Project 180 has begun

[horn1004]

Well, it's finally begun. I've been planning this for a while, but it got delayed a little bit because of a tank issue, which was no big deal at all. I'm going to pick the tank up on Sunday, and bringing it home to have it drilled for a closed loop. I picked up my beast of a stand today. The stand measures 72.5x24.5x40. It is built out of 1x2x1/8 steel tubing. I've got to give a thank you to Zephrant for the idea. The pics show the stand as I received it and after 1 coat of marine topside. I'll be applying 3 more coats of topside to protect the stand. The stand will then be covered with 1/2in birch and trimmed out. I'll update this post as I do more work!

http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030627114433.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030627114434.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030627114435.jpg

[Entropy]

Looks really nice so far :) I would love to have a 180. At least I have half....

[Chris_Reef]

Horn1004 -

Any idea how Marine Topside compares with powder coating for durability, longevity, salt water resistance? I'm also going to be having a 180g stand made but had planned on getting mine powder coated. I'd like to explore all my options before making the call to have it done.

Chris_Reef

[horn1004]

Chris,

I'm not sure how it compares to powder coating, but I can tell you that the topside is awesome stuff. As far as saltwater resistance, since it is boat paint, I assume that it's good stuff for it. I've used it before on other tanks and never had a problem with it. I'd just make sure you put several coats on. I'm not sure how much powder coating would cost you, but after 2 coats I've used half a quart ($11) on the stand.

[reelscreamer]

call me this afternoon if you need help moving your tank in!!!

[horn1004]

Update- I drove up to Richmond, VA yesterday to go pick up the tank. I didn't know just how heavy this tank would be. It's a beast! We loaded the tank up in my Jeep and then I drove it straight to Cary to have it drilled by sabodish and glass shark. They did an awesome job. As you can see in the pics, I got it drilled in the top for 3 returns from the sump, once in the center for the intake for the closed loop, and 2 holes drilled for the closed loop returns. The returns for the closed loop will each have a wye on them to send water in 4 directions. We then loaded it back into my jeep and I brought it home. This time I only had one buddy to help me lift it. It was a pain, but we got it inside, and even sat it on the stand long enough to take some pics of it.
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030630114309.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030630113017.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030630114310.jpg

[reelscreamer]

I am jealous. If you called last night, I was already snoozing!!! Keg finally caught up with me. Let me know if you need some help with anything.

[Chris_Reef]

Looks great, I bet you're excited being so close to set-up! :)
Be sure to give us pics of the stand construction/wrap.

[horn1004]

I bet you're excited being so close to set-up!

Ah, so close, yet so far. I'm graduating in a little over a month and will more than likely be moving. I'm sure my fiance and I will be in an apartment for at least a couple months until we buy a house. So until then, I guess I get to look at a dry tank.:(

[horn1004]

I'm waiting a couple days for the topside to fully harden, so I decided to go ahead and knock out the canopy. Here are some pics of the framing and the canopy minus the doors. I still have to countersink the nails, fill the holes in, and sand everything before it's ready to be stained.
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030702013243.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030702013244.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030702013245.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030702013246.jpg

[reelscreamer]

looking good. I think you are going to have to build me one some day. If traveller7 will respond hopefully I will be driving to see him soon!!!! Set us up a tee time on Sunday.

[horn1004]

I decided to do a little more work tonight, before my power kept going off (remnants of TS Bill). Since I was adding a floor to the bottom of my stand I decided to go ahead and do the same thing I did with the stand for my 90, make a tub out of it. I highly recommend anybody building a stand to do this as it will catch any overflows (up to a point) and prevent your carpet from getting wet. I did the calculation and the tub will hold roughly 29 gallons. The tub will be coated with several coats of marine topside and the corners and seams will be coated with silicone to prevent leaks. I did scratch the mess out of the topside on the stand while getting this in. Oh well, just another coat of paint.
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030702114238.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030702114239.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030702114240.jpg

[djfrankie]

Originally posted by horn1004
I got it drilled in the top for 3 returns from the sump, once in the center for the intake for the closed loop, and 2 holes drilled for the closed loop returns. The returns for the closed loop will each have a wye on them to send water in 4 directions.

Great job on the stand and tank as well!

how much did a stand like that set you back?

