40B display 20L sump w/20 gal custom cube dwarf seahorse tank build.

[kchristensen8064]

I've been out of reef keeping for a couple of years. Not by choice! I have recently acquired a couple of tanks that have sparked my getting back in. My plan is a 40b display tank with a 20l refugium, and plumbed into the same system a custom made 20 gallon cube for dwarf seahorses sitting next to the 40b. This is my progress so far. I am building the stand myself and completed the frame for it last weekend.

I haven't built the seahorse tank yet and hope to get the stand skinned and trimmed this weekend.

 

[Sm51498]

Great start! I'm getting back in with a 40 breeder as well, great size tank!

 

[kchristensen8064]

Great start! I'm getting back in with a 40 breeder as well, great size tank!

Yeah it is, I like that it's deeper.

 

[Sm51498]

I like the lower height too, easier to light and reach in to move stuff. I think if I could get it as cheap, I would even like another 6 inches of depth. 36x24 would be awesome.

 

[kchristensen8064]

I like the lower height too, easier to light and reach in to move stuff. I think if I could get it as cheap, I would even like another 6 inches of depth. 36x24 would be awesome.

Yeah definitely! I had a 65 before with the exact same footprint as the 40, but because of the depth it was hard to reach the bottom.

 

[reefcollie]

Looking forward to seeing the dwarf seahorse set up, are u planning on using a brand name cube and modding it to work in the system

 

[Wiz]

Lovi. The idea. I just upgraded out of my 40b. So torn. Love more room but the 40 is so perfect. And dwarf seahorses. Nice

 

[kchristensen8064]

Looking forward to seeing the dwarf seahorse set up, are u planning on using a brand name cube and modding it to work in the system

I'm making the tank myself. I found some really nice 3/8" glass on CL. So I cut it and now I just need to drill it and silicone it together. I'll post pics as I get them.

 

[reefcollie]

Cool deal, that should be fun I'm to scared to make my own tanks

 

[kchristensen8064]

Cool deal, that should be fun I'm to scared to make my own tanks

I've done quite a bit of reading, mostly on what silicone I should use. I've always wanted to try and with how nice this glass is I couldn't pass on the opportunity.

 

[reefcollie]

I just know my silicone work(the little bit I have done) is usually horrible at best lol

 

[kchristensen8064]

Top and bottom put on tonight. That piece of glass is the bottom of the seahorse tank.

 

[kchristensen8064]

I was able to get it skinned and the doors figured out today. Trim going on tomorrow, and hopefully the doors built they are going to have glass inserts that I'm going to frost.

 

[Kilo]

I was able to get it skinned and the doors figured out today. Trim going on tomorrow, and hopefully the doors built they are going to have glass inserts that I'm going to frost.

I am a newbie in this. Can share how you " skinned" and what you used for that. Thanks

 

[kchristensen8064]

I am a newbie in this. Can share how you " skinned" and what you used for that. Thanks

I used hardboard. And skinning I cut the hardboard into pieces to cover the sides and the 2x4s in the front it cleans up the appearance.

 

[Kilo]

I used hardboard. And skinning I cut the hardboard into pieces to cover the sides and the 2x4s in the front it cleans up the appearance.

What is the thickness of the hardboard?

 

[kchristensen8064]

What is the thickness of the hardboard?

It's 1/8". I chose to use it because I found it for free on craigslist. It actually worked out really nice.

 

[kchristensen8064]

Trimmed! Just needs some sanding and some filling and then it will be ready for paint.

 

[kchristensen8064]

Started to get some paint on it this weekend.

 

[kchristensen8064]

Stand is now complete! Time to get to work on some tanks.