Arch's Tank Build

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

I have always had a large outdoor pond and a fish fascination but a couple months ago my friend @ReeferRayl took me to RAP in Orlando and got me hooked on corals. I managed to win 20lbs of sand at the raffle so that was my sign that I had to build a tank. Well a couple weeks go by and I purchased a SCA 90 gallon 36x24x24. I am pacing myself on this build but figured if I share my build on here it may help me progress with a little extra guidance along the way. Still left for me to purchase are wave pumps, return pump, skimmer, and lights. Skimmer I am leaning towards eshopps s200, lights I am open to ideas mainly thinking LED, wave pumps either 2 mp40qds or 2 xf350s, and return pump vectra M2. I am always open to more knowledge and suggestions. Thank you for reading.

 

[Billldg]

Welcome to R2R!!! You should start a build thread. You can wait til last to buy a skimmer.

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

It has taken me longer to put the stand together due to my lack of handyman skills but we are finally to the prime, paint and assemble phase of the project. I should be able to get those 3 done this weekend.

 

[dbl]

With your permission, I will move this over to the members tank forum to serve as your build thread. It looks like you're off to a great start by the way!

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to R2R!!! Patience is a good thing in reefing. It sounds like you are off to a good start. We’re glad you’re here!

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

Yes, please feel free to move it to the correct forum. Thank you for the warm welcome!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[P-Dub]

Welcome! Nice start!
It is good to be addicted to something and this hobby is as good as it gets.
Keep going slow and steady. When you think you are ready for the next step, stop, and take a moment to reevaluate your next steps even though you think you have already thought things out. Different answers may reveal themselves with time.
Hit the Like button and Share often!

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

Stand and panels were primed yesterday around noon.

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

The inside painting was finished in a nice Colorado Dawn color. Now I have to assemble and tackle the outside woodwork, priming and painting.

 

[P-Dub]

Just out of curiosity... What type of top coating have you decided on? Remember, this will be a moist and sometimes wet environment most of the time.

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

I used Kilz kitchen and bath primer followed by Kilz Complete Coat.

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

Bottom panel in, starting to come together.

 

[P-Dub]

I used Kilz kitchen and bath primer followed by Kilz Complete Coat.

I am not familiar with Kilz Complete Coat. Oil based?

 

[P-Dub]

Recommend you seal all edges. Water getting to the end grain of any wood, particularly the support, will eventually be a big problem. Even when you think you have coated everything well water finds a way to serve a fat piece of humble pie.

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

Top panel installed.

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

Sides and front panel in place. A little wood working, primer and a couple of coats of paint away from being complete.

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

Woodwork and sanding done. Ready to be primed and painted.

 

[Phil D.]

Just got the daughter the Red Sea E-170 and it came with the new Red Sea Reef LED 90 lights. Our LFS has been running them for a month and a half now on 2 of their Red Sea Max tanks and all the corals are doing really good. Red Sea has the spectrums set up perfectly for corals. IMO.

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

Primed yesterday, final coat of paint going on in an hour.