SPS Shallow Reef Tank Build Thread

[ClownReef®]

Ok guys..sorry for the wait.. the weather wasn't cooperating and my stand wouldn't dry.

By popular demand..here is the stand and a couple sump pics.. STILL in the process of putting everything together. The stand was built by the great peeps at SAwoodworks.com (AMAZING STUFF!)..

The stand is a nice espresso dark brown to match the rest of our furniture.

Check out the hardware! The stand was inspired by the Elos stands.. My girlfriend and i have very modern/minimalist furniture..so the stand was built exactly around those styles.

These are a couple of pics of the inside of the stand. You can see the sump (perfectly built by my good friend HOBOGATO..he builds simply amazing stuff).. As you can see, the stand has a shelf. I will use it to put equipment and test kits and such. My Ca. reactor might end up there.

Anyways guys, i will be plumbing the rest of the stuff tomorrow..will post pics accordingly. Sorry for the delay! Comments are welcome

Best,

ClownReef

 

[cpreefguy]

Lookin great! I love the stand, very Euro/clean!

 

[melev]

:thumbsup:

Too bad the inside wasn't painted or sealed against moisture. Of course, you still have time to do that yourself.

 

[ClownReef®]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11407570#post11407570 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
:thumbsup:

Too bad the inside wasn't painted or sealed against moisture. Of course, you still have time to do that yourself.

Marc,

Hey! I just put the sump inside for the pic. I still have to work on the inside.. its gonna be all water proof..haha..

Thanks Sean..thats the look i was going for.. I think it came out REALLY good..

 

[melev]

That's good to know. When it comes to cabinet finishing, it is always easiest if the painter (or stainer) does it all at once because they have the gear out and it doesn't take long. For you to paint the inside well will take several hours, especially if you do a couple of coats.

Versus their shooting it with a clear sealer varnish, which takes 10 minutes tops.

 

[Chrisrush]

Looks good Clown. You are about a day behind my setup. I have all the stuff inside my house and the plumbing is finished, but I'm waiting to drop another cat3 line behind the tank and I'll be all set to start filling it with ro/di water.

 

[makoJ]

stand is looking good man! very clean looking

 

[ZooZ]

love the colour and handles on the stand. Looks crisp

 

[michika]

I have the same hardware on my tank stand, very similar colors too. I think your stand looks great!

 

[mikee68]

Clown,

Tanks looking good. Quick question how far out or how long are those oceans motion omni-flex's sticking out on your tank? Do they take up alot of space?

 

[ClownReef®]

Mikee,

The nozzles come out 4 in. They dont take any space at all really.

Ok, so the plumbing is all done. After 10 trips to Lowes and lots of patience.. its finally done. Here are some pictures of the process. Next, im gonna water test it in a few days once all the silicone dries and all. Tomorrow in hanging the lights from the ceiling..I was thinking im gonna hang them about 6 in. off the water surface..Any opinions?

 

[cpreefguy]

About time for pics! lol
looking good, now fill er up!

 

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Sean..i think it came out preeeetty good..

I dont have my RO unit yet.. but im gonna fill it with tap water and let it run!.. hopefully no leaks.. crossing my fingers, hoping everything goes smoothly..

 

[ClownReef®]

how far should i hang my lights off the waters surface??

 

[melev]

I can't remember what kind of lights they are. MH are 9 to 12" off the water. T5s & VHO are 4" off the water.

 

[ClownReef®]

They are 250w Aqua Medic Ocean Light pendants.. I was thinking about maybe 6 or 7 inches...Any suggestions?

 

[melev]

9 to 12" off the water for MH bulbs.

 

[ClownReef®]

9 it is! Thanks Marc!!!

 

[ZooZ]

make a system where you can raise it or lower it if needed. That way you can lower it if your water temp is alright and if its too high you can raise. Another advantage with this system is if you ever need to stick your hand in the display, which is pretty much every 30 minutes for most folks who are contantly tweaking things, you wont need to worry about getting burned from the lights. Tanks is coming along very nice! All the best with the water test!!

 

[jay24k]

Also depends on the par. I have mine 6" off of the water. But next time, I'd think I might go like 9". The main reason is working room and not being able to take pictures.