New Tank Build (SCA 66g)

[trio91]

I've been out of the "game" for a few years now and sure enough, I got that itch to set up a tank again. New tanks from the big retailers (to me) are very expensive, so I decided to go a cheaper route. My thoughts are to go "cheaper" on the tank, and "high end" on the equipment.

So, about a few weeks ago, I wound up getting a SC 66g Aquarium off of Amazon. The kit included: tank, stand, skimmer, return pump and tubing. For what I paid, it really wasn't a bad deal.

 

[trio91]

Some stock phots of the tank for a reference.

 

[trio91]

I was thinking about going with Red Sea as far as equipment goes. To me, this gives me "control", without having a controller if that makes sense. I may get something else down the line, but we will see.

I have my mind set on getting a RS ReefMat, ReefRun and the Red Sea Ato. Lightning is definitely a coin toss so I'm open to every option. I was looking at the RS LED's but the reviews on them haven't swayed me in that direction.

 

[trio91]

So, the stand interior was this light, cheap looking beige veneer. I didn't care for the color of the material, so I decided to change it up a bit.

I wanted something a little more for the interior that would be resistant to the salt creep and water that will eventually get all the place in the stand.

After a trip to Home Depot, I picked up a can of Killz, and a can of black alkyd paint to help with this. This was the closest thing I could find to a Marine Paint (like what's used for boats n what not) so I went with it.

Yesterday, I lightly sanded the veneer so that the primer had something to stick to and after that, I got it wiped down and primed.

After a day of dry time, I applied my black paint, allowed for another day to dry, and applied a second coat.

 

[trio91]

About a week ago, my plumbing supplies came in along with my return pump.
BRS had the RS Reef Run on an "open box" sale, so I pulled the trigger on it. I also grabbed the ReefRun controller, and the ReefMat (also on an open box) from Saltwateraquarium.com. I also grabbed a self-leveling mat to place under that tank.

What's in the box: All schedule 80 pvc fittings (gate valve, ball valve, 45's, 90's, unions and pipe)

 

[trio91]

Yesterday, I Finally got the tank mounted, sump placed and plumbing dry fit. I'm running a Herbie style Overflow

From left to right:

Overflow/Main drain, Return line, Emergency drain line.

With the weight of the schedule 80's, I'm going to need to strap them up in some way to take some stress off the connections.

I also hooked up 2x VCA nozzles to my return loc lines.

I've never hard plumbed a tank before, so what do you guys think? As far as the strap for the pipes, I was thinking about using some pvc strap. Unless anyone knows a better way.