29 Gallon Budget/Nostalgia Build

[PasoFish89]

So I'm a bit late in getting pics posted here as the stand is most of the way done, but oh well.

This started out as a 75 Gallon build for our "great room"/living room, but 1900 square feet and 3 kids later, available space has diminished. It's ok, the 75 gallon is going to be a FOWLR non reef safe tank for the garage. Really looking forward to that. So once I realized we didn't have the wall space for a 48 inch tank, I found a perfect spot for a 29 gallon aqueon. 33 inches of wall space by the couch, I'll get a photo of the location soon. I also recall fondly the LFS where I grew up where the owner had a 29 Gallon display in part of the store that I think about from time to time and how great the tank looked.

Regardless of tank size, I always intended this build to be more of a budget build. I love the lineup of tanks from Waterbox, Innovative-Marine, Cade etc., but I Just can't get behind the turn key pricing they're all doing now. I currently have 2 innovative marine tanks, the quality is wonderful, but the fact that you can't buy a tank from them now without the stand and sump etc kinda chapped my behind. The stands are great, but they don't match the flow of my house and I want a canopy, after running tanks without canopies for years now, I'm tired of the light spill etc.. I won't get going on too much of a soap box and the state of tank companies, aperture etc, I promise.

So far I have:

-29 gallon aqueon, purchase at the formerly dollar per gallon now 50% off sale. $45
-10 gallon aqueon, $12? $15? I don't remember
-Fiji Cube sump kit, $60ish
-Sicce 1.5 Pump, had from previous tank, I think at the time I paid $65
-ADJ Power Station, $30
-Fiji Cube Overflow, open box, $90
-Built stand, $150ish so far
-Using two existing AI Prime 16HDs
-Using existing Tunze Osmolator
-Using existing heaters
-Using existing Inkbird
-Using existing kaomer dosing pumps

Running total so far $455

To Do List:

-Skimmer, Likely going to get the 120 Simplicity
-Build Canopy
-Caulk, sand, paint stand and canopy
-Drill tank
-Plumb and dry fit everything
-Incorporate backup power, I currently use an EcoFlow River Max 2 and it's too big to build into the stand or canopy, however I think the new river 3 might be able to be built in somewhere. I live in lovely sunny California, serviced by PG&E and lose power anytime theres a stiff breeze, so something to bridge the gap between outages and manually firing up the back up generator is a necessity.
-Decide on stocking. I currently have 4 pairs of clowns, 1 Valentini Puffer, 1 Orchid Dottyback, 1 Coral Beauty, 2 Kupang Damsels, 1 Six Line wrasse, 1 Tailspot Blenny and 1 Coral Banded Shrimp spread across my systems that I can incorporate into this tank.

Here's some pics of the tank sitting on the stand, I need to caulk, sand, patch and paint the stand still. It's frame is 2x4s and then I finished it with MDF and Birch for the skin. The doors I made to be completely removable with magnets instead of hinges thanks to some fit issues with the hinges I had available to me.




Anyway, if you made it this far, thanks for coming along. I'll post more soon, I plan on having it up and running by November.

 

[Fishy Guy]

Following along. Looks great so far and I love budget builds.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I always love looking at budget tanks (since ours is a budget one too haha). Following along!

 

[everpresentnoob]

I have that same switch power distro system in my freshwater tanks. Love being able to just flip a switch to turn off and on the various things between my Axolotl tank and my wife's Shrimp and Pea Puffer tank. On my salt tank that wouldnt fit under the stand as easily so I found a traditional "Surge protector" style bank that still has switches for each outlet.

 

[everpresentnoob]

I always love looking at budget tanks (since ours is a budget one too haha). Following along!

All of the tanks on the forum are "Budget" builds. its just that some have bigger budgets than others!! :)

 

[Ironwill723]

So I'm a bit late in getting pics posted here as the stand is most of the way done, but oh well.

This started out as a 75 Gallon build for our "great room"/living room, but 1900 square feet and 3 kids later, available space has diminished. It's ok, the 75 gallon is going to be a FOWLR non reef safe tank for the garage. Really looking forward to that. So once I realized we didn't have the wall space for a 48 inch tank, I found a perfect spot for a 29 gallon aqueon. 33 inches of wall space by the couch, I'll get a photo of the location soon. I also recall fondly the LFS where I grew up where the owner had a 29 Gallon display in part of the store that I think about from time to time and how great the tank looked.

