Build Thread: Breakfast bar quarium

[PLNelson]

This will be the official thread for updates for the situation that I am in. The way I see it, I'm at the bottom and have no where to go but up.

The wife and I have been discussing it and have decided that we need a place to eat. We have a table, but it's in storage because we don't have enough room for in in our apartment. We would rather watch the aquarium while eating than the TV, so the plan is to build a stand for whatever aquarium I get that will have enough room in front of it so that we can have some stools and sit there and eat. And since I'll be making it, I will make sure that I have enough room for a proper sump, and dry good storage underneath. We are very excited about this, and can't wait to get started. The idea is to have a slightly larger than usual stand that has a 60"x36" "counter" on top of it that will probably be tiled. We are super excited about this idea, and can't wait to get started building.

[tjp]

sounds cool, sounds like a nice spot for a 75g tank with a stand that is 5'x3'.

[Mikko]

I'm excited to watch this one... I like it when people add form to function. Art+construction!

[fivesmallworlds]

Glad you aren't letting the leak get you down! Can't wait to see pics of the progress.

[kaluden]

One thing for this, keep in mind cleaning.

I recently built a 75g stand, and I purposely built it so that the top of the tank comes up to the armpit so that I can reach the bottom of the tank and comfortably work in it for the most part. This may be a bit more difficult with a bar in front. Since you are in designing stage, just be sure to keep cleaning in mind though I am sure you already know that.

Its a good idea though, I was considering putting a pull out table top under my tank in order to have a place to pull up a chair and pay bills.

[PLNelson]

I've been thinking about making the bar hinged so that I can lower it for easier access.

[kaluden]

Definitely a doable option.

Is this going to be a island style breakfast bar or against the wall? Island is possible but requires more thought into plumbing, wiring, etc...

[PLNelson]

It will be up against a wall.

[kaluden]

Nice, can't wait to see what you do!

[veloboy]

Trying to imagine how this will work. Got any plans you can post? Sounds cool! Should be a fun project, I'll be following along---

[gogregerson]

I've been thinking about making the bar hinged so that I can lower it for easier access.

Why not build the bar part large enough and strong enough to stand/kneel on?

[gogregerson]

I played around with Google Sketchup and came up with this. Is this what you had in mind?
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=192&pictureid=1850

[veloboy]

Perfect.

Good idea to make bar part strong enough to stand/kneel on. I'm just thinking of maintenance. Would be easier to do like you said-make the bar strong enough to support a person, or make a collapseable coutertop so that you could get to the tank easier. I'm assuming there will be a wall on the backside of the stucture...I thought I read that earlier...but its friday and at this point I could be imagining things....!

I'm diggin the concept though...Come to think of it at SWE they have a pretty sweet display tank that is somewhat similiar, only the countertop area isn't quite as deep. From your mock-up looks like two tiles deep so were you thinking like 1x1 tiles meaning the counter top would be two feet deep (from outside edge to tank display). Guess thats do-able from a mainenance perspective....

[NAL]

awesome design gogregerson.

[REEFSTOCK]

Nice mock up!

I'm not sure if he is taking projects, but Achilles tang makes awesome stands.

[PLNelson]

That's not to far away from what we're thinking. Got the new aquarium yesterday. It's a 95 gallon wave front. Very neat design. I'm not looking forward to figuring out the lighting for it, but have some great aquascaping ideas.

We are trying to decide if we should just build a base and table top and just use the stand that I got with it, or build a whole new stand.
The benifits of building a while new stand would be that I can make it a little bit larger than the 48" long to accommodate a 48" sump which would be handy. but just adding a base and top to it would be way cheaper, faster to build, and still have the desired end result.

Anyways, I owe a super huge thanks to TicoMike for the aquarium, and bringing it to my place. :biggthumpup:

[REEFSTOCK]

Tico is swell.

Once it is up, its up. Build it the way you want the first time. Spend the money right, once.:biggthumpup:

[Mikko]

I bet it'll be just as pretty regardless.

You could always build a bracket-like table to go around the tank, then somehow make the table part portable (to ease with cleaning)

[NAL]

I think you should stick with a 72g.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a37/nicklovgre/bartank2.jpg


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a37/nicklovgre/bartank3.jpg

[bkoppes]

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn273/bkoppes/100_0213.jpg

[insacron]

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn273/bkoppes/100_0213.jpg

0.o want.

