Rawby's 20g High Build Thread

[Rawby]

So ive had a 20 gallon tank up and running with just water in it for a few monthes so i have decided to make a build thread as i turn it into my second reef tank. I am actually alot farther than you will see so if things seem to move quick its just that im trying to get everyone caught up without overloading you with pictures. Enjoy!
Robby

While in the keys for lobster season i collected some sand that i used for inside the tank. I got the sand in an area about 5 feet deep with shaving brushing and condy anemones everywhere. Its really cool to see the anemones in the wild and to look up close and see the anemone shrimp inside. Just something i never noticed till this year in the keys but anyways back to the build.

Adding the sand

I grabbed a few turbos that were on the reef. There were hundreds!

Some zoas i got while i was down there. Really happy i found some!!

 

[Rawby]

Now is the build for the stand im gonna put it on

Heres the frame of the stand.

Another trip to the store

Added some 2x4's to the sides where im gonna mount the birch plywood.

What it will look like with the plywood on it

 

[Rawby]

Added the top to it. I used normaly plywood because im gonna cover it with granite once its finished.

The sides added onto the stand and the hole cut for the door.

Nailed the crown onto the stand. I bought a brad gun i think its called. It shoots tiny nails which helped alot for the crown molding.

Added the door. I went to a cabinet store and bought special hinges. I needed hinges that went out when the opened because if not the molding around the door would hit and it wouldnt open.

 

[Rawby]

Finished staining the stand. Came out a little darker than i wanted but still am happy with it.

My new light and the granite today. I went with a 120 watt led light fixture i got a really good deal on. I know it may be over kill but its 25 blue and 30 white and im thinking that with so many blues maybe it wont be as strong on the corals but heres some pictures of it.

It has dual cords so i can set both on seperate timers which I like.

The stand with granite and the light hooked up.

 

[iFisch]

Things look to be coming along..


Which light is that?

 

[Rawby]

120w led it has 35x2w 10k whites and 25x2w blues.

 

[Kiviro]

I'm also going to be setting up a 20 high tank and I've been debating on MH or LEDs. I'm still unsure of what I'll do.

 

[cherubfish pair]

With that opportunity and you didn't pick up some condys?

 

[Rawby]

I'm also going to be setting up a 20 high tank and I've been debating on MH or LEDs. I'm still unsure of what I'll do.

Id say leds. I love turning just the blues on and seeing the colors really pop. The MHs really heat up your water and even raised the temperature in my room. Living in Florida i already have enough heat to deal with!

With that opportunity and you didn't pick up some condys?

I didnt have a tank to put one in at the time. They are really cool. I saw some almost all white and others deep pink with a even deeper purple tips. Next time i go down maybe i can grab one .