Regardless of tank size, I always intended this build to be more of a budget build. I love the lineup of tanks from Waterbox, Innovative-Marine, Cade etc., but I Just can't get behind the turn key pricing they're all doing now. I currently have 2 innovative marine tanks, the quality is wonderful, but the fact that you can't buy a tank from them now without the stand and sump etc kinda chapped my behind. The stands are great, but they don't match the flow of my house and I want a canopy, after running tanks without canopies for years now, I'm tired of the light spill etc.. I won't get going on too much of a soap box and the state of tank companies, aperture etc, I promise.

So far I have:

-29 gallon aqueon, purchase at the formerly dollar per gallon now 50% off sale. $45
-10 gallon aqueon, $12? $15? I don't remember
-Fiji Cube sump kit, $60ish
-Sicce 1.5 Pump, had from previous tank, I think at the time I paid $65
-ADJ Power Station, $30
-Fiji Cube Overflow, open box, $90
-Built stand, $150ish so far
-Using two existing AI Prime 16HDs
-Using existing Tunze Osmolator
-Using existing heaters
-Using existing Inkbird
-Using existing kaomer dosing pumps

Running total so far $455

To Do List:

-Skimmer, Likely going to get the 120 Simplicity
-Build Canopy
-Caulk, sand, paint stand and canopy
-Drill tank
-Plumb and dry fit everything
-Incorporate backup power, I currently use an EcoFlow River Max 2 and it's too big to build into the stand or canopy, however I think the new river 3 might be able to be built in somewhere. I live in lovely sunny California, serviced by PG&E and lose power anytime theres a stiff breeze, so something to bridge the gap between outages and manually firing up the back up generator is a necessity.
-Decide on stocking. I currently have 4 pairs of clowns, 1 Valentini Puffer, 1 Orchid Dottyback, 1 Coral Beauty, 2 Kupang Damsels, 1 Six Line wrasse, 1 Tailspot Blenny and 1 Coral Banded Shrimp spread across my systems that I can incorporate into this tank.

Here's some pics of the tank sitting on the stand, I need to caulk, sand, patch and paint the stand still. It's frame is 2x4s and then I finished it with MDF and Birch for the skin. The doors I made to be completely removable with magnets instead of hinges thanks to some fit issues with the hinges I had available to me.




Anyway, if you made it this far, thanks for coming along. I'll post more soon, I plan on having it up and running by November.

Nice build, where did you find those magnetic mounts?

 

[PasoFish89]

Nice build, where did you find those magnetic mounts?

Amazon link.

Theres the magnets, I wasn't sure if they would be strong enough as it's one magnet and a metal washer essentially. My assumptions were right, they're not strong enough to keep the doors form sliding downwards. The doors are 3/4 MDF stock and 1/4 birch paneling, not that heavy. I was going to inlay some magnets and remove the washers on the doors, but using scrap MDF to make a ledge was cheaper and easier.

 

[Ironwill723]

Amazon link.

Theres the magnets, I wasn't sure if they would be strong enough as it's one magnet and a metal washer essentially. My assumptions were right, they're not strong enough to keep the doors form sliding downwards. The doors are 3/4 MDF stock and 1/4 birch paneling, not that heavy. I was going to inlay some magnets and remove the washers on the doors, but using scrap MDF to make a ledge was cheaper and easier.

Thanks! I will check them out.

 

[PasoFish89]

Canopy Update

Got the canopy built tonight. I also decided to buy a 4 bulb T5 Fixture and went 50/50 Coral+ and B+ on the bulbs. The fixture will be hanging about 5 inches above the water as of right now.

Current to do list:
-Drill and plumb overflow
-Caulk, patch, sand stand and canopy for paint
-Paint
-Install canopy fans for air exchange. I fully enclosed the canopy because I really dislike light spill.
-Not sure what else, it's late and I need to clean the house before the kids get after it again tomorrow.


I used a piano hinge to create access with the canopy.


The canopy is 12" tall, it looks a little distorted in this photo. I think it looks good in person.


I used some foam weather stripping to help with light spill where the front of the canopy will close.



Anyway, thanks for checking in. We'll see how the T5 works out. I've always liked the appearance of T5 better than LED so I just decided the other night to buy a fixture and go with it. It's not not an aquarium fixture, so the bulb connections aren't protected. I have a glass flip top lid I can put on the tank if I see any salt creep at first.

 

[jdpeters]

Would love to see follow up. I’m currently in a planning phase of a custom build myself and one consideration is as small as a stand 29 gallon. I love 20 longs but the extra height adds an interesting dimension. I have a standard 36 inch aqueon pine stand but I can’t help to think I can build a better more functional stand. I’d probably be smart and drill a 40 and work with that but if I was to slow way down and passionately build a system I bet there would be significant more satisfaction.

Structurally, I could but a much better stand then the one I have but the finishing portion is where I lack creativity. I have a full garage of lithium and pneumatic tools. You have any suggestions or examples of easy ways to wrap a stand that isn’t plywood?

 

[PasoFish89]

Would love to see follow up. I’m currently in a planning phase of a custom build myself and one consideration is as small as a stand 29 gallon. I love 20 longs but the extra height adds an interesting dimension. I have a standard 36 inch aqueon pine stand but I can’t help to think I can build a better more functional stand. I’d probably be smart and drill a 40 and work with that but if I was to slow way down and passionately build a system I bet there would be significant more satisfaction.

Structurally, I could but a much better stand then the one I have but the finishing portion is where I lack creativity. I have a full garage of lithium and pneumatic tools. You have any suggestions or examples of easy ways to wrap a stand that isn’t plywood?

Hey! Honestly, I haven't done much with the project since the last update. The stand however is prepped for paint. I got all the plumbing done and mocked up, it really just needs to get painted and stocked.

As far as the 20 long vs 29 goes....man the 29 height is so nice. It's right in that sweet spot for sure. The 40 breeder is awesome too, the extra 6 inches is awesome plus the depth of the 40 is nice compared to the 29. I think the 40 breeder may be the all around best size tank for the bulk of the hobbyists. Water changes can be done with a 5 gallon bucket, lighting is reasonable, great livestock options etc.. I would have done the 40 breeder or even a 75 had I not been limited to the 30 inch width for the spot in the house the tank is going.

When it comes to the stand I say build it for sure. I'm not very creative, but I am good at solving problems and designing the actual functions of the stand. I spent a lot of time browsing stands and then really focused in on the companies who know what theyre doing. I looked at cade stands and glassboxes. The metal framed stands and PVC panels are going to last forever and be super durable etc.. Two things stopped me from going this route, cost and having it fit in with the house. I recently built a massive media center in the same room the aquarium is going to be so my wife really insisted it be cohesive in style. So I built the stand to match the same shaker/traditional style of the media center. The stand made from 2x4's really won't ever have any issues however if the doors/panels have issues I'll just remake them. I built the structure of it with 2x4's and then put poplar face frames right over it then the doors/panels will go over the face frames. I skipped skinning it beyond the face frame. The poplar stock/MDF stock for the door frame is only a few bucks per door along with the center panel. I"m going to prime the hell out of them and put on a few coats of paint to help with splashing and salt spray. Humidity I don't foresee being an issue as we live in a super dry climate and the entire back is open. The hood will have an intake and exhaust fan as well. As soon as I get it painted I'll get some pics up!

 

[jdpeters]

Hey! Honestly, I haven't done much with the project since the last update. The stand however is prepped for paint. I got all the plumbing done and mocked up, it really just needs to get painted and stocked.

As far as the 20 long vs 29 goes....man the 29 height is so nice. It's right in that sweet spot for sure. The 40 breeder is awesome too, the extra 6 inches is awesome plus the depth of the 40 is nice compared to the 29. I think the 40 breeder may be the all around best size tank for the bulk of the hobbyists. Water changes can be done with a 5 gallon bucket, lighting is reasonable, great livestock options etc.. I would have done the 40 breeder or even a 75 had I not been limited to the 30 inch width for the spot in the house the tank is going.

