Saltyreefs 120g build

[SaltyReefs]

So I found the tank I wanted. A 120g AGA 48x24x24 with the corner overflow. It didnt come with a stand, and thinking of building it myself. I not sure what kind of wood I will be using but i think I will skin it in oak. I'm open to suggestions from you "Do it yourself" gurus if you want to chime in. My current stand is made of red oak I believe and this is why I'm leaning towards this route. It's really old and still holding up, so I figure why not. Here is a picture of my tank and I will be posting more pictures as time permits.

 

[Stylo328]

The build his fun, but be assured it is always more work than you anticipate it to be. Congrats on getting what you wanted so quickly.

 

[Ocean Mang]

Congrats. I have the same tank and strongly recommend you do the herbie drain in the overflow and bring your return up over the back of the tank. I can hardly tell that my tank is running it is so quiet.

 

[SaltyReefs]

The build his fun, but be assured it is always more work than you anticipate it to be. Congrats on getting what you wanted so quickly.

Stylo I'm not worried because this is the fun part. I'm not in a rush because its not like I don't have a running system. Thanks I'm looking forward to the build.

Congrats. I have the same tank and strongly recommend you do the herbie drain in the overflow and bring your return up over the back of the tank. I can hardly tell that my tank is running it is so quiet.

Ocean could you post pics on how you have yours setup? I was thinking of doing the herbie drain aswell. Is your tank a AGA? Is the back glass tempered on All glass tanks? Thanks in advanced!

 

[nitroreef]

look at this thread
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2234197&highlight=diy+120+stand

 

[SaltyReefs]

look at this thread
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2234197&highlight=diy+120+stand

Felix that's a nice build. I will use it. I need as many good visual ideas as I can.

By the way thanks for helping me unload the tank from my truck with such little notice.

 

[Biggar]

Congrats. I have the same tank and strongly recommend you do the herbie drain in the overflow and bring your return up over the back of the tank. I can hardly tell that my tank is running it is so quiet.

Congrats on tank

+1 with Ocean Mang

If SPS Dominated, you will appreciated faster turnover and ability to add larger return pump with herbie style. A single 1" herbie drain can dump im guessing 5x more water than a durso and its silent. Then you can use the second 1" drain as a back up.

I was worried double one inch drains would not be enough on mine, but its more than I needed

I also recommend picking up a sump that has lots of depth (more wide front to back). It will reduce turbulent water and micro bubbles.

Just my opinion.

 

[Stylo328]

Stylo I'm not worried because this is the fun part. I'm not in a rush because its not like I don't have a running system. Thanks I'm looking forward to the build.

I was referring to building the stand. Every time I set up a tank I decide to build my own stand thinking "i'll put that together in a few hours and it'll be great". Always winds up taking weeks of work to get it right. Lol. Good luck with the build. It should be awesome.

 

[nitroreef]

Congrats. I have the same tank and strongly recommend you do the herbie drain in the overflow and bring your return up over the back of the tank. I can hardly tell that my tank is running it is so quiet.

can we see a pic of the rear of your tank

 

[nitroreef]

here it is lol

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2250716&highlight=herbie+overflow

 

[SaltyReefs]

Congrats on tank

+1 with Ocean Mang

If SPS Dominated, you will appreciated faster turnover and ability to add larger return pump with herbie style. A single 1" herbie drain can dump im guessing 5x more water than a durso and its silent. Then you can use the second 1" drain as a back up.

I was worried double one inch drains would not be enough on mine, but its more than I needed

I also recommend picking up a sump that has lots of depth (more wide front to back). It will reduce turbulent water and micro bubbles.

Just my opinion.

Biggar I think my sump will be more than enough. I have a ADHI model 60 sump with refuge. Its rated for up to 300g. This is the link of the sump I have http://www.aquabuys.com/p/adhi_refuge_60.html

I will be using a lot if not all my existing equipment. Also I do want to go with the herbie drain though. Silence is golden!! lol! Thanks for the tip, I will use 1" drains. Do you think my mag 9.5 will be enough?

 

[SaltyReefs]

I was referring to building the stand. Every time I set up a tank I decide to build my own stand thinking "i'll put that together in a few hours and it'll be great". Always winds up taking weeks of work to get it right. Lol. Good luck with the build. It should be awesome.

That's what I'm saying. It the fun part!!

 

[SaltyReefs]

Today I started to make my stand. And i'm pretty much ready to skin it tomorrow if all goes well. I went with pine for the main structure and I'm going to skin it with red oak aswell as all the trim work. I was originally thinking of making the whole stand with oak but when I saw the prices my jaw almost dropped. CRAZY expensive! I am open for any critique or suggestions and actually encouraged to do so. I would also like to add that I'm tired and exhausted. It's not fun working with such humidity.

Please excuse my terminology in carpentry. But pictures are worth a thousand words. Lol!

So I started with the top and bottom base.

I started out creating recessed wholes for the screws which were coated rust resistant screws. But later realized it wasn't really necessary since I was skinning it after. Either way this is what they look like.

I then added a 2x4 to each one for more stability.

Then I started to cut the main structural columns and attached with wood glue and screws. I added the wood glue as an extra holding method. The combination of both makes for a stronger hold.

Next I laid the floor down with 3/4" plywood I bought as a 2x4 piece but when I measured it, it was only 22" in length. I still used anyway because I didn't feel like making a trip to shell lumber.

Next I re-inforced the columns with more 2x4 and attached them adjacent to the main columns and screwed down.

 

[SaltyReefs]

Once I got to this point I checked to make sure everything is level

Next I added another 2x4 on the back center of stand to help hold weight in the middle. I'm inclined not to add one in the front but not 100% sure yet.

I then added more support in the base of the stand because my sump is big and holds a lot of water plus I saw a surface crack on the plywood. Also sump will be positioned towards the left of the stand.

This is what it looks like right now. I added a top frame for the tank to sit on top of. I thought I took more pictures of it from he front but apparently I didn't.

And last but not least. After cleaning up and after good shower, enjoy a nice cold beer.

I will post more pics tomorrow with the skinning of he stand.

Thanks!

 

[120reefermadnes]

Looking good!!

Love the "step-by-step" photos

Keep up the good work!!

 

[AquamanE]

Looking good salty- that should hold the weight just fine.

Keep up the good work and pics.

We all learn from others.

 

[Fish2reef]

That stand design is the same I used on mine but never skinned it, still pending three years later, LOL
Great work.

 

[SaltyReefs]

Thanks guys!

So I today I added the top and bottom trim, skinned it and did some sanding. Which was pretty much all the wood work I did. All that's left is some more small trim I need to install. I then painted the inside of the stand with kilz sealer. Here is the stand.

And this is it after in applied a coat of red mahogany stain. I will need another coat or two

 

[SaltyReefs]

Can anyone explain to me how to setup the herbie drain overflow pipe? Also pics would help to get a better idea. I'm more concerned how to pipe it after the overflow. Do you pipe the main and the emergency together and tee it off with a gate valve? Or do I pipe the emergency by its self?

 

[vnizzle]

Check this out

http://www.beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx