" higher to make 36" Rendering the open
area small as the base raises the sump up very high rendering people unable to place equipment into the sump. My Sump is 18" tall for reference
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on Flickr
The Genius builder then decided to reinforce the stand by adding numerous supports inside the stand pushing the sump almost 6" to the front of the stand rendering you unable to REPLACE The braces after putting in the sump.
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on Flickr
After going outside and repeatedly firing a mossberg at a target while playing death metal and wondering how much tickets to California are I decided to test the canopy.
What I thought was paint on much of the stand and canopy turned out to be little more than dust. The Canopy is not finished inside at all. Neither is the stand after wiping it down. Either this is marine grade ply or I'm looking at a disaster waiting to happen.
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on Flickr
The canopy does not fit. It is 1/2" too small
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on Flickr
If the Canopy WERE To fit it would cover approximately 6" or more of the available viewing area
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on Flickr
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on Flickr
The builder has agreed to Refund me the FULL COST of the ENTIRE STAND and CANOPY.
The builder is also not doing any custom stands for any tanks until basically July. We were told online (Facebook) that the builder has secured an ONSITE building facility attached to the Warehouse that they will be doing their own custom woodworking.
I spent the greater part of the last few days contacting various furniture makers in Charlotte, NC - I have not contracted anyone yet but have sent plans to numerous people and have called quite a few of them. I should have something by the weekend or
early next week.
If I am unable to find a builder I will build the tank stand myself using rocketengineers and DIY King Joey's plans online in the upcoming week. I figure it will take me a day to build the frame and maybe 2 days to Skin another 2/3 days to Prime/Seal/Paint.
I am Extremely Bummed about this situation. I have been depressed for days and I'm sorry to the community for not updating.
On a slightly brighter side.
I have decided to build a completely oversized stand to house my tank. I am planning on a Tank stand 9 Feet Wide 30" Deep 36" high. The tank will sit in the center of the stand and the sump directly below it. This will free up Space on either side of the cabinet
that can be isolated from the rest of the stand to house my electronics, controller, calcium reactor and any other items I need. The top of the stand can be used in the future to hold a small frag tank maybe. I will probably use this POS stand I have right now to
build another system in the garage for frags or Fish Only.
First Off Let me Preface this With What I KNOW for FACT.
SCA Used to have their stands build in China. When the tank would ship the stand and the canopy would ship as well. This allowed the teams to A) mass produce the stand and B) Test that the stand works well.
SCA's attention to details are excellent and this shows in the FLAWNESS tank I received.
My Cabinet was built by a custom shop in California due to my tank dimensions being 60 X 30 X 24. A Standard 150 tank stand would not work. (2) Cabinets were shipped from the Custom Shop in California. 1 (Regular 150) and My custom tank.
At first glance and measurement I could only check that the tank was the right size shape and dimensions. I also checked that the stand was the right dimensions as best I could due to the rounded corners. The Canopy Also looked ok but as
I did not plan to use the canopy initially I left it wrapped for its own protection.
After waiting a week for some help to place the tank on the stand we rounded up enough people to do the job. I was immediately heart broken and dropped what I was doing and walked away from the fish tank. I went outside for a long walk and had a few drinks before coming
back home and deciding how I was going to deal with this situation.
The Stand was Too small
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on FlickrUntitled by Tristian Allicock, on FlickrAs you guys can see once centered on the actual stand the edges hang over the sides of the stand.
It Gets worse
It was discovered also that the structural integrity of the tank may have been compromised by the stupid builder cutting the middle center brace in order to make space for the overflow plumbing
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on FlickrSCA announced that they were making all the tank stands 36" high now which is great. However the builder clearly does not understand aquariums and decided to simply build a BASE elevating the tank stand 3" higher to make 36" Rendering the open
area small as the base raises the sump up very high rendering people unable to place equipment into the sump. My Sump is 18" tall for reference
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on FlickrThe Genius builder then decided to reinforce the stand by adding numerous supports inside the stand pushing the sump almost 6" to the front of the stand rendering you unable to REPLACE The braces after putting in the sump.
