Tim's Frag Tank Setup

[coralreefer]

I have been trying to get this in action for the better part of a year now. I finally have had some time to get on a role with it. I took me about two days to get my basement area cleaned out. Now, I almost have the stand complete. Nothing pretty, but with the tools and knowledge I have it's about the best I can do.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/FragTankStand02.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/FragTankStand03.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/FragTankStand01.jpg

Unfortunately, my basement isn't level here so I am going to have to find some shims. I was going to paint the stand but the weather is killing that idea.

[wolmutt]

Nice work, buddy. Let me know if you need any help.

[PLNelson]

Looks great. I need to add a center brace like you have to mine.

[coralreefer]

Thanks guys! Matt, I may want to run some plumbing ideas by you...when I get to that point.

[Flounder]

Sump? Or in tank skimmer?

[coralreefer]

Sump? Or in tank skimmer?
I have a 30 long that I converted into a sump. I just picked up a piece of plywood for the bottom so the sump has something to sit on. I will be using a Euro-Reef RS80 to skim this tank. I will get picks of them in the next couple of days hopefully.

[benihana]

What is supporting the frag tank? It looks like just the screws that attach the rim of the top frame to the legs???

[coralreefer]

What is supporting the frag tank? It looks like just the screws that attach the rim of the top frame to the legs???The top frame is screwed into the legs. Do you think this won't support the weight over time?

[fivesmallworlds]

Use any wood glue?

[coralreefer]

Use any wood glue?
Nope, no wood glue.

I just finished the stand a few minutes ago. I only put in a couple of minutes of work today. I put silicone over all the exposed metal from screws and nails. Hopefully, this will help prevent corrosion. I also added some plywood for the sump to sit on.

[condiman]

I like it its very similar to mine.:beerchug:

[Fish'InMN]

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.

[fivesmallworlds]

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.

I agree! Easy fix.

[benihana]

yep, you want 2x4's supporting the top, not screws!

[mrbill]

Cut a couple of 2x4's to fit tight between the top 2x4 rail and the bottom 2x4rail.These will then carry the weight from the top all the way to the floor. Screw and glue them in place to the face of the existing vertical legs and you should be good to go.

[coralreefer]

Thanks for the help guys! I built a stand similar to this previously and it supported the weight but I didn't really test it for an extended period of time. I am going to pick up the supports in an hour or so. I will update with pics when I am finished.

[coralreefer]

Here are a couple of updated pics of the stand. I reinforced all of the legs. I started late today but I have it finished for the most part...

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/FragTankStand04.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/FragTankStand06.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/FragTankStand05.jpg

[Flounder]

Much more better!

[clownnut]

OMG, finally...:gay1::gay1::gay1::biggrin::biggrin: :biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

[coralreefer]

OMG, finally...:gay1::gay1::gay1::biggrin::biggrin: :biggthumpup::biggthumpup:
The tortoise wins the race, right? You probably thought it would never happen. I think starting this thread will force me to make consistent progress.

[clownnut]

I think starting this thread will force me to make consistent progress.

we will see...:gay1::gay1::cool::gay1::gay1:

[coralreefer]

Here are a couple pics of my drain plumbing. Please give me some input before I go ahead and cement it together. I am thinking of getting rid of the bottom union. I cannot really see a need for it and it weighs down the plumbing considerably. I bought it and at first figured I better put it on. Any thoughts?

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/FragTankPlumbing03.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/FragTankPlumbing06.jpg

And a pic of what I have going on so far...
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/FragTankProgressionShot01.jpg

[wolmutt]

Looks like fun. I'd put a gate valve on the bottom of the overflow pipe. I know its just a frag tank, and it's in your basement, but it still would be nice to be able to quiet it down a bit. As I write this I realized that there would need to be an emergency overflow pipe if you were to use a gate valve. Anyways, keep the pictures come.

[coralreefer]

Looks like fun. I'd put a gate valve on the bottom of the overflow pipe. I know its just a frag tank, and it's in your basement, but it still would be nice to be able to quiet it down a bit. As I write this I realized that there would need to be an emergency overflow pipe if you were to use a gate valve. Anyways, keep the pictures come.
I wanted to do the gate valve. I have another whole drilled that is covered up where I could do it. It would mean another bulky drain pipe. I will see how it goes...

[mrbill]

Looks good. You will be able to remove the bottom plumbing by unscrewing the upper union so you are correct that you dont need the 2nd, lower union. Are those some kind of an adjustable, slip type union?

