Deep Reef's 120 gallon build

[Deep Reef]

In May I bought a used tank from a RC member with the plan to upgrade from my 75g/20g sump.


I then water tested it..


And removed the blue background as I prefer black.




In June I used the information on the DIY page and bought the wood for the frame and put it together.




Unfortunately in July I found that some corals I bought in June brought ICH into my tank since I only dipped them but didn't really quarantine them. So I wasn't sure how to move forward with my project. Then I realized, I should use the 75g fallow time to build my new stand. The newly developed plan was to have the new tank ready when the fallow time was done. That way I wouldn't have to move my fish and corals out of the DT right after they were returned. Thereby keeping their stress to a minimum.

In July I bought my canopy wood..



I them built the canopy frames



to be continued

 

[Fishman7]

nice start

 

[Deep Reef]

Moving on to adding the top and bottom plywood.



Purchased the molding for the trim

 

[Deep Reef]

Also picked up the 4 glass partitions for my 40g Breeder sump. I had the guy also take off the sharp edges and round the corners so so the panels would fit into the sump.




and started assembly

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

wow looks really good. nice job

 

[Texass2323]

That's does look good.. Good luck!!

 

[Stylo328]

Great thread, start, and pics.

 

[ANFPO]

Also picked up the 4 glass partitions for my 40g Breeder sump. I had the guy also take off the sharp edges and round the corners so so the panels would fit into the sump.

Could you please share the WIDTH measurement of the 40gal partitions.
I wanted to see how much space you're leaving for the silicone between the partitions and the inside walls of the tank.

Thanks!

 

[nitroreef]

nice build tagging along

 

[nivram]

Thanks for sharing your build with us.

 

[Biggar]

Nice, looking forward to rest of the build

 

[Deep Reef]

My sump glass partions were 2 panels at10"x17 3/8" for bubble trap , 1 panel at14 3/4"x 17 3/8" for the panel in between in the bubble trap. 1 at 12"x 17 3/8 for the cheato panel

 

[Deep Reef]

Realized i may not have answered your question. My return section which will hours the skimmer will be 13"x17-3/8" x10"high, the bubble trap area will be 2-3/4" including the glass partitions, the center pump section will be 9" wide x 17-3/8" and the refugium/cheato area will be 11"x17-3/8"x12" high

 

[Deep Reef]

I painted the stand with 2 coats of primer



and have installed the maple plywood on the front and sides. Plywood sheet was a little short so I centered it. The gaps at the ends will be concealed behind the trim. that way I won''t have any joint in the front.







I also extended the plywood up above the top of the stand so the plastic frame of the tank will not be visible.

 

[jonnyu]

Looking good. Keep up the good work.

 

[spin]

Nice build

 

[Deep Reef]

Good morning. Well I finished the refugium. I had used momentive RTV 100 series sealant. boy is that sealant good everything is rock solid




I then installed some trim molding at the corners and base molding at the bottom.



As part of the moldings I found a place on line that had these little beauties. they had all sorts but the fish won out over the shells.



I then used crown molding for the top. glue and pin nails hold it all together.



unfortunately I ran short of the correct size lumber so I have one piece missing. Picked the lumber up yesterday hopefully today it will be finished.

 

[Deep Reef]

oh here's another pic from the front

 

[milsaltnewbie07]

oh dang thats coming along really nice. I know now who to call for woodwork lol

 

[Deep Reef]

Woohoo! The cabinet doors arrived yesterday.



I had them drill for the offset hinges. here is a closeup of the front.


If you pay for the hinge drill, it includes the hinges.


And another item a 4" x 3" sponge.


Not sure what that is for. No instructions. Maybe one of you real wood workers could let me know. The large faces are rough, maybe to sand after you apply stain? I'll have to email them to find out unless one of you know.