New To Reefing - Build Thread - From The Beginning

SilverCityReef · Oct 21, 2018

Hello R2R members!

About a month ago I decided I was going to finally get my 40B up and running. I was given this aquarium by a friend/R2R member roughly 4 years ago but never got around to getting it going because by the time it was done cycling I had to move. Another friend of mine store the tank for me for the past few years but he let everything get ruined by either sitting in water or getting moldy so I scrapped everything except for the aquarium itself.

Since deciding to set it back up I have acquired a few replacement components and gave the tank a good cleaning. I decided to go the AI Hydra 26 route for lighting so I grabbed one and will pick up another when I can. To save a little bit where I could, I bought a used Eheim return pump and BRS 6-Stage RO/DI system. I am building my stand custom, I finally got around to cutting the pieces yesterday.

I will do my best to keep this thread updated as the stand gets built and tank gets cycling.

dantimdad · Oct 21, 2018

Welcome aboard!

We are glad you are here!

looking good so far!

SilverCityReef · Oct 23, 2018

UPDATE: The blueprints for my stand have been changed to add adequate support for the weight of my 40B when full. Here are updated blueprints with dimensions of either 36"W x 21"D x 36"H or 39"W x 18"D x 36"H. The front cabinet doors were removed and the entire panel from frame to frame will be removable and held in place by magnets. Left side sump access and right side control panel access will be setup the same way. The top will still be 1/2" plywood along with sump shelf and control panel. The entire exterior will then be wrapped in 1/4" plywood and covered with the paneling. I will post pictures of progressions and equipment I already have when I get a chance later today.

SilverCityReef · Oct 23, 2018

I decided to double up the top and bottom frames giving me a total of 39"width and 24"depth instead of 36" x 21". I was fighting the rain so I couldn't get photos of frame yet but here are some of my equipment photos, the equipment being replaced, and what the tank looked like before & after being cleaned.

reef lover · Oct 23, 2018

Cant wait to see that stand finished!!

saintsreturn · Oct 23, 2018

Looking forward to watching your build, especially that stand!

SilverCityReef · Oct 23, 2018

So I ran out of wood because I cut everything and then changed blueprints but here is progress so far. I am still debating on adding additional section to length to leave room for future upgrades like ATO container, etc. I still need to put in a few more supports and cut and mount the plywood. Not coming along too bad though. Unfortunately, the spot I want to put it in has unlevel floor so I may move it to another room. We shall see. Still need to have circuit checked too and probably upgraded before going crazy.

SilverCityReef · Nov 2, 2018

Almost all the pieces have been cut, still need to cut a few of the notches and the controller mounting panel. Not going to rush getting paneling and doors finished until after I get tank cycling so I have as much room as possible to install equipment and run wires and plugs. Just wanted to post an update while I had the chance.

P.S. This type of project/hobby is not recommended for those with wives who hate long term clutter. LOL Mine may leave me if she realizes how much I'm spending to make a mess of our living room.

SilverCityReef · Nov 5, 2018

Got a few more pieces put on today. Hopefully I'll have time tomorrow to get some more done. Unfortunately, I am still waiting on payment from someone so the rest of the necessary equipment is on hold until that money comes in. I will continue to keep this thread up-to-date on all progress made. I will add better photos tomorrow of what was done today as well.

P.S. If anyone has any tips on how to work around an outlet to all for power strip to be plugged in but not affect tank sitting flush with wall, please let me know. I'm thinking I will have to box it all out and create a channel through sump area into the control panel area where strip will be mounted. I don't want outlet to get wet or moisture on it but trying to avoid unnecessary work if possible.

SilverCityReef · Nov 6, 2018

If you look closely you can see the outlet that is going to be an issue. Also, the stand is level, it's my floor that is not.

saintsreturn · Nov 6, 2018

Coming together nicely. Shim up the stand and you will be fine. Do not over engineer it and make it more complicated than it needs to be

hockeyhead019 · Nov 6, 2018

Lookin good! Well done getting tank all cleaned up from the state that it was in

SilverCityReef · Nov 6, 2018

saintsreturn said:
Coming together nicely. Shim up the stand and you will be fine. Do not over engineer it and make it more complicated than it needs to be

I got a couple pieces of wood from my old TV stand that is the exact height I need to level it off. That was the first thing I figured out when stand came inside.

hockeyhead019 said:
Lookin good! Well done getting tank all cleaned up from the state that it was in

Thank you. Took some serious elbow grease but looks 100x better than it was.

Now that everything is together, I'm working on getting everything Killz'd and the hole for outlet figured out. Then I will install controller mount board, paint top and sump base grey, and work on getting the paneling and molding on.

SilverCityReef · Nov 7, 2018

I starting hitting the stand with Kilz Hide-All Sealer/Primer. The top and bottom will be painted grey but I will probably still apply at least one coat of Kilz prior to help protect again mold. I plan on doing 2 coats of Kilz everywhere else, 3 if necessary. I want to protect the stand from mold, mildew, moisture damage, etc the best I can and I think white inside will help with lighting and visibility once paneling is on.

If anyone has any tips or better sealing products, feel free to comment and let me know.

SilverCityReef · Nov 18, 2018

Still a very slow process as I dont have a ton of free time but almost time to actually get things in position.

Remaining:

Another coat of Kilz
Cut Outlet Opening
Cut/Install Controller Panel
Cut/Install Paneling
Touch-Up/Paint Interior Paneling
Frame/Assemble/Install Doors
Frame/Install Wiring Track
Start Dry-Fitting Equipment

SilverCityReef · Nov 22, 2018

So I've been finding the time lately to actually get some things done on the stand and I'm not disappointed in how it's coming together. Still have quite a bit of work to do over the next week or two, but I will be ordering the final supplies and equipment this weekend while I can get the Black Friday deals.

What's Remaining

Finish Cutting & Installing Paneling
Cut Outlet Opening & Drill Wiring Holes
Wiring Tracks/Box
Touch-Up & Final Coat Paint On Visable Areas
Paint Back Of Display Tank
Acrylic Filtering Piece For Baffle
Finish Sump Baffle Plans (?)
Build Custom Doors
Dry-Fit Equipment, Aquascape, & Setup (RODI, LIGHTING, PUMPS, ETC)

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SilverCityReef · Nov 27, 2018

My Black Friday orders start arriving tomorrow so things are finally getting moving.

SilverCityReef · Nov 29, 2018

Unfortunately when I received my package today it contained the wrong powerheads but I will send them back tomorrow and keep pushing forward until then. Any advice on settings for the Zetlight E200?

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SilverCityReef · Jan 31, 2019

It's been a couple months since I last updated this thread so here's what's been done since. The 20g high sump has been replaced with a 29gal, all equipment has been installed, tank was plumbed using soft tubing and PVC, & water was added Dec. 22, 2018.

Since the initial start of this build, I had one minor leak yesterday from a loose elbow fitting at the bulkhead for the return line. This was a very minor leak and was luckily caught & repaired quickly. I also made some modifications to my control panel in order for it to be useable. I didn't think the control panel through enough so I had no way of getting new equipment plugs through the wall once sump was full. I also wish I had added a second panel in front of first in order to hide wires behind it.

To stay up-to-date on this build, watch how I made mount for Hydra 26HD's, or see the modifications & mistakes I made: