The 205 dream

[TheWB]

I really like the 8020 stand, looks great. I’ve been in the Crystal Reef Aquatics store and seen their sumps in person. I think they are really well built with lots of great features. If the tank is built like the sump you’re going to be very happy. Following along.

 

[AquaDaddy]

@TheWB - I'm pretty excited as I've also seen first hand their work on tanks and sumps. Both of mine will be done this December, so January is going to be busy for me (well, some of December, but I'm afraid I won't get done as much as I want for sure!

 

[TheWB]

@TheWB - I'm pretty excited as I've also seen first hand their work on tanks and sumps. Both of mine will be done this December, so January is going to be busy for me (well, some of December, but I'm afraid I won't get done as much as I want for sure!

Sounds like you and I are going to be busy installing things around the same time. I’ve got the IM Lagoon 50 so my project is on a much smaller scale than yours, I’m jealous. It’s been over a year now since I started gathering equipment but I’m only just now ready to seriously start putting it all together. I had to wait out a laundry room remodel that took way longer than it should have and a vacation before I was ready to go. Been working on my scape in the garage lately. Should be wet tank in my future within the next 2 weeks.

 

[AquaDaddy]

I don't know when I'm going to get mine wet. Still quite concerned about how I'll do the transfer yet. I have the rock cycling in salt water with dr tims. I can't have both tanks in the room for very long, and even when/if I do, will have to move the existing tank first. So, thinking of doing as much as I can to the new tank in my garage, and then moving the existing tank a bit so I can put the new tank in and then slowly start the transfer.

Even moving the existing tank will require emptying most of it just to move it a few feet. I feel if I do that very quickly, I should have pretty good luck with that.
@Brew12, @Victoria M - what are your thoughts? Anyone else who could weigh in on this? I'm not ready to do the move yet, but really want to have my process laid out and prep everything I can.

 

[lbacha]

Sorry it's been a bit since I've updated. I think I'm finally done purchasing things, so that's great. I also got my stand in and have assembled it to see how it looks. I'll start cutting the bottom and top of the stand very soon, and will get those fitted. Then I'll start working on all the equipment/wiring. My plan is to build the entire tank without fish or coral in the garage, then disassemble and move into the house and swap tanks. That way I will have already tested plumbing, electrical, etc.... and the actual move of corals/fish from one tank to the other can be done fairly swiftly.

Below is stand before assembly.

Stand being assembled (upside down)

What size 80/20 is that. I just built one out of 10 series for my nuvo 25g. It’s some nice stuff and really easy to work with

Len

 

[AquaDaddy]

It's 45x45 and 45x90 (mm)... and I love this stuff so far. Very easy to put together, very strong and I'll just wrap it with a 3 sided box. Should look great!FrameTech is who I used.

 

[Alexreefer]

do you plan on reusing some of the water and sand? or completely new sand and water?

 

[AquaDaddy]

My thoughts are to reuse water as I can. I don't plan to reuse the sand, but will probably transfer a bit of it. I've heard pro's and con's of reusing sand, and not sure about it. I have 2 Brightwell bricks soaking in my current tank I plan to move over to new tank as well.

 

[Alexreefer]

Makes sense. Where will you be holding your fish after the move?

 

[NaH20nerd]

Sorry it's been a bit since I've updated. I think I'm finally done purchasing things, so that's great. I also got my stand in and have assembled it to see how it looks. I'll start cutting the bottom and top of the stand very soon, and will get those fitted. Then I'll start working on all the equipment/wiring. My plan is to build the entire tank without fish or coral in the garage, then disassemble and move into the house and swap tanks. That way I will have already tested plumbing, electrical, etc.... and the actual move of corals/fish from one tank to the other can be done fairly swiftly.

Below is stand before assembly.

Stand being assembled (upside down)

This is awesome!! I ordered my 80/20 stand about 3 days ago. Can’t get here fast enough!!

I am a fan of running the plumbing through the top into the sump. Makes for a much cleaner presentation when the back of stand is against the wall. Good call on that!!

I chose to skin the stand with 6mm PVC (slides in the T-Slot) Hoping it stays straight and keeps the noise down. We’ll see I guess. Only down side is it has to go in while assembling the stand. Exterior skins can be removed/replaced without disassembly.

 

[NaH20nerd]

Here’s my 65 gal Planet Aquariums tank -been sitting on the floor for nearly a year now :(

The black piece under the tank is a 1-1/2” countertop wrapped in plastic laminate.

 

[AquaDaddy]

Makes sense. Where will you be holding your fish after the move?

Oh, I plan to just keep the fish in the old tank until the transfer begins.

 

[AquaDaddy]

This is awesome!! I ordered my 80/20 stand about 3 days ago. Can’t get here fast enough!!

I am a fan of running the plumbing through the top into the sump. Makes for a much cleaner presentation when the back of stand is against the wall. Good call on that!!

I chose to skin the stand with 6mm PVC (slides in the T-Slot) Hoping it stays straight and keeps the noise down. We’ll see I guess. Only down side is it has to go in while assembling the stand. Exterior skins can be removed/replaced without disassembly.

I'm very pleased I went with the T-slot and I'm sure you will be too. I'm going to have the stand against the wall, but since my overflow sticks out a bit, I plan to have some matching pieces behind the tank but on top of the stand to hide the plumbing. Sharp tank by the way, it's going to look fantastic!

 

[AngryOwl]

You're right, very similar builds and issues we wanted to correct from previous tanks. Same challenges it seems as well. Interested to see how this all turns out. What skimmer model is that?

 

[AquaDaddy]

Definitely overdue for some updates. First, the biggest news is we received our sump from @Crystal Reef Aquatics and it looks fantastic. I also had them do a matching ATO. It has turned out just great.

 

[AquaDaddy]

Now that we have the sump, we can really start playing around with placement with the other equipment in the stand, but first I thought I'd take a couple moments to cut the R-tech for under the aquarium and sump.

 

[AquaDaddy]

Also started making the top and bottom of the stand. Since it's it's a t-slot stand, wanted to just cut a couple pieces of plywood and wrap the edges in hardwood so I wouldn't have to worry about the raw plywood edges. Getting all sanded and smooth for installation on the stand.

 

[Crystal Reef Aquatics]

Looking good! Tank is coming along as well. Thanks for choosing Crystal Reef Aquatics for this awesome build!

 

[AquaDaddy]

now the wood is cut and sitting on the stand. Next is drilling holes to attach it, and will continue build, then pull it off for painting.

 

[NaH20nerd]

Here’s my 65 gal Planet Aquariums tank -been sitting on the floor for nearly a year now :(

The black piece under the tank is a 1-1/2” countertop wrapped in plastic laminate.

Stand is in!! Few more pieces to go for a finished look. Not trying to steal your thread, but if anyone is on the fence about 80/20...I’d highly recommend.