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on FlickrAfter going outside and repeatedly firing a mossberg at a target while playing death metal and wondering how much tickets to California are I decided to test the canopy.
What I thought was paint on much of the stand and canopy turned out to be little more than dust. The Canopy is not finished inside at all. Neither is the stand after wiping it down. Either this is marine grade ply or I'm looking at a disaster waiting to happen.
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on FlickrThe canopy does not fit. It is 1/2" too small
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on FlickrIf the Canopy WERE To fit it would cover approximately 6" or more of the available viewing area
Untitled by Tristian Allicock, on FlickrUntitled by Tristian Allicock, on FlickrThe builder has agreed to Refund me the FULL COST of the ENTIRE STAND and CANOPY.
The builder is also not doing any custom stands for any tanks until basically July. We were told online (Facebook) that the builder has secured an ONSITE building facility attached to the Warehouse that they will be doing their own custom woodworking.
I spent the greater part of the last few days contacting various furniture makers in Charlotte, NC - I have not contracted anyone yet but have sent plans to numerous people and have called quite a few of them. I should have something by the weekend or
early next week.
If I am unable to find a builder I will build the tank stand myself using rocketengineers and DIY King Joey's plans online in the upcoming week. I figure it will take me a day to build the frame and maybe 2 days to Skin another 2/3 days to Prime/Seal/Paint.
I am Extremely Bummed about this situation. I have been depressed for days and I'm sorry to the community for not updating.
On a slightly brighter side.
I have decided to build a completely oversized stand to house my tank. I am planning on a Tank stand 9 Feet Wide 30" Deep 36" high. The tank will sit in the center of the stand and the sump directly below it. This will free up Space on either side of the cabinet
that can be isolated from the rest of the stand to house my electronics, controller, calcium reactor and any other items I need. The top of the stand can be used in the future to hold a small frag tank maybe. I will probably use this POS stand I have right now to
build another system in the garage for frags or Fish Only.
asonitez
Floodicus Maximus Flooris
Well bad news and good news.
1. SCA has of course gone radio silent on my refund. I'm giving them until Monday afternoon then filing a charge back on my Discover Card via PayPal.
2. To date I have contact (stand builders in 4 states and about 10 handy men and cabinet makers in charlotte and surrounding areas.)
I have got projected dates between 5 to 8 weeks.
1 quote for 850 painted and 550 I paint.
1 quote for over 1150 shipped flat packed with instructions on how to assemble the stand.
1 guy and I have been texting and finally went radio silent 2 guys have gone on vacation for a week or more and Craigslist was a bust.
The Good News
Still no lead on a stand. Today on a whim while working I decided to measure out some things do some research and with 1 hour before most shops started closing:
My new stand will be
96 X 30 X 38
I'm using rocket-engineers post to build the stand the reinforce the area of the stand where the tank will sit with braces.
I will sand, kilz and wrap the entire stand with 1/2" smooth sanded ply and simple doors. With ventilation built in
The stand will be lit inside with waterproof RGB LED and a section of the Stand will house the calcium reactor and the other part all of the electronics.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
1. SCA has of course gone radio silent on my refund. I'm giving them until Monday afternoon then filing a charge back on my Discover Card via PayPal.
2. To date I have contact (stand builders in 4 states and about 10 handy men and cabinet makers in charlotte and surrounding areas.)
I have got projected dates between 5 to 8 weeks.
1 quote for 850 painted and 550 I paint.
1 quote for over 1150 shipped flat packed with instructions on how to assemble the stand.
1 guy and I have been texting and finally went radio silent 2 guys have gone on vacation for a week or more and Craigslist was a bust.
The Good News
Still no lead on a stand. Today on a whim while working I decided to measure out some things do some research and with 1 hour before most shops started closing:
My new stand will be
96 X 30 X 38
I'm using rocket-engineers post to build the stand the reinforce the area of the stand where the tank will sit with braces.
I will sand, kilz and wrap the entire stand with 1/2" smooth sanded ply and simple doors. With ventilation built in
The stand will be lit inside with waterproof RGB LED and a section of the Stand will house the calcium reactor and the other part all of the electronics.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
JonezNReef
Member
Following along for your build. The tank and sump look awesome and it sucks they didn't get your stand right. I think this is going to be your best option as far as your stand goes. Now you can make a stand exactly how you want and need with no limitation except your carpentry skills.
asonitez
Floodicus Maximus Flooris
Deep down I kind of knew that I would end up in this situation and having to do it myself. I received a few more quotes today and one was depending on the size of the tank the stands are going somewhere betwen 2 and 25K and the person is 4 months backlogged.
I feel like I'm going to be in the same situation no matter who or where I look and ultimately decided to take matters into my own hands.
After a Quick trip to lowes for a countersink drill bit and some garden stuff I'm going to start making my cuts and assembling the frame today.
One thing I was very worried about was that the Rocketengineer stand would cause the holes for my OVERFLOW to be blocked. After Examining the 2X6 and the overflow holes where they are positioned I don't think this will be a problem at all.
The other potential problem was USABLE space after all of the internal reinforcements under the stand.
I don't think this will be an issue either becuase the Sump is 55 X 24 X 18 so unless I take up 6" of extra space inside the stand the sump should slip in without an issue.
I am Anticipating a Cabinet approximately
36" Long X 30 Wide X 38" High to hold my electrical any my calcium reactor.
brett559
New member
Wow, very cool build. When I read these tank builds, with all the DIY elements, I almost feel an anxiety attack coming on. I don't have that DIY gene, or the time to put into something like that (I have 5 kids). So I love watching and tagging along on these big builds, but I could never do one. If I ever upgrade, it'll be something like a Red Sea - something all-inclusive and (generally) idiot proof.
But good luck! Excited to see how it all turns out. I got a quote once from SC Aquariums - very reasonable prices for what you get!
But good luck! Excited to see how it all turns out. I got a quote once from SC Aquariums - very reasonable prices for what you get!
brett559
New member
Looked long and hard at this baby boy a few months ago actually:
http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-90glpnp.htm
http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-90glpnp.htm
asonitez
Floodicus Maximus Flooris
Well good news is that last night I made my first cuts of the top and bottom rails today i.e. I'll be cutting the legs side and other support. I haven't screwed anything together yet just dry fitting everything
The funny thing was that I had to literally build all of my tools to support my building of the tank lmao. The saw horses alone took like 1 hr for both lmao.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The funny thing was that I had to literally build all of my tools to support my building of the tank lmao. The saw horses alone took like 1 hr for both lmao.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
JonezNReef
Member
Just so you know its easier to use the saws you bought to build the stand rather than the machete in these building materials and tools pictures LOL.
Keep up the good progress, can't wait to see what you come up with
Keep up the good progress, can't wait to see what you come up with
asonitez
Floodicus Maximus Flooris
Well started the assembly tonight and things were going well before I ran out of light.
2 things about the rocket engineer stand and about wood in general.
8' 2x6 are not really 8 feet. I had to trim off some and will need to trim off the bottom as well.
My measurements are as follows and I cut using a miter saw. The only thing I may not have accounted for was the width of the blade. I cut ON my lines instead of on the outside edge of them leading to what I think added up to be a fraction of an inch all around.
At first I was incredibly ****ed because I cut all my End pieces.
The saving grace is that my 2x6 will have multiple cross braces at the top. After test fitting them they pushed it out the top rails a little bit and I got my 30". After I add in my ply wood wrapping and my top piece I'll have more than enough width and support.
Also the tanks glass is very wide meaning that the full surface of the glass will be supported on braces and the wide section of the 2x6.
Due to the width of the 2x6 I may need to cut the back rail to clear my bulk head holes. I will add vertical supports at the cuts and horizontal support as well.
Y'all think I should recut the end pieces to make it 30". I want to say it's maybe 1/8" or less
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2 things about the rocket engineer stand and about wood in general.
8' 2x6 are not really 8 feet. I had to trim off some and will need to trim off the bottom as well.
My measurements are as follows and I cut using a miter saw. The only thing I may not have accounted for was the width of the blade. I cut ON my lines instead of on the outside edge of them leading to what I think added up to be a fraction of an inch all around.
At first I was incredibly ****ed because I cut all my End pieces.
The saving grace is that my 2x6 will have multiple cross braces at the top. After test fitting them they pushed it out the top rails a little bit and I got my 30". After I add in my ply wood wrapping and my top piece I'll have more than enough width and support.
Also the tanks glass is very wide meaning that the full surface of the glass will be supported on braces and the wide section of the 2x6.
Due to the width of the 2x6 I may need to cut the back rail to clear my bulk head holes. I will add vertical supports at the cuts and horizontal support as well.
Y'all think I should recut the end pieces to make it 30". I want to say it's maybe 1/8" or less
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
asonitez
Floodicus Maximus Flooris
Asonitez's 180ish I think Dream Build
Nope wood is cheap and I have extra
I recut the end pieces and got my 30"
I did this in the garage at like 10:30 lol. It would have seriously bothered the hell out of me. As I suspected cutting on the outside of the line worked wonders.
Good news is that the other pieces I cut can still work as cross braces for the sump!
I'm traveling for a few days so next update will be Monday. I should have the entire thing framed out and ready for some Kilz paint. Then the wrapping begins.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nope wood is cheap and I have extra
I recut the end pieces and got my 30"
I did this in the garage at like 10:30 lol. It would have seriously bothered the hell out of me. As I suspected cutting on the outside of the line worked wonders.
Good news is that the other pieces I cut can still work as cross braces for the sump!
I'm traveling for a few days so next update will be Monday. I should have the entire thing framed out and ready for some Kilz paint. Then the wrapping begins.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
:reading: :hmm4: :spin3:
asonitez
Floodicus Maximus Flooris
Update!!!
With all the stress of my build and stand issues the last few weeks I took some time to spend Father's Day with my dad. He's a carpenter but in jersey so he couldn't help me too much with my build. I did take the time to show him my plans and we tweaked a few things. We also murdered some porgies and sea bass in Massachusets.
Tonight I'll be back to the stand getting the rest of it framed out!
New update tonight
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
With all the stress of my build and stand issues the last few weeks I took some time to spend Father's Day with my dad. He's a carpenter but in jersey so he couldn't help me too much with my build. I did take the time to show him my plans and we tweaked a few things. We also murdered some porgies and sea bass in Massachusets.
Tonight I'll be back to the stand getting the rest of it framed out!
New update tonight
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
asonitez
Floodicus Maximus Flooris
Update !!!!
Got a lot of progress done tonight. I traded back my harbor freight table saw for a nice kobalt one from lowes. It was on sale and seemed to be better quality than the harbor freight one plus it came with a rolling stand!!!
and I also bought a Krieg pocket jig for when I place the uprights under the tank. Here I am testing it out.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Got a lot of progress done tonight. I traded back my harbor freight table saw for a nice kobalt one from lowes. It was on sale and seemed to be better quality than the harbor freight one plus it came with a rolling stand!!!
and I also bought a Krieg pocket jig for when I place the uprights under the tank. Here I am testing it out.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
asonitez
Floodicus Maximus Flooris
So some more updates tonight!
I cut the uprights and supports for the tank which will allow it to be centered on the 8 foot stand and have adequate support. I was able to finesse the template out of the SCA tank and was pleasantly surprised to see that it should fit without having to cut the uprights to clear the bulkheads. If it does I can notch the uprights and add a cross bar and 2 additional supports to take the weight off.
