I'm going to build a system from the stand up, need help with design. total newb

B

bigdaddy234

Member
Hey guys,

I plan to build a smallish system ( maybe around 40 gallons). I want it to be proper and most importantly a success.

years ago i had a aqua pod that ended in disaster and i swore to not let that happen again. no more AIO tanks!

I want to build a stand with a good spot for the sump underneath. I will drill holes in glass and build my own plumbing etc etc.

I know very little about salt water aquariums. I know the salinity has to be 1.024, i need good flow, a protien skimmer and monitor levels ( what levels were talking about i dont know).

Anyway to start i just want to design a good system, and begin the construction.

after it is complete then i will concentrate on how to properly maintain a salt water tank.

I think i just want hard corals and fish. I know i will need excellent light for the hard corals.

I want to build this as cheaply as possible, im thinking metal halide will be the way to go.

any help with the design would be greatly appreciated. if anyone has any design sketches that would be awesome or a link to a good thread etc.

thanks so much.
 
T5s are cheaper as far as lights go. To be honest I think halides are the worst option. LEDs are the best but cost the most. Youtube DIY king for your stand build. Read stickies at the top for info on what to check as far as testing goes. Be sure to get a 40 breeder tank because it will give you extra width. Wait for Petco's $1/gal sale then you can pick up a 20gal for a sump along with the 40. I'd say use another 40 for the sump but I don't think it would fit. Also you will have to check to see if you can drill the tank not all tanks can be drilled. You can use a HOB over flow not as good as an internal one but it will work fine.
 
Last edited:
I agree with SFish. T5's are dependeble, proven to grow corals and economical. You lose the shimmer but don't have any unknowns. Test the basics when you cycle the tank, ammonia will show up first, then nitrite followed by nitrate.

Try to keep your values near seawater when you start out. Specific Gravity 1.024 to 1.026, Calcium 380 to 450, Alk around 8 to 9 and pH 7.8 to 8.5. The Hydor pumps are good for flow and won't break the bank. Don't rush. I also suggest getting good live rock if you can afford it, it will make your life easier at first. Some people may disagree, but some dry rock can leach phosphates into the water. Start with good reverse osmosis water if you can, you can purchase it until you can make your own. Don't go throwing all kinds of chemicals in the water. Many have questionable benefit and some can be harmful. Some are good but research everything. You won't need to dose many additives until you start adding fish and corals. One other thing, be observant. Hobbyists test kits can only tell us so much and other factors can mask issues.

I hope this helps..
 
Not sure on that one. RODI is the safest. I like dry rock my self better because you can easily scape it to what you want. It can be cured in a buck out side the tank. Live rock can be cool as well. You can get hitchhikers / all kinda of cool stuff on it.
 
Hi bigdaddy. That is what I use also. Just collect it from a good place away from rivers or outlets, also aerate the water for a few days covered. Best to collect on an incoming tide. I am going to colect some water and maybe some pods this weekend.
 
Thanks for the replies guys,

What do people commonly do in the overflow box? I'm looking for a design or sketch I can use.


I will drill holes in the bottom of the overflow box for my send and return to the sump, but I also see some guys have 3-6 lines coming and going from the sump/under the tank. What are they all used for?
 
bigdaddy234 said:
Thanks for the replies guys,

What do people commonly do in the overflow box? I'm looking for a design or sketch I can use.


I will drill holes in the bottom of the overflow box for my send and return to the sump, but I also see some guys have 3-6 lines coming and going from the sump/under the tank. What are they all used for?
Click to expand...

They take the water from the display tank to the sump.

http://youtu.be/48Mjn-L5tZg
 
Last edited:
Hey big daddy, (okay that sounds wired
saying)

I'm doing the same thing you are, building from the stand up.

I'm researching everything at the moment.

A good stand concept can be googled. I'll post picks of mine this weekend when I build it.

I have a 75g for display and 35g for sump. So my stand will be bigger than the display tank size since both tanks are 36" long.

As for plumbing here is a good video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHn7_ZqZljs


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Returning to the hobby
Replies
13
Views
358
griss
griss
S
Looking at building a diy wood tank and stand
Replies
1
Views
327
Vinny Kreyling
Vinny Kreyling
P
How can I reinforce a kitchen cabinet to support say a 90 gal tank?
Replies
16
Views
364
Philip
P
M
How everything change and keeps changing
2
Replies
21
Views
557
MCReef1420
M
E
Need some help with two clowns swimming unusually as I’m doing a fish cycle.
2
Replies
24
Views
695
kfisc
kfisc
Back
Top