Banner image

First Reef Tank Build (1 Viewer)

deneed4spd

deneed4spd

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2010
Messages
1,738
Location
Medina
I had some clowns when I was 14 yrs old in a 29 gallon tank and now moving up to the big boys.

I am starting up with a 75 gallon RR with live rock, softies, BTA. Going to use 40 lbs of eco rock from BRS and 20 lbs of live rock from LA.

Im building my own stand which I just finished framing. Used 2x8 for the top so I dont need a middle support. I now have to figure out what to cover it with. I was thinking either burch or cherry.

Using a 40 gallon breeder for a sump/fug which I need to start building. I want to use glass but I dont know where I can get 1/4 inch glass cut. I am looking to use acrylic instead since i can buy it at HD.

Equipment:
Nova Extreme 8 bulb T5 with LED - already own
Super Reef Octopus XP2000
Tunze 6055 with controller and a 6025. 6055 seems very expensive so do I really need a controller to produce waves or could i just get away with two powerheads without a controller
Some type of Mag pump - need to figure out pressure based on plumbing
Heaters - anyone recommend a good brand?
Kent RO/DI system

A newbie at this so any recommendation or a mentor is much appreciated
 
Last edited:
Dang, 2x8s? That stand could hold a car or two!

Acrylic will work for baffles and the 0.22" stuff from HD is fine; the silicone will be the most important part and i've used GE Window and Door I multiple times without issue. Cut the acrylic about 1/8" shorter than the inside width of the tank and if you're real picky use painters tape to get straight, clean silicone lines.

Welcome to the club!
 
Im a little concerned that your stand will be too weak :gay1:

Good luck getting started again
 
You can say that again. A 2x4 would have done it.

Acrylic is fine for baffles. Actually, I recommend it - less chance of getting cut. If you want glass, there are plenty of glass shops you can get a piece from. Northstar glass is one up in Coon Rapids, but there has to be closer places.

I think this is the place I had a glass desk protector made it:
Bill's Economy Glass Service‎
Rate it
2 reviews - more info »
5201 Lakeland Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55429-3114
(763) 533-0355

On my 75, I have 2x6055 on a controller and an extra 6025. You do not need a controller. If you don't go that route, you can save a lot of money by getting the non-controllable pumps like the 6025 and 6045.
 
Last edited:
Just got my super reef octopus delivered!! Time to make the sump with my 40b tank!
 
Last edited:
nice, you'll have to keep me informed on how the skimmer works, i'm looking at getting the same one. where did u pick it up from?
 
Nice!

Looks like i have competition :) (friendly way) ;)

I'd like to see the growth difference on your t5 lighting and my LED lighting!
I did go with the XP1000 SSS for skimmer.
:biggthumpup:
 
I got the skimmer from saltysupply.com. Then i saw how Fantastic Reef was giving a discount! Wish I ordered from FR. It was just drop shipped from Coralvue to my house.

Slowly but surely this thing is getting built!
 
That xp2000 is going to skim the crap out of that tank a 1000 would have been enough, but can always upgrade to a bigger tank later. ;)
 
For a heater I would recommend Either the Fluval E series or the Marineland Stealth. The Fluval has the thermometer and digital temp control, but the marine land stealth wont crack if you take it out of water and then put it back in. These are just my opinions.
 
and get the stealth not the stealth pro that you can find everywhere now. those things explode and break thick glass
 
If you are still thinking glass for your sump baffles there is a True Value Hardware Store in navarre at the corner of hwy 15 and 19. they have always been helpful plus they have a nice cutting table that renders clean cuts and accurate size. I you use glass be sure to break the edges with sand paper wrapped around a block of wood. The wood block will protect your hand if the glass slices threw the sand paper.
 
Just finished making the sump/fug with a 40B. I accidently dropped my brand new Super Reef Octopus 2000 skimmer on the ground and the collection cup and base of the skimmer got a hair line crack. Im sure it wont affect performance but dang it sucks to have a crack in a new skimmer!
 
I dont think i have to repair it. Its literally just a visual crack. Oh well.
 
I rebuilt the stand!

My original stand didnt fit an ATO so I made the stand approx 8 inches long and got rid of the 4x4 and 2x8's and used 2x6 to get more room.

I also got all my equipment and rocks. Just need to skin the stand with some popolar wood and stain it espresso.

Its taking a long time but why not do it right!
 
Last edited:
Update

I just finished the stand! The tank is a 75g RR (painted the back with black paint). The stand measures approx 58 inches long, 22 inches wide. The top has a 4 inch lip on the sides and a 2 inch lip in the front. Im thinking it would be nice to have those lips to put fish food, etc on. The stand is skinned with 3/4 inch poplar which was stained with a sherwood maple brown stain using a spray gun. It almost looks black but has a hint of brown which is nice! U can see the poplar grain slightly.

It has 5 doors. 3 on the front, 2 on the sides for easy access. The front doors are big enough that I can slide in my 40g breeder tank. Even with the 40g breeder inside, I can squeeze in a 3 gallon ATO jug. There is plenty of space to fit some reactors later on (maybe a GTO, Biopellets and Carbon).

The 40g breeder will fit a Super Reef Octopus xp2000, a ehiem 1260 for return, and a 10g fuge which i will grow chaeto.

Now just need to get the plumbing all set and start filling the bad boy! I also picked up a 48 Tek 6 bulb to place on top.
 
Last edited:
Just got done plumbing the stand, putting in the pump, the skimmer, and fuge light.

Also set the rocks and sand in. Slowly the tank is filling up with water. Sucks my refractometer isnt working for me!

rockwork.jpg


skimmer.jpg


sump.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top