New Build - DIY heavy...New FTS!

[Marc.The.Shark]

Figured I document my new tank build that's been a year in the making. Had the tank made last summer and just getting to the cusp of filling with water. Should be wet here shortly. This is a pretty custom setup with lots of DIY aspects by yours truly. I tend to keep my tanks for a long time & with this one, I've incorporated solutions to most of the issues that have bugged me over the years. I haven't bought a new tank in over 10 years and I currently have my 8g running, so there was really no hurry to get it up and running. This will take the place of the 8g after it's cycled.

Current FTS 12/15/2016

FTS 07/27/2016 - no water yet

*Tank

- Custom local built 36" x 12" x 10"; 3/8" Starphire glass 4 sides. (approx. 20g)
- Dual 1" Bulheads w/strainers down to dual Reverse Durso's in the sump (gate valve on 1)
- Dual 1/2" CPVC over the rim returns/split by 3/4" SCWD
- ReefCleaners Dry Rock & Old Dry Rock I had
- Tropic Eden Meso-Flakes
- Custom Screen Cover by @cromag08

*Lighting

- Custom made (by me) acrylic 32" (30" heatsink) LED
- 4 NanoBox V3 arrays (4 channel)
- Bluefish control

*Sump/Equipment

- 10g standard tank w/Oceanbox Designs Sump Kit (3 chamber)
- Coral Compulsion par30
- LED interior cabinet lighting actived by switch on left door
- Tunze 9001 Skimmer
- IM MiniMax Reactor
- 150w Finnex Titanium Heater
- Jebao DCT6000 DC pump w/Georg Fischer 3/4" Wye check valve
- Marine Color 3 channel dosing pump w/custom dosing containers
- Oceanbox Designs custom ATO container (approx. 4gal) w/Smart ATO Micro
- Apex Classic Full version w/PM2

 

[Marc.The.Shark]

Stand.
I bought this from Craigslist for $15. Removed the drawer & made it a flip down door, stained cabinet dark Java & put on new hardware






Also installed cabinet lighting that turns on when left door is opened

 

[Marc.The.Shark]

Tank fitted on the stand

Sump area coming together


Custom slide-out for LED PSU & Apex components using drawer slides & a piece of laminate shelving







Next up.....Light Build..

 

[Marc.The.Shark]

I couldn't find an off the shelf light that I was happy with, so decided to make my own. I liked the look of the Oraphek thick splashguard, but wanted something long & skinny so I would get good coverage on the tank @ 36". The light measures 32" x 4" with a 30" heatsink. I used 4 NanoBox V3 arrays spaced pretty evenly keeping in mind the 3 island concept that I was going to use for my rock scape. Hopefully will help minimize shading. Made it out of mostly acrylic. My first time working with acrylic....not too bad! lol
Parts

Splash guard

Lid with fan cutouts

Heatsink with LED's attached

Side view

Internals with drivers & bluefish

Mounting arm. This is attached directly to the heatsink & is a projector mounting bracket rated for like 60lbs., $12.99, WHAT A BARGAIN!!

FINISHED!!!!

testing

I did take it back apart & add some diffuser to the inside of the splash guard.

 

[Marc.The.Shark]

This is pretty much how it looks in the nook where I have it, minus the light


with light


Sump area 95% complete




Drop down door with Return pump controller & Apex display mounted. The readings are from my other tank.


That's about it for now. Still a few loose ends to tie up, then water in a week or so.

 

[revhtree]

WOW somebody has some skills! Very nice!

 

[jsker]

Very nice work. Now I have to clean up my wires

 

[nitro]

Sweeeeeeeeet set up.

 

[Marc.The.Shark]

WOW somebody has some skills! Very nice!

Thanks Rev! I've had a lot of time to ponder new projects! Lol

Very nice work. Now I have to clean up my wires

Hahaha. Those wire concealers are genius! I have crap stuffed all over my current tank stand. PITA when you want to remove something for cleaning/replacement!

Sweeeeeeeeet set up.

Thanks Nitro!

 

[Bronc]

Absolutely amazing work!!!

 

[Elmer]

Awesome set up

 

[Marc.The.Shark]

Absolutely amazing work!!!

You're too kind, thanks!!

Awesome set up

Thank You!

 

[Cary Hover]

Looks great. Nice job. Only thing I might be afraid of are the two big holes drilled side by side right in the middle of the back. Might be creating a weak point. Tank is small enough though to probably take the stress.

 

[30reef]

Any ideas on what your doing in this tank? I'd think it be a cool zoa tank

 

[Marc.The.Shark]

Looks great. Nice job. Only thing I might be afraid of are the two big holes drilled side by side right in the middle of the back. Might be creating a weak point. Tank is small enough though to probably take the stress.

3/8" glass & the holes are actually about 3" apart. The bulkheads & screens make it appear very close. There won't be any bowing on this thing! lol

Any ideas on what your doing in this tank? I'd think it be a cool zoa tank

Mixed reef. I have a few zoa colonies already in my other tank that will make the trip over. A few select arcos up high, then mixed LPS/Zoa,bottom 3/4 of the rockwork. Here's a pic of my current tank (crappy, I know.) Prob 60% of this will make its way into the new setup..

 

[Frop]

That's awesome! I really admire when people can build basically anything. It's not a skill you can fake.

 

[spllbnd2]

Very nice looking and I wouldn't worry to much about the holes in the back. I would be more concerned with what looks like a particle board top soaking any water up.

Very nice work on the lighting unit too.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[jgvergo]

Wow, nice job on a great build! What are your stocking plans?

 

[Marc.The.Shark]

That's awesome! I really admire when people can build basically anything. It's not a skill you can fake.

Thanks.

Very nice looking and I wouldn't worry to much about the holes in the back. I would be more concerned with what looks like a particle board top soaking any water up.

Very nice work on the lighting unit too.

Cheers,
Alex

LOL, yeah, never made the connection on the top & sides being skinned & I drilled thru it! My current stand is particle board & it's crap, but not nearly as sturdy. Just a crappy off the shelf BC stand. Thanks for pointing it out, I'll be careful with wet hands. I did apply 3 coats of polyurethane over the stain tho, so that should help.

 

[Fernando Rubin]

I got to start working on my build I have been in the planning and buying stage for about one year,Iam pump up now,thanks