Idisc's 144 Gallon Reef Build

[idisc]

A few months ago I sold my 60G cube and moved into a new place..which means new tank right? I have never had a tank over 90 Gallons and I knew the next build would have to be at least 125G for me to even consider it.<br />
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After looking at new tanks and browsing around the internet and such I came across this 144G Half-Circle on Facebook. This was one of the two tanks that were in Petland in cicero, ny for the longest time. With all my excitement I knew I just needed my fiancé's approval! With another youngster on the way I thought she would be undecided.. told me it was to good of a deal to pass on.... and so it begins...<br />
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I was told the tank was in good condition and it came with everything besides the live goods... Half way there I found out the stand was not in the best shape...okay it was unusable....still for the deal I got..I went with it.<br />
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<b>Tank Information:</b><br />
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- Oceanic 144 Gallon Half-Cirle<br />
- 30 Gallon Wet/Dry Filter (36x12x15) - Re-baffling for sump<br />
- Stand...Rebuilding because water damage <br />
- Canopy - Salvageable<br />
- Mixed Plumbing and Heaters.. (Replacing)<br />
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I figured how heavy could this tank be.... needless to say after loading it with just 2 of us and then 2 of us unloading it in the garage...I was sore the next day.<br />
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Going to replace all 4 bulkheads just as a precaution. The inside and outside of the one that is broken is covered in silicone...someone tried to cobb this..<br />
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I am planning on mounting either 2x leds to this panel or lighting using 2x 250w MH.<br />
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After removing all the bulkheads and taking off the back ground...she cleaned up nice for sitting for a bit.<br />
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I had to find a place for the tank to go in the house...what better way than use the canopy..lol..once again..i got ger approval..opening to the bathroom water / drain behind that wall...easy water change drain..Im thinking...plus RODI lines ran from under sink ect..<br />
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To be Continued...

 

[idisc]

This is the reason I am replacing the current stand... I just don't trust 2000lbs on this...and it looks like crap..<br />
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Here is just a picture of the sump (wet/dry) and misc items..<br />
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Now it was time to get to building the new stand...I originally was going to go with some Oak Hardwood 3/4"...but I got a steal on some HT 3/4" and figured I didn't mind sanding a lot plus waiting for it to dry out...<br />
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I did the best I could to trace the old design even though the water damage did prevail in a few spots..... jig saw plugged in and I was off to the races..<br />
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Continued!!

 

[idisc]

I had to measure...re-measure....and re-measure again...I drilled all the holes in alignment as the hold stand to make sure when I did measure..it would be back together correctly...and I wanted the glass doors to fit right.<br />
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Time to sand her down...<br />
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I will be adding the doors on after I paint it..which wont be for a about a month while the wood dries. I still need to paint the back of the tank black and have ordered the bulkheads to replace all the old ones. I will be moving it all inside tomorrow and start working on the plumbing.<br />
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Along side of that I have cut 3 baffles out of 1/4" Plexiglas to re-purpose this wet/dry filter to my liking. Also the return is a Mag 12.<br />
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I will update soon...sorry it is so picture heavy!!

 

[idisc]

Woke up early today and got all 4 tinted glass doors on. I wasn't sure how they would fit, but after a few tweaks.. came out nice

I then moved the stand down in front of the wood stove to dry out. Looking to prime it on Sunday and paint it Monday

In the meantime I got my baffles cut for my wet/dry sump conversion and will finish that this weekend.

 

[chimmike]

TBH, I'd reinforce the stand a bit more. good progress so far!

 

[idisc]

Yeah... I think it is sketchy myself.. But the same as the original design... But with stronger wood this time.. Got to be safe right? Any suggestions

 

[iced98lx]

honestly it's likely safe. The vertical piece of plywood holding the back also prevents raking, seems like it'll hold up OK.

As you've noticed- some of the most popular ways to build stands on RC are way overkill, but also allow a decent margin of error and a high feeling of security.

only thing I'd toss out is if you didn't I would have used some glue on those joints vs just screws.

 

[idisc]

We did use wood. Glue on the large parts

 

[chimmike]

We did use wood. Glue on the large parts

:thumbsup:

but certainly use of the plywood is 100x better than the MDF those companies use. Dumbest thing ever, IMO, is those companies building fish tank stands that use MDF.

 

[idisc]

Well I finally got around to getting the stand painted. Had to wait for th the wood to dry out enough. I started the first coat when I realized it was going to be easier if I removed the doors n hardware.

Once I got all that off and added 2 coats I think it all came out nice. I have to replace the hardware in the future anyhow. I also put my first coat on the back of the tank. Time to move it into the house this weekend.