Finally doing it right build

[riche]

I have had tanks off and on for awhile but always tried to cut corners.

So this time I’m doing the right way, getting the equipment I actually want and taking my time.

So it will be a 40 breeder with a eshopp M overflow, I am building a custom stand and canopy for it.

The stand will be around 42” wide as I am putting cherry wood for the top and want it to hang over a few inches frt and back.

I am going to be building the canopy 12” high, for lights I will be using 2 hydra 26hd

The sump I am picking up Tuesday and I think it will look as nice as the display

I am going to be getting a lot of advice from a good friend who I trust 100% with his knowledge of reef keeping and he is a great person to boot.

So it will be a slow journey and well documented.

Plans are mixed reef with smaller fish and inverts.

I would love to go bigger but our living room only has so much space now due to the furniture.

Here is a picture of the sump I am getting, always been a fan of Bashsea as they are not far from where I live

 

[Crabs McJones]

Following this one for sure, glad to see you back :)

 

[riche]

Well had to go with a different sump, but here is what I have done so far. No where near finished but it’s getting there

 

[riche]

Here is the stand in the house, my trigger sump is being delivered today then I can start plumbing it up.

I am making a control board for the side of the tank to put all the controls for the apex and powerheads and return pumps.

I have the canopy finished just need to hang the lights

The frame around the tank is cherry with a live edge.

 

[Red_Beard]

Here is the stand in the house, my trigger sump is being delivered today then I can start plumbing it up.

I am making a control board for the side of the tank to put all the controls for the apex and powerheads and return pumps.

I have the canopy finished just need to hang the lights

The frame around the tank is cherry with a live edge.

Looking good!

 

[riche]

Well I had to skip the control board idea as the wife wanted the tank on an angle for viewing. So I finally have the tank plumbed up and the canopy on. Had to come up with a “off the wall” idea for hanging the lights but a trip to Lowe’s, 24 nuts, 8 washers and 4 bolts they are hanging

Waiting on uniseals to finish my mixing station and then I will do a tap water test and make sure everything is good to go.

So hopefully in the next week I will have water rock and sand in the tank. I’m dealing with either bronchitis or pneumonia and have a dr appointment tomorrow so I am moving slower then normal

 

[IceNein]

Looking good so far! I kinda like the lip around your tank. I hope it's sealed well.

 

[riche]

Well sand is in, went with dry sand and rinsed it and rinsed it and rinsed it some more. Did I mention I rinsed it lol

Salt should be here in the next couple hrs and I will start mixing , then when the wife gets home I will start filling. Waiting on her to be able to turn off the pump. I will be ordering a remote for the future.

Once it’s filled and everything is good, I will add the dry rock and a bottle of Dr Tim’s.

Then I will start figuring out the Apex, I know that is a challenge all on its own but I did find a YouTube video that was very helpful.

Going on 8 weeks since I cut the first piece of wood for the stand and canopy!

I like this go slow and do it right approach :)

 

[Crabs McJones]

Well sand is in, went with dry sand and rinsed it and rinsed it and rinsed it some more. Did I mention I rinsed it lol

Salt should be here in the next couple hrs and I will start mixing , then when the wife gets home I will start filling. Waiting on her to be able to turn off the pump. I will be ordering a remote for the future.

Once it’s filled and everything is good, I will add the dry rock and a bottle of Dr Tim’s.

Then I will start figuring out the Apex, I know that is a challenge all on its own but I did find a YouTube video that was very helpful.

Going on 8 weeks since I cut the first piece of wood for the stand and canopy!

I like this go slow and do it right approach :)

Did you remember to rinse the sand?

 

[riche]

Well I have water in the tank!

I have been battling a sinus infection and now a cold so it has taken way longer then I was hoping.

So right now I just have the return pump running, when I get some more energy I will work on plugging in all the other stuff and set up the apex. Going to get some seeded rock from a friend tomorrow to put in the sump.

I will say, taking your time and doing things slow and double checking everything makes a huge difference.