When it comes to the stand I say build it for sure. I'm not very creative, but I am good at solving problems and designing the actual functions of the stand. I spent a lot of time browsing stands and then really focused in on the companies who know what theyre doing. I looked at cade stands and glassboxes. The metal framed stands and PVC panels are going to last forever and be super durable etc.. Two things stopped me from going this route, cost and having it fit in with the house. I recently built a massive media center in the same room the aquarium is going to be so my wife really insisted it be cohesive in style. So I built the stand to match the same shaker/traditional style of the media center. The stand made from 2x4's really won't ever have any issues however if the doors/panels have issues I'll just remake them. I built the structure of it with 2x4's and then put poplar face frames right over it then the doors/panels will go over the face frames. I skipped skinning it beyond the face frame. The poplar stock/MDF stock for the door frame is only a few bucks per door along with the center panel. I"m going to prime the hell out of them and put on a few coats of paint to help with splashing and salt spray. Humidity I don't foresee being an issue as we live in a super dry climate and the entire back is open. The hood will have an intake and exhaust fan as well. As soon as I get it painted I'll get some pics up!

Well excellent work all around sir. I’m still torn what direction I want to go but your build is also an inspiration. I’ve been ignoring the turn key set ups do to the upfront cost but all honesty I will reach that dollar amount real fast any direction I pick. I suppose piecing a set up myself and building it out over a few months will alleviate the financial guilt

 

[PasoFish89]

Well excellent work all around sir. I’m still torn what direction I want to go but your build is also an inspiration. I’ve been ignoring the turn key set ups do to the upfront cost but all honesty I will reach that dollar amount real fast any direction I pick. I suppose piecing a set up myself and building it out over a few months will alleviate the financial guilt

Yeah honestly the turn key systems aren't priced too crazy when you factor in time. I wish the package set ups weren't the only option though. I think the biggest cost savings for me so far has been T5 lighting instead of LED and then a used protein skimmer. I got the overflow as an openbox deal on fijicube and did a baffle it for a sump. When I'm done I'll put together a final cost sheet, and while it's a "budget" build it will still be pretty high I'm sure. If companies like innovative marine sold their products as stand alone and not with the stand or sump kits etc I probably would have worked hard to find a spot for a tank like theirs in my house. I hae a couple smaller innovative marine tanks and I love the quality and look of them, but the lack of stand alone tanks sunk that fort me since I need the stand and canopy to match other furniture. Again, all that to say, the packaged tanks really aren't crazy especially when you factor in time. I work away from home 10-15 days a month, so my time at home with 3 young kids is pretty valuable to me.

 

[jdpeters]

Yeah honestly the turn key systems aren't priced too crazy when you factor in time. I wish the package set ups weren't the only option though. I think the biggest cost savings for me so far has been T5 lighting instead of LED and then a used protein skimmer. I got the overflow as an openbox deal on fijicube and did a baffle it for a sump. When I'm done I'll put together a final cost sheet, and while it's a "budget" build it will still be pretty high I'm sure. If companies like innovative marine sold their products as stand alone and not with the stand or sump kits etc I probably would have worked hard to find a spot for a tank like theirs in my house. I hae a couple smaller innovative marine tanks and I love the quality and look of them, but the lack of stand alone tanks sunk that fort me since I need the stand and canopy to match other furniture. Again, all that to say, the packaged tanks really aren't crazy especially when you factor in time. I work away from home 10-15 days a month, so my time at home with 3 young kids is pretty valuable to me.

Same boat I drive for a living I’m gone nearly 4 days a week and have 4 at home.

 

[PasoFish89]

Same boat I drive for a living I’m gone nearly 4 days a week and have 4 at home.

What kind of automation/redundancy do you use?

 

[jdpeters]

What kind of automation/redundancy do you use?

I don’t have it all planned out yet but I did purchase a fresh 40 breeder and 20 long yesterday so I can commit to a build and size. As far as automation I will certainly have an ATO and I’m starting to look into using the new hydros controller. Thankfully I have a break between both of my loads so I’m not gone for 4 consecutive days. I’m doing a soft coral tank and initially was going to use some combination of AI lights but it being a more naturalistic tank I’m now leaning towards kessil A360s for that shimmer.

