Deep Reef 150 gallon Tall DT Build

[Deep Reef]

amazing build so far... what type of wood and how thick did you use to skin?
also - what did you use for trim?

Thanks. The skin is 1/2” birch cabinet grade I picked up at Loews. Home Depot has a cheaper grade “sanded” I think. I did some research and the woodworkers say it doesn’t finish well even if you’re painting it. I like 1/2” cause if I need to I can screw into it.

The trim is pine. The doors I bought already made. Just easier and they came with hardware. They are maple as I couldn’t find birch. Maple when stained look close to pine/birch.

 

[xaflatoonx]

When buying ore made doors. Are those standard sizes? Or can that “premake” to your size stand?

And where did you get them?

Thanks again for the info.

 

[Deep Reef]

When buying ore made doors. Are those standard sizes? Or can that “premake” to your size stand?

And where did you get them?

Thanks again for the info.

Bought them at Rawdoors.net. You can select material, sizes, details and openings for glass. Takes about 2 weeks. Order All at once as shipping is a flat rate. Found out the hard way as I first added a door in front and the later decided I wanted a door on the side in lieu of a removable panel. I had to pay shipping 3 times for over $100.

 

[Deep Reef]

For those interested the finish is as follows:
First Varathane weathered gray stain

you have to work small areas as it drys quickly.

Then first coat polyurethane

. I bought this as it is supposed to apply thicker. Got to be careful of drips as it will leave white drops behind.
Then sand with 400 or 320 grit to remove wood fibers that stand up and any drips. Then wipe down with tack cloth to remove dust.

Then second coat.

I usually start what the heck doors, do back first then they dry while I do rest of stand. Then I do front and backs are dry enough they don’t stick to can tops.
Another light sand, tack cloth and then final.

 

[Deep Reef]

Btw it’s not as dark as the can. I did some test areas on scrap wood looking at different colors before I chose the gray

I tried the worn navy but it just looked green, the also a red oak. I even tried whitewashing the color using antique white as recommended on their site but nothing looked right until I tried the gray for trim and once I saw it decided to do the whole stand that color

 

[Deep Reef]

Installed the fans into the canopy. I saved these from my last build.

Also got to install the shower liner in the fudge area

Also realized I would probably be mounting some controls on the inside of the control area door. The door is not thick in the middle due to shaker style so I stained and polyurethanes a piece of plywood. This will be screwed at the thicker perimeter and allow me to mount Control’s anywhere.

 

[Deep Reef]

Mounted the backing to the control area door

Installed the stainless steel canopy hinges. Canopy complete

Installed the marble cabinet pulls on the doors

Also was able to paint first coat on back of tank. Last time I used rustolium black. However, I found that the black fish didn’t show up as well so I opted for the blue this time.

One coat left to do.

 

[Deep Reef]

Installed the marble tile on the top left of the stand

I caulked the perimeter of the tile in case I spill something it won’t get underneath.

Installed a 20amp dedicated circuit for the tank

And finally got the doors on the frame.

Almost ready for equipment!

 

[Deep Reef]

Cut the 1/4” ABS plastic to fit the bottom of the tank to protect the glass like some manufacturers. I left about a half inch gap around the perimeter so the ABS wouldn’t cut into the factory seals.

Then I put silicone on the entire perimeter to seal it so I don’t get water and detritus build up between the ABS and glass. Since I had my sand I figured it would help push the ABS close to the bottom glass.

I also made an egg crate cover to prevent fish from jumping into the overflow.

While it doesn’t look great with the canopy on you won’t see it.

 

[Deep Reef]

Set the tank on the stand. Now the plumbing begins.

Just a quick check on level both directions

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

Wow awesome build. Great craftsmanship love the stand.

 

[Ponraj A]

Beautiful set up man !!!! Looking great...

 

[Deep Reef]

Wow awesome build. Great craftsmanship love the stand.

Thanks getting excited about putting water in it

 

[Deep Reef]

Beautiful set up man !!!! Looking great...

Thank you

 

[Deep Reef]

Did a herbie style return but increased size similar to durso to maximize return flow. Installed a street elbow so I could have 2 return 1 1/2” strainers

Setup just fits in corner of overflow. Also gives me an extra return point should the strainer get clogged

 

[Deep Reef]

I’ve been a little quiet. My first attempt at plumbing the tank resulted in leaking bulkheads. I just couldn’t get them tight. Ordered new parts and started again. Finished 5he return 2 weeks ago.

Added the rock last week

Finally got it wet this weekend.

Here’s a shot of the final plumbing

Oh, I also added an 8”x 8” block and a 1”thick tile of marine pure to assist with the filtration.

I have one 20 gallon batch of salt water still mixing and will add it and start the pumps tomorrow. Current volume is 120 gallons but I believe I’ll be close to a 140 gallon total with sump.

Now for lights and controls...I have a little time as I’ve ordered my pods and will let them grow for a month or so before I start really loading the tank. I be running with return pump only for now.

 

[Deep Reef]

Took some time off work this week so trying to get it finished.

Ordered my pods to seed aquarium.

Installed glass shelf for controller and doser.

Also installed pvc buss

Installed mounting brackets for lights

Finally wired All hood fans and soldered connections

 

[Deep Reef]

Also routed fan wiring through pvc molding

Set hood on top of tank

I was a little worried as I only have about 1 1/2” of clearance to the ceiling when hood is fully opened.

You will also see some controls/ wires in front. I’m running all in hand while I’m setting up the controller. I was missing some PAB control cables but also found GHL has a controller for EcoTech pumps. Ordered All and it’s on the way

 

[Deep Reef]

Added the bacteria...

Bought these leds at a big box store to light inside the cabinet.

(2) 36” under the tank and (1) 12” for the control cabinet.

Finished the control install just have to cap the pvc wire duct.

Also need to complete light install and programming.

 

[Bosco83]

I just read through your whole build thread and you did such a nice job with the whole thing. This is the same tank I want to get too. Any updates on how your tank is doing?