Custom Cabinet for 90g Reef (Build Thread)

[Hoosier daddy]

Nice!!! I just set my first one up this past weekend on my 120g and it is awesome. How are you running yours now in what mode? How are you going to run the second one ? Is that the only flow you have in your tank now is the one vortech?

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14682768#post14682768 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Hoosier daddy
How are you running yours now in what mode? How are you going to run the second one ? Is that the only flow you have in your tank now is the one vortech?

I currently have one on the left side of the tank, running in Reef Crest mode. When I add the second, I'll put it on the right side, also in Reef Crest mode.

Who knows, I might play with the wave settings, but since my water level is only about an inch below the top of my tank, I won't have much "wave room" to play with. Doesn't really matter to me, as I haven't read good things about the benefits of wave action on corals. I've read random turbulence is the most important thing to achieve.

The two vortechs will be the only flow in my tank, except for the return pump of course. I think 6,400gph will be enough!

Take care folks-
Dustin

 

[yankee26th]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10927053#post10927053 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RedEDGE2k1
The front panel butts up to the side panels. The cut edge of the side panels will be covered later by fluted columns.

The back panel has cut-outs to reduce weight.

The "floor" panels sit an inch or two above the bottom of the cabinet, to help with leveling issues later. I will add 3/4"x3/4" strips under the center floor panel, to prevent the panel from bowing under the weight of the sump.

Hello --- Did you use Biscuit Joiners for the plywood or just screws and glue?

Thanks ---
Chris

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14723823#post14723823 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yankee26th
Hello --- Dis you use Biscuit Joiners for the plywood or just screws and glue?

Thanks ---
Chris

Screws & glue only

 

[yankee26th]

In your honest opinion, since you have some experience with it, do you think this same design would support a 180 gallon tank? Instead of a 2x6 I would use a 2x8 for the top of the stand. Whats your opinion?

Thanks again ---
Chris

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14723936#post14723936 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yankee26th
In your honest opinion, since you have some experience with it, do you think this same design would support a 180 gallon tank? Instead of a 2x6 I would use a 2x8 for the top of the stand. Whats your opinion?

Thanks again ---
Chris

No doubt it would support a 180. If I built it all over again I wouldn't even bother with the 2x6 header, the plywood is fine.

-Dustin

 

[yankee26th]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14723944#post14723944 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RedEDGE2k1
No doubt it would support a 180. If I built it all over again I wouldn't even bother with the 2x6 header, the plywood is fine.

-Dustin

Dustin --- Do you have your tank up and running yet?

Chris

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14724134#post14724134 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yankee26th
Dustin --- Do you have your tank up and running yet?

Chris

This *is* my tank

Been up & running good for about 18 months now.

Dustin

 

[yankee26th]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14724225#post14724225 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RedEDGE2k1
This *is* my tank

Been up & running good for about 18 months now.

Dustin

I didn't realize, I had to go back a page on the thread to see it. You got very nice coral growth in a short period of time.

In your thread you said you used a rotary saw to cut out the square holes in the plywood. Which particular saw did you use?

Chris

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14724656#post14724656 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yankee26th
In your thread you said you used a rotary saw to cut out the square holes in the plywood. Which particular saw did you use?

Chris

I used a Dewalt saw from Home Depot, I can't remember the exact model number but it was like $99 I think.

-Dustin

 

[yankee26th]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14724678#post14724678 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RedEDGE2k1
I used a Dewalt saw from Home Depot, I can't remember the exact model number but it was like $99 I think.

-Dustin

I noticed it appears that it makes a nice straight cut, or did you do something first to accomplish that such as use a straight edge?
Whats your opinion on the Roto-Zip?
If I were to also make square cuts out of the side panels, do you think it would affect the integrity of the stand?

Do you know of anyone looking to purchase water pumps for their systems?

Chris ---

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14724738#post14724738 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yankee26th
I noticed it appears that it makes a nice straight cut, or did you do something first to accomplish that such as use a straight edge?
Whats your opinion on the Roto-Zip?
If I were to also make square cuts out of the side panels, do you think it would affect the integrity of the stand?

Do you know of anyone looking to purchase water pumps for their systems?

Chris ---

Not at all trying to sound rude, but all of these questions are answered in this build thread....read through and PM me with anything you need further help with.


Take care-
Dustin

 

[yankee26th]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14724773#post14724773 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RedEDGE2k1
Not at all trying to sound rude, but all of these questions are answered in this build thread....read through and PM me with anything you need further help with.


Take care-
Dustin

Hello again Dustin ---
Sorry to bother you but I have one final question. The stand I need to build, for my 180 gallon tank, needs to be 40" tall. Do think your design stand would have an integrity issue for support of my tank at this height? Or would it be better to build a box that the stand would sit on. Please let me know.

Thanks again ---
Chris

 

[hotwired99]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14773190#post14773190 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yankee26th
Hello again Dustin ---
Sorry to bother you but I have one final question. The stand I need to build, for my 180 gallon tank, needs to be 40" tall. Do think your design stand would have an integrity issue for support of my tank at this height? Or would it be better to build a box that the stand would sit on. Please let me know.

Thanks again ---
Chris

Not to hijack the thread or anything but my 175 tanks sits 43" off the floor on my stand. Had to make the stand that tall for equipment underneath it and dont like leaning over to view the tank. I think you would be fine at 40" without a box under the stand.

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14775451#post14775451 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hotwired99
Not to hijack the thread or anything but my 175 tanks sits 43" off the floor on my stand. Had to make the stand that tall for equipment underneath it and dont like leaning over to view the tank. I think you would be fine at 40" without a box under the stand.

I agree, so long as the stand is wide enough front-to-back to prevent the setup from being too top heavy and tipping over.

-Dustin

 

[yankee26th]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14776752#post14776752 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RedEDGE2k1
I agree, so long as the stand is wide enough front-to-back to prevent the setup from being too top heavy and tipping over.

-Dustin

Hey Dustin ---
The width of the stand would be 24"- 25". Do you think thats wide enough?

Thanks again ---
Chris

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14778762#post14778762 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yankee26th
Hey Dustin ---
The width of the stand would be 24"- 25". Do you think thats wide enough?

Thanks again ---
Chris

Yes I think so. Mine is only about 19" wide and it's rock solid.

-Dustin

 

[yankee26th]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14778775#post14778775 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RedEDGE2k1
Yes I think so. Mine is only about 19" wide and it's rock solid.

-Dustin

It looks irock solid, and you made it look so easy to build. Oh by the way, I just got back from HD and man 3/4" plywood is expensive.

 

[RumLad]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14778873#post14778873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yankee26th
It looks irock solid, and you made it look so easy to build. Oh by the way, I just got back from HD and man 3/4" plywood is expensive.

In case you didn't see it in the thread, if you plan on painting the wood, buy BIRCH plywood and not the OAK that Dustin used.
If you plan on using stain or varnish, then the Oak would be okay.

 

[RumLad]

oops.