Rob's 300 Gallon Deep Dimensions!

robert s b.

Active member
After 10 years with my 175 Gallon Oceanic Bowfront, I think its time for a upgrade.

Here's my current tank, I have accumulated so much and feel it does not have that open space my fish need to swim around and it looks so crammed. My wife wanted to redo our floors and I took the opportune time and say "hey lets upgrade the tank as well." Since I was going to break it down any way, We might as well... I did a long hard research the last couple of weeks, getting quotes from different Vendors and builders. And I finally decided to go with the Marineland 300 Gallon DD. I received quotes from 3 other custom builders and I could not justify the cost difference since my tank is going to be enclosed inside a niche and only front Starphire glass will be exposed anyway. I will just use the extra cash, to either by 3 more Kessil A360's or go Solar and get Solatubes.

So I am here to pay homage to my 175..
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/10213/WP_20131003_13_53_01_Pro.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/10213/WP_20131003_13_53_01_Pro.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo WP_20131003_13_53_01_Pro.jpg"/></a>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7PhswCAcStE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
I have ordered the Tank from my local LFS JoJo's Aquarium will arrive on the 15th of November.

Sump was ordered today from Advance Acrylics from Southern Cali, 48x24x20 100 Gallons, hope it gets here at the same time..

In the mean time, I will need some suggestions on how to prepare for the switch, I have not moved this tank in 10 years, I am thinking about buying a Rubbermaid 300G. Stock tank to house my livestock while we redo the floors and get my space all prepped up.
 
While I wait, I decided to build my own stand. Never done anything like this, but I was up for the challenge. I was browsing the DIY threads the other night and found a DIY custom stand thread that gave me the basics. One of my clients is a lumber dealer and gave me a slamming deal on the wood, total cost was $30!!
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo1.jpg"/></a>

Finished off the Top and Bottom frames, 2x4 on the bottom and 2x6 on top
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo3.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo3.jpg"/></a>

drilled some bore holes for some heavy duty 4 inch bolts
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo2-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo2-1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo2-1.jpg"/></a>

Don't have a work table, so I was cutting wood off the ground
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo4.jpg"/></a>

Used 4x4 for the 2 front corners and one in the back center for added strength
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo6.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo6.jpg"/></a>

Almost Done
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo7.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo7.jpg"/></a>
 
Finished!! not bad for a rookie.

Front
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo10.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo10.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo10.jpg"/></a>

Back
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo9.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo9.jpg"/></a>

Just ordered my doors, from a local cabinet maker, and it should be here in 7-10 days. Any suggestions on Skinning, also should I add a 1 inch plywood on top?
 
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I don't know how the 300dd is supported but on my 250dd it has a center brace that I think should be supported. I hope that your plumbing clears the 4x4's on the rear corners. I am not trying to beat you up the stand looks great I would just like to know others concerns if they seen them. I would put the plywood on top to help level everything out. Looks good and your making great progress.
 
Thanks for your concern, the 4x4"s are in the 2 front corners and one in the middle in the rear. I have 2x6 and 2 2x4 in the rear corners. It should hold the 2 tons :). Should I go with 1/2 or 1 inch plywood for the top?
 
Sharing a few pix of my DIY stand.

Close up of corner.
Standbuild5.jpg


Legs.
Stnadbuild7.jpg


Complete.
Stnadbuild8.jpg


Getting ready for primer.
Standbuild15.jpg


Done.
Standbuild16.jpg


Back.
backofstand.jpg


Tank in place.
arrival7.jpg
 
Wow, the stand looked really cheap and weak at first with the 2X4's but as I read and saw the pics I have changed my mind.
I have a 215 gallon tank with a stand that is very strong but this one looks even stronger
 
Very very nice tank and congratulations on the upgrade

Im interested in seeing how the 3 kessyl 360w would lit that 300g DD
 
Nice progress, sweet bikes too!

Here you go...little bit of bike porn :)

<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/2013%20S%20Works%20SL4/IMG_5173.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/2013%20S%20Works%20SL4/IMG_5173.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_5173.jpg"/></a>
 
Well I made some progress today, Bought 3/4" Sandply Hardwood, and 1/2" Sandply Harwood for the wrap.

Just put the top on
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo1-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo1-1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo1-1.jpg"/></a>

Wrapped the sides
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo2-2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo2-2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo2-2.jpg"/></a>

Now the Front
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo4-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo4-1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo4-1.jpg"/></a>

Finished with the wrap
<a href="http://s576.photobucket.com/user/booman_13/media/Build%20Thread/photo5-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/booman_13/Build%20Thread/photo5-1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo5-1.jpg"/></a>

Now I need ideas for the trim and molding. I want more of a modern look.
 
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