I was also thinking if I need the bottom middle brace at all. I wanted to put a piece of plywood there seal it and use the flex rubber stuff to water proof it. If my sump leaks or something leaks the bottom would contain the leak without getting on the floor.
I also picked up a plane to smooth and even the frame. I was able to remove the majority of "lips" from the frame to even it out which should enable me to skin it more efficiently.
I have decided on 4 doors. I
Traded in my harbor freight table saw and stand for this sexy one from lowes for the same price after discount.
Pocket hole jig working wonders
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I cut the uprights and supports for the tank which will allow it to be centered on the 8 foot stand and have adequate support. I was able to finesse the template out of the SCA tank and was pleasantly surprised to see that it should fit without having to cut the uprights to clear the bulkheads. If it does I can notch the uprights and add a cross bar and 2 additional supports to take the weight off.
I was also thinking if I need the bottom middle brace at all. I wanted to put a piece of plywood there seal it and use the flex rubber stuff to water proof it. If my sump leaks or something leaks the bottom would contain the leak without getting on the floor.
I also picked up a plane to smooth and even the frame. I was able to remove the majority of "lips" from the frame to even it out which should enable me to skin it more efficiently.
I have decided on 4 doors. I
Traded in my harbor freight table saw and stand for this sexy one from lowes for the same price after discount.
Pocket hole jig working wonders
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
asonitez
Floodicus Maximus Flooris
Update:
Sorry this has been slow going. I'm a new wood worker so I have to buy my tools as I go if I don't already have them lmao.
Tonight I was able to install my 1/2" floor and upright columns.
My thought process here is that my sump will sit INSiDE of the stand and directly on the floor of my stand. I am sealing and kilz the floor of the stand and using the rubberized flex seal item from lowes to make the bottom waterproof for the most part.
Also this allows me to have the maximum height of the stands interior to work with.
The rocket engineer plans if I'm not mistaken rely on weight being transferred to the bottom frame at the sides and along the length of the tank. Since my tank is going in the center of the stand I added vertical supports all 4 corners using 2x6. It should take the weight and then some.
(Please advise me if not lmao) tomorrow I cut my sides top and front.
I also build my table saw lmao.
Did a bit of gardening. This is today's harvest
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sorry this has been slow going. I'm a new wood worker so I have to buy my tools as I go if I don't already have them lmao.
Tonight I was able to install my 1/2" floor and upright columns.
My thought process here is that my sump will sit INSiDE of the stand and directly on the floor of my stand. I am sealing and kilz the floor of the stand and using the rubberized flex seal item from lowes to make the bottom waterproof for the most part.
Also this allows me to have the maximum height of the stands interior to work with.
The rocket engineer plans if I'm not mistaken rely on weight being transferred to the bottom frame at the sides and along the length of the tank. Since my tank is going in the center of the stand I added vertical supports all 4 corners using 2x6. It should take the weight and then some.
(Please advise me if not lmao) tomorrow I cut my sides top and front.
I also build my table saw lmao.
Did a bit of gardening. This is today's harvest
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Good update. You are a person with many talents Like how you mixed in the fishing and gardening 
Side note - unless it is a primary hobby, wood working, you will always find yourself buying tools for it and/or home maintenance. I find myself in the same boat with some cases even upgrading. Sometimes if you plan it right you can catch some of the larger tools (Miter Saws one example) with great sales.
Side note - I just picked up and installed a GT350R steering wheel and Corsa Sport cat back exhaust for my Mustang.
Like how you mixed in the fishing and gardening Side note - unless it is a primary hobby, wood working, you will always find yourself buying tools for it and/or home maintenance. I find myself in the same boat with some cases even upgrading. Sometimes if you plan it right you can catch some of the larger tools (Miter Saws one example) with great sales.Side note - I just picked up and installed a GT350R steering wheel and Corsa Sport cat back exhaust for my Mustang.
Similar threads