I priced a couple of them down here in S. Florida and the cheapest has been $240.00 out of 2x2x1/8". I just can't convince myself to do it when it will cost me about $50 out of 2x4.

Could you get me the specs on the return drilled holes...

Distance from the top of tank to the top of the holes for the sump return..the 3 holes.

I may copy you on this design...be warned! :)

TIA,
djfrankie

[horn1004]

$240 is a very good price on the stand. I paid $350 for mine. The holes for the sump returns are 3" on center from the bottom of the trim, with the middle hole being 36.25 on center and the left and right spaced 24.16 from the center hole. I don't mind if you copy my design, as the design for the stand was done by Zephrant!

As far as going with 2x4s vs. steel, I would choose steel anyday. It's much lighter and much stronger.

[horn1004]

I almost got the stand done tonight. I need one more sheet of 1/2in 2x4 birch, which neither Lowe's not Home Depot had.:mad: I've got to wait until one of them gets another shipment in before I can put the final pieces on and then do the trim work. I didn't think it was going to look this big, but when my buddy and I got the tank on the stand and put the canopy on, we both looked at each other and said, man, that's big. Just to give you an idea, that's him standing beside the tank. He's 6'2". One thing I'm concerned about is a small gap between the sheet of 3/4in pine that the tank sits on and the metal frame of the stand. I'm not sure why there is a gap because I've put my level on the stand several times and it is perfectly level front to back and side to side. You can't really see the gap in the pics but it's maybe 1/16in. I'm not sure what I should do about it. If I could, I would fill the tank halfway to see if the added weight will flatten it out. I guess the 3/4in pine could have had a slight bow to it. Any ideas?
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030704013444.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030704013446.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030704013448.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030704013451.jpg

[Chris_Reef]

Looks like its comming together nicely! Thanks for the construction pics.

I'm wondering if the gap you're seeing on the top has anything to do with the welds on the stand.

Once you get the plywood top shimmed perfectly flat on the stand you might want to run a bead of construction adhesive around the underside. Once set that stuff will not budge.

[Fishysan]

put a sheet cheap white foam to spread out the pressure points..

lookin' sweet though!

[Chris_Reef]

I think the foam thing is debateable. If I were thinking about foam I'd be very cautious and do lots of reading and asking questions first. Also talk to the tank manufacturer about the warranty being voided if foam is used. Even if I did decide to go with foam.. I'd be very careful about what type. Obviously some are more or less dense than others which could spell disaster down the road if compressed too much over time in the wrong spots.

[vapor1]

I am currently in the planning stages for a 180 . Do you have any drawings of how you are gonna plumb the tank. I can see holes for the closed loop but not too sure about what all the other holes are for and how they will all be plumbed. thanks

[horn1004]

I'm not going to use the foam. Once I get it able to be filled I'll fill it and see if the added weight flattens it out.

vapor1,
The three holes in the top are going to be the return holes for my sump. The big hole in the middle is the intake for the closed loop and the two beside the big one are the returns for the loop. Sorry, but I don't have any "plans" for the plumbing yet. I'm going to work it out as I go along, but I'll be sure to post pics of the plumbing process. I've got the stand done except for the doors, which should be done in a couple days. After that, I'll be cleaning everything up and getting it ready for staining. That's going to be the fun part, because I'll probably have to do the stand inside because of the bulkiness of it.
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030705113846.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030705113847.jpg

[horn1004]

I've got the doors done now. I've got to drag my fiance to Lowe's so she can help me pick out an acceptable stain and hardware (knobs, hinges, etc) for the stand and canopy. I'll hopefully have everything with the stand and canopy completely done by this weekend.

[djfrankie]

Coming up real nice!!!

thanks for sharing the progress with us..

Take some pics on the sump work as well.

Are you planning on running a refugium since I see two tanks underneath?

djfrankie

[ecugman]

Nice looking tank Matt! Have you done much carpentry work before this project? Looks like you know what you're doing there.

I'm staring work on a canopy for my 150 soon, I may have a few ?'s for you.

Are you guys staying in this area after you graduate?

