Matt’s 32.3g Rimless - Return to the hobby

[mattm]

Hi, I’m in Richmond but joined this forum for the first time this year. Since we have a few members that cross-post between this and the Richmond, I am cross-sharing this build journal in both forums.

 

After a number of years away from the hobby, I have finally gotten to the point where I can start a tank again.

 

Unfortunately, I have started a number of projects in the past but not been able to see them through for one reason or another. I am determined and confident this one will be different.

 

I am still deciding/gathering the various components for the build so this won’t be a quick process (even though it’s a small tank). I am hoping to get everything built and ready so I can get it wet when I take time off from work at the end of the year around the holidays. The list below will be updated as I settle on individual pieces.

 

Tank - SR Aquaristik 32.3g - 100cm x 35cm x 35cm (10mm glass)

 

Overflow -

 

Stand - DIY

 

Sump - Landen 60p

 

Lighting -

 

Skimmer -

 

Return -

 

ATO -

 

More to come…

[mattm]

The tank…

We built our house about 2.5 years ago and the plan was always to place the tank in the office. Therefore a dedicated circuit was installed for the location of the tank. It is definitely overkill for a tank of this size but nice for the peace of mind nonetheless.

While the tank is definitely a focal point of the room, I did not want it to overpower the room. In addition, I have always had an affinity for long, shallow tanks. I investigated a custom tank to make it as long as the space would allow but the cost proved not to be worth it. While looking for any other options, I came across SR Aquaristik’s line of rimless tanks. The 32.3g dimensions are about 39.3 x 13.7 x 13.7 using 10mm glass with black silicone. This really checked a lot of boxes for me as it gave a little more room than 22g variations from Ultum and Aquamaxx, black silicone (personal preference), and thicker glass (personal preference).

The tank arrived late last week and, despite FedEx’s best efforts to destroy, arrived in one piece thanks to great packing by SR Aquaristik.

For now, the tank will sit on the office floor while I get the stand built. I have sent a cut list to a cabinet maker that will complete(as I don’t have the tools to rip plywood properly) and I will build the stand myself. I am tentatively scheduled to pick up the cut pieces later this week.

[mattm]

The stand…

Due to the odd footprint of the tank, a DIY stand was inevitable. There will be a lot of firsts for me with this build and this stand is one of them.

I opted for an all plywood build to maximize interior room, minimize weight, and provide a modern look. I have never built this style before so it should be an adventure. In an attempt to improve chances for success, I had a friend, who owns a cabinet shop, cut the pieces based on the measurements I provided. I picked these up today. I may try to build this weekend but will most likely wait until the long Thanksgiving weekend.

[YHSublime]

Looks great. @AlanM built a plywood cabinet/stand a while back!

[AlanM]

Yes, I built two of them with no 2x4 internal support using biscuit joints and glue, no screws.  The joints don't hold any weight anyway, they just keep the panels from falling off.  If you put the pieces together right it's absolutely rock solid.

 

https://wamas.org/forums/topic/54660-alans-rimless-75-build/?tab=comments#comment-482911

 

[howaboutme]

Nice looking tank! Love me some shallow reefs...

 

How tall are you making the stand? I love that the top of my tank (12" tall) sits at my chest allowing me to look down at it. That's my favorite vantage point. It means I have to bend down to look through the glass but that's okay. Good luck w/ the build.

[mattm]

Thanks all.

The stand will be 36” tall so I can have both look down viewing and front glass viewing (when seated at my desk). I contemplated a little higher but wasn’t really comfortable with it. Even at 36”, I will have to tether to the wall due to a being at the corner where people pass and an often oblivious Goldendoodle.

I plan to join it with glue and pocket screws (coated Kreg screws and Titebond III). I know biscuits/dowels/etc are preferred by woodworkers but I don’t have the tools for those methods and as mentioned above the glue will do all the work.

[YHSublime]

1 hour ago, mattm said:

The stand will be 36” tall so I can have both look down viewing and front glass viewing (when seated at my desk).

 

36" will be a good height. I went 34" on my nano and never looked back, it's in my office, so most of the time I'm looking at it from my chair, but I love having the top down view, it's like a whole new dimension! 

[mattm]

 
36" will be a good height. I went 34" on my nano and never looked back, it's in my office, so most of the time I'm looking at it from my chair, but I love having the top down view, it's like a whole new dimension! 

Thanks! That’s really good to know and a relief now that the wood has already been cut.

[AlanM]

Sounds like a good plan.