72x30x18 DIY build thread

[Nate Chalk]

Waiting for the full fill line

 

[Nate Chalk]

It's ~full now we will wait 2 weeks

 

[Nate Chalk]

Might as well water test the sump. Got it as a scratch and dent and fixed a seam with acrylic epoxy

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Found the silicone bumpers, they are basically the same as the cabinet bumpers. Ordered 1/16 inch thick , 1/4 inch. should be perfect for spacing the glass and they can be left in.

Another technique is to do the sealing in two phases. Put spacers in between the bottom and side panels as desired. Then inject the silicone all around but only to within an inch or so on both sides of the spacers. Let it set up. Pull out the spacers then go and fill the voids with silicone. Leaving bumpers and other items in the seam is not a good idea. Where those little guys attach to the bottom (and where they touch the bottom edge of the side walls) will always be a weak spot.

One last comment on the actual sealing. after you have properly spaced the panels and you are certain they are plumb and square, tape the OUTSIDE of the seam with a removable painter's tape. I like 3M personally. Next, begin injecting the silicone into the space and watch for occlusions/bubbles. Remove the tape sooner than later. The silicone will stick to it. Then, GENTLY clean up the outer seam with acetone.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Just finished the water test. Held for 7 days in the garage. Just spent about a half hour cleaning up seams. Should be good to go. Next steps is quoting the stand. Going with steel frame. likely going to wrap in either wood or pvc board.

 

[Nate Chalk]

My hairy mushroom had a baby! Current tank. Please excuse the cyano growing on the sandbed it's ugly. New tank will be bare bottom.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Protein skimmer came today. It's an absolute monster compared to my hob eshopps 100. The collection cup is more plastic than the other one combined.

Parts to order still...

Stand: I can't find a metal shop to help me out in columbus ohio.

Pump from skimmer

Plumbing

Rock scape additions

 

[Nate Chalk]

Currently waiting on a quote for a stand made from 80/20.

Ship and lead times unknown.

Need: stand, return pump, plumbing, aquascape completed

 

[MoKan Reefer]

Nice start to this build thread! I found it! I actually commented yesterday on your post about glass suggestions.

I may have missed it but but did you decide to go with tempered panels (minus the back obviously since you drilled it) like you'd mentioned on the other post?

I'm actually actually in the glass planning stage of building a custom euro braced 72"x36"x25" 270 gallon to replace a point of sale tank the same dimensions I got as a package deal for less than 1/4 what skimmer it came with was worth.

My 2 pennies worth about the 80/20 extruded aluminium stand, they're nice and all but if you're planning on wrapping to anyway, why not go with a steel stand that will cost less and be stronger? If you're handy or have a metal fabrication shop close, you might look into it.

I'm going with a 42" tall tubular steal stand (I'm 6'4" so a typical manufactured stand is my version of hell when having to deal with anything). It's 2 pieces and comes apart in the middle of the vertical bars. It didn't hurt that it was basically free but it's actually exactly what I'd planned to make myself.

Pic of the stand:

My 160lb Great Dane, Tank in front of it for size comparison (and because he's awesome!

Pics of the tank I'm getting ready to replace:

Anyway, I can't wait to see you have this tank up and running. I'll definitely be following along for updates. Once i hammer out my glass order and start building, I'll make a new build thread for it.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Nice start to this build thread! I found it! I actually commented yesterday on your post about glass suggestions.

I may have missed it but but did you decide to go with tempered panels (minus the back obviously since you drilled it) like you'd mentioned on the other post?

I'm actually actually in the glass planning stage of building a custom euro braced 72"x36"x25" 270 gallon to replace a point of sale tank the same dimensions I got as a package deal for less than 1/4 what skimmer it came with was worth.

My 2 pennies worth about the 80/20 extruded aluminium stand, they're nice and all but if you're planning on wrapping to anyway, why not go with a steel stand that will cost less and be stronger? If you're handy or have a metal fabrication shop close, you might look into it.

I'm going with a 42" tall tubular steal stand (I'm 6'4" so a typical manufactured stand is my version of hell when having to deal with anything). It's 2 pieces and comes apart in the middle of the vertical bars. It didn't hurt that it was basically free but it's actually exactly what I'd planned to make myself.

Pic of the stand:

My 160lb Great Dane, Tank in front of it for size comparison (and because he's awesome!

Pics of the tank I'm getting ready to replace:

Anyway, I can't wait to see you have this tank up and running. I'll definitely be following along for updates. Once i hammer out my glass order and start building, I'll make a new build thread for it.

Hey there,
I actually used regular glass on all sides. It was just easier. That steel stand design is really smart, I haven't seen the slide together idea myself. I went with 80/20 so i could take it apart and I am leaving it open for the bottom. Or wrapping it I can work with the local place to fabricate snap on panels.

80/20 was only $200 more than steel fabrication, and I can take apart the 80/20. Drilling and silicone was un nerving , but it worked. It held water.

The stand I ordered is 30 inches tall ( I am 5"11) I thought about making it eye height standing, but I plan on putting low seating in, and I do enjoy looking from the top of the tank. My preference.

 

[Nate Chalk]

I think my clowns are having babies :d

What the heck should I do?

 

[Nate Chalk]

Helloooooo! Long awaited stand arrived.... in pieces. Took a couple of hours to get it together. When ordering from 80/20 these do not come with instructions. Pretty fun puzzle

Next steps are thinking through the plumbing to the sump, leaving room for future expansion

 

[Nate Chalk]

Okay we have put the tank on the stand, Very Heavy, had a buddy help.

Plumbing is dry fit currently. Would like feedback if everything looks good or if I need to change anything (means ordering more parts, so hope not)

It's my first time running a sump so.... My main drain has the gate valve, the middle is the back up, and the other is the emergency. I haven't fitted the pipes inside the overflow box but will.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Ordered some sway bracing as the previous version was getting some sway from a side push. Much more rigid now.

Going for a test full on stand with some hose water.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Quick video of the thing running. Any tips to quiet the trickle inside the sump? I think I have the overflow dialed in , no gurgle.

 

[Nate Chalk]

.

 

[CMMorgan]

This is a cool build. Fun read. Brave soul.
Do you have sock silencers? You can also try some course foam or polyfilter above the socks.

 

[Nate Chalk]

This is a cool build. Fun read. Brave soul.
Do you have sock silencers? You can also try some course foam or polyfilter above the socks.

They make sock silencers?!

I wonder if the foam or poly filter would help, I think I have some laying around here.

Brave soul?

 

[CMMorgan]

They make sock silencers?!

I wonder if the foam or poly filter would help, I think I have some laying around here.

Brave soul?

I do not have the guts to cut glass... let alone drop a grand and silicone a tank together. Great build though....
Poly should definitely help.

 

[Nate Chalk]

I do not have the guts to cut glass... let alone drop a grand and silicone a tank together. Great build though....
Poly should definitely help.

Thank you