Viewpoints – A Photographic Journal of my Reef Tank
- Thread starter urbaneks
- Start date
Michelle S
New member
Urbaneks, your set up is so amazing and the visual detail really helps me envision how to clean up my tank set-up/wire mess. It's terrible right now. I guess I will need a controller. Did you look at the ReefKeeper Elite w/ Net - Digital Aquatics at bulk reef supply? If so why the Apex over that one?
BTY like your media basket.
BTY like your media basket.
urbaneks
New member
Viewpoints - Extending Sump Shelf
Viewpoints - Extending Sump Shelf
Viewpoints - Extending Sump Shelf
Making Tank Maintenance Easier
I firmly believe that if our tank maintenance is easier to complete, it's one less barrier to getting it done. The extending sump shelf was not in my original plan but after getting the stand here and getting a feel for the 30" width, I've come to the conclusion that maintaining the sump will be difficult unless it's put on a rolling shelf. I'm not crazy about crawling under my stand to clean detritus from the sump.
As with most of my projects, they start with a trip to Home Depot. After combing the hardware section I finally found some side mount drawer slides manufactured by Liberty Hardware. I also bought a 10' 2x1 Pine board that I cut into 20" sections. These 20" boards will be the support and extensions for the shelf. A 30x20x1/2 inch piece of plywood, some 2" L Brackets and 3/4" wood screws rounded out the materials needed for the project.
After getting the slides mounted to the 20" boards, I applied a single coat of black paint to match the stand. I also attached 4 L brackets to the shelf support in preparation for installing the assembled shelf supports to the stand. You will notice in the photo below that the sliding section of the assembly is installed a bit higher than the support section. This will allow the shelf to slide freely without binding on the support.
With both shelf assemblies built, it was time to install them in the stand. I first installed the left most assembly to ensure that it would clear the door hinge on the cabinet. Once I had the left assembly in place, I measured 30"(the length of my shelf/sump) and installed the right assembly to the stand. 3/4" wood screws were used to attach the L brackets to the assemblies and stand.
L Brackets were used to install the shelf assemblies to the bottom of the stand
With both assemblies mounted to the stand the platform of the shelf was simply mounted to the shelf assemblies. The platform is made of a 1/2" piece of plywood that I cut to fit the size of the shelf. The top was painted black to match. With the top firmly in place, I now have an extending shelf ready to welcome my custom sump.
The last two photos show the sump sitting on the extending shelf. The first photo shows the sump pushed into the stand or in the operational position. The second photo shows the sump extended out of the stand or in the maintenance position. Once the tank arrives, I will ensure my plumbing is completed with shut off valves and quick disconnects which will enable the sump to slide.
Viewpoints - Extending Sump Shelf
Viewpoints - Extending Sump Shelf
Making Tank Maintenance Easier
I firmly believe that if our tank maintenance is easier to complete, it's one less barrier to getting it done. The extending sump shelf was not in my original plan but after getting the stand here and getting a feel for the 30" width, I've come to the conclusion that maintaining the sump will be difficult unless it's put on a rolling shelf. I'm not crazy about crawling under my stand to clean detritus from the sump.
As with most of my projects, they start with a trip to Home Depot. After combing the hardware section I finally found some side mount drawer slides manufactured by Liberty Hardware. I also bought a 10' 2x1 Pine board that I cut into 20" sections. These 20" boards will be the support and extensions for the shelf. A 30x20x1/2 inch piece of plywood, some 2" L Brackets and 3/4" wood screws rounded out the materials needed for the project.
This photo shows two of the four 20" boards with the inner and outer slide components mounted to them
After getting the slides mounted to the 20" boards, I applied a single coat of black paint to match the stand. I also attached 4 L brackets to the shelf support in preparation for installing the assembled shelf supports to the stand. You will notice in the photo below that the sliding section of the assembly is installed a bit higher than the support section. This will allow the shelf to slide freely without binding on the support.
One of the two shelf assemblies. Notice that the sliding section is a bit taller than the support section.
With both shelf assemblies built, it was time to install them in the stand. I first installed the left most assembly to ensure that it would clear the door hinge on the cabinet. Once I had the left assembly in place, I measured 30"(the length of my shelf/sump) and installed the right assembly to the stand. 3/4" wood screws were used to attach the L brackets to the assemblies and stand.
L Brackets were used to install the shelf assemblies to the bottom of the stand
With both assemblies mounted to the stand the platform of the shelf was simply mounted to the shelf assemblies. The platform is made of a 1/2" piece of plywood that I cut to fit the size of the shelf. The top was painted black to match. With the top firmly in place, I now have an extending shelf ready to welcome my custom sump.
