New 125 gal build! :)

luxauterna · Jun 12, 2015

Hello everyone! So I have been absent for a bit. Please excuse me. But in my absence I have been slowly compiling some things and I also tore down my 75 gal due to some issues. Since then I have begun a build process for a 125 gal that I was able to obtain. I have been taking it extremely slow due to you know.. life. BUT ALAS! It is time! I will be posting some build pictures of the stand and canopy, eventually plumbing etc. It will be a process, but hopefully you enjoy following along. I am going to be utilizing a wall that separates an unfinished room. Inside that room I will have my sump /filtration equipment. The DT will be in the living room area of our basement. But enough chatter - here are the pics so far

The stand was made with normal 2x4 and 2x6 framing wood, but covered with 2x6 cedar deck planks. The canopy was made with 1x4 pine and covered with 2x6 cedar deck planks.

luxauterna · Jun 12, 2015

They have been stained with a polystain "tudor"

Here are some more pics. Can you spot one of our curious cats?

redfishbluefish · Jun 12, 2015

Nice! What are you doing to finish the cedar?

EDIT TO ADD:

Oops! You posted the answer while I was typing.

Looks good.

luxauterna · Jun 12, 2015

More to come soon! Next will be to drill the 125 and install an overflow! Then plumbing!

luxauterna · Jun 12, 2015

redfishbluefish said:
Nice! What are you doing to finish the cedar?

EDIT TO ADD:

Oops! You posted the answer while I was typing.

Looks good.

Thank you! Yea I love the Tudor stain. It helps keep a natural color of cedar but darkens it a little (as long as you don't use to much)

luxauterna · Jun 12, 2015

Soon I will be working on putting my 35 gal DIY sump behind the wall and plumbed into the new DT. Man would I love this behind the wall... http://www.melevsreef.com/catalog/sump-model-f !!!

luxauterna · Jun 18, 2015

So the lighting (except I need to replace one bulb) has been chosen and set up in the canopy. It is a mixture of the Reef Radiance Lumentek Pro 240 and two T5HO single bulb fixtures. We'll see how this goes soon! This weekend I plan on drilling the drains and starting the plumbing

kschweer · Jun 18, 2015

Coming together nicely! Great job on the stand and canopy. I love the look of the cedar! I make fishing lures with cedar and love the smell when cutting and turning it on the lathe. Best of luck with the rest of the build, I'll be following along.

luxauterna · Jun 18, 2015

The smell is my favorite part of cedar. Thanks!

luxauterna · Jun 20, 2015

I am thinking about doing some colored PVC for the first time. Anyone have any opinions on brands or companies to purchase from?

luxauterna · Jun 21, 2015

First time drilling is done! Oh man that was nerve wracking. I will have some photos up soon. I didn't do the flawless job I was hoping for but no major chips or any cracking which I am happy about. My second hole was better than the first. The first one has a larger bubble chip it looks like. I am hoping it doesn't affect anything.