Stormfront's new 75 gallon reef tank build

[Stormfront]

Hi everyone! Thanks for coming by and looking!

I wanted to create this thread as a documentation of the build I am currently working on. As the title of the thread implies, this build will be a 75 gallon mixed reef tank with mostly LPS and SPS corals and of course, fish. Attached to the 75 gallon tank will be a 40 gallon breeder tank converted into a sump / refugium.

Currently, I have a 29 gallon Coralife Biocube that I have kept for about a year that is thriving, but I wanted to get a larger setup so my growing corals would have more space. I am also wanting to get a few more fish and have a more thorough filtration system in place.

As far as the build process goes, I have the 75 gallon Aqueon tank already and I am in the process of building the stand. I will be posting pictures of that process soon!

 

[Stormfront]

Reserved for equipment list

 

[Stormfront]

Reserved for stocking list

 

[Stormfront]

Okay, as promised, here are some pictures I have of the build so far.

First, a picture of the tank. Yes, it looks lonely sitting there by itself.

The beginning of the stand, please ignore the photobombing cat.

Boards are all cut and ready to go.

You have to get creative when you live in an apartment. Yes, I built the stand on the kitchen counter. Yes, the counter is level, lol.

Basic frame completed.

Supports on the corners installed.

Finishing out the cabinet doors. These turned out really well.

 

[Stormfront]

A bit of equipment pr0n. I have a Neptune Apex Jr. on my biocube and love it. For this build, I wanted to get the full version.

 

[Stormfront]

Okay I know it has been a while, but the build is progressing! So where am I at now? Well, I have the stuff to set up the return and overflow from glass-holes.com. I have also ordered a Reef Octopus 150SSS skimmer, two Aquamaxx standard size media reactors, and a Jebao DCT-8000 return pump. The only snag is that the media reactors are completely sold out everywhere I've looked, so I have to wait until July 8th for them to ship. Once they finally get here, I will be able to accurately design the baffles for the sump and also get all the plumbing parts ordered.

On the subjects of sumps, I am using a 40 gallon breeder that I am picking up tomorrow. Petco is having their $1 per gallon sale and I mean to take advantage of it.

I'll be taking pictures of all those parts after they come in, but for now, enjoy the pictures of the stand and doors now that they have been stained!

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Cool! Following!

 

[Stormfront]

Okay it's been WAY too long since I've posted some pictures here, but today I'm going to remedy that!

So where am I at on the build?

Well I have the sump completely done. It's been water tested and my cat is very interested.

Template set up and ready to drill some holes!

Pilot holes drilled.. being my first time drilling holes in glass, I was a bit nervous, but really, it wasn't too bad.

Holes drilled and the back glass is painted!

 

[Phil Cusimano]

Okay it's been WAY too long since I've posted some pictures here, but today I'm going to remedy that!

So where am I at on the build?

Well I have the sump completely done. It's been water tested and my cat is very interested.

Template set up and ready to drill some holes!

Pilot holes drilled.. being my first time drilling holes in glass, I was a bit nervous, but really, it wasn't too bad.

Holes drilled and the back glass is painted!

Awesome!

 

[Stormfront]

Completed sump is now in the stand.

Stand doors installed.

Got the return line hole drilled, installed the bulkheads and the overflow box from glass-holes.com

On to the plumbing! I started off by putting the manifold together.

Installed the valves behind the tank.

And then I got a lot of the drain plumbing on the back done.

 

[jsker]

Very nice build, I see you have a helping cat.:)

 

[Stormfront]

Yeah he is very interested in the whole thing and keeps a close eye on me as I work. :D