Innovative Marine 40L EXT Build

[Holt1995]

Finally have the main parts of the pvc stand cover done! Next is to finish up some detail parts and add some handles for easy panel removal.

 

[Holt1995]

The tank arrived this morning! I am beyond happy and excited about this tank. Everything from the build quality to the dimensions is just perfect for my reef tank needs:) Still finishing some touch ups on the stand to get it looking how I want but will post pictures on it once complete.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Such a nice feeling to have a blank canvas / clean slate! :)

 

[Holt1995]

Such a nice feeling to have a blank canvas / clean slate! :)

I agree it's so nice having a clean slate to start with! I know the tank is only 40 gallons but I have been waiting for a company to come out with a tank using these dimensions for so long. To me this is a small tank dream build:)

 

[Slickzxz9]

Looks like a great build is brewing! Good luck! I want to see your finished scape, that should look awesome.

 

[Holt1995]

Looks like a great build is brewing! Good luck! I want to see your finished scape, that should look awesome.

Thank you! I love building new aquascapes so stay tuned for the reveal very soon.

 

[Holt1995]

Hello everyone! Thank you for bearing with me on this exciting dream tank build. I have my plumbing parts coming Monday so will keep posting updates on that progress. Tank just passed the leak test so happy about that. Decided to keep the PVC sheet for top and bottom of the stand but will be skinning the outside of the stand with a nice wood finish:)

 

[Holt1995]

Tank passed initial leak test minus the plumbing. Also sneak peak of the almost finished kraken reef custom lid! I have other goodies to add to it on the way Ignore the pvc front cover and side covers this will be replaced with a nice custom wood finish.

 

[Holt1995]

This is the look I plan on creating for the outside skin of the tank stand. Wish me luck in my build process.

 

[Holt1995]

Almost done with the plumbing for the dry fit. Still have to make small adjustments as far as heights and that random blue pipe I have in there as a marker lol. I was two pieces short to finish the plumbing but they will be here this Wednesday so I can finish everything. Also the tank now has its finished kraken lid with feeding cups, cord cutouts, and light cutouts! Lastly I found and ordered this black rubber pet drip tray from Amazon to place under my sump to collect any potential water leaks.

 

[Holt1995]

Here is the pet drip tray that I am using for under my sump to catch any potential leaks or spills.

 

[Holt1995]

Alright all the plumbing is now glued together how I want it! Fingers crossed now that there is no leaks once the pvc cement is cured and water is added to the tank for leak test. Also I am using the reef breeders 1600 return pump to run this system.

 

[thunderwood]

Man this post is great. I’m on the fence right now. This is super helpful. Your plumbing looks flawless.

 

[thunderwood]

Great job in this. Super helpful.

 

[Holt1995]

Man this post is great. I’m on the fence right now. This is super helpful. Your plumbing looks flawless.

Thank you it was definitely a journey since this was my first time ever plumbing a reef tank. I will be testing my tank for leaks in the next few days to see if all the plumbing is sealed correctly. If all works out I will be moving on to the really fun part of the build.

 

[BetURWrasse]

Looks good. I've been running the IM30L EXT for a couple years now and thinking I'd like to move up to a 40 or 50 g

 

[Holt1995]

Looks good. I've been running the IM30L EXT for a couple years now and thinking I'd like to move up to a 40 or 50 g

I really enjoy the dimensions on this tank. It definitely gives you enough space for some creative aquascapes and fish selection.

 

[Holt1995]

Well just finished doing the plumbing leak test and it was a success no leaks!! Very happy how everything turned out. Now on to the exciting part of finishing my aquascape and getting this tank cycled.

 

[Holt1995]

Also, I will note that I used a one step pvc cement to glue all my plumbing together and I will say it made things so much easier than having to jump between a primer can and a cement can for each piece. Here is the brand I used for the tank plumbing on Amazon.

 

[Holt1995]

This is my aquascape so far using aquaforest reef rock 40lb box. I really like this rock and it is extremely light with more of a natural color. I will probably add some smaller parts to this scape seen in the photos but other than that it should be ready to go by tomorrow. Also I used aquaforest stone fix to cement the rocks together which was extremely easy to do and definitely recommend. Sorry for how long the updates are taking just working on a budget being a graduate student and enjoying this expensive hobby lol.