garrettm's 187g In-Wall Build

Update time!

My dad came over tonight to help finish framing up the stand. We had done some work this weekend to get the framework finished and tonight we finished all the vertical supports.

a little motivation...
<ahref="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/D125324A-C692-4D08-95EA-72B76748E1F3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/D125324A-C692-4D08-95EA-72B76748E1F3.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo D125324A-C692-4D08-95EA-72B76748E1F3.jpg"/></a>

The stand! It sits pretty tall at about 50" because the dinning room where the tank will be viewed sits on the 6" slab. I wanted the bottom of the tank to sit at around 44" from the floor on the inside of the house.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/9BD5DFE3-5439-449E-B59B-E2029E3656B6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/9BD5DFE3-5439-449E-B59B-E2029E3656B6.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 9BD5DFE3-5439-449E-B59B-E2029E3656B6.jpg"/></a>

I also pulled the trigger on my tank order! I went with a tank from from Elite Aquatics in southern California. It should be read in the next few weeks. I will drive up to LA to pick it up when it is finished!
 
I do not know if you noticed or not, but it is crooked.

Very nice so far. How is the room going to be laid out?
 
worm5406 said:
I do not know if you noticed or not, but it is crooked.

Very nice so far. How is the room going to be laid out?
Click to expand...

You are making me nervous over here! I really hope you are referring to the awkward angle of my photo otherwise I might have an anxiety attack. :fun5:

This is a rough sketch of the layout. Not all the measurements are here and it might change slightly but for the most part the display, frag tank, and barrels will remain in the same spot.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/RoomLayout.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/RoomLayout.png" border="0" alt=" photo RoomLayout.png"/></a>
 
worm5406 said:
I was... and it looks great so far!
Click to expand...

I figured but since this is my first stand build, and I am horrible at reading sarcasm, I thought I would make sure I wasn't missing anything. Thanks!

Matthias7 said:
Looking very good. What are you planning for rock? Live or dry?
Click to expand...

Hello Matthias, I am planning on using the BRS reef saver rock. Still haven't thought about how much I will need or the orientation but I plan on doing something with an open space in the middle, a higher structure on the left or right, and a lower one on the opposite side. I am not much of a fan of staghorn type acros but rather acros that have branches that are more compact, dense, and grow out rather than up. That being said I will probably make the rock structures on the higher side to look like a reef crest.

bpcardona said:
I dont see a spot for the QT systems? Might I suggest a fish QT and a Coral QT.
Click to expand...

I definitely plan on having a QT/Hospital tank for fish but haven't thought about one for coral. I was just planning on dipping new coral and housing in the frag tank until they are ready for the big leagues in the display.

I have been having trouble deciding on where the QT/Hospital tank will go however. My original thought was to place a 20 tall on some shelving above the utility sink since I am running out of room very quickly.
 
UPDATE!

Now is the time where there is no turning back. I finally put a hole in the wall!

This is my dad making the cuts from the inside of the wall.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/B0BAEB64-4E85-4A42-AD45-59E4C90C59A7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/B0BAEB64-4E85-4A42-AD45-59E4C90C59A7.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo B0BAEB64-4E85-4A42-AD45-59E4C90C59A7.jpg"/></a>

We only cut out the lower section to give us enough room to place the plywood top.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/33BB3DB2-8154-42B4-8EFB-1D74FA614580.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/33BB3DB2-8154-42B4-8EFB-1D74FA614580.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 33BB3DB2-8154-42B4-8EFB-1D74FA614580.jpg"/></a>

Putting down the plywood wasn't as tricky as I thought it would be. We did have to make some leveling adjustments by using a few metal shims on the front of the tank. Everything turned out surprisingly level and now I am off to do some painting.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/0C3B422F-7877-446E-9ED6-7C3E5C0213EB.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/0C3B422F-7877-446E-9ED6-7C3E5C0213EB.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 0C3B422F-7877-446E-9ED6-7C3E5C0213EB.jpg"/></a>

View from the inside.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/E617CEED-7442-40E3-BE63-1A7630209228.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/E617CEED-7442-40E3-BE63-1A7630209228.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo E617CEED-7442-40E3-BE63-1A7630209228.jpg"/></a>

I had originally thought of laminating the top of the 3/4" plywood but now I am thinking about changing my mind since only about 1/2" of the laminate would be seen when the tank is sitting on top of the stand. My alternate solution would be to paint with a couple coats of kilz. Any recommendations here?
 
