Frag Tank Build Thread

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Hello Everyone and Merry Christmas!

Santa brought me a frag tank for christmas and as I am new to the r2r forums I figured I might start a build thread and meet some people along the way. I have been on reef central for five years and finally ventured out to other sites.

I have been reefing about 7 years, starting with softies, then some LPS and SPS. Recently I have been on the chalice craze and am collecting those with a fellow local reefer who shares my passion or these corals.

My Display tank is a 120 and I will be plumbing in the frag tank to the main system. The dimensions of the frag tank are 24 x 20 x 12. So I think it is around 30 gallons or so. It has a single overflow box in the back.

So my plan is to build a pedestal stand and canopy. I received the tank today and it is soaking in a good vinegar bath along with my extra pumps and acrylic frag rack. I will scrub the tank tomorrow after the kids open presents and continue work on building the stand.

I have not decided whether to suspend from the ceiling the canopy or mount it to the wall or stand. I will see how it plays out while building.

Here are the initial pics.

 

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Some more pics

Here are some more pics

 

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And the build begins

My wife came outside to ask me why I decided to start a huge project like this on Christmas Eve! So this all the further I got on building today.

I used (4) 4 x 4's as the support. The only thing that concerned me was the fact that the base support would be in the middle 2/3's of the platform and not the corners like most stands. However, after deciding to use 3/4 plywood on the top along with additional support I am not concerned. The max weight would be 300 lbs and those 4 x 4's can hold much more than that.

I will finish building the stand Christmas afternoon and start on the canopy. So more pics to come.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

 

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updated pics

Here is the finished stand almost ready for water. I plan to have it tied into the main system on Tuesday. Just have to finish the plumbing and check for leaks before bringing in the house.