Brian Crook
New member
Hello everyone,
I would like to use this thread to document my new (dream) build.
I started reef-keeping with a 29g BioCube many years ago, and graduated to a 72g bowfront shortly thereafter. While I absolutely loved the hobby, as I got closer to graduating university I realized I was going to have to sell my system as I prepared for the job hunt and moving out. And so I did.
Check out a quick front-shot of my prior two aquariums below:
Fast-forward to now. My girlfriend and I have purchased our first house approximately 6 months ago, and I just can't fight the itch any longer. When we first toured this house, I immediately noticed an ideal location for an in-wall build (with a little bit of elbow grease). The lower level was mostly finished by the previous owners, but I knew there were some distinct changes I wanted to make.
After much deliberation between the Marineland Corner-Flo's, Deep Dimensions, or a custom build from Miracles Aquariums (located nearby where I live), I decided to purchase the Marineland Corner-Flo 220g. This was a choice made primarily for three reasons: respecting our budget, not wanting to over-crowd or push the space limits of the 'aquarium room', and worries around transporting an even larger aquarium down the stairs and into the location. The aquarium is set to arrive on November 8th and I have recruited several strong friends to help me move it.
So, that's the story so far... Now for the pictures! As we now wait for the aquarium to arrive, there was (and still is) a LOT of work that needed to be done first:
My dad helping me make some modifications to the rec-room entrance. Prior to this, I had knocked down a wall to create a much larger rec-room (hence the red walls and the blue walls).
The rec-room entrance is now extra EXTRA wide. It's time to start knocking down the wall across the hall for the aquarium.
Here I am after a successful demolition!
Starting to frame the new wall and aquarium opening. I should note that RocketEngineer's guide for building stands was very helpful to me, as well as Drummereef's 180g build thread, located here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1599945
Leveling out the stand while loose. We also took the opportunity to give the utility room some much needed TLC. I removed everything from the room and etched / finished the floor with an oil-based sealant. We also gave the walls a fresh coat of white paint and the whole room received a thorough cleaning. Much better now...
Here is the stand in a much more completed state. I finished cutting the holes in the plywood for the bulkheads. Marineland provided me with an engineering drawing for the bulkhead/overflow layout, as well as some helpful advice for plotting the holes. I do not have much experience cutting and working with wood but I am very pleased with how things turned out. I will be adding in rear supports to the stand after I install the sump.
View from the front, after putting plywood up in the inside-front of the stand and starting to install Safe and Sound insulation.
That's all for now. Thanks for reading and I am looking forward to sharing my journey!
Cheers
I would like to use this thread to document my new (dream) build.
I started reef-keeping with a 29g BioCube many years ago, and graduated to a 72g bowfront shortly thereafter. While I absolutely loved the hobby, as I got closer to graduating university I realized I was going to have to sell my system as I prepared for the job hunt and moving out. And so I did.
Check out a quick front-shot of my prior two aquariums below:
Fast-forward to now. My girlfriend and I have purchased our first house approximately 6 months ago, and I just can't fight the itch any longer. When we first toured this house, I immediately noticed an ideal location for an in-wall build (with a little bit of elbow grease). The lower level was mostly finished by the previous owners, but I knew there were some distinct changes I wanted to make.
After much deliberation between the Marineland Corner-Flo's, Deep Dimensions, or a custom build from Miracles Aquariums (located nearby where I live), I decided to purchase the Marineland Corner-Flo 220g. This was a choice made primarily for three reasons: respecting our budget, not wanting to over-crowd or push the space limits of the 'aquarium room', and worries around transporting an even larger aquarium down the stairs and into the location. The aquarium is set to arrive on November 8th and I have recruited several strong friends to help me move it.
So, that's the story so far... Now for the pictures! As we now wait for the aquarium to arrive, there was (and still is) a LOT of work that needed to be done first:
My dad helping me make some modifications to the rec-room entrance. Prior to this, I had knocked down a wall to create a much larger rec-room (hence the red walls and the blue walls).
The rec-room entrance is now extra EXTRA wide. It's time to start knocking down the wall across the hall for the aquarium.
Here I am after a successful demolition!
Starting to frame the new wall and aquarium opening. I should note that RocketEngineer's guide for building stands was very helpful to me, as well as Drummereef's 180g build thread, located here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1599945
Leveling out the stand while loose. We also took the opportunity to give the utility room some much needed TLC. I removed everything from the room and etched / finished the floor with an oil-based sealant. We also gave the walls a fresh coat of white paint and the whole room received a thorough cleaning. Much better now...
Here is the stand in a much more completed state. I finished cutting the holes in the plywood for the bulkheads. Marineland provided me with an engineering drawing for the bulkhead/overflow layout, as well as some helpful advice for plotting the holes. I do not have much experience cutting and working with wood but I am very pleased with how things turned out. I will be adding in rear supports to the stand after I install the sump.
View from the front, after putting plywood up in the inside-front of the stand and starting to install Safe and Sound insulation.
That's all for now. Thanks for reading and I am looking forward to sharing my journey!
Cheers
