29 gal build with pictures

[dhogan]

Intro

I've been reading RC for a few years, and I finally decided to take the plunge. I've been gathering all my materials, and designing a plan.

I am building a 29 gal with a sump, and I plan to focus on SPS. Basically I will be maintaining this thread with updates whenever possible.

Please feel free to comment and offer suggestions.

[dhogan]

Drilling the Overflow

I did not take pictures of my tank before I drilled it for an overflow, and I didn't take pictures of that process either. Basically I used a dremel bit and plenty of water to get a nice cut.

Here is the first picture of the overflow cut



You may notice that part of the corner is chipped, that was my fault when trying to remove some silicon using a razor blade. I will fix this before I silicone the overflow box on.

[dhogan]

Drilling the Overflow Box

I ordered custom cut glass from a glass shop, they didn't have the right drill size for the bulkhead I'd be using, so I figured I'd use the dremel. Well when buying rock from a club member, he let me borrow his bit.



I then hooked it up to my drill press...



Used some plumber's putty, filled it up with water:



I set the drill press to a very low speed, and then I slowly lowered the bit.



Rinse and repeat



Testing and it all fit

[dhogan]

Gluing the Overflow Box

I got all my pieces together and grabbed a scrap piece of pergo for a work surface (since it's flat and smooth)




Tape it all together



The silicone I used (except in clear)

\


And finally I glued it together




I am now waiting for it to dry, and then glue it on to the tank.

[bbyatv]

Any possibility that removing the section of the black plastic molding around the top of tank will make that one wall weak?

Bruce

[dhogan]

Bruce,

I had actually considered this, and you are right, it probably does make that one wall weak, but once I glue on the overflow I believe this will add strength and support to replace the black molding.

[bbyatv]

I was thinking the same thing. Maybe the new box would add some strength. I have a 29 SPS and so I am interested in your project. I currently use an overplow box and u-tube. What do you think about gluing some sort of plastic strap across the back of tank at the level where the old molding was? Kind of like a bridge that the water would flow under as it falls into the box?

Here is what I currently have.



Bruce

[dhogan]

Originally posted by bbyatv
I was thinking the same thing. Maybe the new box would add some strength. I have a 29 SPS and so I am interested in your project. I currently use an overplow box and u-tube. What do you think about gluing some sort of plastic strap across the back of tank at the level where the old molding was? Kind of like a bridge that the water would flow under as it falls into the box?

Bruce,

I think that would work and add strength. I think the plastic strap could add some strength but I'm not sure its necessary. If you think it's not strong enough then that is one way to increase the strength. But if you choose to do this I would recommend using glass because you will get a stronger bond between the glass and the silicone. HTH.

[dhogan]

Due to the slow loading pictures I've recreated this thread using a new host for the pictures: http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...ostid=10030147