[horn1004]

djfrankie,
I'll actually have 3 tanks underneath. The 37 is going to be the sump, the 20 will be the fuge, and I'm getting a 30 breeder to use as a growout tank.

ecugman,
I built the stand for my 90 and one for my 46, but other than that, not really, unless you call building speaker boxes woodworking. I'm curious, what do you need the canopy for? I thought your tank was in the wall? Both my fiance and I have been applying for jobs like crazy, but with no real success. We've both said that we're moving to wherever we can find jobs at.

[ecugman]

Well it won't be a canopy where I'm concerned about how it looks, just need something to hold my lights and allow me to raise it for tank maintanance.

Right now I just have a piece of polished aluminum with my VHOs attached sitting on top of the tank. I want a canopy tall enough for future MHs that i can suspend from the ceiling via pulleys. Then I can just lift the canopy a foot or so to feed / access the tank. Currently I have to lift the entire piece of alum off the tank and prop it in the corner until I've finished. Can be a real PITA.

Anyway, good luck on the job search. As you know It's tough out there right now.

[PANZER_TANK]

Man If I had a tank of that size I would be all Smiles:D


rene
:strooper:

[horn1004]

Trust me, now that I'm working on this tank, I am all smiles, but what happened to my 90 just about made me go crazy.

[mr294]

Looks like everything is coming together very nicely! :thumbsup:

[horn1004]

Got another update- Progress has been kinda slow because of some bad weather we've been having, but I've finally got everything stained. This is what it looks like after 3 coats of Minwax Sedona Red-
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030714105319.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030714105320.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030714105321.jpg

[Zander]

great stand- thing is enormous!!!

[martyharrison]

Looking good so far! What are you going to do to hide he pipes from the front of the tank? Is there a reason you didn't go with black glass? I'm definitely jealous of you!
Regards,
Marty

[horn1004]

I'm going to paint the back of the tank black, but haven't gotten around to it yet. What type of paint would you guys suggest I use?

[martyharrison]

There's definitely a thread either here or reefs.org regarding painting your tank. I would think it would be difficult to not see some kind of texture in the paint when finished with the project... Just my 2 cents worth... It does look like you're going to have a killer tank when all is said and through though!!! All the best.
Regards,
Marty

[Demeter]

Is there a reason you used 1x2x1/8 steel tubing? I'm thinking of building a frame using 1x1x1/8 steel tubing. Can the wider steel tubing support more weight?

[horn1004]

Well, I kind of "borrowed" the idea of the stand from Zephrant. If you do a search for 180 Steel Stand Photos you'll see pics of his stand. It looked good to me and a got a good price on the stand, so I went with it. What size tank are you building the stand for?

[Mark]

Regular latex paint will work great for the back of the tank on the outside. To avoid streaks, try a roller. It's easy to remove too with a razor, in case you want to change it.

[Demeter]

My tank is a 90AGA with a corner overflow. I think the 1x1x1/8 will be OK. I wasn't sure if the rectangular steel tubing was stronger. I may have asked these questions before. How many metal tabs did you have on yours? How do you fasten the wood to the tabs? Do you use any sort of wood for inside support, i.e. 2"x4"?

Thanks

[Chris_Reef]

Originally posted by Demeter
My tank is a 90AGA with a corner overflow. I think the 1x1x1/8 will be OK. I wasn't sure if the rectangular steel tubing was stronger. I may have asked these questions before.
Thanks

The rectangular on edge is definately stronger. I suspect 1x1 would be strong enough for a 90g, especially when you factor in 3/4" or 1/2" plywood wrap assuming you plan to cover with something thicker than 1/4" ply. You might want to ask in the DIY forum to be sure though.

[Zander]

what kind of wood is your trim??

[horn1004]

I got some gloss black latex from HD today and just got done with the first coat. I can tell it's going to take several coats of this stuff to get it the way I want it. This first coat is really thin!

sdgtivr6,
The trim is the stainable pine trim that you can find at Lowe's and HD.

[horn1004]

OK, that didn't work too well, I'm using a razor blade to remove the paint. It was too streaky and really looked bad. Any tips on how to paint the back of this thing?

[sabodish]

matt..just use rustoleum black spray paint...thats how we do it..3 bucks and your done...3 light coats..no drips at all...
-mike

[horn1004]

Well, I've not got the stand and canopy finished, (except for the hardware) I just need to find a way to get my tank outside so I can paint it. Once I get that done I can get the tank on the stand and start the plumbing.
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030721011923.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030721011924.jpg

[Chris_Reef]

Looks very nice, Well Done! :thumbsup:

[The R/C Man]

NICE!

