☢ Rafa's 65G ☢ (1 Viewer)

[Rafa]

I started the hobby 4 years ago with a 70 gallon tank, running an empty Fluval 405 canister. After being in the hobby for a while, I think I know where I want to go.

A 65G RR (36x18x24) will be arriving in november 11. I am hoping to build a custom stand to better fit our home. I will be repurposing my old prizm HOB skimmer and an old sump. I will be keeping some of my crushed coral and add an inch of finer sugar sand on top.

I will likely need help building the stand, I am not the handiest of guys. I am finishing a quick draft of the stand before I recruit for help.

Here we go!

 

[diermmen]

I will be keeping some of my crushed coral and add an inch of finer sugar sand on top.

Just for what it is worth, in my experience this makes it extremely hard to keep a clean sandbed. If you can't clean the sand mechanically very easily (as crushed coral would cause it to be a challenge, I assume), then things are going to rapidly accumulate in your sandbed.

 

[Rafa]

I dont have exact measurements, but here is a draft of what I am thinking for the stand. I'd like to do a dark wood finish, but this is the general shape.

 

[Fishmonger70]

I would love to help Rafa, but am going out of town on Friday and won't be back until November 13 evening. If you still need help after that let me know. I would be more than happy to help you out.

 

[kbb0118]

For a second there I thought I was looking at MY tank!

Check out my build thread! I can give you lots of unsolicted advice if you want.

http://www.tcmas.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22232

 

[Rafa]

Just for what it is worth, in my experience this makes it extremely hard to keep a clean sandbed. If you can't clean the sand mechanically very easily (as crushed coral would cause it to be a challenge, I assume), then things are going to rapidly accumulate in your sandbed.

I might need to get a committed CUC, my YWG is up for the challenge

I would love to help Rafa, but am going out of town on Friday and won't be back until November 13 evening. If you still need help after that let me know. I would be more than happy to help you out.

Thank you for the thought!

For a second there I thought I was looking at MY tank!

Check out my build thread! I can give you lots of unsolicted advice if you want.

http://www.tcmas.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22232

Loving the build, ill be using it as inspo are you loving your 65?

 

[Rafa]

I am liking this for the wood finishing. Anyone know what the wood is called?

 

[Rafa]

Well, I couldnt find the wood on the ref picture. I could have probably made it, but it would have taken a lot of work. Instead, I went with a car panel wood. Sorry for the bad Iphone pics, but I got carried away with the build.

Here is how the whole think will get sandwiched

Now I am stuck on the finishing, I could paint the stand all balck, or stain the wood super dark. This is what I had in hand to work with.

Our floors are super dark... Thoughts?

 

[RyanTurner]

Stain that beast. Minwax "Ebony" satin stain is what I use on all my stuff. Takes around 4-5 coats though to get it really dark.

 

[Rafa]

Is this what you are thinking?I like it. I'll try to get a sample tomorrow and see how some scrap turns. Thanks for the lead :beerchug:

 

[lr9788]

Looking good Rafa!

 

[Rafa]

Well heading to Iowa to finish the tank tomorrow, I will be trying the dark stain RyanTurner recommended. Yet not so sure, the wood looks very spotty with that or any other stain. I might have to paint blacK :shocked:

 

[Rafa]

On a brighter note, the two polyps of Candy Apples I got a little over a month ago are doing fantastic.

 

[Rafa]

Stained the tank this week, I also applied 2 layers of satin polyurethane. I'll bring the tank home as soon as I find transport.

 

[lr9788]

Looking good man

 

[odie]

Nice looking stand!

 

[Adam G]

Did you find a way to haul the tank home yet? I have a truck and can help if you want. PM me.

 

[Rafa]

Yay! new tank is finally here... Before filling I think I will need to pain the back black. Oh yeah and the canopy is temporary I am hoping to go with a Tek Elite 6 bulb.

So where to place the tank????. if you look at the photo the new tank is where I initially planed to set it. Now I think I should set it where the old one is by the TV, It might have a better viewing angle.

Thoughts please?

 

[reef junkie]

I am liking this for the wood finishing. Anyone know what the wood is called?

To late now but looks like zebra wood.

There is also a mdf product hanging above the high stakes area at mystic lake casino that's painted white.

 

[Kepler]

Nice Panoramic picture :biggthumpup: