My First All DIY Tank Build

C_mo97

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Hey Guys,

So maybe you can tell from the title but I am building a complete system from scratch (Tank, Stand, Sump, and plumbing).

I will post my progress on this thread so stay tuned. Here are some pics from the stand.

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Peace River

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Hey Guys,

So maybe you can tell from the title but I am building a complete system from scratch (Tank, Stand, Sump, and pluming).

I will post my progress on this thread so stay tuned. Here are some pics from the stand.

So far so good! Cheering for you - good luck!
 

Mastiffsrule

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It’s looking great. Can’t wait to watch the tank. If the tank is like the garage floor it will be well done.

Give the guy on the ladder a sandwich , he’s nothing but bones. ;Happy
 

lapin

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Kewl
Its fun stuff.
A bit scary when you first put water in the tank but that passes with time.
 
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C_mo97

C_mo97

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So guys here is my first update!! I finally fixed all of the kinks with the doors on the stand and pretty much have it ready for painting. Let me know what color you think I should do? Also I DIYed a 10 gallon starter sump I had on hand (I will probably upgrade to a 20-25 gallon later on).

Here are the pics:
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C_mo97

C_mo97

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Alright here is update number two! I have now primed the stand and started building the plywood tank. I also was able to get a hold of a 20 gallon tank for my sump instead of the 10 I previously planned on using.

Here are some update pictures:
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I also had a little mishap with tempered glass lol. I thought it was plate but apparently not.
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Well thanks for following!! I should have another updated by the end of the weekend.
 
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C_mo97

C_mo97

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Update number 3!!! I still have no glass but the plywood tank is water proofed and the tank and stand is painted. I still need to put Vinyl stripping around the doors so I haven’t put them back on yet.
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Also I finished the 20 gallon sump that I am using instead of the 10.
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For my next steps I will be getting glass and test if the tank holds water. After that I am going to start drilling holes for the plumbing and create the overflow!!!
 
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C_mo97

C_mo97

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So new update the doors are on and I started cycling my rock!!! I figure after I get all the plumbing done, put the glass panel on and make sure everything is working properly my rock should be cycled. I also found a good price on some 1/2 inch thick glass for my front panel $170 brand new.

Here are some pics of my progress and kind of what I had in mind for my scape:
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I could use extra ideas for my scape so let me know what you guys think I should do!!!
 

Marlon C

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I've never understood plywood tanks or the longevity of them. Looks good though
 
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C_mo97

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All righty it’s been awhile since I posted anything about this build. That is because I was purchasing probably the most expensive piece to this whole build the “glass viewing panel.” It took me awhile to find a place that was selling it for the right price but, I finally picked it up for only $145.

Here are some pics of the tank and the silicone I used :)

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C_mo97

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Alright so I moved the tank back home instead of working on it in the storage unit. I started plumbing the tank yesterday, I almost have it all the way planned and mocked up. All I need to do now is add some final touches and than glue it all together!!

Pretty fun stuff! Here are the pics:
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S.Pepper

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Not for me, but very interesting. What's the purpose of doing it this way? Saving $$? And are you really saving any $$? Or something different and seeing if you could actually do it for the personal satisfaction? It's all good, and if it makes you happy... let it be. :) GL
 
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C_mo97

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Not for me, but very interesting. What's the purpose of doing it this way? Saving $$? And are you really saving any $$? Or something different and seeing if you could actually do it for the personal satisfaction? It's all good, and if it makes you happy... let it be. :) GL

Kind of an experiment and I love doing this type of stuff. I am seeing if it will save me money in the long run. It is better for me in the short term because I can buy the different parts piece by piece and spread out the amount I have to pay.

At the end of the build I am going to calculate how much I spent so stay tuned!!
 

Mastering the art of locking and unlocking water pathways: What type of valves do you have on your aquarium plumbing?

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