Custom Cabinet for 90g Reef (Build Thread)

reefer50 said:
Hey red i forgot to tell you i borrowed your idea of extending the return line to go across to the other side of the tank and flow toward the overflow.. makes perfect sense: )
did it reduce your output noticably?
Click to expand...

It's definitely a worthwhile fix, and very easy too. It keeps scum from collecting on the side of the tank away from the water flow, keeping the water crystal clear all across the top of the tank.

I have an Eheim 1262 (900gph) return, and before I installed a fuge (tee off the return line) I still have to throttle it back a bit with a valve, even with the extra plumbing for the return mod above. But after I added the fuge line, I was able to keep the return valve fully open. So all in all, no problems with the extra piping.

Dustin
 
Hi RedEDGE2K1 . I've read your build thread and i must say i'm really impressed with your stand. I'm trying to find a model to build a skirt around my 180g tank and was thinking i could do the bottom part like you did yours. Can i use your model and if so, is ther a place i can download it ? Thanks and Happy New year :)
 
so any recent new pictures of the tank? it looked like it was progressing well. are you still a fan of your two part dosing system? or do you have any regrets?
 
I just bought a 54x26x23 starfire on three sides. I wanted to hang my 8 bulb ATI Powermodule from the Ceiling but my wife hates that look! Damnit!
So Now that I have a $2000 custom tank cominging and I need to find out what I can do to build a custom stand similar to this build but i also want to see the tank from the sides.

I'm also in a little bit of a pickle because I have to do this in stages. This means building the main stand under the tank before the hood and shelves. Kinda like a high end lego set-up! An upgradable stand!

Any ideas? I want to keep as much of the Tank exposed as it will be a real beauty. Coast to coast external overflow... All external.

I'll be working these next few days to support the tank from the basement.
 
My local exotic wood supplier has some 1" Cherry Ply for a wicked deal. Can i use the for the sides and front? Is this crazy overkill?
 
reefer50 said:
so any recent new pictures of the tank? it looked like it was progressing well. are you still a fan of your two part dosing system? or do you have any regrets?
Click to expand...

It's growing out really well, actually just about full. No more room to add any new SPS, which is a bummer, and has me looking forward to a larger house where I can fit a larger tank!

I love the two-part system. The LiterMeter III dosing pump is probably the best $300 I ever spent on the tank. It's a toss-up between the LM3 or the Vortech, neither were cheap but both are worth their weight in gold.

Dustin
 
Luckylouse said:
My local exotic wood supplier has some 1" Cherry Ply for a wicked deal. Can i use the for the sides and front? Is this crazy overkill?
Click to expand...

It's not crazy overkill, but it sounds like a waste of money in my opinion, unless you want cherry plywood. If it were me, I'd use 3/4" oak plywood and cherry stain if cherry is the look you want. Or, if you don't like the oak woodgrain pattern, just use "sanded ply" from Lowe's (it's cabinet grade but doesn't have any visible grain). I built a small cabinet for a 20g high while I was in college using sanded ply, stained it dark, and it looked great.

Dustin
 
RedEDGE2k1 said:
It's not crazy overkill, but it sounds like a waste of money in my opinion, unless you want cherry plywood. If it were me, I'd use 3/4" oak plywood and cherry stain if cherry is the look you want. Or, if you don't like the oak woodgrain pattern, just use "sanded ply" from Lowe's (it's cabinet grade but doesn't have any visible grain). I built a small cabinet for a 20g high while I was in college using sanded ply, stained it dark, and it looked great.

Dustin
Click to expand...

Thanks, They have a price of $57 for a sheet of 1" Cherry. How can I say no to that? I wouldn't have to stain it.
 
RedEDGE2k1,

I have read 90% of this thread in the past two day and all I can say is WoW! and Thanks but my husband says &*R^%R^%^* ha ha. This thread is great and explained to him almost what I want. I am looking to do the same/similar design with two 120 high tanks (60x18x26), on a single wall that is 17’11” with the TV in between them but I will need a matching cabin below the TV for cable box, videos, wii etc. I know it is cold in Atlanta now so if you need something to do, I would love some help with a sketchup plan (or anyone else for that matter). Your ideas are great and it is awesome to be able to learn for your mistakes (hinges etc) although you did not make many. Thanks again now off to see if I can figure out this sketchup program.
 
Just read this whole thread.... Kudos!!! fantastic job. I just got done building a new canopy for my 46g bow... Now you have inspired me to build one like yours for my 90g which is housed in a stock cabinet canopy bought from my lfs 10 years ago.... I will be difinitely be using your build as guidance, if you don't mind. One of the best treads I have ever read!!!

HW
 
MatesonG said:
Hey Dustin, hows the tank? Any new additions? Any new pics :) ??

Also do you ship frags?
Click to expand...

The tank is good, I've been in a holding pattern with it for a while, I'm getting married in April so things have been busy and money is tight. I'm sure it will pick back up after everything cools down!

Sorry but I don't ship frags, there's just not enough incentive for me personally to deal with the hassle & risk.

Dustin
 
Awsome tank and cabinet. I remember reading this entire post a year ago and now that I know a little bit about woodworking it is even more impressive.

Great job.
 
The stand looks great. Do you have a link for the cut out pieces and dimensions?? I noticed thatthe link you posted before is not available any longer.

Thanks again for sharing your awsome project.
 
dav3b said:
The stand looks great. Do you have a link for the cut out pieces and dimensions?? I noticed thatthe link you posted before is not available any longer.

Thanks again for sharing your awsome project.
Click to expand...

Nah I don't have the materials list, but I can email you the sketchup model if you're interested. PM me if so.

Dustin
 
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