Extending sump shelf is now complete, total cost for the shelf was just under $30
The last two photos show the sump sitting on the extending shelf. The first photo shows the sump pushed into the stand or in the operational position. The second photo shows the sump extended out of the stand or in the maintenance position. Once the tank arrives, I will ensure my plumbing is completed with shut off valves and quick disconnects which will enable the sump to slide.
Sump sitting on the extending shelf - Operational Position
Sump sitting on the extending shelf - Maintenance Position
Last edited:
Michelle S
New member
The First Bump in the Road "“ Apparently it was a Big One
I think anytime you go into a project; you need to expect a little adversity. After all everything can't go your way, right? Well today, Viewpoints had some adversity and things definitely did not go my way!
You can see the top of the crate leaning to the right. Also note the missing wood from the lower part of the crate.
Without waiting another second, I reached into the black shrink wrap, thinking I was going to get my first look at 3 sides of starfire glass; I instead get a 1 inch gash on my index finger. Pulling my hand away quickly, I get my first look at a completely shattered right side of the aquarium. I've always told my kids that there will be problems in your life; it's how you handle them that defines who you are. I'm really hoping right about now that Cadlights is the company I think they are. I immediately contacted Eddie at Cadlights who assured me that they would start a new build right away. He requested some photographs so that he could work with Old Dominion on resolution. Time will tell on how this problem is resolved, but for now, I'm optimistically hoping that the resolution is handled quickly and with class.
If a picture is worth 1000 words, this one must be worth a few 100,000
So sorry to hear about this fiasco. It's like waking up Christmas morning and Santa didn't come (I imagine).
A ski vacation is just the ticket!!!! I've subscribed and check-in daily. How long will you be gone?
Jedbreitsch
New member
Great setup, this is the best build thread I've ever read. subscribed. Excellent job again.
urbaneks
New member
Viewpoints - 3/5 Responses to Feedback
Viewpoints - 3/5 Responses to Feedback
Viewpoints - Response to Feedback
Balletomane - Thank you very much for the compliment. I'm excited to hear that the info in my journal is helpful to you. As for the shattered tank, I'm pretty much over it. Cad-lights is building a replacement now.
sahin - Glad that you liked the light install. I think anytime you put a light hanging over a rimless tank, the cord management becomes tricky. Other than going back up the hanging cord, I think my solution is the next best option.
Michelle S - Thank you, thank you, thank you! It definitely helps to keep me motivated on my build when I hear things about my journal helping other people. It's hard to keep the drive going when I really want a tank with water in it. As for controllers, I did look at all of the ones out there and went with the Apex because of the controllability, integration with the iPhone and several strong recommendations. For what it's worth, I don't run a controller on my Nano so it's definitely doable without one. I'm very glad to hear that the media basket is working out for your Nano Cube. Thanks for the heavy sigh on the broken tank. Should have a new one here in less than 3 weeks.
Jedbreitsch - While I certainly appreciate hearing best ever, I'm not sure if I can accept that. There are some amazing builds out there and I'm just getting started. At any rate, I'm glad you are finding the journal informational. I'm trying to keep a good record of the work I'm doing for myself and at the same time help another person out.
Viewpoints - 3/5 Responses to Feedback
Viewpoints - Response to Feedback
Balletomane - Thank you very much for the compliment. I'm excited to hear that the info in my journal is helpful to you. As for the shattered tank, I'm pretty much over it. Cad-lights is building a replacement now.
sahin - Glad that you liked the light install. I think anytime you put a light hanging over a rimless tank, the cord management becomes tricky. Other than going back up the hanging cord, I think my solution is the next best option.
Michelle S - Thank you, thank you, thank you! It definitely helps to keep me motivated on my build when I hear things about my journal helping other people. It's hard to keep the drive going when I really want a tank with water in it. As for controllers, I did look at all of the ones out there and went with the Apex because of the controllability, integration with the iPhone and several strong recommendations. For what it's worth, I don't run a controller on my Nano so it's definitely doable without one. I'm very glad to hear that the media basket is working out for your Nano Cube. Thanks for the heavy sigh on the broken tank. Should have a new one here in less than 3 weeks.
Jedbreitsch - While I certainly appreciate hearing best ever, I'm not sure if I can accept that. There are some amazing builds out there and I'm just getting started. At any rate, I'm glad you are finding the journal informational. I'm trying to keep a good record of the work I'm doing for myself and at the same time help another person out.
urbaneks
New member
Viewpoints - Cabinet Lighting
Viewpoints - Cabinet Lighting
Viewpoints - Cabinet Lighting
In my last update for the extending sump shelf, you may have noticed my cabinet lighting in the photos. I installed these a couple days ago but had not written a journal entry yet. While the cabinet lighting is not as exciting as the equipment panel or extending sump shelf, it's an important part of the setup. The lighting I ended up with was not my initial plan but I'm very satisfied with the final choice.
I originally purchased 18 feet of rope light and was going to run these under the stand. I felt that the rope light would provide even distribution of light under the stand. After getting home with the rope light, I plugged it in and after 20 minutes it heated the stand up by 10 degrees. While i don't plan on running the cabinet lights for long periods of time, the extra heat is not acceptable.
I exchanged the rope light for some battery operated LED lights made by GE. If interested they are called GE Motion-Sensing LED Lights. The cost per light was $13 which I installed four of them in my 48x30x30 stand. Installation is as easy as installing the batteries and sticking them to the inside of the cabinet with supplied double sided tape. The lights run off of 3 AAA batteries and can be turned on in a constant mode or sensing mode. In sensing mode they can be turned on by waving a hand in front of them. Most importantly, the LEDs put out lots of light. Here is a photo of the finished installation.
The under cabinet lighting was simple to install and total cost was right at $50
Viewpoints - Cabinet Lighting
Viewpoints - Cabinet Lighting
In my last update for the extending sump shelf, you may have noticed my cabinet lighting in the photos. I installed these a couple days ago but had not written a journal entry yet. While the cabinet lighting is not as exciting as the equipment panel or extending sump shelf, it's an important part of the setup. The lighting I ended up with was not my initial plan but I'm very satisfied with the final choice.
I originally purchased 18 feet of rope light and was going to run these under the stand. I felt that the rope light would provide even distribution of light under the stand. After getting home with the rope light, I plugged it in and after 20 minutes it heated the stand up by 10 degrees. While i don't plan on running the cabinet lights for long periods of time, the extra heat is not acceptable.
I exchanged the rope light for some battery operated LED lights made by GE. If interested they are called GE Motion-Sensing LED Lights. The cost per light was $13 which I installed four of them in my 48x30x30 stand. Installation is as easy as installing the batteries and sticking them to the inside of the cabinet with supplied double sided tape. The lights run off of 3 AAA batteries and can be turned on in a constant mode or sensing mode. In sensing mode they can be turned on by waving a hand in front of them. Most importantly, the LEDs put out lots of light. Here is a photo of the finished installation.
The under cabinet lighting was simple to install and total cost was right at $50
Last edited:
urbaneks
New member
Viewpoints - 3/8 Response to Feedback
Viewpoints - 3/8 Response to Feedback
Viewpoints - Response to Feedback
Fury - I'm also very new to Reef Central so I'm always reluctant to post. With that said, thanks for taking time out to make the post and comment on my journal. It does mean a lot to me as well as others to get feedback on our progress.
Viewpoints - 3/8 Response to Feedback
Viewpoints - Response to Feedback
Fury - I'm also very new to Reef Central so I'm always reluctant to post. With that said, thanks for taking time out to make the post and comment on my journal. It does mean a lot to me as well as others to get feedback on our progress.
Fury165
New member
any pics of the back of your electronics panel? I'm interested to see your wire management :eek2:
urbaneks
New member
Viewpoints - 3/9 Response to Feedback
Viewpoints - 3/9 Response to Feedback
Viewpoints - Response to Feedback
Fury - Here is one photo that I took when the panel was nearly complete. It does have some additional wiring now that was routed in the little space that was left. Looking at the maze of wires on the back of the panel, you can see how quickly wire maintenance can get out of control.
Backside of the Equipment Panel which can be found on page 1 of the journal
Viewpoints - 3/9 Response to Feedback
Viewpoints - Response to Feedback
Fury - Here is one photo that I took when the panel was nearly complete. It does have some additional wiring now that was routed in the little space that was left. Looking at the maze of wires on the back of the panel, you can see how quickly wire maintenance can get out of control.