Right now the first wave will be ordering overflow box, baffle kit, return pump. I need to map out the plumbing and figure out if I want to spend the extra money for colored PVC or just piece it out at the hardware store.

 

[PasoFish89]

Nice! I currently run kessil, AI, and T5 fixtures on various tanks. I initially started with kessil and switched to AI for controllability etc but honestly I've been pretty underwhelmed with the lenses constantly melting, mediocre coral growth etc.. I can't speak to the growth of SPS with kessil because I only run it over LPS and Zoas however the shimmer like you mentioned is gorgeous. I recently switched my SPS tanks to T5 and could not be more pleased, the coloration, growth, overall appearance is wild. I'm debating rigging up an A 80 I have in this build with the T5 just for the shimmer, however everything I do from now on is going to be T5 or Metal Halide I think. I am however, curious about the Quanta Atlas light so I may check one of those out. All that to say, my two cents (For what it's worth), I would rank T5/MH, then Kessil then AI.

WIth as much as I'm gone I rely heavily on my ATO, Inkbird, and autofeeder. The biggest issue I've had is the ATO. I've had Tunze and Duetto and both have failed me and caused issues despite consistent maintenance. My cheap amazon ATO's I run on my other systems have never even hiccuped though. Just food for thought there. It's all definitely doable without the hydros/apex though, especially with webcams.

 

[PasoFish89]

OK! About time huh? The tank is finally up and running. Life with 3 boys 5 and under is...busy. Combine with getting a side business up and running, it's just been slow going. The side business has been interesting so far. I don't want to break any forum rules by advertising etc, but if you're interested in conditioned or quarantined fish, I'm shipping nationwide! DM if you want a website address etc.. but yeah, the tank! It's running and looking good. Cord management is the only thing left on my punch list.

Here's the tank/stand as is tonight:

I still need to find a way to hide the eco flow unit down on the floor. Everything but the lights is hooked up to that, buys me a couple hours to get the house generator switched over if I'm not home or whatever. All my systems have these as back ups, I HIGHLY recommend eco flow.

FTS:

Here's the cabinet opened up:

Like I said. Cord management is next. Believe it or not, all the cords minus the hood fans and dosing pump are bundled and routed. Super pleased with the sump kit, once the microbiome is established a little more in the new tank, I will probably replace the rock in the sump with a skimmer. All the rock and substrate used in this came from existing systems however. I mentioned in an earlier post using a sicce pump. It was WAY too loud so I ended up with a jecod 2500LPH DC pump turned all the way down to the minimum setting. Can't hear it running at all.

Here's the dosing pump plumbed to the left side of the sump area. It's dosing 30ml of kalk daily right now. The side panel comes off for easy access.

The alkalinity is holding steady at 9.2 at 30ml a day. Good guess.

The ATO on the right side of the sump. I used a cheap amazon ATO a vase for the reservoir so it fits in the small space. the photo file won't upload so I'll work on that.

Here's a shot inside the hood. I forget the bulb combo I'm running, however it's not very blue despite the photos. I'll look at it tomorrow and repost the combo. The fans, one blowing in and one pulling out, work great keeping the space cool. Still need to get a thermostat for those to operate on so I don't have to listen to them all day, but yeah working great.

Thanks for tagging along!

 

[jdpeters]

You should see my 40b cord management, you will feel a lot better about yourself.

Nice fish selection there. You hopeful that the puffer will work out? Also like the hammers

 

[PasoFish89]

You should see my 40b cord management, you will feel a lot better about yourself.

Nice fish selection there. You hopeful that the puffer will work out? Also like the hammers

Thanks! I was rolling the dice with the damsel aggression and the puffer, but the damsels were in a holding system of mine together for over a year and they get along but sleep in separate beds. The puffer has been very well behaved, granted I toss in a steamer clam every third day or so, and he loves the angel food I toss in as well. Fingers crossed he continues to be a model citizen because it's been a favorite fish of mine for 20 years or so.

Shot this pic of him the other night: