tonkadawg April 25, 2008 Share April 25, 2008 I've been meaning to start a thread documenting my reef tank as well as some of the up coming projects. The tank is a 16 gallon bow front - SPS and clam dominated and has been running for a little over a year now. Specs are as follows: 20lbs liverock Remora Pro skimmer with mj1200 250HQI 14K (phoenix) in Reef Optix 3 reflector with Blue Wave ballast Seo 620 and Rio 90 for circulation Future plans: stand/canopy (in progress) sump/overflow chiller controller upgraded circulation ATO Unfortunately, I'm at work and they block photobucket, so tank shots will have to wait till this weekend. But, in the meantime, I'll get the plans for the stand uploaded and posted. stay tuned and enjoy Matt here's what I have for the final plans for the stand - 36" tall, 20" wide and 15" deep. left/front right/front back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YBeNormal April 25, 2008 Share April 25, 2008 Is there any reason you are building a frame stand rather than simply building it entirely out of 1/2" or 3/4" plywood? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lletellier April 25, 2008 Share April 25, 2008 Is this tank gonna be on carpet? the reason I ask is because my stand is almost the same size except shorter and I have a sump and even with that it is a little unsturdy on the carpet in my room. Just a thought Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonkadawg April 27, 2008 Author Share April 27, 2008 Is there any reason you are building a frame stand rather than simply building it entirely out of 1/2" or 3/4" plywood? I wanted an open design so later on I could add a sump and other equipment and be able to get to it easily. I will be building some shaker style panels that will match the kitchen cabinets that are going to be mounted on the stand to close everything off and make it look clean. Is this tank gonna be on carpet? the reason I ask is because my stand is almost the same size except shorter and I have a sump and even with that it is a little unsturdy on the carpet in my room. Just a thought The tank is going on my pergo living room floor, but at a later date it's definitely possible that it will be on carpet. I do plan on installing some feet that will allow me to adjust as needed. What is it about your stand that makes it unsturdy? also, here is a full tank shot from October. More pics of stand and canopy progress as well as updated tank shots will be posted later today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gastone April 27, 2008 Share April 27, 2008 That's some serious lighting for that little tank. Awesome! How are you introducing calcium/alkalinity? Garrett. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonkadawg April 28, 2008 Author Share April 28, 2008 That's some serious lighting for that little tank. Awesome! How are you introducing calcium/alkalinity? Garrett. It is, but short of a few corals that have given me some problems, everything seems to be doing good. I dose B-Ionic 2 part and MG to keep levels where they need to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonkadawg April 28, 2008 Author Share April 28, 2008 here are some pics of the stand so far - front: side: and back: I should have the sanding and final details finished up this week weather permitting. Also got a good start on the canopy. everything cut, squared, pocket holes drilled: and loosely together while I get everything squared up: and in the next day or so, this should be finished up, the VHO end caps mounted and I should have some way to mount the pendant. This too is assuming the weather cooperates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanCallan April 28, 2008 Share April 28, 2008 Matt, keep up the good work. It's definitely looking good. I can't wait to get my tank up so you can utilize your skills as a craftsman to help me construct a stand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yauger April 28, 2008 Share April 28, 2008 Dang Matt mad skills with wood!! looking good my friend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonkadawg April 28, 2008 Author Share April 28, 2008 Matt, keep up the good work. It's definitely looking good. I can't wait to get my tank up so you can utilize your skills as a craftsman to help me construct a stand. Dang Matt mad skills with wood!! looking good my friend! thanks guys! we should be able to do the same for yours. Josh, you ever get those plans drawn up? I've got a few ideas how we could do this too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yauger April 28, 2008 Share April 28, 2008 thanks guys! we should be able to do the same for yours. Josh, you ever get those plans drawn up? I've got a few ideas how we could do this too. Yeah I something drawn on paper... how do you feel about stick figures? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonkadawg April 28, 2008 Author Share April 28, 2008 Yeah I something drawn on paper... how do you feel about stick figures? I'm infantry, I'm used to playing with sticks to build models Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yauger April 28, 2008 Share April 28, 2008 I'm infantry, I'm used to playing with sticks to build models yes yes, I forgot, we should be G2G then.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mogurnda April 28, 2008 Share April 28, 2008 That stand looks like it will be quite the piece of work. I love watching people who know what they're doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonkadawg April 28, 2008 Author Share April 28, 2008 That stand looks like it will be quite the piece of work. I love watching people who know what they're doing. thanks, I'm really hoping it turns out nice. However, I wouldn't say I know what I'm doing - I know enough to be dangerous, but learning as I go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonkadawg May 14, 2008 Author Share May 14, 2008 finally got one small update between work and the projects the wife wants done: everything put together, squared, sanded smooth and ready for coating. Tomorrow I'm dropping it off to be sprayed with Line-X - I should have it back early next week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonkadawg May 17, 2008 Author Share May 17, 2008 just got back from picking up the stand and canopy and I couldn't be happier with the results turned out better than I thought it would! The pictures aren't the best - I'm not much of a photographer. Tomorrow I'll probably get the stand in place and start getting ready to move the tank. Will also try to get the lights hooked up in the canopy. Still need to finish plans for the canopy bracket, but that shouldn't take too long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yauger May 19, 2008 Share May 19, 2008 looking good my friend... great progress so far can't wait to see the stand with the canopy on top of it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moga May 20, 2008 Share May 20, 2008 Matt, how's new tank?..i know you will pull out great tank.. keep up the good work.~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonkadawg June 4, 2008 Author Share June 4, 2008 not much in the way of updates. I've been looking for a welder and think I may have found one. He has my plans and I hope to hear something from him in the next day or so. Once I get this canopy bracket made, I will be able to move the tank to it's new location. Also, where the tank is going, I didn't have any power - I was having a problem with the GFIs - they kept tripping. Last night I was able to get that all worked out so now when the tank is moved over, I'll at least have power. Started taking measurements for the sump and began drawing out plans. Once I have the basic design together, I'll do something in sketch up and post them up - look for something later this week, early next week. Oh yeah, got my DC8 this week - hooked up and running - pretty nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonkadawg June 13, 2008 Author Share June 13, 2008 ALRIGHT UPDATES a local guy from one of the truck forums offered to help me with the welding. $50 in 40' of square tubing and a 12 pack of budweiser, 2 hrs and this is the result: then today, I got the lower bracket mounted to the stand: from the back: and finally the light canopy attached and installed above the stand: and here's everything from behind: I should have both the VHOs and the MH hooked up and running later tonight. I need to drill some height adjusting holes, pull it all apart and hopefully the bracket goes to powder coating NLT Monday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonkadawg June 13, 2008 Author Share June 13, 2008 Reef Optix 3 and 2x18" VHO actinic: just the actinics: both MH and VHOs (an old 10K bulb - I'll be keeping my 14K that I'm running now) just need to drill the adjustment holes - that'll probably happen tomorrow - It's Miller time now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoozilla June 14, 2008 Share June 14, 2008 (edited) Nice progression. Keep up the good work! Edited June 14, 2008 by zoozilla Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yauger June 16, 2008 Share June 16, 2008 dude thats awesome work... crazy creativity to draw up that design, glad its all going according to plan... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L8 2 RISE June 16, 2008 Share June 16, 2008 that looks great! It took me untill now to figure out where the tank was going to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now