New to this forum, not new to reefs, 40B ---> 90 gal

Jstn · Sep 8, 2014

New picture 4/21/15

Current FTS April 2015

Current FTS: March 2015

Goto Post #3 for previous tanks along with the 90 build.

Equipment
Radion Pro G2
Apex
Apex AFS
Apex WXM

MP40wes
Vertex Omega 150
Sicce 2.5 return
Glass-holes 700 box + 3/4 return
AGA 40B display AGA 20g sump
AGA 15g ATO with Toms Aqualifter
BRS 5 stage plus RODI (chloramine)

Fish
ORA Picasso percula (Percula amphiprion)
Mandarin dragnets pair (Synchiropus splendidus)
Blue flasher wrasse
Carpenter flasher wrasse (Paracheilinus carpenteri)
Yellow Coris Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus)

SPS
Teala monster
Larry Jackson Purple monster
ORA Red planet acros
Pink lemonade acros
GARF bonsi

Zoa/paly
24k
Purple death
Pink lemonade
My Clementine
Red Hornets
Miami Vice
Captain America

LPS

Bicolored Hammer
Acans

Inverts
A few different snails.

Maintenance
Weekly 5 gal water changes (IO),

Dosing

18 mL of 0.9M NaCO₃per day
26 mL of 0.9M CaCl₂per day

Kworker · Sep 8, 2014

Good looking tank! :thumb:

Jstn · Sep 8, 2014

Previos 40b of 2 1/2 years

So I was in a petshop this weekend, looking for either a 60 cube or a 65 to upgrade my current setup and I found a 90 cornerflow with newport stand for 440 with tax. I had a 100 from selling a few frags so I said why not, (they quoted me at 275 for a 65), so here I am upgrading to the larger tank!

WhoKnew · Sep 8, 2014

Welcome to Reef2Reef

Jstn · Sep 8, 2014

Thanks!

I also plan on modifying the stand, Its too short so I am going to rip out the bottom 1x4 and replace it with 1x8 along with add a new floor out of 1/2 ply to replace the 1/4 luan that is barely in there. I also want to line the inside of the stand with 3/8 plywood that is painted white to enhance the strenght further along with enclose the back. I figure for 167 bucks the stand was worth getting.

Currently I have a Mp40 and mp20 that will be converted to mp40 for flow, I want to build a canopy and run 2x radion pros (thinking about buying another used gen1 and trading it for an upgraded unit) along with 2x48w t5 blue +.

It has two 1" bulk heads, I want to use one for a full siphon, the other for a return and drill a 1" or 1 1/2" (ideas?) for the emergency stand pipe.

Jstn · Sep 9, 2014

Called marineland and they said the bottom was indeed tempered, I guess either need to use one return with a durso or drill a return hole in the back for a herbie... Decisions decision; also I may sell/return the stand and build something of better quality, it seems they are not that well built and I have a few ideas for a stand (higher, electrical room ect..)

amateurreefer · Sep 10, 2014

Nice build, im currently moving my 40g to a 120g. I drilled the back and this is what it looks like. I should get some good surface skimming from it.

Jstn · Sep 15, 2014

That looks sweet, thanks for posting!

Retuned the marineland stand and started my own build:

First select straight pieces of poplar 1x, I chose hardwood for its strength and really want to build a spacious stand that's not too heavy.

I chose to use kreg jigs to join the frame along a dab of Tightbond III wood glue.

almost done,

You see I built a box on the side for my electrical stuff.

Jstn · Sep 30, 2014

Some new pics of the stand painted, I am going to skin it next, but wanted to cover all the wood.

RandoReefer · Sep 30, 2014

Is the side "compartment" for an Apex, or other controller, "junction" box???

Jstn · Sep 30, 2014

Yes, I hope to house my apex radion power sources, mp40 controllers and other misc "uglies".

RandoReefer · Sep 30, 2014

PERFECT! Your craftsmanship is stellar! I wish I could do the same...or convince one of my handier friends to build the same.

Can't wait to see this one progress!

Jstn · Sep 30, 2014

Thanks man I really appreciate that complement. I really look forward to pushing my skills to the next level; every build you learn something in which makes you better for the next time around.

I am looking at sumps, thinking of building my own, but I don't own a joiner or table saw to get the pieces square. On the other hand I am a polymer chemist and its kind of against my blood to not to build my own.

Emerald Details | Trigger Systems

or

Synergy Sump 34 [SS-34] - $424.99 : Synergy Reef Systems, Quality Marine Aquarium Products!

amateurreefer · Sep 30, 2014

Dude with your skills, you could totally build your own sump. Ive built a nice 55g sump and just built this 40g for my current tank. Super easy and you can customize however you want. Mine is pretty standard. Intake-skimmer co, refugium-heater co, media crate, and return-reactor-ato chamber.

Jstn · Oct 1, 2014

amateurreefer said:
Dude with your skills, you could totally build your own sump. Ive built a nice 55g sump and just built this 40g for my current tank. Super easy and you can customize however you want. Mine is pretty standard. Intake-skimmer co, refugium-heater co, media crate, and return-reactor-ato chamber.

Nice sump, I may try DIY, its more of a time thing vs a challenge think; used some 3m commercial graphic film to cover the back of the tank. First you apply soapy water, add the film and squeegee out the water and air. Looks pretty good, one of the perks of working at 3M.

Jstn · Oct 5, 2014

I am looking to setup a herbie by using the included plumbing and wanted a quick critic of my planed setup. Use the 1" pipe as the main drain, 6" below the overflow with a strainer. For the emergency drain place it within 1/2 of the overflow no stainer using the included 1 1/2" pipe reduced to 1" near the bulkhead.

I plan on drilling the return in the back later, but for a herbie does anything stand out as potentially problematic?

Daniel@R2R · Oct 6, 2014

Looking great! Following! :thumb:

Jstn · Oct 6, 2014

mdbannister said:
Looking great! Following! :thumb:

Thanks sir

Herbie installed

Goodies from woodcraft

Rare earth magnets to hold the electrical panel cover on, along with the sides and front of the canopy, allowing for full access.

Blume self closing slow hinges, kinda pricey but the motion is amazing.

Jstn · Oct 13, 2014

So first off, the kregs rip guide wasnt that good imo. I ended up using a drywall square with pony spring clamp and seem to get a really good straight cut.

3/4 Face is cut

Door is cut out

Started covering the interior with birch veneer.

Picked up a Yellow Tang