ReefKnot's First Build - 50 gallon

[ReefKnot]

I've actually already finished the entire build, but I had been taking pictures as I went. Just recently decided I'd put them up in a build thread. This is my first real build, and build thread, so bear with me please. I'd love some feedback on the tank, but please keep in mind, its my first real build. I made a few mistakes and had to work around what I had.
Lots of thanks to MarkGP for teaching me a lot about building a tank

Bit of the backstory leading to the build: My first tank was a 29g, which I started in November. I was given instructions on how to set it up by my LFS, and by early March, I realized that the way I set it up wasn't the best way. The tank was quickly going to pieces and I was thinking about starting a new tank. I had began buying/selling and trading equipment in February and in March I came across a 50g sump, sitting in a guys back yard full of dirt and leaves and snow. I cleaned it up, and spent almost 2 months slowly building the system.
Specs
Tank: 50 Gallon 44"x14.5"x18.5" (Apparently custom built size)
Lighting: Two Dual 48" T5HO
Sump/Fuge: 29 Gallon (my old tank) holds 20 gallons
Skimmer: Bubble Magus 3.5 Cone
Return Pump: Mag Drive 9.5 to 2 returns.
Flow: Two Vortech mp10w ES
Overflow: 700gph Glass-holes kit
Stand: DIY
Rock/Sand: 45lbs Marco rock, 50lbs Aragonite sand 1.5"-2", 15lbs LR

PICS:
Just finished cleaning out the sand and dirt.

Removed the baffles and cleaned up the glass. There was a hole already drilled into the top corner, which I had to work around.

I had the hole for the overflow and a second return drilled, then painted the back. I put the overflow and returns in just for the pic.

 

[ReefKnot]

Built the stand using squared 2x6's on the legs, and then tripled up 2x6's as the frame. Very effect way to build a stand.

Stand top is on

Putting together the return line. I put the extra valves to help control flow and to make it easier to take the unions off.

The 50g and my old 29g which will be converted to a sump.

Return line plumbed in.

Drain is installed.

 

[ReefKnot]

Lighting Left to Right: ATI Blue plus, ATI Aquablue Special, KZ Fiji Purple, ATI Blue Plus

My first attempt at the return plumbing and sump. Baffles went in alright, although they are all the same height, which I didn't know not to do, they still work great. The return line did not.

The reef I constructed. I used some reef safe epoxy to bind it all together.

Starting to fill.... very slow process.

Epic fail. Too much flow, it was a mess.

Rebuilding the return system.

 

[ReefKnot]

New return set up

Couple of doors I picked up for a great price.

Adding the salt

Up and running, the return works much better now.

New return and sump set up

Adding the sand.

 

[papawheelie]

Looks good.. Where are you at with it now?

 

[ReefKnot]

Seeding the tank, and the sand settled

Standing to work on the stand.

Stand is painted. The boards in the middle are removable.

Finished product. I dont have a great camera, so it had a hard time with the light.

Building a sump light out of an extension cord and a lamp socket

Sump Light

Thats about it. I really feel it turned out great, for being my first attempt at a build.

 

[ludiNano]

Wow looks great that stand could hold an elephant.

 

[papawheelie]

LOL! That stand probably would hold an elephant! Seriously though, looks really good. are you doing a fuge in the middle chamber? looks kinda deep..

 

[ReefKnot]

Yeah I'm going to do a fuge in the middle chamber.... I didn't know that the baffles needed to be different heights, although it is working just fine. It was my first real build. I had a 29, but the way I was told to set it up was very different and it didn't go well.
Glad to hear that it looks good, Thanks!

papawheelie: It is all done. The cycle ended a week ago, I've got some snails in there at the moment.

The stand: I spent a few summers working with a company that built decks and porches. So I used some of the weight distribution techniques on the stand. Its sturdy.

 

[MLconstruction]

Coming along great. Im also in construction and I am pretty sure you could park your truck on that stand. Never have to worry about that thing failing!

 

[MarkGP]

This turned out really great Mike! Awesome work on everything!

 

[ReefKnot]

Thanks Mark. Really appreciate the advice, and how much help you've been.

 

[MLconstruction]

love that bulb combo. Im def gonna use that next.

 

[ReefKnot]

Yeah its a really good bulb combo. Since my camera isn't a very good, its hard to get a picture that does the lighting justice. But in person, it really brings out all of the colours.

 

[allsps40]

Came out nice for a used sump. Good work.

 

[ReefKnot]

Came out nice for a used sump. Good work.

Yeah, you would not believe how well it turned out. The picture I took of it with the baffles still in, that picture was after I had cleaned it. There was about 2 inches of old fuge mud, soil, sand, snow, leaves, twigs..... I spent about 2 hours cleaning it before I took that first picture. It really turned out well considering the state I found it in.