187 Gallon Peninsula Build

[BigAsh]

This project started in September 2016 with the ordering of a custom tank from Custom Aquariums and construction of a wooden stand. The tank was filled on January 16, 2017. This is my second reef tank. The first was a 90 gallon and there were a lot of lessons learned that are incorporated into the 187 build. Here are some specifics:

Tank: Peninsula 60" long, 30" wide and 24" tall rimless with Starphire on three viewing panes
Overflow: Synergy Reef Shadow with three 1.5" drains
Internal Circulation: Two Maxspect Gyre XF250
Sump: DIY 40 breeder with two 7" socks and no fuge
Skimmer: Skimz Monzter SM202 (recirculating)
Return Pump: Simplicity DC 3200
Manifold Pump: Simplicity DC 1800
Macro Algae Reactor: Generic Chinese model with center LED tube from a LFS
ATO Reservoir: Aqueon 10 gallon glass aquarium
ATO System: Avast Marine with peristaltic pump
GFO & GAC Reactors: Two BRS Deluxe reactors
Controller: Vertex Cerebra Beta V1 (not being used for control or monitoring, just for power strip)
Dosing: GHL Doser 2.1 4-head
Supplements: Aquaforest Components 1, 2, 3; Brightwell Aquatics Reef BioFuel
Lighting: 48" ATI Powermodule with 8-54 watt tubes and three 75 watt LED modules

 

[BigAsh]

Here is the aquarium today:

 

[BigAsh]

The cabinet has 5 doors. The hinges for the doors have quick releases that allow the doors to be taken off and on easily.

 

[BigAsh]

The stand is made with 2x4's and 2x6's with a 3/4" plywood deck and 5/8" plywood floor.

 

[BigAsh]

Connections were made with pocket screws.

 

[BigAsh]

Four 2x6 stringers is plenty to minimize deflection and avoid a center post.

Added cross bracing to distribute the load to the stringers. Probably could have gotten by with just one set at mid-span.

Floor installed and 1/2" maple plywood skin attached.

 

[Aquamannytv]

grate work on the stand I will like to tag along this I love the peninsula idea that's what I am thinking of making for my new tank keep the pics coming

 

[Fudsey]

Nice work ! ! !

Tank and stand look great ! ! !

 

[BigAsh]

This shows the alcove (from the inside) for the electronics. Electronics mounted on the opposite side behind one door. The casters are just a dolly I built so I could roll it around during construction. I cheated and bought the doors online. The shelf to the right is for the dosing pump. The dosing containers fit behind the end door. The extension of the floor out the left end allowed the sump to hang out the back and the drains from the overflow box to drop straight down into the sump. There is an archway in the room with a false column that the overflow box and end of the sump are hidden behind. This was a key part of the peninsula design to fit this specific spot in the house.

This is an earlier photo during application of the flat water-based natural finish. Also a good view of the electronics alcove from the outside.

 

[BigAsh]

Here is the DIY sump. Although I tried masking for the silicone it came out rough so I put electrical tape on the outside to hide the uglyness.

 

[BigAsh]

The tank was delivered at night. I used a forklift to pick it up level with the top of the stand and then I had some help moving it laterally onto the stand.

 

[BigAsh]

I forgot to take a photo of the drain lines before moving the tank into position. This is the best I could do after the fact.

The sump and plumbing before adding water. I discovered a great material that has come in very handy. It is 1/4" Starboard. I used a sheet of it inside the tank to protect the bottom glass. It is white and sort of blends with the sand (very thin sand bed) in bare spots. I also used it to make covers for the sump. All chambers are covered to minimize evaporation and mess. BTW, those were my original pumps (Ecotech Vectra). The L1 seized and Ecotech replaced it under warranty but in the meantime, I replaced them with the Simplicity pumps which move just as much water but are noisier. I like the feed mode button on the Simplicities though. Will probably eventually go back to the Vectras.

 

[Aquamannytv]

it pays to have tools you did a great job on the stand I love the support on the top

 

[Joel Franco]

Great job on the craftsmanship. I also built my own stand and would recommend building your own if you have the space and time.

 

[Fudsey]

Where'd you get the starboard? I made a cover out of plexie and it warps when it gets wet. I need something to replace it with

 

[BigAsh]

Tank in place and still empty. Aquascape with dry Reefsaver and Pukani (cured for 3 months in advance).

I have since adjusted the mound on the left. It now leans against the end glass and slopes down a little from left to right.

 

[BigAsh]

As of today:

Fish:

Purple Tang
White Tail Bristletooth Tang
Fox Face
Six Line Wrasse
Azure Damsel
Blue Chromis (2)
Orchid Dottyback
Gold Bar Maroon Clowns (mated pair)

Inverts:

Cleaner Shimp
Peppermint Shrimp (3)
Mexican Turbo Snails (maybe 8)
Trochus Snails (maybe a dozen)
Red Leg Hermit
Blue Leg Hermit

Coral: Mostly LPS and SPS.

Other:

Orange Tree Sponge
Blue Sponge
Aptasia: Currently battling a significant infestation (came in on a frag plug).

 

[HolisticBear]

Beautiful tank Sir, thank you for creating this thread!! Following

 

[BigAsh]

grate work on the stand I will like to tag along this I love the peninsula idea that's what I am thinking of making for my new tank keep the pics coming

Thanks much. Yeah, if you have the right space a peninsula is great. Gyres on each end keep it simple and clean.

 

[BigAsh]

Nice work ! ! !

Tank and stand look great ! ! !

Thank you very much!