Smooth's 29 gallon build!

[SmoothSmoke]

Documenting my first SW build. Bought a 29 gallon with stand for cheap on CL. Let the madness begin!

Specs
29 gallon acrylic....ummm glass now. :frusty:
15 gallon tall sump, no refugium
SCA-301 protein skimmer
700gph glass-holes overflow box.
3/4" glass-holes return kit.
Ultra-flex PVC for return and drain plumbing
Sicce Syncra 2.0 pump
30lbs of dry rock from reef cleaners.
Reef Breeders Photon 24

I'm sure I've left out a bunch of stuff I've purchased. I'm sure I'll include once things really get rolling.

 

[SmoothSmoke]

This is what I was working with initially. I'm in the process of painting the stand to match the living area a bit better. The green is really gnarly to say the least.

Epic fail on trying to drill the acrylic!!

A few of these will ease the pain.

Purchased a new 29g from Petco and had it drilled by a pro. Both holes cleanly cut now.

Now I'm the process of taping and prepping the tank to paint the background black.

 

[SmoothSmoke]

Going with a distressed look for the stand. Sanded the original green paint some. Then a layer of blue on top. Then sanded that down as well. Then tossed some dark stain. Still not quite finish with the process, but almost there.

 

[fishroomlady]

that looks really cool! nice job!

 

[vlangel]

Love what you did with the stand. Very nice!

 

[SmoothSmoke]

Thanks!!!

 

[SmoothSmoke]

Finished the black background paint job.

I installed the glass-holes overflow box and return kit today. As well as finished the plumbing using ultra-flex pvc. The 1 1/2" flex was a bit stiff, but I'm still impressed with it. Hoping tomorrow I can throw some fresh water and test the whole system out with the pump/sump.

Drilled 3 small holes in the locline to act as a back siphon break. My sump is large enough to handle an overflow but it doesnt hurt to have a back up plan.

 

[vlangel]

I also have a check valve, (flapper type, not spring type) installed right above the output of my return pump. That works great also.

 

[JerSaint]

Sweet setup so far!

 

[ReeferEric]

So far, so good. Be sure to keep updating

 

[SmoothSmoke]

Well, another bump on the road. My bulkhead broke. It was installed for a few days and suddenly snapped. Luckily no water was in the tank. Not sure on how or why.....but am nervous about it happening again. What can I do to avoid this happening?

 

[SmoothSmoke]

Finished the plumbing today. Hopefully I'll get a chance to test it out tomorrow with fresh water.

 

[vlangel]

Looks great. I hope the FW test goes well.

 

[SmoothSmoke]

Thanks! Any idea on how I can support the plumbing? I bought some clamps. But the way the bigger hose is going down, I can't clamp it to the stand? Maybe zip tied to the light hanging mount?

 

[vlangel]

Sorry, plumbing isn't my strong suit. There are others here who are more knowledgeable of such things. Hopefully one of them can help you.

 

[JerSaint]

NICE! Looking forward to seeing it come together. Good Luck with the test.

 

[SmoothSmoke]

Thanks! Water leak test did not pass. I believe I fixed both issues. Will know tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

 

[vlangel]

Here's hoping tomorrow things look as they should!

 

[SmoothSmoke]

Looks like I got both leaks taken care of now. Bubble trap works like a charm. I'll finally be buying SW for the tank this week!!!! Planning on cycling with a small piece of live rock, 30lbs of dry rock, and a tad of ammonia that I have on hand.

 

[ethridge78]

Tank looks good.