Hyper's 70g Tank Build from the Beginning! (Pics)

[hypermikie]

I have been sitting on this project for over six months and now I am FINALLY getting time to work on it. This is my first scratch build and corresponding log.

TANK: 70g(ish) Acrylic 36Lx24Wx20T
I really liked the dimensions of this tank. It would fit well in my intended space (kitchen) as well as my lighting plans and aquascaping.

I purchased the tank used from a local club member. It was pretty scratched and need of some cleaning. I started the sanding process with 800 grit and went to 2500 grit. Then I knocked out the polishing with 3 step Novus Acrylic Polish. The end result is a nice finish that I am pleasd with. This is my first go around with Acrylic.

The tank has one corner overfllow and three holes drilled in the back for a closed loop (2 high, 1 mid). As well the euro bracing has been pre-cut for the addition of a Sea Swirl.

Now for some pics....

 

[hypermikie]

 

[hypermikie]

I "farmed out" the cabinetry making to a local builder. It should be ready for pick-up this weekend.

The stand and canopy are unfinished and that will be my first matter of business next week.

Here are some pics of the finished stand and the start on the canopy:

 

[drummereef]

Wow, that looks quality. Nice tank too.

 

[hypermikie]

Equipment:
In the mean time I have been buying up some equipment that may get called into action.

I picked up a new ER RS-80 as well as my planned 20g Sump tank. I have a diamong bit, and glass panes coming in this week to drill and section off the sump for Refugium, bubble traps, and return.

 

[hypermikie]

Thanks Drumm - I think I am going to be pleased with cabinetry, all of his previous work is great quality and solid furniture grade pieces.

As far as some other items I picked up from some fellow RC members.
Mag 9.5 and a Mag 7- Both New. May or may not be used in this build but definately good water mixing pumps! Was orginally going to do an internal pump until I picked up the following...
Iwaki 40RLT and Iwaki 30RLT- Used but both Japanese motors and most likely the 30 will go as the return and the 40 on the closed loop.

The return will be pumped back out to a 1/2" Sea Swirl. While the Closed loop will utilize the 2 outs split into 4 outputs on Loc-Line.

 

[drummereef]

Nice equipment so far, hypermikie. Looks like you are starting on the right foot. What's the lighting going to be?

 

[hypermikie]

My plan has been to go with T-5's. I am going to do a 6 bulb retro set-up. Tek retro's with IceCap SLR Reflectors.

I currently have MH on my 24g and love them, but I think I am going to give the T-5's a try. I can always use some of the T-5's as supplements if I change my mind later.

 

[Bambalam]

Looks very good - keep the pics coming as you go.

P.S. MH with T5 supplements? Some people have it made!

 

[hypermikie]

Bam- Thanks! I never said I want to spend the money on both MH/T5, but could later if I was unsatisfied. Benefits of a retro fit..

A local reefer has a real nice 90g with T-5's that I like. She previously had MH's and made the switch and says she has no regrets and probably will never go back to MH's...

It's all preference of course and I am willing to give it a go!

I think it will help with cooling in the long run as I do not plan to or currently have a chiller . That in addition to trying to cut electrical $$ Costs.

Anybody have any experience with the new Tek II reflectors vs. Ice Cap SLR's?

 

[Andrew]

Looks like a good start to me. Looks like I'll be subscribing to this thread.

 

[hypermikie]

I'm stopping off tomorrow at the glass cutter to order my glass panels for the sump. I planned on going with a 7" high panels. Mainly because the ER Manual says it works best in 6-8" of water and the panels will dictate the height in this area.

Anybody have thoughts on this otherwise? Any ER Owners feel diferently on the water level it should be in?

My plans for the sump are going to follow close to Melev's on the bottom of this link:
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/glass/

3 panes for the bubble trap and another to seperate the return area from a refugium. The return is most likely going to be external, but I will probably house my ATO floats and PH/Temp probes for the planned AC JR.! Plus if the external breaks down I could easily drop in an internal. I kind of like the half baffle and eggcrate idea as well....

 

[mr pink floyd]

nice build so far, and i love your name. Im a mike too and i'm always hyper

 

[hypermikie]

Picked up the glass panels and supplies on Friday, finally installing some tonight.
Doing two of the panels tonight then I will let it sit overnight and do the last two.

I went with 8" panels for the trap section and a 5" that seperates refugium and return. I may make it taller with eggcrate just to keep cheato out of the return.

BTW: 11 7/8" wide panels are a perfect fit for the 20L tank.

Pics:

 

[hypermikie]

Finished my first ever home-made sump today. I am pretty proud of my finished results. Everything is straight and not a TON of extra silicone

Now I will wait for the stand to see where I might drill the end for my external pump if go that route.

 

[drummereef]

Very nice job on the sump, hypermikie! Looks great.

 

[davefan13]

I am planning on doing a s/w tank with almost the exact same dimensions as you. I will deffinately be following this thread and see how you are doing.

 

[six.line]

Kudos to the tape trick for getting silicone to look right.

I also will second the T5 option. I think the benefits are fantastic (heat, running cost) and the ability to fine tune the color scheme.

Looks good. I knew someone from Muncie while she was studying in France. She sure gave your town a good reputation. Kudos to Muncie.

 

[Fish'InMN]

I have nearly an identical sump setup (30g instead of 20long), I also had the bright idea to put a piece of eggcrate across that last shorter baffle "for whatever reason". Low and behold 4 months later, there is a float valve, a temperature probe and numerous other things attached to (or through) the eggcrate. Those numerous other things also include Xenia, which has multiplied unbelievably quickly in the area due to the low flow and relatively high light (middle section = chaeto ball). Here's a picture from last weekend, it really does needs a good cleaning, so you can kinda see what I'm talking about.

Hope you like your RS80, I certainly do! They will run in up to 10 inches of water if necessary, mine works extremely well at roughly 9.5".


Cheers,
Marty

 

[wrenchhead]

Great work on the stand Can't wait to see the finished product!