[Screwtape]

I might have to buy a house. :nuts:

Something like that looks so awesome. I love the idea, especially with viewing on more than one side.

[PLNelson]

Got the lumber cut to size for the stand.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/p_00052.jpg

I should have these put together by tonight. The stands dimensions are 60"x30"x41", the top is going to be 72"x42" It is big enough that I will have a nice sump and my frag tank inside of it. Next I need to build the supports for the sump and fragtank, and get the plywood cut for the sides and back.

[PLNelson]

Here's the frame all put together. It's a beast for my tiny apartment.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/p_00058.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/p_00059.jpg

Sorry about the crappy pics. I'm using my phone's camera. The wife has the good one with her in Bemidji.

[veloboy]

Looks good so far! Are you gonna put any cross supports on the top and bottom frames? I'm no woodworking expert but I think these supports will prevent twisting of the frame and they are super easy to install. Also keep in mind that you are going to have all the weight of the tank going into the ground at four points (each corner) unless you are planning to add more framing around the bottom of your existing frame to distribute the weight of the tank...

[curlyq]

I can't tell how wide the that stand is either, but will it fit through a door? Hopefully it will or is being constructed on side. Also, did you figure out your "bar" part of it yet? If you are going to have it permenantly "out" so you can stand on it to access the tank you may want to beef it up some...

[fivesmallworlds]

Some 2x4s on the inside of each corner will add a lot more support. Bringing the weight from the top frame to the bottom frame via a 2x4 rather than the screws holding up the top frame is much more sound. With these additions you could probably get away without center supports as long as you use a piece of ply on the top to distribute the weight to the corners.

Looks great so far though. Can't wait to see more progress.

[Mikko]

Consider me excited.

[Flounder]

More pics!

[PLNelson]

I am going to be adding more supports. but I don't think that it really needs it. Each corner piece is a 2x6 and 2x4 screwed and glued together. The bottom frame is 2x6's and the top 2x4. I will have two more 2x6 supports in the middle, front and back, and two more supports that will help distribute the weight of the tank across the top, so that the plywood isn't the only thing holding the tank.

[insacron]

Standasaures Rex?

[borgy]

How's it coming along??

[TriggerFreak]

Well, im in the area youll have to invite us over when its finished!!!

[Pomacanthus]

Ideas are cheap, reality is a bit more expensive.

[TriggerFreak]

Ideas are cheap, reality is a bit more expensive.

thats the truth!!!

[PLNelson]

Made some great headway today. Nal and I went to Home Depot, and picked up the plywood, and they cut it for me there. Super helpful. We then proceeded to Flounders house, and got two coats of stain on the pieces that will be used. If every goes as planned, There will be three coats of poly by the end of Friday, and at my place on Saturday. YEAH!!!

[NAL]

The wood stain is pretty too. :biggthumpup:

[scubaspew]

Hey just thought I'd throw this out, if you decide to go with a 72 instead, I'll buy the wave from you, I was actually looking at one recently but it sold.
It's an awesome idea, your bar thing that is. I really wish I could do something like that in my place.

[PLNelson]

Got some more done today. I was only able to get one coat of Poly on the plywood, but made some headway on the stand. The frag tank will be supported by the frame on the right bottom of the stand. There will be enough clearance for the halide to be about 16" off the surface of the water.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/p_00106.jpg

[PLNelson]

New sump today. It's 48"x12"x12". It's an old Reef Stock sump.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/p_00108.jpg

[drewspuppet]

Is there any way you can throw some 2x4s directly under your frame top to support the load? Makes me nervous supporting all that weight just on screws.

"So, all of the weight of the tank is held up by just those 32 screws, rather than say the 2000 psi strength of a single piece of 2x4 on end? I would put some vertical supports between the top and bottom boxes. You could get away with one at each corner and one in the middle of each long section."

-From Tim's Frag Tank build Thread

[PLNelson]

The way that I've looked at this is that the legs, all six of them will be holding the weight. It will be even distributed to all of them, and they all contact the floor equally. Therefore, they support the weight. Yes, the remainder of the structure does add to that, but they are there more for stability and not weight support. I have no training in structural engineering, but what I understand of this stuff says that as long as all the points of pressure are the same, then all the weight will be distributed equally amongst them.

