New to sw thinking of building my own tank

[Timj]

Hello new to the salt water area and I was thinking of building my own tank. I see post about how some people drill tanks on the back or the bottom. What are the pros and cons about each? Sorry I may ask really ignorant questions but my knowledge of this is very limited and I want to make sure I'm doing things right. I ha e no equipment yet and have been looking around on cl, offer up and other areas for a established tank. The one I found local seems pretty dirty to me as in there are about 49 pounds of algae floating around in it and I just didn't think that was right. So here I am seeking advice with just about everything. Feel free to offer advice and opinions.

Thanks
Tim

 

[rockslide123]

If I were going to build my own tank I would build in a coast-to-coast overflow. This can be done a lot of different ways where drilling is on the bottom or side of the tank or overflow box. Do a Google search on term "coast-to-coast overflow" or search Reef Central and you'll get plenty of ideas the many ways this can be done.

 

[oldhead]

I'd also start reading through the stickies at the top of each section. Tons of helpful information.

 

[nereefpat]

What size are you looking at? Building a tank is difficult, and bigger tanks with thicker glass makes it more so.

Just getting into the hobby, I would be more likely to recommend something like an "off the shelf" 40 breeder or standard 75 gallon.

 

[Timj]

Thanks. I have been doing a lot of reading and watching videos so I will definitely look into the coast to coast set up. ��

 

[Timj]

I’m looking in building a 6’ x18”x22 or so. I’m a glazier by trade so I have plenty of experience with glass and have all the tools to build and cut holes into any peice needed. How many holes need to be drilled if I were to go that direction? 2 or three I’m guessing. And what I have seen anywhere from 3/4 inch to 1 inch holes

 

[nereefpat]

I'm looking in building a 6' x18"x22 or so. I'm a glazier by trade so I have plenty of experience with glass and have all the tools to build and cut holes into any peice needed. How many holes need to be drilled if I were to go that direction? 2 or three I'm guessing. And what I have seen anywhere from 3/4 inch to 1 inch holes

That's basically a standard 125, so that's something to think about.

You will have to do some reading about drain systems to answer the "how many holes" questions. I would suggest looking into Herbie and Beanimal designs. Keep in mind when sizing holes, you need to look at your bulkheads first (i.e. a 1" bulkhead needs a hole bigger than 1").

 

[Timj]

If I were going to build my own tank I would build in a coast-to-coast overflow. This can be done a lot of different ways where drilling is on the bottom or side of the tank or overflow box. Do a Google search on term "coast-to-coast overflow" or search Reef Central and you'll get plenty of ideas the many ways this can be done.

That seems to be a pretty cool set up. I can just make the back glass a bit shorter and build a box to the back of that with holes on the bottom of that box. From the diagrams I viewed it seems I need some sort of clang in the inside or some sort of block to keep creatures from going to The box in the rear. That looks pretty simple to figure out as well. I think I like that design.

Thanks very much for the helpful tip!!

 

[Timj]

That seems to be a pretty cool set up. I can just make the back glass a bit shorter and build a box to the back of that with holes on the bottom of that box. From the diagrams I viewed it seems I need some sort of clang in the inside or some sort of block to keep creatures from going to The box in the rear. That looks pretty simple to figure out as well. I think I like that design.

Thanks very much for the helpful tip!!

Another question. Is it best to use live rock or not? What exactly is the difference?

 

[Timj]

Have the tank all set up everything seems to be working just fine. I don’t think previous owner changed water enough it’s pretty filthy. Moving the tank caused a lot to be stirred up as well. He didn’t have enough time to take care of it so his loss my gain! Love it so far !