"Seems" like it's time for a new build....

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 20, 2017

Hey Everyone!
It's that time for a new build thread. My 90 gallon acrylic has started popping seams on the top showing seperation and it's time to start a new build thread. I'm going from a 90 gallon 48x18x24 to an 80 gallon shallow reef 48x24x16. I'm super stoked for this build as it'll be my second build so I can take into consideration all those wants and needs from my first build and incorporate into this one. I will be building the stand and adding a nice piece of oak wood (4'x6') under the stand to spread the load. Going to build a standard 2"x6" stand with no center brace to open the sump area up a bit as well. Ordering tank tomorrow and should be bringing it home next Tuesday or Wednesday. Doing new sand (non live so as to not cause a cycle from whatever die off is in the bag) and transferring all rock I can. The rest will be plumbed into a 20long under the tank to keep the same bio filter I have. Stay tuned! It will be a pretty quick build as I have 1 week to finish the flooring and stand before tank arrives. Once it's here, shooting for a toga tank changeout in 24 hrs. Lots of coffee and cursing to come! Oh, and pics all the way as I go!

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 20, 2017

Here are the current seams on the 90 gal. I must admit, I'm going to be sweating a bit until the changeover is done.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 20, 2017

FTS of the current setup. Going to have all kind of frags when time to start separating rocks.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 20, 2017

Whelp... I've gotten as far as getting the 4x6 base wood cut for under the stand. Went with a 3/4" oak (Not really photo worthy yet) Going to hit the edges with a router tomorrow and possibly stain/seal it if time allows. I will also be receiving the true tank dimensions to begin Designing and rounding up stand construction material.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 21, 2017

Snagged up a bunch of lumber today. Going with a 2x4 build instead of 2x6. Think 2x6 would add extra stand weight and be a little overkill for what I'm building. Anyone beg to differ for an 80 gallon tank and think I should go with 2x6? Interested to hear others opinions as well. To my understanding 2x6 is more in the 120+ range and even then debatable on a properly built stand. Got the true measurements for tank and order placed today. Big shout out to @Joe Knows Reefs for the clutch connection and making this build possible! Thanks! Hope to actually start construction after work tomorrow and have some pictures to share.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 21, 2017

I'm also eliminating my wet/dry unit turned into a sump and adding the 20L with a refugium section for chateo. The 14gal biofuge will transfer, keeping that same sand bed as well as any rock that doesn't fit in my DT. I also have another random 10 gallon laying around I may incorporate somehow in sump design. I'll have more of a clue once stand built and get a real feel of space under the tank.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 22, 2017

Main skeleton of the stand. Have some cross braces on top and bottom to add as well as the corner legs in between the top and bottom bracing.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 22, 2017

Not too shabby for a few hours work. First stand build.

macnets · Mar 22, 2017

Following, can't wait to see it complete

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 22, 2017

Tossed it in my living room, unfinished and a bit out of place, just to see how it'll look as far as height. Think it'll be a nice view from the couch.

Hope to get a glass shop to cut me some pieces for my sump tomorrow or Friday.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 23, 2017

Not much progress today. Got the conduit bent and installed today for a test fit. Just need to paint it black now and put some end caps on. Also put a small 18" led shop light in the stand for easy viewing. Tonight I'm ordering the American DJ power bar to make switching on and off items nice and easy. Can't tell ya how many time the wife has called and said power out (only for a min or two interval), but ask to unplug the skimmer and always leads into the "which plug is that" convo. Lol. Labelmaker, check.
I also got my call into the glass shop to pickup some pieces tomorrow for the 20L sump build.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 23, 2017

The arms are adjustable so I can compensate for spread and tank height once received.

Marlon2024 · Mar 23, 2017

What brand tank?

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 24, 2017

Deep blue

Marlon2024 · Mar 24, 2017

So I'm guessing the same as aquarium masters. That's the one I got how much was yours

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 24, 2017

Marlon2024 said:
So I'm guessing the same as aquarium masters. That's the one I got how much was yours

Same dimensions, yes. Caught it on a sale running till end of March so it was a steal. $415 for starfire. I'm maybe $100 give or take a bit on the stand, light hangers, glass, and knickknacks. Any pics of yours? Still trying to get an aquascape plan together. Going to be a bit difficult as I'll be swapping straight from one tank to the other and a lot of corals are already bonded to rocks.

ReeferMaddness843 · Mar 25, 2017

The Got the stand primed and ready for skinning. Rails cut to length and painted. Top piece cut (not attached or stained yet). Going to pickup tank today and see what else I can get done today. Glass shop delayed my cuts, so may be Monday before the sump is ready. Know I'm going on a treasure hunt today for some M10x1.0 bolts today. Wish me luck.