If, say the legs did not go all the way to the floor, and were attached to the bottom brace 3/4" above the floor, then yes, I would be relying on the shear strength of the screws. But, I'm not, the legs are supporting the weight all the way to the floor.

[PLNelson]

I went back to that frag tank build and look closely at the pictures, and what I stated in my last post is exactly what was happening there, and the improvements that were made were necessary. However, that is not the case with this stand. If you look closely at the initial pictures of that stand you will see a gap between the bottom of the legs and the floor. They are "suspended" above the floor by the screw and are, therefore, relying on the shear strength of the screw. If you look at my stand, the legs go all the way to the floor, and are the main source of weight transfer to the floor.

Link to referenced thread..
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13549

[PLNelson]

Got the sides and back attached tonight. Only a few more days, and I will be able to move my frag tank to it's place within the stand. :biggthumpup:

[kylesmoney]

I think when people look at it they more concerned with the top part of the stand, if your tank only were to go out as far as the inner ring on the top not all the way out to the legs themselves. Then you would be relying on the sheer strength of the screws. As long as the tank reaches all the way out and is over the legs you should be fine. I had to look at a couple of times before it made sense to me :beerchug:

Looks fantastic, keep up the good work.

[PLNelson]

Got the stand moved into position tonight. We have decided to double up the plywood for the top. I will be adding a sheet of MDF to the underside of what is there so far.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1236495787770.jpg

The holes along the front bottom edge of the stand are for ventilation of the stand. There will be a fan or two mounted to the back of the stand to draw air out. This way I will be able to, more easily, cool the aquarium in the summer, as it will be drawing in cool air from the floor

[PLNelson]

I think when people look at it they more concerned with the top part of the stand, if your tank only were to go out as far as the inner ring on the top not all the way out to the legs themselves. Then you would be relying on the sheer strength of the screws. As long as the tank reaches all the way out and is over the legs you should be fine.

I've been thinking about that as will. I know that the plywood on the top can distribute and hold a lot of weight, but not sure if it would do the trick entirely. I have a friend that is an engineer, the next time that I speak to him, I'm going to ask about this. I think that if I double up the plywood, that I'll be OK with it as is.

[rihanssu]

don't use MDF that is just compressed glue and fibers, any water and you are in for a mess.

[PLNelson]

Many stands are made of low grade MDF and hold up jusf fine. I've owned two.

[spsick]

Jeez Phil, you deleted the progression shots awefully fast :poke:

[NandKBlock]

The holes along the front bottom edge of the stand are for ventilation of the stand. There will be a fan or two mounted to the back of the stand to draw air out. This way I will be able to, more easily, cool the aquarium in the summer, as it will be drawing in cool air from the floor

Ventilation is going to be absolutely key. Not having any experience prior to my build I didn't have any ventilation and the heat that built up was really unbelievable. Not only that but the humidity trapped in there really went to town on the wood and sheetrock behind. I've since added ventilation to both hood and sump. I'm glad you thought about this up front, just make sure to err on the side of too much ventilation as opposed to just enough. It'll save yourself a lot of headaches.

It's looking really good!

[PLNelson]

Jeez Phil, you deleted the progression shots awefully fast :poke:

I reorganized my photobucket albums. when I'm done I'll post a recap.

[drewspuppet]

looks great so far.. yeah I was talking about the top of the stand with the screws thing but if the tank goes out to and rests on the legs should be fine. Ventillation for the sump/under tank is a good idea esp for summer. I might have to do a little work on mine to make that happen too...

[rihanssu]

Many stands are made of low grade MDF and hold up jusf fine. I've owned two.

im not going to say this is wrong only that I am VERY skeptic. i was using MDF for a project anf spilled less then an oz of water on it and the next day there was a huge raise in the panel (even though i wiped it) i would not take my word on it and instead double check with someone like rockler, woodcraft, HD or menards.

[NAL]

Looks like it's coming along nice Phil. When you need to carry that tank upstairs, let me know. :)

[PLNelson]

im not going to say this is wrong only that I am VERY skeptic. i was using MDF for a project anf spilled less then an oz of water on it and the next day there was a huge raise in the panel (even though i wiped it) i would not take my word on it and instead double check with someone like rockler, woodcraft, HD or menards.

Went to HD today and looked at MDF. Not what I was thinking of using. Just going to go with particle board. I will also be sealing the underside of it with poly.