Backside of the Equipment Panel which can be found on page 1 of the journal
iwishtofish
Active member
I like the color coding. As my wires will be less orderly, I may benefit from incorporating that idea.
coralreefdoc
New member
Brad: Any updates on the system and how CAD handled the cracked glass situation ? Hope all is well and they stepped up for you
mightymizz
New member
Looking good so far!! I'll be following along.
urbaneks
New member
Viewpoints - 4/11 Responses to Feedback
Viewpoints - 4/11 Responses to Feedback
iwishtofish - The color coding comes in very handy. When things come unplugged or you are trying to troubleshoot an issue, the colors make it easy. It also helps when you leave town and someone is taking care of the tank. It's much easier to say unplug the gray cord instead of the return pump.
coralreefdoc - It's funny that you would ask. I just got my replacement tank from Cadlights on Friday. Other than CAD over promising and under delivering they did take care of the issue. They are still fighting it out with Old Dominion Freight for an insurance claim, but that is for them to worry about. I still have the broken tank which has all starphire glass. If anyone knows how to do glass work, they could have a $1000 tank for next to nothing. I spent the entire weekend getting my plumbing and electrical done. I will be posting some updates soon.
mightymizz - Thanks for the view and comment. I've been putting a great deal of time into the tank the last 3 days. I will get some photos and an update out shortly. I'm very happy with how the tank is coming out.
dallasg - Glad that you are liking the build so far. Cad did get things straitened out. I would have never of guessed that it would be a 3 month process to get a tank here.
Haskar - Thanks for subscribing. I will get an update out in the next couple days with the progress that I've made.
Viewpoints - 4/11 Responses to Feedback
iwishtofish - The color coding comes in very handy. When things come unplugged or you are trying to troubleshoot an issue, the colors make it easy. It also helps when you leave town and someone is taking care of the tank. It's much easier to say unplug the gray cord instead of the return pump.
coralreefdoc - It's funny that you would ask. I just got my replacement tank from Cadlights on Friday. Other than CAD over promising and under delivering they did take care of the issue. They are still fighting it out with Old Dominion Freight for an insurance claim, but that is for them to worry about. I still have the broken tank which has all starphire glass. If anyone knows how to do glass work, they could have a $1000 tank for next to nothing. I spent the entire weekend getting my plumbing and electrical done. I will be posting some updates soon.
mightymizz - Thanks for the view and comment. I've been putting a great deal of time into the tank the last 3 days. I will get some photos and an update out shortly. I'm very happy with how the tank is coming out.
dallasg - Glad that you are liking the build so far. Cad did get things straitened out. I would have never of guessed that it would be a 3 month process to get a tank here.
Haskar - Thanks for subscribing. I will get an update out in the next couple days with the progress that I've made.
ctxmonitor
New member
Oh, a question for your sump. Since you have the sump on the side mount drawer slides manufactured by Liberty Hardware, would it be smooth and even hold the strength when you have water fill in? Would the weight would causing the slide to now really work?
urbaneks
New member
Viewpoints – A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place
Viewpoints "“ A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place
Viewpoints "“ A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place
While waiting for my replacement tank, I've had plenty of time to work on miscellaneous projects. One project that I've been working on is a tray to hold all of my maintenance tools. I had a large piece of plywood left over from the extending shelf build that could not go to waste. I used the plywood and a ¾" piece of foam to create a tool tray with cutouts for all of my maintenance tools. The photo below shows the tray at its current progress, I need to buy a new nitrate test kit which will be added above the other test kits. I also have a Hanna Meter on order which will be added. The tray has additional room for expansion as I add additional maintenance equipment. I did something similar with my toolbox about 2 years ago and it really helps to ensure tools are put back after maintenance and makes it clear when something is missing. The tray did not cost me anything since I had the extra wood and foam on hand. If you are interested in making something similar a new Exacto Blade is key to getting good cuts that match the shape of your equipment. When the tray is not in use, it slides under the extending sump shelf. With space under the stand at a premium, every inch counts.
An equipment tray keeps all my maintenance tools organized
Labeling on the tray provides a quick reference as to what is missing from the tray
Viewpoints "“ A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place
Viewpoints "“ A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place
While waiting for my replacement tank, I've had plenty of time to work on miscellaneous projects. One project that I've been working on is a tray to hold all of my maintenance tools. I had a large piece of plywood left over from the extending shelf build that could not go to waste. I used the plywood and a ¾" piece of foam to create a tool tray with cutouts for all of my maintenance tools. The photo below shows the tray at its current progress, I need to buy a new nitrate test kit which will be added above the other test kits. I also have a Hanna Meter on order which will be added. The tray has additional room for expansion as I add additional maintenance equipment. I did something similar with my toolbox about 2 years ago and it really helps to ensure tools are put back after maintenance and makes it clear when something is missing. The tray did not cost me anything since I had the extra wood and foam on hand. If you are interested in making something similar a new Exacto Blade is key to getting good cuts that match the shape of your equipment. When the tray is not in use, it slides under the extending sump shelf. With space under the stand at a premium, every inch counts.
An equipment tray keeps all my maintenance tools organized
Labeling on the tray provides a quick reference as to what is missing from the tray
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