[coralreefer]

Looks good. You will be able to remove the bottom plumbing by unscrewing the upper union so you are correct that you dont need the 2nd, lower union. Are those some kind of an adjustable, slip type union?
Yup. They are kinda nice. They are sealed in by rubber gaskets. They sell them at home depot.

[holmstar]

I cannot really see a need for it and it weighs down the plumbing considerably. (my emphasis)

The water inside the pipe will weight it down a lot more than the union. If i were you i would support the bottom pipe with a pipe-hanger or something, thus taking the stress off of your tank.

[CMBECKER]

(my emphasis)

The water inside the pipe will weight it down a lot more than the union. If i were you i would support the bottom pipe with a pipe-hanger or something, thus taking the stress off of your tank.

This make's alot of sense!

[coralreefer]

(my emphasis)

The water inside the pipe will weight it down a lot more than the union. If i were you i would support the bottom pipe with a pipe-hanger or something, thus taking the stress off of your tank.
I was planning on that as well. I will put one right where the pipe goes horizontal under the stand.

[mrbill]

Second the hangers, especially with the adjustable union. Dont want the pipe to pull out of the union.

[coralreefer]

Quick update. Glen came by on Sunday and helped me out with all my electrical. Now I have enough GFI backed outlets to get this tank rolling. I finished all of the plumbing as well. However, I left town on Wednesday for Phoenix so I didn't end up filling the tank yet. I will get back on Monday so the progress will continue then!

[coralreefer]

Another update. I filled the tank up with RO water a couple of days ago. I need to clean off a couple of heaters today so that Ii can get the water up to temp. Then I will start mixing the salt. I will probably clean out my skimmer today also. The plumbing is holding up pretty well so far.

[coralreefer]

Finally added some salt today. I used about half and half Reef Crystals and Tropic Marin Pro. I really haven't been doing as much as I would like on this tank yet but school is keeping me preoccupied.

I just mounted and started up my Aquacontroller III also. One of the first things I managed to do was delete all of the preset names :brick:. The only thing I have hooked up to it is my heater. Getting it hooked up to the internet will be another day...:micro:

[Flounder]

Stupid question....whats with the unions...? What do they do?

[coralreefer]

Stupid question....whats with the unions...? What do they do?
I ended up taking out the lower one so I only have one. It was redundant and added to the weight. I have it there so I can easily remove the pvc if needed. I also added a PVC pipe hanger to help manage the weight.

[coralreefer]

I just finally installed my 2 bulb retrokit today. It's okay... Also, I have a picture of my electrical situation. The reefkeeper didn't stay on the wall so I will figure out what to do about that later. Finally, I have a photo of what the ceiling looks above my tank. I am nervous about paint chips getting in the tank. Does anyone have any ideas of something to cover it up or do you think another paint job is my best option?

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/IMG_0229.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/IMG_0231.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/IMG_0232.jpg

[TriggerFreak]

i would paint it, it will be worth it in the long run

[coralreefer]

Haven't posted in this thread in a while. Here are a couple pics of some livestock I just added. I could not get a good pic of my neon goby pair but I didn't try very long...

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/IMG_0236.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/IMG_0233.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/timjernberg/Frag%20Tank/IMG_0237.jpg

[mattb]

Looks good Tim. IMHO, that stand will be more than adequate. I have a couple of similar stands with less wood, and they've been holding for a couple of years no problem.

[coralreefer]

Thanks Matt! After the additions on the stand I think I can park a small car on it. I just need to fill it up. I am getting tired of looking at an empty tank :-).

[veloboy]

Lookin good Tim! Thanks again for having us over for the meeting-had a great time.

Nice photography skills too. What kind of camera are you using?

Get the rock in yet? -keep us posted.

[coralreefer]

No problem Dan, it was definitely a good time! I only have a couple of pieces of rock in right now. The larger pieces are taking a lot longer to cure than I would have ever thought. They have a very slight smell to them so I figure two weeks at the most and then they are going in.

I am getting the usual diatom bloom right now. I have yet to hook up my skimmer, which I hope to do this weekend. Also, I am going to hook up a dosing pump for topoff today.

The elegance is looking better every day. I have already fed it three times since I've had it and the tentacles are getting longer which is nice.

Thanks for the props on the photography. I am using the Canon 50D. I am a long way from mastering it but I still like how the pictures are turning out.