Starting my first saltwater tank. At this point i have started on the tank and just about got the stand and canopy done. I will update as i go, i hope to get the lights mounted in the next few days.
Equipment
• Display Tank 40 breeder
• Sump 20 Long
• Overflow 700 gph Overflow complete kit
• Return Two 1/2 inch return kits
• Lights 36" 4x39W SLR T5 High-Output Retrofit Kit
• Bulbs
* 1 GE 6500K Daylight
* 2 ATI Blue Plus
* 1 KZ Fiji Purple
• Return pump Quiet One Model 2200 580 GPH
• Moon lights - ICECAP 33.4 INCH LED MOONLIGHT RETRO 470NM TUBE
• Sand – CaribSea Aragonite Fiji pink live reef sand
Equipment yet to Purchase
• Skimmer Reef Octopus 4
• Powerheads: EcoTech Marine VorTech MP10 and something else?
• Controller Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper Lite (Basic) Controller
• Auto Top Off
Step 1 – tank prep
Painting background - Using a small 6 inch roller for smooth surfaces I painted the back of the tank black using an oil-based paint. I did 1 light coat, and 2 thick coats.
Drilling - I drilled the tank and returns, the kit from glass-holes.com came with the correct drill bits and worked perfect.
I set my drill on the lowest torque setting to help prevent binding the glass. A steady light pressure avg speed took about 10 min per hole. Make sure you always keep the bit wet and the drill level.
Overflow hole 1 ½ centered
Return holes ½ inch
Attached the bulkhead and filled tank with water, no leaks.
Sump – 20 Long DIY sump, I wish I would have done a 29, but I can always upgrade later. I went with a 3 chamber design. Chamber one will hold the skimmer, chamber two is the return, and the last chamber is refugium. (see picture bellow for dimensions and design)
Step 2 – building the stand and canopy
I wanted the stand to be simple and sleek yet functional. I opted for a lighter color in hopes of making it look smaller than it actually is. I also wanted the stand to be tall, so the tank was more at eye level, I hate looking down on a tank. Canopy was designed to open fully on the top and also a door in the front for feeding. I added a few fans, painted the inside sky blue and covered the majority of the wood with plexi-glass. I cannot take credit for building the stand and canopy, my dad did all that and did a great job.
Equipment
• Display Tank 40 breeder
• Sump 20 Long
• Overflow 700 gph Overflow complete kit
• Return Two 1/2 inch return kits
• Lights 36" 4x39W SLR T5 High-Output Retrofit Kit
• Bulbs
* 1 GE 6500K Daylight
* 2 ATI Blue Plus
* 1 KZ Fiji Purple
• Return pump Quiet One Model 2200 580 GPH
• Moon lights - ICECAP 33.4 INCH LED MOONLIGHT RETRO 470NM TUBE
• Sand – CaribSea Aragonite Fiji pink live reef sand
Equipment yet to Purchase
• Skimmer Reef Octopus 4
• Powerheads: EcoTech Marine VorTech MP10 and something else?
• Controller Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper Lite (Basic) Controller
• Auto Top Off
Step 1 – tank prep
Painting background - Using a small 6 inch roller for smooth surfaces I painted the back of the tank black using an oil-based paint. I did 1 light coat, and 2 thick coats.
Drilling - I drilled the tank and returns, the kit from glass-holes.com came with the correct drill bits and worked perfect.
I set my drill on the lowest torque setting to help prevent binding the glass. A steady light pressure avg speed took about 10 min per hole. Make sure you always keep the bit wet and the drill level.
Overflow hole 1 ½ centered
Return holes ½ inch
Attached the bulkhead and filled tank with water, no leaks.
Sump – 20 Long DIY sump, I wish I would have done a 29, but I can always upgrade later. I went with a 3 chamber design. Chamber one will hold the skimmer, chamber two is the return, and the last chamber is refugium. (see picture bellow for dimensions and design)
Step 2 – building the stand and canopy
I wanted the stand to be simple and sleek yet functional. I opted for a lighter color in hopes of making it look smaller than it actually is. I also wanted the stand to be tall, so the tank was more at eye level, I hate looking down on a tank. Canopy was designed to open fully on the top and also a door in the front for feeding. I added a few fans, painted the inside sky blue and covered the majority of the wood with plexi-glass. I cannot take credit for building the stand and canopy, my dad did all that and did a great job.
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