New 150 Gallon SCA Tank And Custom Stand Build

vpierce3

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Hi all. I’ve had my fish in a temporary 75 gallon tank since we moved into our new house several years ago. And I’m finally able to build a proper set up and start my build thread. This will be a gradual process, so I will post as progress is made. Hope you enjoy.
It all started about a month ago when I took delivery of my new 150 gallon EXT tank from SCA.

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vpierce3

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Next I started building the stand. We wanted something like what Red Sea makes. But I didn’t want the Red Sea price tag or their sump system.
I also needed a way to roll the system out when we are ready to put in new floors.
So I started by machining aluminum rollers that are strong enough for the weight but won’t rust or break the bank.
 

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vpierce3

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Then I made a steel tube frame for the front with 1/2” barrel nuts welded through so I can use bolts over custom aluminum foot plates to level things out.

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Here is the whole undercarriage. On the bottom board of the cabinet.
 

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vpierce3

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The cabinet is all 3/4” furniture grade plywood. The sides are double-walled. And the front top is supported by solid oak laminated to plywood.
 

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vpierce3

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I picked up a 40 gallon breeder from Petco on sale for $54….steal! I will use it for my custom sump.
 

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vpierce3

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Next I started finishing the cabinet. I chose a semi-gloss cabinet paint because stupid California doesn’t allow pigmented lacquer any more.
 

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Next I received my new roller filter. I chose the new Bubble Magus Large Gen 2. The build quality seems very good. I will be posting an unboxing and build video on YouTube when I get a chance.
 

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vpierce3

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Here is the cabinet in my living room. The doors are finished and attached with smooth close European hinges.
 

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The last thing I did was install the weir and overflow box. I chose the 16” model from Modular Marine. The tank from SCA is drilled for another brand….but I was not impressed with their quality; especially for the price.
Anyway, if you email the folks at Modular Marine they will make a overflow for SCA tanks. The precess was easy, the price is reasonable and the quality is top notch.
 

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vpierce3

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Today I was able to get some plumbing done. I can’t believe how prices have gone up.
I also made the full beananimal drain in the overflow.
 

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Well I finished enough of the plumbing so that I could fill the tank up with tap water for a leak test. If all is well after 24 hours I can empty it and start refilling with RODI and salt.
 

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I also made the lighting bar to mount my fixtures to. I bought a length of 5/8” solid 6160 aluminum bar from Metalmart for $22. The bar will be painted black and have thin rubber on the bottom struts so it can just sit on the eurobracing.
 

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I started installing the partitions in my sump. The tank is a 40 gallon breeder I got on sale at Petco for $54.
The partitions are 1/4” acrylic because it’s easy. I was going to do all glass but decided I didn’t want the hassle.
Everyone is into tricked out sumps nowadays but I have a more utilitarian view of them.
 

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vpierce3

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I used a new silicon; at least new to me. It’s 100% silicon for plastic an glass. No additives. It’s in the Home Depot back by the glass and plastic sheets.
The bond is surprisingly good. I wouldn’t trust it for a tank or overflow….but it’s certainly good for sump partitions.

Update: It’s ok for glass-plastic but subpar for plastic-plastic.

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The sump passed the leak test and is in place. Now I can finish the plumbing once some fittings are delivered.
 

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A worm with high fashion and practical utility: Have you ever kept feather dusters in your reef aquarium?

  • I currently have feather dusters in my tank.

    Votes: 66 37.5%
  • Not currently, but I have had feather dusters in my tank in the past.

    Votes: 59 33.5%
  • I have not had feather dusters, but I hope to in the future.

    Votes: 25 14.2%
  • I have no plans to have feather dusters in my tank.

    Votes: 26 14.8%
  • Other.

    Votes: 0 0.0%
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