Since it is a window, put molding around the edge and call it done. You will never see the edges at all.
 
worm5406 said:
Since it is a window, put molding around the edge and call it done. You will never see the edges at all.
Click to expand...

Agreed you can case it just like a window, just be sure to put a good finish that will clean easily. Spar Varnish would be my suggestion.
 
Worm and Muttley, thanks for the input! I like the suggestions of treating like a window and using the molding.

I have to say though that my OCD kicked in and I tried my luck at laminating the top which didn't turn out too well. I am using a material called plastex that I purchased at that orange big box home store. I cut my piece to sized, rolled some glue on the top of the stand, and laid it down.....only problem is I forgot to roll it and on top of that used the wrong adhesive. I used a contact cement when I should have used an FRP panel adhesive.
I woke up the next morning to huge bubbles in the surface of the stand. I tried to roll it out but it was too late. Later that day I ripped it up. Guess I learned the hard way here.
 
Some better news.....

I PICKED UP THE TANK TODAY!!!:bounce3:

I woke up at about 5am this morning unable to sleep. It was like I was 8 years old again on Christmas morning. I live in San Diego and arranged to pick up the tank in long beach. I borrowed my dad's truck and on the way up met my girlfriends parents who were willing to help lift the tank into the truck.

The tank turned out amazing for the price. I didn't care too much about the aesthetics of the corners or edging because the whole thing would be in the wall. After an inspection, it was time to load this up!

I don't think a smile ever left my face.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/6C50B769-98E4-4B81-9876-F0BF3FA80D42.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/6C50B769-98E4-4B81-9876-F0BF3FA80D42.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 6C50B769-98E4-4B81-9876-F0BF3FA80D42.jpg"/></a>

Just when I thought I was having the best day ever, it got even better....

So I have been with my girlfriend Kate for 1.5 years. It has been wonderful to say the least. Without getting too sappy, this is a reef forum after all, but since I live in San Diego and her parents are in Orange county I thought I double my odds on making this an even better day and asked Kate's dad for his blessing. He said yes!!!! Not only did I get a fish tank today but I am getting a wife! :beer: assuming she says yes when I ask her...haha


Anyways back to reefing! We drove the tank home and this is where it sits until tomorrow when I put it on the stand.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/1E760DEE-05AA-4AB6-A7F0-799C1681FA42.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/1E760DEE-05AA-4AB6-A7F0-799C1681FA42.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1E760DEE-05AA-4AB6-A7F0-799C1681FA42.jpg"/></a>

I also got a second chance to laminate the top of the stand again. I have the right adhesive now and spent about 30 min rolling it as flat as I could. I really hope I don't wake up to a bunch of bubbles tomorrow morning.

You might also notice that I haven't trimmed the sides yet. I will do this in the am when the glue has had some more time to dry.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/96DEC26C-8C53-4CF4-A1D8-954C095C5364.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/96DEC26C-8C53-4CF4-A1D8-954C095C5364.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 96DEC26C-8C53-4CF4-A1D8-954C095C5364.jpg"/></a>
 
Congrats on the new tank and new wife(depending on your priorities). Definitely a win win for you. Wish you the best and great job on your build thus far.
 
Hope popping the question goes well! Are you just running a router around it to trim the laminate? This has worked for me on similar type projects. Just make sure there is no lip left and a small chamfer on the top edge after you finish with a file or sandpaper, it is surprisingly sharp if you leave a square edge.
 
Congrats... Getting one is a good thing. Now to just get it put in its place and up and running.

(wait.. and I talking about the tank or the new wife...) HAHAHAHA....

Congrats on getting permission. So many people forget to do that step. Says good things that you went and asked. I have all boys so I don't have to worry about getting asked for them.
 
Newbie Aquarist said:
Congrats on the new tank and new wife(depending on your priorities). Definitely a win win for you. Wish you the best and great job on your build thus far.
Click to expand...

