NSreefer's 125 build thread. (pics)

[nsreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10009453#post10009453 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jksteele010
what will the stand will look like when finished, or haven't planned that yet?

Off topic a bit, but I noticed you have a mbuna tank, wonder if you'd mind posting a pic or sending me one, I'd love to see what it looks like. I had one before going marine.

I'm going to skin the stand in nice hardwood, and build a nice box canopy, which will all be stained a nice dark color.

Here is a pic of the mbuna tank, i don't have very many nice fish in it any more, i've sold all of the larger ones as i am dismantling this tank when i set up my reef. Please excuse the quality of the pic, as the camera and the photographer aren't very good. The reef will be going behind the couch where this tank is. That's why the stand is extra high- so that the couch will not obstruct the view at all. I love laying on the couch and watching the tank up close.

 

[NanoGurl]

Tank looks great, the black turned out really nice. I've never built a stand nor do I know anything at all, but from other photos that I've seen, your stand looks like it will have enough support. :thumbsup:

 

[nsreefer]

I may rebuild the stand this weekend. I am not entirely happy with how some of the joints turned out. I was going to use a 55 for a sump, however i think i will go with my original plan of a 75, so if i do i will need the extra width to fit it in the stand anyway. I'll see how ambitious i am.

 

[nsreefer]

Hey all, progress has been quite slow, I have been very busy. I rebuilt the stand this weekend, and moved the tank to it's final home.

New stand with doubled up 2x6s:

Tank which will become my 77 Gallon sump with sump cleaning cat:

I will skin the stand and build my canopy next weekend, and I will be ordering the glass for my sump partitions tomorrow, one question, what type/ thickness of glass do most people use for their sumps? Any input would be great.

 

[NanoGurl]

LoL =) Looks good. The cat should really help keep the algae under control!

 

[george1098]

Hey
Remember me? (one of the few other NS reefers around) the tank looks good, can't wait to see it up and running. For baffles I would go with 1/4" only because it's really tough. 1/8" is cheaper, but cracks and breaks super easy. Better to go with something more sturdy IMO. I cut my own glass, but peircy's would do if for you for cheap.

 

[nsreefer]

Cool, I had no Idea piercy's does glass cutting, i will have to check that out. Thanks George.

Nanogurl:
Yeah most people are unfamilliar with the amazing algae grazing characteristics of the common housecat, they LOVE the stuff.

 

[WinnipegDragon]

Looks great, and I'm stealing your photos for my own stand building plans.

Also, have to echo the comments for J&L. Love them, absolutely love them. They have called me to suggest modifying my online order, because they determined what I was doing from the rest of the equipment I was ordering!

My LFS are nice, but J&L just crushes them on pricing as well.

 

[tprize]

Hey, let me know how loud the stock overflows are once you get it running, I'm curious

 

[AquaKnight]

Awesome, bookmarked. I'll be tagging along as shortly, I begin my own 125... :thumbsup:

 

[katpurdy]

will you use any styro foam under the tank for compression and leveling? I used a 1" thick piece under my 125 and think it really made a difference. I have some frags available too when you are ready!

 

[nsreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10363115#post10363115 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by katpurdy
will you use any styro foam under the tank for compression and leveling? I used a 1" thick piece under my 125 and think it really made a difference. I have some frags available too when you are ready!

Cool! Thanks Kat. I'm not sure on the styrofoam, I thought that you're not supposed to use foam under tanks with the plastic trim.

 

[katpurdy]

my tank has the trim as well, but it is level with the bottom...it is an older tank that I bought second hand, so maybe with your new tank it is different

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Looking good! As far as I know, the plastic trim is just cosmetic. I would put some styro down. I have always used 3/4", but I think that is over doing it because it doesnt sink at all into the foam. Next tank Ill be using 1/2" (which will be either a 125 or a 120 btw). Definately decide before you finish your stand though, so you can account for that when you put the exterior wood on.

 

[nsreefer]

I think i will use the foam, proabably just 1/2", just in case there are any uneven spots in the stand.

 

[nsreefer]

uggghhhhhhhhh double post, i'm such a tool.... why can't i do anything right..... can't even post right, how am i gonna run a reef tank... i might as well just give up.....uggghhhhhhhhh

 

[NanoGurl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10365134#post10365134 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nsreefer
uggghhhhhhhhh double post, i'm such a tool.... why can't i do anything right..... can't even post right, how am i gonna run a reef tank... i might as well just give up.....uggghhhhhhhhh

lol... okay, you need some serious chocolate and coffee therapy STAT!!!!

 

[adam_kips]

looking good so far. i got foam under mine and it helped a lot with leveling the tank out with the uneven spots created from slightly warped wood. i'm def subscribing to this one. keep up the good work

 

[usmcsgt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10364487#post10364487 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Scuba_Steve
Looking good! As far as I know, the plastic trim is just cosmetic. I would put some styro down. I have always used 3/4", but I think that is over doing it because it doesnt sink at all into the foam. Next tank Ill be using 1/2" (which will be either a 125 or a 120 btw). Definately decide before you finish your stand though, so you can account for that when you put the exterior wood on.

The plastic trim actually provides bracing for the tank so it is not just cosmetic, if it was just cosmetic then I think nobody would have the trim.

 

[nsreefer]

Well folks after a long hiatus i'm back and working on the tank again. I'm finishing the stand this weekend. Here is the frame of the stand after a couple of coats of sealer:

Now i noticed something today that kind of scared me. One of the holes in my overflow has a chip beside it inside the tank. Is this a problem? If so what can be done about it? It is approximately 1-2mm deep. Thanks.