I have been planning a similar project. Particularly the welded frame "wrapped" in wood. I just don't trust all that weight on a wood stand......... Although cash flow is a problem right now seeing yours coming to life is sure inspiring. Keep posting the pics!

R/C

[Demeter]

I'm taking the plunge (literally and figuratively). I'm having a steel frame built for my 90G AGA. It will be roughly the same dimensions as the outside measurements of the tank, 48.5x18.5x36.

horn1044 - where did you decide to put the steel tabs on your stand to fasten the wood? From the photos I see about 2 per corner. Is this correct?

Thanks to horn1044, Zephrant and others for their ideas and advice.

.....:eek2:

[horn1004]

Demeter,
I pretty much put them like you said. I made sure I didn't put them in the top left and top right corners, so that they didn't block the overflows.

[horn1004]

I got my ampmaster today which will be used for my closed loop, so I went ahead and laid out how it will be built. This is very rough, but gives you an idea where the inlet/returns will be. Please critique this and let me know if I should do anything differently.
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030723104209.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030723104210.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030723104211.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030723104213.jpg

[reelscreamer]

Did you get all that from Lowes? Looks so good you can come and do mine next week :D My closed loop pump should be here on Saturday. Did you order your bulkheads yet?

[Ace]

Looks very nice. You do nice work. I have to start building a new canopy this weekend for my 90 and I am going to steal your design. :)

[mikester]

This all looks fantastic. Very impressive work.

I am considering a similar project for a 120. Any chance you could post a rough estimate of what you've spent so far on the tank, metal stand, building materials, etc. Just trying to get an idea of how much more it would cost to go with the 180 instead.

[horn1004]

reelscreamer,
Surprisingly enough, I did buy all that from Lowe's, all $90 of it. You can't see it in the pics but I also bought 2 1in ball valves, 2 3/4in ball vavles, 2 1in true unions, 2 3/4in true unions, and some other stuff. I haven't ordered bulkheads yet, but hopefully will order them soon. Nice buy on the mag, when are you thinking about getting the 125 going? Let me know and I'll get off work to help you out with it.

Ace,
Thanks for the compliment! If you need any dimensions for the canopy let me know b/c the canopy for my 90 was built the exact same way.

Mikester,
Why did you have to make me do this?!?!?! Ok, here goes:
180 AGA RR 553.99
37 AGA 58.99
TAX 27.58
Total 640.56

29 AGA 25.00 (bought from a friend used)

Steel frame 350.00
wood, trim, 133.86
stain, poly, 72.20
hinges, etc. 31.80
for stand & 29.85
canopy 76.08
32.68
36.54
53.47
69.98

AM 3K for
closed loop 180.00 (bought used from Lam Ly)

Mag 24 for
return pump 70.00 (bought used from JulesEllie)

3 250w ARO
ballasts &
sockets 446.85

13 bags of
Southdown 64.74

Grand Total

$2,313.61- :(

And I still haven't bought bulbs yet! Or rock, or livestock. WOW, that's alot more than I thought.

[mikester]

Sorry to put you through that. It adds up quick, doesn't it? I remember the day I realized I had put over $3000 in my first tank, which was just a 72g. It was sobering to say the least.

But thanks for posting that - it gives me something to think about. I was quoted $485 for an Oceanic 120 RR. I like Oceanics a lot, but if I can get a 180 AGA for $70 more, that's very tempting. I'm sure the lumber, etc. for the stand would only be marginally more expensive too. Definitely worth thinking about.

[horn1004]

mikester,
I know the Oceanic tanks are supposed to be made using thicker glass, but my 180 came with a 3/4in bottom and 1/2in sides. I'm not sure but I think the 120 is 1/2in all the way around in Oceanic. For $70 more you get a 3/4in bottom and 60 more gallons. I also forgot to add in to the total the $90 I spent on plumbing last night at Lowe's. And I still haven't ordered bulkheads!

[Ace]

horn1004,

I like the idea of framing the canopy. It seems like it would be a lot lighter.

