owenspackmans 180 Reef upgrade build.

owenspackman

owenspackman

New member
A few weeks ago we tore down my 120 Gallon 48 x 24 x 24 after finding a leak under the tank. It appeared at first inspection the tank had cracked at the bulkhead, the plumbing was torn out, rock, water, sand, live stock removed and the tank taken into sunlight for inspection........turns out it wasn't cracked, but the bulkhead had loosened and was leaking.

Due to tax-return/bonus time and the fact the tank had only be set up for the 2nd time a mere 4-5 months ago (and my desire to upgrade overwhelming me) I decided when i rebuild, to do so with a 180.

Last week I ordered a 180 Rimless 48 x 36 x 24, 3-sided Starphire from Miracles and am looking at a 6 week build time.

Currently fish are in 30g quarantine (two baby Regal Blue Tangs, Ocellaris Clown pair, Royal Gramma and two Blue Chromis), all live rock, inverts and frags are in a Rubbermaid and sand with water in another. All will be re-used.

I will be building my own cabinet (a first for me) and have taken inspiration from member insanityink2 as i think his cabinet is just amazing.

I will be documenting the build here, i hope you will come along for the ride.

Here are some photos of how the 120 was before it was torn down, bearing in mind it was only 4-5 months old at the time and a mere baby in reef terms.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8484354582/" title="Zoas by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8484354582_33a2c4382d.jpg" width="500" height="335" alt="Zoas"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8483261455/" title="Xenia Coral by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8483261455_56951174a8.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Xenia Coral"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8483261599/" title="Green Button Polyp by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8483261599_a0bf9e45f1.jpg" width="500" height="335" alt="Green Button Polyp"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8484355116/" title="Duncan Coral by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8484355116_820bf0f946.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Duncan Coral"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8484355150/" title="DSC_0097 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8484355150_be9fd8da2e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0097"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8484355352/" title="DSC_0041 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8484355352_8d150225e8.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0041"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8483262271/" title="DSC_0045 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8483262271_5ce2d720f2.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0045"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8483254947/" title="DSC_0141 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8483254947_33630923aa.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0141"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8483255105/" title="DSCN0390 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8483255105_c4918ed9d7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN0390"></a>
 
Today I worked on building the cabinet frame. Because i'm using the same style of cabinet as insanityink2 and having a ledge around the outside of the tank I could start the cabinet build before the tank arrives. This gives me 6 weekends to knock this out.

I've gone for 38" in height, I wanted the tank to sit much higher than the 120, plus I wanted much more internal cabinet space than I've previously had, the ledge around the tank also will give me an added 12" of internal cabinet length.

Bottom box frame is 2x4's and the top 2x8's. I probably over built it, but myself and the girlfriend want the peace of mind. I added the extra 2x4's into the top frame due to the tank not sitting flush to the corners of the stand due to the ledge.

Mapping out the cabinet width and length along with the hight we wanted the tank to sit at.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8483319909/" title="IMG_7296 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8483319909_bd9b194939.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7296"></a>

Building the bottom & top frame
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8484413896/" title="IMG_7292 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8484413896_09da014ba7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7292"></a>

got a little carried away and forgot to take photos in-between here. I ran out of screws to attach the legs to the frames, so its just resting in place currently.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8484412556/" title="IMG_7303 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8484412556_93c739c5f6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_7303"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8483319581/" title="IMG_7299 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8483319581_cd4697efbb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7299"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8484414918/" title="IMG_7312 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8484414918_e6e57e0f1d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7312"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8484414364/" title="IMG_7309 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8484414364_d81496cfd5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7309"></a>

Should have plenty of space inside the cabinet.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8484415362/" title="IMG_7315 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8484415362_40c3826b03.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7315"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8484415840/" title="IMG_7323 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8484415840_7f5217979e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7323"></a>
 
Today more work was done on the stand. Picked up the Oak Plywood from Lowes and started making cuts and nailing down. We were able to get the top and cabinet floor completed today and nailed down. We laid out the tile on the top to get an idea for the look.

Tomorrow will be the front and sides, then wood filling the nails and gaps.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8501161679/" title="DSC_0062 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8501161679_4ef028f617.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0062"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8501161503/" title="DSC_0064 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8501161503_5df842064c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0064"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8501161279/" title="DSC_0065 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8501161279_d402762dfa.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0065"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8501163159/" title="DSC_0066 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8501163159_1d3d1f29a1.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0066"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8501162673/" title="DSC_0067 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8501162673_c05c439e00.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0067"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8502268998/" title="DSC_0073 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8502268998_1dca847b54.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0073"></a>

Here is the quarantine set up, housing two Ocellaris Clowns, two Chromis, two baby Blue Regal Tangs and a Royal Gramma.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8502270610/" title="DSC_0019 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8521/8502270610_776073c5ac.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0019"></a>
 
bpcardona said:
Looking good. What is your plan for painting the inside? Might I suggest a rubberize paint?
Click to expand...

