New Tank/Stand Build

[NEPAReefer]

I just wanted to share with everyone the SLOW progress of the build of my first saltwater tank and stand. It is a 90g tank with a 30g sump. Below are a couple of pictures of the stand. I have underestimated the size of the sump going in there a little bit. It will fit but it is tight. As you can see the skimmer just about makes it in there and I had to hang the Reactors on the center support but overall so far I am pleased. I will be skinning the sides with 1/4" plywood and the top and sump shelf with 1/2" plywood. They I will be wrapping the whole stand in old pallet wood and there will be 2 doors on the front. I haven't decided if I am going to stain the outside yet or not but we will leave that up to the wife. I will be putting some more brackets inside to hang all the plumbing as well as all the electronics for the ReefKeeper Elite. I will try to keep everyone who is interested posted with new pictures as I go along. If anyone has any thoughts or concerns, or even better, ideas feel free to shoot them my way.
Thanks for looking.

 

[jsker]

Just a suggestion, I would add two more support braces under the sump.

 

[glb]

Just a suggestion, I would add two more support braces under the sump.

Agreed. That center support won't hold the sump. The ends of the stand bottom will start to sag over time. Otherwise, looks great!

 

[NEPAReefer]

Just a suggestion, I would add two more support braces under the sump.

I was thinking the same thing. But then I thought that the 1/2 plywood I was going to put there would be good enough. That's why I posted this on here to try to avoid any problems.
Thanks

 

[NEPAReefer]

Agreed. That center support won't hold the sump. The ends of the stand bottom will start to sag over time. Otherwise, looks great!

OK thank you for the info.

 

[jsker]

I was thinking the same thing. But then I thought that the 1/2 plywood I was going to put there would be good enough. That's why I posted this on here to try to avoid any problems.
Thanks

Just in case is always say:)

 

[SteveSTL]

Go with 3/4 plywood for both and don't worry about the extra bracing. It will be more than adequate to carry the load since it's spaced out over such a large area. 1/2" probably is but I'd go 3/4 just to be safe.

 

[NEPAReefer]

Just a suggestion, I would add two more support braces under the sump.

I took your advise and added 2 more.

 

[NEPAReefer]

Go with 3/4 plywood for both and don't worry about the extra bracing. It will be more than adequate to carry the load since it's spaced out over such a large area. 1/2" probably is but I'd go 3/4 just to be safe.

It is too late...I went with 1/2" all around. Here is how it is coming along. I have to get the sump shelf installed tomorrow.

 

[Vahanyos]

Great stand! I just recently built one as well and made a lot of noob mistakes but it's still holding strong!

IMO there's nothing better than building your own stand - aside from saving lots of money you can customiZe it

 

[jsker]

I took your advise and added 2 more.

Nice work:)

 

[NEPAReefer]

What would everyone's opinion be on putting a backboard on this stand? I was thinking to add one to reduce the noise and keep the amount of light from the refugium from spilling out the back of the stand and onto the wall.

 

[NEPAReefer]

Great stand! I just recently built one as well and made a lot of noob mistakes but it's still holding strong!

IMO there's nothing better than building your own stand - aside from saving lots of money you can customiZe it

So far it is going pretty well. I am trying to take my time and ask questions to try to avoid running into any problems down the road. I really can't wait to set the tank on it but I probably have a couple more weeks before that happen...lol

 

[NEPAReefer]

It has been a while since I posted any updates about the build but I have been so busy it is getting tough to work on it. But here is an updated picture...We are getting closer.