[drewspuppet]

That wave front tank is going to be awesome. Can't wait to see pics filled. What is your plan for cleaning/maintance (stand on bar for middle?) and also how high is the tank sitting? My 75 has a mod taller stand.. the top of tank is 52" high leaves enough room to work but I wouldn't go much higher.

[rihanssu]

Went to HD today and looked at MDF. Not what I was thinking of using. Just going to go with particle board. I will also be sealing the underside of it with poly.

if you go to rockler in maple wood they have half sheets of phenolic vaneerd plywood on sale for 19.99 that is some killer stuff and the phenolic is waterproof to begin with.

[PLNelson]

...And lo, a chorus of angels came forth from the heavens and rejoiced. With a great voice they proclaimed; "Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah". The frag tank is finally out of my bedroom!!!

Nal came over again today for the transfer. It would have taken me more than twice as long to do by my self.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1236891923980.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1236894567446.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1236913847228.jpg

[PLNelson]

More pics.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1237350935461.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1237350935003.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1237350934505.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1237350933940.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1237350936060.jpg

Top down of the frag tank.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1237350808856.jpg

[NandKBlock]

What's the 1/4" line out of the overflow?

[storrisch]

it looks like it is just a line in from an RO Unit. Probably just filling the sump.

[PLNelson]

I was topping off the sump with RO.

[this1fish]

what kind of tank is that and where did you get it?

[PLNelson]

what kind of tank is that and where did you get it?

The frag tank?

[PLNelson]

The exhaust fan is installed, and I redid the power distribution.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1237691206471.jpg

I may actually have the 95 in place and filled by the end of Monday, or Tuesday.

[PLNelson]

It's in place.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1237870507104.jpg

[TriggerFreak]

Yea thanks to me LOL!!!

[scubaspew]

Nice!

[NAL]

YAY PHIL!!!!


Sorry I couldn't make it today. :) I see you got it up there though.

[PLNelson]

Yea thanks to me LOL!!!

Couldn't have done it without you.

[acharpenter]

You got nothin on my 70 tank build! Der.....LOL - GORGEOUS - excuse me, I have to go wipe the slobber off my lip.....:biggthumpup:

[PLNelson]

It's together and running fine. The majority of the live rock is transferred over to the 95. I'm going to give my self a couple of days to aquascape before I bring the coral over, and drain the stock tank.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/img1238831407940.jpg

[NAL]

Awesome, when can I come check it out?

[scubaspew]

Yeah! Way to go Phil!

[PLNelson]

Anytime.

[PLNelson]

The rocks are in place, sand is laid, corals transferred. I have a few straggling corals to clean out of my 18 gallon and stock tank, then those can get out of my living room. YEAH!!

Any ways. FTS

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w173/PLNelson/Aquarium/SSPX0183.jpg

[NandKBlock]

Very nice!

[reeferbeefer]

Should say "What's for breakfast?" :gay1:

[PLNelson]

What should I do?

I've been thinking about what I should do for the lighting. I have 4 48" t5 retros, and have been planning on building a formfitting canopy for the aquarium. I don't think that it would be terribly difficult, as I can get plywood that will bend to fit the front.
Lately I have been thinking that I may not want to go that route, and just build a rectangular box to house the lights. There would end up being a small portion of the aquarium that would not be covered.

Opinions?

[TriggerFreak]

the wave shaped canopy would look way more awesome

[tico mike]

Wave shape or stay home.:rock:

[twincitiesreefer]

nice phil looks like ive been missing alot,might have to come check that out someday,wave front

[scubaspew]

Updated pics! Let's see this thing!

[PLNelson]

I went to SWE and picked up an Icecap 660 ballast, and got all four T5s going again.

[scubaspew]

Pics?

[Mikko]

Do we have an update of this? I'm just getting back into the forums, and I'm super excited to see a finished result!

by the way- I live in Eagan now.

[TriggerFreak]

Do we have an update of this? I'm just getting back into the forums, and I'm super excited to see a finished result!

by the way- I live in Eagan now.

phil has be gone for awhile that bar has been a thing of the past, he moved..

[Flounder]

he aint dead....can still have a bar in bemidji ya know.....Phil just needs to know that we wanna see it finished!!

[TriggerFreak]

the 95 wave that was on the bar is gone...

[Mikko]

Sad... It looked really awesome.