You might suggest it! Do you have a brand to recommend? I had planned to silicone all the seams and then use kills, but am more than willing to hear suggestions!
 
today we started skinning the sides and front of the tank. Got along quite well. Need to punch in all the nails, fill and sand. Also need to neaten all the edges and sand before trim next weekend.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8505730188/" title="DSC_0006 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8505730188_ec42a8ef44.jpg" width="335" height="500" alt="DSC_0006"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8504616517/" title="DSC_0007 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8504616517_85118ea733.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0007"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8505722130/" title="DSC_0010 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8505722130_6e0ca43f23.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0010"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8505719068/" title="DSC_0031 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8505719068_f53b34ccff.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0031"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8504608157/" title="DSC_0049 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8504608157_1563146acb.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0049"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8504627265/" title="DSC_0055 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8504627265_1f99d1eacf.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0055"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8505738086/" title="DSC_0078 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8505738086_56ff91a27e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0078"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8504631771/" title="DSC_0079 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8504631771_45983fde73.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0079"></a>
 
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8504627265/" title="DSC_0055 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8504627265_1f99d1eacf.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0055"></a>

Forget the fish tank post more pic like this! Really the stand looks good.


I was looking through the photos again, and I have a question. How much light does that window next to the tank get?
 
bpcardona said:
I was looking through the photos again, and I have a question. How much light does that window next to the tank get?
Click to expand...

The room is very bright and well lit due to a number of windows on that wall, but with the blinds being closed all day the tank gets no direct sunlight, the viewing of the tank is never effected either by the daylight.

The temperature is always cool in that room as the direct sun is early in the day. The Carolina blazing summers don't even make the room warm up, in the winter it gets quite cool in there, but the tank heaters have always managed to keep very stable temperatures.
 
Just as a thought, you might look into this tint. I am about to have this done Wednesday. Really not the expensive, and there is a federal rebate. It cuts out the heat almost entirely and will reduce the light transmitted by 85%. You can get it lighter as well I just get a ton of light.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8504072288/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8504072288_7726b8765a_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Untitled"></a>​
 
bpcardona said:
Just as a thought, you might look into this tint. I am about to have this done Wednesday. Really not the expensive, and there is a federal rebate. It cuts out the heat almost entirely and will reduce the light transmitted by 85%. You can get it lighter as well I just get a ton of light.
Click to expand...

just noticed this on your thread, its an interesting option. I don't think heat will effect the tank is any way, but the 120 did get reflections from the blinds when attempting to take photos during the day, so the tint is something to think about!
 
I don't want to be the naysayer, but I really don't think that stand is going to work. If the tank is sitting where the tile ends then you have the entire weight of the tank on 3 2x4's only attached with screws. I would seriously rethink things before you go any further. Putting the tank on that stand as it sits will result in a massive failure. If you have put vertical supports under those 2x4's, and another 2x8 cross piece under what would be the front of the tank, then please post updated pics.
 
cdrewferd said:
I don't want to be the naysayer, but I really don't think that stand is going to work. If the tank is sitting where the tile ends then you have the entire weight of the tank on 3 2x4's only attached with screws. I would seriously rethink things before you go any further. Putting the tank on that stand as it sits will result in a massive failure. If you have put vertical supports under those 2x4's, and another 2x8 cross piece under what would be the front of the tank, then please post updated pics.
Click to expand...

no naysayer at all, i would rather have the opinions that are better than mine to, i'm no engineer and this is my first attempt at anything like this. Are you experienced in engineering? (please don't take offense to my asking that....)

The 2x8 cross piece, would this need to be 1 complete cut (meaning removing the 2x4s and installing them in 2 sections later or could it be installed in sections between the already installed 2x4's (does that make any sense?!).

Vertical supports under those horizontal upper 2x4's is really going to make the inside of the cabinet messy and awkward to work with. Would love another option is there was on, but i'm guessing there isn't.

This is where the cabinet idea comes from, i'm guess this just works without vertical supports due to being steel over wood? Or is he destined for a failure to?

F6BD7100-F090-4974-A4A2-35CEBA9E50B6-1443-000002DB8AF73FBD.jpg

9DA3B2EE-2308-434E-B9E0-C3AD363E6FC7-2741-0000040404F30016.jpg
 
cdrewferd said:
I don't want to be the naysayer, but I really don't think that stand is going to work. If the tank is sitting where the tile ends then you have the entire weight of the tank on 3 2x4's only attached with screws. I would seriously rethink things before you go any further. Putting the tank on that stand as it sits will result in a massive failure. If you have put vertical supports under those 2x4's, and another 2x8 cross piece under what would be the front of the tank, then please post updated pics.
Click to expand...

please tell me what you think of this solution, hopefully it will suffice.

the beams underneath were changed since the photo due to the center beam interfering with the overflow, so it currently looks like this, the outter 2x4's run along the edge of where the tank will sit.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8508988078/" title="IMG_7453 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8508988078_167d0142c5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7453"></a>

Step one:
Here are the front corners currently
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8507875791/" title="IMG_7447 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8507875791_58bbe8ebf3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7447"></a>

I will use a 2x8 and 2x4 screwed together at a 90. The 2x8 running from bottom to underside of horizontal 2x4 beam. The 2x4 will run vertical from bottom to underside of plywood. These will be fixed in place with screws from outside, through the frame. Using the 2x8 will allow it to run from flush at the front of the cabinet, inward 8" supporting 2" into where the tank starts, as the tank sits 6" back.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8507875631/" title="IMG_7449 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8507875631_7fe47bc691.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_7449"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8507875927/" title="IMG_7446 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8507875927_aaea3a096d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_7446"></a>

Step two:
In the center i will screw two 2x8's together to form a 4x8. These will run vertical from bottom to underside of plywood, starting flush from the cabinet from 8" inward.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29441159@N03/8508983526/" title="IMG_7451 by owenspackman, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8508983526_cfe73fd119.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_7451"></a>
 
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