You said it! Saturday was a win win for sure, thanks!

muttley000 said:
Hope popping the question goes well! Are you just running a router around it to trim the laminate? This has worked for me on similar type projects. Just make sure there is no lip left and a small chamfer on the top edge after you finish with a file or sandpaper, it is surprisingly sharp if you leave a square edge.
Click to expand...

Thanks Muttley. I did run a router around the edges using a flush trim bit. I would have to say this has been my favorite tool to use thus far in the build. I still need to sandpaper or file down the edged. I hadn't thought of that but you are definitely right, the edges could give you a nice little cut if you aren't careful.

worm5406 said:
Congrats... Getting one is a good thing. Now to just get it put in its place and up and running.

(wait.. and I talking about the tank or the new wife...) HAHAHAHA....

Congrats on getting permission. So many people forget to do that step. Says good things that you went and asked. I have all boys so I don't have to worry about getting asked for them.
Click to expand...

haha. I think she is the one that will be putting me in place :lmao:
 
Build Updates!

It's been a wild two days......

I spent most of the day yesterday on the build by finishing the laminate, cutting the hole in the wall and making the final framing....that's where the problem hit.

At about 6pm I rounded up my dad, brother in law and a couple of neighbors to move the tank from the truck bed to the stand. I am sure 4 of us could have accomplished this but I wanted a couple extra hands just in case we hit some trouble.

My dad and I like to mess with each other and this picture captures it perfectly. He is probably asking me for the 5th time if he can lift from the euro bracing just to annoy me haha.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/E670A390-A262-4EED-9DE6-B0D410380B3D.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/E670A390-A262-4EED-9DE6-B0D410380B3D.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo E670A390-A262-4EED-9DE6-B0D410380B3D.jpg"/></a>


Everything went very well until this oh no moment when I realized the opening wasn't big enough because I forgot to measure for laminate pieces and trim I put up on the sides of the wall :headwally::headwally::headwally:

This is my brother in law looking down the side sarcastically saying "did you measure this?" My dad deep in thought and I don't think you would want to see my face here.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/0CFB39B0-6998-4223-B8AB-DC93267B6AD0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/0CFB39B0-6998-4223-B8AB-DC93267B6AD0.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 0CFB39B0-6998-4223-B8AB-DC93267B6AD0.jpg"/></a>

So last night I pushed it as far on the stand as I could so all sides were barely supported and tried to sleep while thinking of how I was going fix this.
 
When I got home tonight I leveled out a new line where I would make my cut to expand the hole in the wall. I started with a jig saw and that wasn't working so I just took a skill saw too the wall. Nice and messy so I was cleaning up dust throughout the whole room after that. That's what I get for not measuring twice and cutting once.

I was also able to frame out the bottom of the stand where the sump will be. These are a few pictures of what was done tonight.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/949D49FE-92CE-4DE0-9583-F9B311D5B1E0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/949D49FE-92CE-4DE0-9583-F9B311D5B1E0.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 949D49FE-92CE-4DE0-9583-F9B311D5B1E0.jpg"/></a>

Tomorrow I will laminate the top:
<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/7390A28D-D0F2-42C0-916E-541E3AFE5C77.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/7390A28D-D0F2-42C0-916E-541E3AFE5C77.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 7390A28D-D0F2-42C0-916E-541E3AFE5C77.jpg"/></a>

Full shot of the back.
<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/EAD87313-9DAD-4962-BE7D-8D1C754FECCB.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/EAD87313-9DAD-4962-BE7D-8D1C754FECCB.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo EAD87313-9DAD-4962-BE7D-8D1C754FECCB.jpg"/></a>

From the bar where I am typing and spend a lot of my time when at home while working or hanging out.

<a href="http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/gmitch72/media/In%20Wall/2CFA9F3F-6B20-4EA7-AFA5-972ADD08A742.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd427/gmitch72/In%20Wall/2CFA9F3F-6B20-4EA7-AFA5-972ADD08A742.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2CFA9F3F-6B20-4EA7-AFA5-972ADD08A742.jpg"/></a>

might need to get a new light for the table....that's blocking my view:hammer:
 
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