Smoothdog's 150DD build

Kirk,
Did you check out how I modified the TLF 550 and made it a recirc. It is giving great flow with just a Mag3 pump. Check the page 6 of my build thread for the pics and video:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2270864&page=6
Best part was i didnt have to drill the acrylic side of the 550, i drilled the top plastic cover, which was safe and not difficult.

Yeah, I took it off. The ports built into the reactor are too small for re-circulation. They need to be modded to re-circulate. Look at the last post on the first page of this thread for a good mod: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2274224
 
Sooo, with vacation planning and taking, plus summer activities starting I haven't made a lot of progress recently but I did manage to finish the shell of the stand. I now have a dilemma though. I used a single sheet of plywood trimmed with oak for the top and after coating the plywood with redguard (for waterproofing) it deflected the frame and created a 1/4" wobble, I didn't realize that this was a water based product until after I had applied it. I was able to unscrew the top and get the legs level again but it has me worried that the top was able to deflect the frame that much. Any of you woodworking pros have suggestions for me? Should I just redrill new pilot holes and screw the top back down now that the waterproofing is dry? Would I be safer cutting out the middle of the top? I'd hate to have to do this since the point of waterproofing it was to create an emergency drain in the corner in case of an overflow but if using the whole sheet could cause instability I can work around that.

Oh, and here's a pic :D


Untitled by ksw2005, on Flickr
 
Smoothdog's 150DD build

Just push it where you want it and drill new holes. Try to waterproof the holes and set the tank up. It's not going to go anywhere with 1500lbs on it don't worry

Looking good though
 
Thanks Vic! That was kinda what I was thinking but wanted to make sure there weren't any horror stories of plywood pulling something critical out of shape before I did it. Would hate to bust a seam just because I was afraid to ask. ;)
 
I'm hoping to find some tile I like to trim the edge with this week. Anyone know of a good place in the St. Charles area with a good selection of glass tile?
 
Looking good kirk, as for the wobble I would re-screw it down then put weight on it and see if it still wobbles (also check to see if it is level where you have it) if it does then you could cut the plywood, then get window flashing tape and put it over the cut that should seal it.
 
Looking good kirk, as for the wobble I would re-screw it down then put weight on it and see if it still wobbles (also check to see if it is level where you have it) if it does then you could cut the plywood, then get window flashing tape and put it over the cut that should seal it.

Thanks Chris, it's sitting right in the middle of my garage floor which is pretty much dead level. I think now that the waterproofing has dried it's not going to move anymore.

Should have had you build my stand. Very nice!!

LOL, thanks BK! If I had nothing but time on my hands and a real workshop, I'd build this kind of stuff just for fun. I think your stand came out pretty nice though. ;)
 
Ok, time for another update!

Got the front doors built. I've got a friend down the street that does custom window tinting and he slapped on some frosted film on the glass in the doors. :thumbsup: Couldn't find the little plastic glass holders anywhere so just made some. Added some soft close hinges so the doors wouldn't slam:

DSC_1971.JPG by ksw2005, on Flickr


DSC_1972.JPG by ksw2005, on Flickr

Went with stone, cut stone and glass tile for the motif on top. It's odd, lines in the glass tile are hardly noticeable with the naked eye, but some trick of the lens picks it up. The lines are actually the bottom of the tile that is textured like that so there is something for the thinset to grip.


DSC_1977.JPG by ksw2005, on Flickr

The more or less finished product:

DSC_1978.JPG by ksw2005, on Flickr

I need to seal the stone and grout tomorrow so the saltwater doesn't damage it. Then I hope to get the tank set on it and do a freshwater test on Sunday. Still need to build a top and concealment panels on the back corner but can't do that until it's in place in the house so I can take some measurements.
 
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