First Saltwater Tank

KCSUMPS · Sep 16, 2018

Hello All! I am excited about the next steps and am happy that so many are willing to give advice. Currently I have a few tanks for the display, sump, and ATO and am looking at my location to build a new stand. I have attached a short video here of what I am doing and will add more to it as I go. ANY and all advice is appreciated.

One thing I didn't mention in the video is that I have checked the weight distribution and floor support and should be able to support tank, stand, sump, equipment, and several people for viewing without issue AND the electrical will change to GFCI before we do much more.

Beginning of the Adventure

KCSUMPS
Sep 16, 2018

Everything has to start somewhere... This is the beginning of my journey

Tank Location Begin the Discussion!

KCSUMPS
Sep 16, 2018

Looking for any advice on my tank location and decisions as I move forward with this 90 Gallon...

KCSUMPS · Sep 16, 2018

By the way, sorry for the lighting, will get better as I get the hang of video...

KCSUMPS · Sep 16, 2018

Here are some of the concepts of stands I am looking to build. If anyone has any they can share please let me know..

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hdsoftail1065 · Sep 16, 2018

Sounds like a nice build and a nice build thread. You have some nice stores in KC! I'm jealous, we only have 3 in Wichita and the selection isn't real good.

ndrwater · Sep 16, 2018

Those stands look nice!! I noticed in one of your videos the wainscoting and crown in the room where the tank will go as well. Would it be possible to tie the line of the wainscoting into the tank build?
I did something for a customer like that years ago and it was a super clean look

Flippers4pups · Sep 16, 2018

Welcome from the Saint Louis area!

KCSUMPS · Sep 18, 2018

Well, I thank you for your thoughts and ideas. I AM going to use the same molding on the tank to give it a 'build in' look without the built in need (in case I have to move it someday)...

So today I was able to get some ideas finally narrowed down and actually start building... Here is where I got to...

So many ideas!

KCSUMPS
Sep 18, 2018

Looks close to what I am looking for...

KCSUMPS
Sep 18, 2018

front view dimensions

KCSUMPS
Sep 18, 2018

I am a bad artist!

KCSUMPS
Sep 18, 2018

Do I have all that I need?

KCSUMPS
Sep 18, 2018

Lets get started... How many videos start JUST LIKE THIS? :)

KCSUMPS
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The tank will 'stick out' about 4" from the front but I also wanted 2X2 shelving on either side...

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Main stand almost done

KCSUMPS
Sep 18, 2018

I am finally getting some of the stand into the house. Base is done and sides are ready to begin building the canopy

KCSUMPS
Sep 18, 2018

jsker · Sep 18, 2018

Great construction and concept

KCSUMPS · Sep 20, 2018

Thanks all! Here is my next step to finish the sides and my daily rant... I have really wanted to keep the sides as open as possible even though one end is drilled for what was a peninsula tank. I am making the best of it... right now I am hiding the 1.5 inch overflow pipes in the side shelving 1x4s.

The primary framing is done including cut outs for the bulkheads. Any suggestions on what you guys did for your canopy? I hung a middle 'rafter' so that I can hang my lights there and still keeping the sides open for electronics.

As I learn more about reactors it looks like I will need a few so I think I have room for that...

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KCSUMPS
Sep 20, 2018

Again, any suggestions let me know. Am also wondering about door construction vs purchase.

I am

KCSUMPS · Sep 23, 2018

Ok ... the sides are almost wrapped and holes are cut for pipes and wires in the back. Before I put it all together and do the trim work I thought I would get any feedback on what I have done so far...

Thanks all!

Stand Build wrap is almost done, ready to put all together and do molding..

KCSUMPS
Sep 23, 2018

hdsoftail1065 · Sep 23, 2018

It's coming around nicely. I see you put a lot of thought into it!

KCSUMPS · Sep 23, 2018

Thanks for the comments and suggestions... where is the best place to put the ball valves after the overfliw? Right next to the overflow or down by the sump?

KCSUMPS · Sep 27, 2018

I am putting the last pieces together and doing trim work today... Do you guys have any suggestions on where to put the plugs? I think I am going APEX with the 8 plug unit for now.. Do you like putting the plugs underneath or with your other control panels? I am asking because I don't know why I would need to do anything or see the mess of the plugs in my display/controller panel I have on the side and would like to simply put it underneath or in a hidden area at the back of the cabinet just access once I plug something in and then configure the APEX?

KCSUMPS · Sep 28, 2018

Have some more to do but have the basic structure done...

Tank Stand almost done...

KCSUMPS
Sep 28, 2018

Just need doors

hdsoftail1065 · Sep 29, 2018

Its really starting to look nice!

KCSUMPS · Sep 29, 2018

hdsoftail1065 said:
Its really starting to look nice!

Thank you! Any thoughts from anyone on where to put the true union valves off the overflow? I am thinking some at the top right by the tank and another pair right by the sump ...?

siggy · Sep 30, 2018

This is how I did mine, ball on the drain and a check before entering the tank. I also have a ball v. just after the return pump. On your electronics cabinet, you may need more space, I would use that space directly behind your planed space as well.

..........Looking Good!........................

KCSUMPS · Sep 30, 2018

This is awesome feedback. I think the plumbing i will do just as you did next. On the electronics i see what you mean and i think i will ise the top left area and have taken it apart to use. Thank you much! Really great info.

KCSUMPS · Oct 9, 2018

Hello Again! Well, made some progress and am essentially done with the stand. I have some great room in the back that I will show as we build the overflow, sump, return, and do the electrical. That said, would love some feedback on what you all do (I have scoured the sites for pictures of how people mount the equipment.

A BIG shout out to GCRAWFORD for the great transaction here on reef2reef for the apex classic controller - hooked up in seconds and fusion is beginning to be understood... ha!

Ok - if you have any comments or suggestions let me know. I have a bunch of pics and specifics on the making of the doors if you need to make some yourself (by the 9th one it was getting easy)... including routing bits used, measurements, and how we secured the trim inside the door edges to dress it up.

Thanks all and happy reefing!

Andy

Stand is done finally!

KCSUMPS
Oct 9, 2018

Well the stand is essentially done and now I am looking at how to plumb the sump and get the...

KCSUMPS · Oct 11, 2018

I havent attached most of the pictures but thought I would throw them on this thread. If you need any measurements or details on the router bits, settings, type of wood, beading, etc let me know... On to building the sump!