Hey folks, here's my uh.. Build Thread. I put together a plan thread that outlines exactly what I'm trying to do here, so here's it actually happening. Link to Plan Thread: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-90g-tank-long-read-with-a-plan.809528/
Right now, I'm still in Phase 1. That's the stand/tank/plumbing buildout. I opted to make my own stand because I couldn't find anything that felt right for the space. Also, since COVID hit, I've been on a bit of a home-construction kick (bedrooms, media room, craft room for the wifey). With all that said, I'm hoping this thing is over-engineered because that sure beats the alternative. I started with a pile of wood. The general design was following the King of DIY and his Stand Building videos. I plan on using a 29 gallon sump, so having a larger opening for the front was a must. After much consulting on the internets, it went to a 2x6 as a header board, just in case.
I'm going for the clean look, so all screws (outdoor-rated) are recessed and wood-filled. Then things are sanded down. I had some help with the sanding:
Again, the theme here was clean. You can see the finished, pre-paint product. I did take some time to run caulk around all the seams, ensuring no water would drip down and rot things from below. Did I mention I don't want this thing to rot....
For paint, I went with something that should be able to handle some water without completely falling apart. I'll post painted pics once I get a couple coats on there. It's not beautiful yet...
I was in some self-debate about white vs black and given there's eventually going to be salt splash, white made more sense. Additionally, this is a pretty tall stand and too much black might end up closing in the space in my office.
Next up was to prep the tank. First thing was to get the back black. Ok, that's a lie. First thing was getting all the stick crap off the tank. Alcohol and a razor were my friend. Made special note to not scratch the heck out of it:
And painted:
It'll probably need a couple coats just to be sure. Went with the Krylon since I've read it sticks to glass better:
Next up this week is to plumb the tank, finish the stand and put the two together. I've still got to put together sump, which will be another post by itself. Thanks for reading!
Right now, I'm still in Phase 1. That's the stand/tank/plumbing buildout. I opted to make my own stand because I couldn't find anything that felt right for the space. Also, since COVID hit, I've been on a bit of a home-construction kick (bedrooms, media room, craft room for the wifey). With all that said, I'm hoping this thing is over-engineered because that sure beats the alternative. I started with a pile of wood. The general design was following the King of DIY and his Stand Building videos. I plan on using a 29 gallon sump, so having a larger opening for the front was a must. After much consulting on the internets, it went to a 2x6 as a header board, just in case.
I'm going for the clean look, so all screws (outdoor-rated) are recessed and wood-filled. Then things are sanded down. I had some help with the sanding:
Again, the theme here was clean. You can see the finished, pre-paint product. I did take some time to run caulk around all the seams, ensuring no water would drip down and rot things from below. Did I mention I don't want this thing to rot....
For paint, I went with something that should be able to handle some water without completely falling apart. I'll post painted pics once I get a couple coats on there. It's not beautiful yet...
I was in some self-debate about white vs black and given there's eventually going to be salt splash, white made more sense. Additionally, this is a pretty tall stand and too much black might end up closing in the space in my office.
Next up was to prep the tank. First thing was to get the back black. Ok, that's a lie. First thing was getting all the stick crap off the tank. Alcohol and a razor were my friend. Made special note to not scratch the heck out of it:
And painted:
It'll probably need a couple coats just to be sure. Went with the Krylon since I've read it sticks to glass better:
Next up this week is to plumb the tank, finish the stand and put the two together. I've still got to put together sump, which will be another post by itself. Thanks for reading!