My 60 gal Rimless build

[Mobikob]

I thought I would share my recent build to either inspire or educate others from my experiences during this build. First of all I would like to thank Bill for his rimless build thread which inspired me to attack this project with such intensity.
I have been so busy with the actual build that I wasn't able to do this while building, but I have documented my progress so that I might help others with questions regarding stand requirements for rimless tanks.
Enjoy the pics!

Here it is the day I brought it home, I didn't start building until I knew the exact dimensions.

 

[Mobikob]

Here is some of the basic framing before I beefed it up. I was looking for a sturdy frame, with a wide footprint. I figured the water weight alone to be over 700lbs.

 

[Mobikob]

Here are some more framing shots, this is when I added the strength to the footprint and pillars.

A shot from underneath.

Then I began boxing it in.

 

[Mobikob]

All boxed in.

Then I add a rear wall and shelf. And caulk the entire wet area.

The styrofoam is for leveling the tank. 3/4" plywood for the surface.

 

[Mobikob]

Next I dry walled the back, raised the counter surface around the tank, and started cabinet.

Test fit the tank and added the countertop..

 

[Mobikob]

After finding a noticeable "hump" in the plywood under the tank I decided to use some acrylic tile adhesive, notched trowel and some floor underlayment to achieve a true level pure surface for the Styrofoam to lay on. I used the tank as a weight to help float it and check level.
Then I painted the stand and tinted the glass with 2.5 limo tint.

Then added trim molding. Sorry for the pic but it was nearly midnight.

Added the light, 1 X 250w Hamilton cayman sun with 6 led moonlights. running a Phoenix 14k bulb.

 

[Mobikob]

Wet test was successful. No leaks in plumbing or otherwise!

I really like the Stockman standpipe, much quieter than the Durso.

Here is a link to where I got the info for building it http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii226/Ranger69/stockman.jpg

 

[Mobikob]

Added salt and live rock.
Decided to go with the traditional pile look, lol.

 

[Mobikob]

Moonlights on,

Halide on,

 

[Mobikob]

The rest are pretty much self explanatory!
Enjoy!

 

[Mobikob]

This is the viewpoint this tank was intended for!

Thanks for letting me share. I look forward to posting lots of shots as it grows out. This rimless dream has brought new interest to an old hobby for me, and I am loving it.

Mobi:lol2:

 

[reewik]

Very cool

 

[mixer911]

Nice Setup!

 

[MentalNote]

Looks great. I really like the built-in look.

 

[commonstranger]

Nice work

 

[NeveSSL]

Great looking build! I love your "built-in-corner" look. Kind of refreshing.

Great job! Love the Phoenix 14k, too.

Brandon

 

[pelagic7]

that's a profession work, great job.

 

[Mobikob]

Thanks, it took 2 long weeks, here and there to get it to this point.
I wanted a 3 sided view, and backed up against the wall only left me with a few inches on the left side of the tank. I wasn't too excited about putting it in the corner at first, but in the end I think it turned out better. It really makes a statement, plus I have plenty of room in the stand area.

 

[orthokardia]

I really like the way you trimmed the base of the tank. It gives a much cleaner look than the standard (just sat it there) look. great job. what is your vision for livestock and coral?

 

[Mobikob]

I think it will be a mixed reef, I really love Zoas, and SPS with a lot of polyp movement. A few colorful LPS will also stay. most of which came from my previous system, although now I have much more real estate to cover.
As for fish, I usually don't stock much. I prefer the worker type fish like a clown to feed my anemone and a sand sifting goby, that sort of stuff. I may add a pretty fish or two, I really need to consider that, whatever it is would look really nice interacting with the reef.
I am still debating whether or not to add sand at this point.
I'm open to any suggestions you may have, let me have it.

Mobi:lol2: