Drennon
Community Member
Yes, you read that correctly. This thread will be documenting my upgrade from a 75g tank to a whopping 75g tank...
Let me backtrack a little. Around 1 year ago something happened to me that will make many reefers jealous. I was introduced to the hobby... by my wife...
We had both owned fish tanks growing up, and ultimately desired to have one in our home now that we were "adults". I was all for doing a freshwater tank, but she who had kept saltwater before encouraged me to make the plunge into the daunting world of saltwater.
We purchased a 55 gallon used aquarium online and set it up as a FOWLR tank. We had two clowns and a banded coral shrimp after about 2 months of owning it. It was just as we were sat down on the sofa talking about how much we enjoyed the tank that it started to leak through a seam. Thank god we were there when it happened, because even getting to work immediately transferring fish and rock to ice chests we still had a big mess on our hands.
We decided that whilst looking for a replacement tank, we wanted to go a little larger. This led us to buying a used 75g tank online which we bought that same day. Following hurriedly putting together a stand from youtube DIY tutorials we were set up and ready to go. Crisis over, the fish had a home again.
This tank gradually evolved into a reef, with a variety of the beginner corals including GSP, Xenia and kenya trees. 6 months later we decided that the used tank was so heavily scratched up that it actually detracted from the tank. Additionally the thrown together stand wouldn't allow any space for a sump and was frankly was not structurally sound.
SO! The plan to upgrade to a new tank, and do it correctly started.
Petco were doing their sale of 50% off 75g tanks meant that I was able to pick one up for about $105.00 after tax.
Firstly, the stand. This time I wanted to ensure that it was strong enough, whilst also providing enough space inside for a 20g long sump. I ended up making the stand out of 2x4 and 2x6s.
Top and bottom frames were made with a slight overlap so the weight of the (glass) tank sat on the center of each piece of lumber.
Then the spacers were put in place to provide something to secure the 2x6's to.
All of the weight will be on the 2x6's. There will be 2 in each corner, and one in the back for peace of mind.
A coat of paint was put on the inside of the stand to help keep the moisture from the wood. Notice the notch in the corner of the stand. This was because initially I had planned a corner overflow, then decided that I often viewed the tank from the sides and would prefer a center overflow.
My 1800gph Internal overflow box arrived from reef creators. One of the teeth was broken in transit, and I can't commend the company highly enough for ensuring that this issue was rectified.
Holes drilled! This was the part that daunted me the most, thankfully it went smoothly though I can't say I look forward to ever doing it again. I went for three holes for a bean animal style overflow.
Before attaching the overflow box, I wanted to make sure that the drains were going to act the way I expected them to. Thankfully, the bulkheads stayed dry and water flowed smoothly.
I also decided to split the return line pvc piping which was being run over the top of the tank.
The piping entering the sump isn't the most beautiful thing in the world, but it works.
View of the overflow and return lines from the back. The tank was painted black, which I think turned out quite well. I also added a ball valve that Tees off from the return line in case I want to add anything else down the road.
Wait a minute, this is going to be a pain to move into place, better add some unions!
Okay that looks better. It also gives me some flexibility to turn the PVC lines entering the sump in case I need to shift thins around.
First proper water test with the overflow box. No leaks! The drains are completely silent, the pump on the other hand is not. That will perhaps be the next upgrade (I got my existing return pump as a freebie from a local reefer).
NOW. It's time to dismantle the existing tank. Hold on, this isn't going to be enough work for me is it... I had better paint the room at the same time...
Water drained into various containers, fish and coral temporarily housed in my 20g long quarantine tank in the garage.
Tank removed, there was some serious salt damage to the wall (thanks HOB filter and HOB skimmer!)
The stand was topped with plywood and a yoga mat that I got for $5. It was likely unnecessary but I figured it couldn't hurt. After one leaking tank I wasn't ready to take any risks!
New tank and stand in place. Time to get the plumbing connected.
Once it was in position I spent around 45 minutes playing with shims to get it as level as possible.
Let me backtrack a little. Around 1 year ago something happened to me that will make many reefers jealous. I was introduced to the hobby... by my wife...
We had both owned fish tanks growing up, and ultimately desired to have one in our home now that we were "adults". I was all for doing a freshwater tank, but she who had kept saltwater before encouraged me to make the plunge into the daunting world of saltwater.
We purchased a 55 gallon used aquarium online and set it up as a FOWLR tank. We had two clowns and a banded coral shrimp after about 2 months of owning it. It was just as we were sat down on the sofa talking about how much we enjoyed the tank that it started to leak through a seam. Thank god we were there when it happened, because even getting to work immediately transferring fish and rock to ice chests we still had a big mess on our hands.
We decided that whilst looking for a replacement tank, we wanted to go a little larger. This led us to buying a used 75g tank online which we bought that same day. Following hurriedly putting together a stand from youtube DIY tutorials we were set up and ready to go. Crisis over, the fish had a home again.
This tank gradually evolved into a reef, with a variety of the beginner corals including GSP, Xenia and kenya trees. 6 months later we decided that the used tank was so heavily scratched up that it actually detracted from the tank. Additionally the thrown together stand wouldn't allow any space for a sump and was frankly was not structurally sound.
SO! The plan to upgrade to a new tank, and do it correctly started.
Petco were doing their sale of 50% off 75g tanks meant that I was able to pick one up for about $105.00 after tax.
Firstly, the stand. This time I wanted to ensure that it was strong enough, whilst also providing enough space inside for a 20g long sump. I ended up making the stand out of 2x4 and 2x6s.
Top and bottom frames were made with a slight overlap so the weight of the (glass) tank sat on the center of each piece of lumber.
Then the spacers were put in place to provide something to secure the 2x6's to.
All of the weight will be on the 2x6's. There will be 2 in each corner, and one in the back for peace of mind.
A coat of paint was put on the inside of the stand to help keep the moisture from the wood. Notice the notch in the corner of the stand. This was because initially I had planned a corner overflow, then decided that I often viewed the tank from the sides and would prefer a center overflow.
My 1800gph Internal overflow box arrived from reef creators. One of the teeth was broken in transit, and I can't commend the company highly enough for ensuring that this issue was rectified.
Holes drilled! This was the part that daunted me the most, thankfully it went smoothly though I can't say I look forward to ever doing it again. I went for three holes for a bean animal style overflow.
I also decided to split the return line pvc piping which was being run over the top of the tank.
The piping entering the sump isn't the most beautiful thing in the world, but it works.
View of the overflow and return lines from the back. The tank was painted black, which I think turned out quite well. I also added a ball valve that Tees off from the return line in case I want to add anything else down the road.
Wait a minute, this is going to be a pain to move into place, better add some unions!
Okay that looks better. It also gives me some flexibility to turn the PVC lines entering the sump in case I need to shift thins around.
First proper water test with the overflow box. No leaks! The drains are completely silent, the pump on the other hand is not. That will perhaps be the next upgrade (I got my existing return pump as a freebie from a local reefer).
NOW. It's time to dismantle the existing tank. Hold on, this isn't going to be enough work for me is it... I had better paint the room at the same time...
Water drained into various containers, fish and coral temporarily housed in my 20g long quarantine tank in the garage.
Tank removed, there was some serious salt damage to the wall (thanks HOB filter and HOB skimmer!)
The stand was topped with plywood and a yoga mat that I got for $5. It was likely unnecessary but I figured it couldn't hurt. After one leaking tank I wasn't ready to take any risks!
New tank and stand in place. Time to get the plumbing connected.
Once it was in position I spent around 45 minutes playing with shims to get it as level as possible.
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