What are you using for the framing? Are you using screws? I need to match the canopy with the stand which is pine.

Thanks!

Ace

[horn1004]

Ace,
The frame was built using the 1x4s you can find at Home Depot and Lowe's. I got these from HD b/c they tend to be perfectly straight, whereas some I've bought from Lowe's have been slightly off. It is alot lighter. I've been able to lift the canopy off the tank and move it outside and back in by myself. Now once the tank is on the stand I doubt I'll be able to do that. Since I use the trim, I'm able to just use regular 1in drywall screws to attach the 1/2in birch to the frame. After that, just regular wood glue to attach the trim and you're done. I'm sure if you were to take a door off your stand and take it in to your HD or Lowe's, they would be able to match the stain up. I actually tested about 7 or 8 different types of stain before I found the one I liked. I'm not sure about where you are, but pine is hard to find here. Both stores only seem to carry oak or birch. You can try the different stains on both types of wood to see if you can match it up. They should have some scraps you can test it on.

[Ace]

I'll get all my stuff at HD. I practically live there between my tank and my house.

I think the birch will be a close enough match to the rest of the pine. I wish I bought or made an oak stand. I really like pine but it damages so easily which you probably know.

Here's a shot of my prefab stand and crappy canopy. I am getting the MH bug so I need to go bigger on this one. I think I am going to change out the doors on the stand for some custom made to give it a better look.

http://www.reprovideo.com/pma_images/can1.jpg

What a puny tank I have compared to yours. Here I thought a 90g was big when I set it up. :)

[Ace]

horn1004,

I am going to HD tomorrow to pick up my supplies for my canopy. Do you have plans for your design?

Ace

[horn1004]

Ace,
Sorry it took me so long to reply, I don't have any drawn out plans, but if needed i can give you dimensions of everything. Just let me know.

[horn1004]

Well I finally got around to getting somebody to help me lift the tank onto the stand. Here's a couple pics.
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030727072505.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030727072506.jpg
I just thought about adding the corner trim on the front of the tank, so that's why it isn't stained yet. After putting the tank back on the stand, the small gap between the wood and the stand is still there. If i press down on the wood the gap closes, but then leaves a gap between the top of the wood and the tank. I'm very concerned about this. I'm going to partially fill the tank to see if it compresses any. I also had this idea about using foam, instead of putting the foam on top of the wood and have the tank sit directly on the foam, why not put the foam directly on the metal frame and then the wood top and then the tank? Would that work?

[Ace]

No problem. I figure you must be bust with your set-up.

Dimensions would be great. I am just a little confused about your framing but I think I'll figure it out once I start laying out the design.

Thanks!

Ace

[martyharrison]

Hey Horn1004,
Tank is looking awesome! That thing is a monster!!! How did you finally get the back of the tank black? Did spray paint win, or did you come up with something else?
Regards,
Marty

[horn1004]

I ended up taping everything up and just using some cheap spray paint. A couple coats and it turned out fine.

Ace,
I'll figure up some dimensions for you when I get home.

[horn1004]

Well, I got bored so I decided to build some outlets to go in the stand. If you look at the pics, from the left, there is a GFCI outlet and a regular outlet beside it. The GFCI protects the regular outlet directly to the right of it. To the right of the regular outlet is another GFCI outlet. This outlet protects the two outlets to the right of it. I plan on having a power cord coming off each GFCI outlet for a total of two power cords per box. I used 12/2 wire for the outlets. The problem I am having is that I can't find any power cords rated at 20A. The only ones I can find are either 15A or 30A and higher. The GFCI's are all 20A. Would I be OK to use the 15A power cords, or should I try to somehow find some that are rated at 20A? Thanks for your help!
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030808100649.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20030808100650.jpg
Oh yeah, I will be replacing the plates on the GFCI's. I didn't know they came with the small plates.

[kgross]

Use power cords for the same current rating or higher. If your cords have a lower current rating they can fail before the circuit trips.

Kim

[wiliiam]

horn go to HD and ask the guys in electrical. The have supplies to make your own cord to whatever size you want. As far as amps go w/ a cord that is rated equal to or greater than the GFCI that you are useing.

[eeorrandy]

Hey Horn1004-

Your project is absolutely awesome.

In fact it is so awesome that I think this is the way I'm going to start my first reef, if you don't mind a little plagirism.

I think I may have an idea on the problem with the gap though.

My suggestion is to creat a fiberglass "bed" for your tank to rest on. This would eliminate any 'point loading' on the tank and help ensure the longevity of you system.

You can obtain 2 part fiberglass resin or even marine 2 part gelcoat (the stuff used for boat hulls) at most HD's or Lowes.

First place a bondbreaker on the underside of your empty tank, (a spray like PAM or some other cooking nonstick might work, or there may be something out there better).

Place a thin layer, probably 1/4" or less, of fiberglass or gelcoat on top of the plywoodand set the tank in place. In your case I would fill your tank pretty much full to compress the gap between the tank and the frame and allow the resin to fill any voids between the plywood and the tank. Clean off any excess and let harden for a few days. After you drain the tank you should be able to lift the tank off and have a perfect, uncompressable casting of the bottom of the tank which will distribute the weight evenly and prevent point loading.

Good Luck

Randy:D

[horn1004]

Randy,
I think I'm going to try that. I remember seeing a post a couple weeks ago about someone using something like that to level a surface. I believe it was a 2 part epoxy or something like that.
By the way, thanks for the compliment. I can't wait to get the tank going, but I've got to find a job first! I really hope I find one soon.

[Diego]

Great tank!
I'm not here to criticize, but does the livingroom have a view of the back of the tank with the pvc piping?
Its kind of a shame if it does. I would be gorgeous to view from both sides.

Keep up the great work!

[horn1004]

Diego,
Yes the tank is positioned so that the back is open to the living room for right now. The tank will not be set up until I get a job and move. Once I get settled the tank will be set up against a wall.

[luvtolean]

Wow, what a project, very nicely executed. Moving that would freak me out after all that work!

Just buy the 30 Amp cords. :D

[Diego]

I saw a great deal on a 125g metal stand for myself and am wondering how you fastened the wood to the piping.

Thanks.

PS, are you done yet with the plumbing? Or will that wait for the move as well?

[horn1004]

Diego,
Not done with the plumbing yet. Once I get my bulkheads (hopefully soon) I'll finish off the plumbing.

[Diego]

And how did you fasten the wood to the metal tubing?
Thanks.

[horn1004]

Diego,
If you notice there are small tabs on the stand with holes drilled in them. I just used small screws to fasten the wood on.

[James Yeung]

Horn,

Nice work!

Any updates on your tank project since it has been 4 months since your last post?

Ever since I acquired a complete 72 gallon reef tank (water included) a month ago, the idea of adding a 180 gallon tank in my basement is getting too tempting.

I may start my own 180 project thread in the near future. :-)

http://www.exquisiteaudio.ca/images/reef/72setupweb.jpg

The basic idea is this. The filter system will be located in the utiltity room (as you can see in the above pick).

The current sump will not support another tank, especially 180G! So what I propose to do is scrap the 20G sump and replace it with a 72G tank. In order to do so, I'll need to build a new stand so that the 72G sump would fit underneath the 72G refuge. :-)

James

[thorsky]

Horn, nice job!! That tank will look awesome when it's all lit up!

Mikestar, you made mention of an Oceanic vs. All-glass decision. Just wanted to throw in that Oceanic will not warranty a tank placed on a custom stand. That's been my only reason for avoiding one.

[dsb1829]

Nice job. Updates?

[steve68]

yeah UPDATES C'mon lets see how nice it looks:)

[gumbybc]

Love the stand!!! I think the dark red colors are so nice!

[brett3735]

ya it looks good. i live in charlotte. my friends sister goes to ecu

[horn1004]

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply, I've been out on the road.
Well, the good news is that the tank is completely finished. I have actually done 2 water tests, both of which showed leaks in the plumbing which I have fixed. However, the tank is now sitting without water and probably will be for a little while longer. I graduated from the MBA program at ECU and started a job about 2 months ago. My fiance is still looking for a job. This is the reason why I haven't set the tank up. Once she finds a job we are going to buy a house and then I'll set the tank up. I'll keep everybody posted about progress and reelscreamer, call me b/c I've lost your number!

[ecugman]

horn1004 - Congrats and good luck, did you find a job locally?

