My 1st attempt

[erock68]

Well,

This is my 1st blog attempt and also my 1st Reef attempt. I'm taking it slow and steady and asking as many questions, as I can, to get it right.

I'm am doing an "In Wall" 75g setup. I'm building the stand, from scratch and am hoping all goes well.

The progress thus far, this is the spot:

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[erock68]

The inside of the closet cleared out and roughly marked:

 

[erock68]

The tank I went with is an Aqueon Mega Flow Glass:

 

[erock68]

I am building the table out of 2x4's and 3/4 inch plywood, for the top. The legs will be 4x4. Once complete, it will be fastened, to the header in the wall itself.

The stand thus far, is a rough up, of where the cutting needs to happen:

Started on the wall, inside the closet, I will add 2 GFCI, inside the closet. One at the bottom (for the pumps and such) and one at the top (lighting and extra)

 

[CarlitosReef]

Nice GL! I was going to do the same idea an in wall with a 55g but it wasn't worth it I knew I wanted to go bigger later on.

 

[erock68]

The tank I am using for the sump, is a 30g:

 

[erock68]

Nice GL! I was going to do the same idea an in wall with a 55g but it wasn't worth it I knew I wanted to go bigger later on.

Thanks CR...This was about as big as I could go. It leaves me room, on either end of the tank, plus room to get inside the tank ( with a step latter of course). As for the sump, I left plenty of room, to get everything installed. From the bottom of the plywood top, to the sump is 24"

BTW, the stand is 44" tall

 

[TheFishTeen]

Nice! Sounds like a good plan to me.

 

[erock68]

If anyone has any thoughts on what can be improved, please let me know.

As for today's part of the project, I hope to get the other side of the wall cut-out, the wall studs cut and framed. I also hope to finish building the stand. I will paint it at a later date.

I do have a question...I have read that, some people paint the backs of their tanks. With having it in wall, can I use a black aquarium "scene" I mean, you know the ones you can buy, off the roll, at the LPS? The closet will be dark enough, with the sliding doors closed, to hide the setup (I plan to have a small dehumidifier going, so all the evaporation, won't stay in the small enclosed space, causing a mold problem)

 

[erock68]

Today's progress:

I wasn't comfortable, with just using 2X4's, for the legs. I took them off and added 4x4's. I still have to add the bottom braces (this is just for height purposes):

I had to widen the opening, to accommodate the frame work:

The other side of the drywall rough cut:

Now, we are getting somewhere. Starting the inside frame work:

It's pizza time now, I'm beat :crazy1:

 

[erock68]

I have the wall header in place and double checked height, table / wall are perfectly level and clearance from the stand to the sump. It all worked out :lolspin: Now, I can add the final stand braces and cut for the bulkheads and plumbing :

Now, We have to decide on what type of decorative framing will look good:

 

[erock68]

Tonight, I will reinforce the stand and get the opening, on the top, cut for the bulkheads.

 

[f3honda4me]

Be sure to think about humidity since it's basically in a "closet". Tanks evaporate a lot of water and in that tiny area you're going to have humidity issues.

 

[erock68]

Be sure to think about humidity since it's basically in a "closet". Tanks evaporate a lot of water and in that tiny area you're going to have humidity issues.

I sort of had that thought too...I have a dehumidifier, but I think it will cause more evaporation, in the tank. I will have to keep my eye on it. Maybe keep the doors open, during the evening/overnight?

 

[jwilson]

How about a couple of small computer fans ? You could use registers to hide them and also to provide a way for the dry air to get into the closet. Then only down side I see is that it's a pathway for noise.

 

[Rjukan]

Pressure treated wood isn't meant to be used indoors. When I built my stand I bought some for the legs too until I read up in the DIY forums. Pressure treated wood has arsenic in it iirc, which will cause an unsafe environment inside the closet when closed up and the humidity of the tank seeps into the wood and releases the toxins into the air.

Another thing was the height you chose, seems really high off the ground. Idk if you have kids, but if so it will be tough for them to enjoy it unless they climb up on a stool. Also maintenance is noticeably harder in a closed space when you need to be up on something to reach into the tank.

 

[jwilson]

Pressure treated wood isn't meant to be used indoors. When I built my stand I bought some for the legs too until I read up in the DIY forums. Pressure treated wood has arsenic in it iirc, which will cause an unsafe environment inside the closet when closed up and the humidity of the tank seeps into the wood and releases the toxins into the air.

Arsenic was in CCA ( Chromated Copper Arsenic). It was discontinued around 2003. Near me the pressure treated wood is MCA, micronized copper something or other (not arsenic). The wood should have a tag on it, but I'm pretty sure you should be fine in this regard.

 

[Rjukan]

Still, using a product indoors that was meant for exterior use rubs me the wrong way, especially since its unnecessary. Using a harder wood like douglas fir is a much better option IMO.

Edit: I tried to cut and paste it but my tablet isn't cooperating. As jw said it's not a problem indoors except its not to be used as a cutting board or anywhere near food preparation areas. But they questioned the choice of that wood unless it's in direct contact with water such as framing a bathtoom tub, or window headers etc. Seems like it will be fine after all.

 

[jwilson]

Sure - lot's of options, and some might be preferred by some folks over others for whatever reasons. I just wanted the OP to realize that he didn't need to redo his legs again because of material choice.
Looking at it further, the design may have some points to reconsider. I'm not saying it does, I'm just saying that it's hard to tell from what I see. Here are my thoughts, take them for what you will. I've not built stands before but I have built two additions on my houses (meaning swung the hammer not paid somebody - LOL) and I am an engineer so I know a bit about loading.

The picture is a bit unclear but as long as the tank is resting on the ply, which is resting on the 4x4's then it should be fine at the ends and on top.

The middle is where I would be more concerned. The 2x4 attached to the legs and running the span isn't doing much other than supporting the edge of the ply. It looks like that is what's ultimately supporting the middle of the tank. I have not run any numbers but just by "gut-check" if there is only one 2x4 providing the beam span then I'd add strength there. It might be wise to run sister-ed 2x4's between the legs and put a jack stud under them that is attached to the leg. In fact I'd run 2x6's...a 75 gallon full is 850 lbs before you even put rock, sand, etc. into it.

Also be a good idea to make sure you're supported onto and under the floor properly. Again, pics are too dark to see but if the 4x4's are resting on the floor alone, you have about 200-300 lbs over less than one sq. ft. and that's beyond a normal floor rating. Stands are normally "credenza's" which spread the load out. Putting legs direct to the floor makes point loads.

 

[jwilson]

Looking at this further. It looks like you have a 2x4 header in the wall above the tank. I'm guessing that this is a non-load bearing wall but it looks like there was a 2x6 column turned sideways that you took out. That's a bit confusing. In fact, the way the wall was framed with "sideways" 2x4's is a bit odd, at least around here.

In any event, if it's a non-load bearing (I'm assuming it is by the sideways construction) wall you probably have little to no support under it. I'd double check what's holding up your floor under that tank to make sure it's good for the load. There's a convenient Joist calculator here.

I doubt it but if it is a load bearing wall then it looks like you need more support to bring the load that was being carried by that wall around the tank and back into the floor below. A 2x4 header is definitely not code.

If you know what you're doing then fine; I'll be happy to shut up and walk away. If you don't then I would check with someone who does. Did you get a permit for this work? If all of this is off the books and something goes wrong your homeowner's insurance will laugh at any claim. And if you sell the house and something goes wrong you are on the hook.

I'm sorry if I sound like a bad case of ich; I'm just trying to help you avoid a future issue.