[Demeter]

Good to hear from you. Congrats on the MBA. Good luck with the new job.

[horn1004]

ecugman,
The job's actually in Wilson, but it's right off the bypass so it really only takes me about 25min to get to work.

demeter,
Thanks! I'm glad that I'm finished with my MBA b/c I was really getting burned out towards the end.

[Qdoggie]

any update??????// or is this thread dead?????

[Demeter]

Good to hear that you're still around.

[Qdoggie]

I dont think he is. When I replied, it bumped the thread up on the list as most recently active. Hopefully he will chime in. Ive emailed him a couple of months ago with no reply. I guess he's still getting settled in his new home..

[schemo]

i like that idea with the metal tabs running along the tubing. it's come together quite nicely i could say. looking forward in seeing it complete.

schemo

[Brewboy74]

Yah this is a great thread it has inspired me to build my own stand and canopy. Its gonna be a father and son project. Me being the son.......lol. I can't wait to get started.

Brian

[JazzMan]

Any updates?

[pvtschultz]

I just have one thought on the matter. If your level is as long as the stand (ie >4' level for a 4' tank) you will be able to avoid any gaps like he encountered. What probably happened is that it looked good with a 3' level, but when he put the tank on the stand, it became a 4' level and showed a gap. Just food for thought.

I must say that I idolize your setup and I think that I'll use it as a blueprint for my 55gal tank makeover when I leave Kosovo. Extremely nice craftmanship. A+++

23 days remaining in Kosovo

[Qdoggie]

Jazzman, I saw a few months ago that horn was sellimg his stuff in the sellers forum. I think he's done for a while

[horn1004]

Well, yes I did sell the tank, but not the stand. I've had a few setbacks, but still plan on setting the tank up. I decided against the 180 just because of the weight and how far the stand would be from the wall. I'm going to be getting a 125. We're closing on our house on the 16th, and moving the following weekend. After we get settled I'm going to be setting everything up. I feel bad b/c I've had some friends holding frags for me for a LONG time.

[mr294]

I was just wondering about your tank the other day, since I hadn't seen any updates in a while. Sorry that you had to scrap the 180 project, but I'm glad to hear that you still plan on setting up another tank.

[horn1004]

Great news on the tank project. I bought a 125 today, and it's coming in on Wednesday. I've been getting antsy lately and finally decided it was time to set the tank up. My fiance and I moved into our house in August and have pretty much got everything settled. Now it's time to have some fun. I really lucked out on the tank. The way my stand is built, I could not use the new style "megaflow" AGA tanks because of a metal crossmember in my stand. Luckily my LFS was able to locate an old style tank for me. There's just a few more things I need to get for the tank and then I can get it set up. I'll post updates as I go.

[gumbybc]

congrats man! Take lots of pictures!

[Brewboy74]

Cool I was wondering about your tank. I just passed the 7th month mark on mine. When you get it going post lots of pics.

[horn1004]

Well I got the tank on Friday night. I was very worried b/c the guy at my LFS said that when his supplier dropped the tank off, it was indeed the new style AGA tank. I took some measurements and realized that it would be a tight fit but that it would work. I am a little apprehensive on one thing though. If you notice in the pictures you will see that I had to cut new openings for the overflows. You'll see that there is an area where the back seam is not sitting on anything. I could cut a new top section for the stand but it would be a real PITA b/c the outside panels are nailed in to the top section. What would you suggest I do?
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/200412050624386241.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/20041205062438.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/200412050624382894.jpg
http://www.partyecu.com/UserData/horn1004/Images/200412050624381092.jpg

[Qdoggie]

Not sure what you are referring to. Is it shown in the last pic where the edge of the tank will go a short distance w/o support?

[horn1004]

yep, that's exactly what I'm talking about.

[Qdoggie]

Well, how long is it? Maybe you could cut the top halfway across your support beam that is shown and run a cut piece of wood to the other support beam.

[sabodish]

matt..any chance you can get a small strip welded to the back of your stand to support that section?

congrats on the find..hurry up and get water in that thing...then we can start stocking that bad boy.

-mike

[DUFFY]

bump...(stand building reference)

[plack]

looks like you may want to get more ball valves so you can adjust the flow amount so it comes out the way you like ?