Canada Corals 45G SPS Build Thread *Pics*
 

We figured we would start a build thread for the SPS dominated 45G display that we are building in our showroom. The tank is made by Marineland (terrible silicone job but whatever). The tank measures 24L x 24D x 18H.

The stand is made from the same Bosch aluminum extrusion that we use thru-out our store. It's a dream material to work with because its so modular.

Before we ordered anything, we used Google Sketch-up to design the tank stand so that it could be "skinned" with panels to hide the aluminum frame. We wanted the panels to mount flush with the glass so the stand was designed to compensate for the panel thickness.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-00.jpg

Once the stand was cut to size, this is how it looked in the flesh. :D

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-01.jpg

Because the stand is precision cut, no foam is needed to compensate for imperfections. We used 1/4 HDPE plate so that the glass does not come in direct contact with metal.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-02.jpg

Next step was to drill 2 holes into the Marineland 45G tank. A 30mm and 42mm glass drill bit was used to make room for the return and drain. Then black vinyl was applied to the glass for the background.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-03.jpg

We decided to use the Xaqua X-Inout Overflow System. It actually creates a pulsating wave motion with no moving parts.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-04.jpg

This is how it looks from the inside of the tank. The drain cover is removable for cleaning.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-05.jpg

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The light we decided to use is the Giesemann Spectra MH/T5 combo. It has a 400w single ended metal halide bulb (20K Radium). It also has 4 x 24w T5 with ATI True Actinic bulbs.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-07.jpg

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This is how everything looks so far.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-09.jpg

We designed a custom sump in Google Sketch-up that should be ready in a week. That is when the real fun begins.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-10.jpg

The footprint under a cube is very challenging because there is very little room to fit a sump, skimmer, dosing pump, dosing containers, ATO, powerbars, fans, etc... but were up for the challenge! :p

More pics of the build will soon follow!!!

This looks awesome nice work on this tank your in for some nice sps colour with that light😄

Thanks!

The plan was to source the best light fixture for SPS coloration and this is what we ended up with. :)

Ok now thats just downright a beautiful design and set up. Love the stand & the overflow package. Makes me want a similar one. :D Where could one have a stand built such as that?

you could spray that aluminum gloss black or white and forget skinning it lol!

they still sell the spectra new? have prices come down on them? curious what that fixture costs retail? spectra was always what i really wanted for previous builds but at the time couldn't afford the steep price.

progress looks killer =)

oh the overflow design... is there no emergency drain? seems risky unless i'm not understanding it's function.

Where did you source that fixture? Thinking I may want a 48 inch fixture.

So cool! I'm in.

Yes, they do still make the Spectra. Retail was $1299 for this size and that did not include bulbs.

I've never owned a tank with backup drain and never had a problem.

We have a supplier in the US that offers them.

There may be somebody in your area that offers the service.

The two major brands of this material is 8020.net or Bosch Rexroth.

We got some more progress done on our build!

We decided a top was needed to prevent fish from jumping out of the tank. There are plans to add designer wrasses and we all know how much they love to jump.

The frame is made of aluminum so rust wont be an issue. :)

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-11.jpg

Tagging along on this one.

super clean , I'm thinking I will be building my new stand with the aluminum bars nice and easy to build and looks very attractive .

Looks great.. Tagging along

Is the HDPE plate the same for the sump bottom? Great idea for the tank so no ugly foam needed.

Yep. HDPE under the tank and stand.

You can only use HDPE if you are 100% confident that your stand is perfectly flat and level.

Looks great! keep the pictures coming!:biggrin:

Will do! :mrgreen:

I would have more progress if I had everything on hand. I had to order a bunch of stuff online and its all scheduled to land on Friday.

It will be just like Christmas...lol

I'm tagging along too!

I finally got the panels and door mounted today. It took me a while because I wanted to find a way to have the side panels removable.

I ended up using IKEA kitchen doors to skin the aluminum frame. I bolted on some 3/4" thick PVC strips to the metal frame so that I could have something to screw into.

I originally purchased 3 wood panels but it was looking too heavy. I decided to use glossy white for the sides and wood for the front door.

The sump I custom designed is now built. I am going to pick it up tomorrow afternoon. :)

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-12.jpg

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-13.jpg

all edges we can see look factory. did you have to cut those panels anywhere? love it.

No cutting was necessary.

The panels are 24"x30" and that is the same dimensions I built the stand.

Looks great, just don't forget about a chiller, you will need it.

Yep. Looking at the new Teco TK-500 chillers that were recently released.

http://www.tecous.com/chillers/tk-500/

I got a power switch to keep the electrical organized.

My lighting will be on a separate circuit because this power strip can only handle a total of 1800w. I had to drill some holes so that I could mount it to the aluminum profile.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-14.jpg

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-15.jpg

Now I am on to aquascaping. I got some Caribsea Life Rock because I don't want to wait 12 months for coraline to cover the rock. :)

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-16.jpg

I am drilling the rocks with a 3/8" masonry bit for some 3/8" acrylic rods to stack rocks on-top each other.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-17.jpg

Got some goodies today. :D

The only thing missing is the sump and I can't find a builder that has time to do it quickly!!!

***first world problems... lol

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-18.jpg

You already posted a picture of a sump earlier on.
Are you going to be selling those vertex pumps?
Please don't just add one coral to the tank like your 300

The sump was a complete failure on the builders part. He made a mistake on the measurements of thinkign 1' 4" = 14". :D

We sell the Vertex V6 pumps but don't stock them. We bring them in on special order. It's a VERY expensive pump so its not in high demand.

The 300G display we have takes a ton of coral to fill. We are also very picky on the types of coral we put in our displays so that doesn't help.

This little 45G will take no time to fill. :twised:

Why don't you guys just make your own sump? You can get acrylic cut to size at plasticworld for a reasonable price and they cut on the spot.

I have very little experience with acrylic so the end result would look terrible.

Some jobs are better left for the professionals. :biggrin:

I finally got the aquascaping finished!!! :)

I am really liking this Caribsea Life Rock.

It's so much easier on the eyes compared to bright white dry-rock and having to wait 10 months for coraline to kick in.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-19.jpg

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-20.jpg

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I like the aquascape!:) but shouldent you have mounted the dj to the back wall so the cords woulden't be in the way

I installed conduit to run all the power cords into.

Once the new sump is delivered, I will take some pics.

I think that looks amazing and the whole build is pretty impressive!

I considered that rock product... for about 5 minutes. Just don't really know what's in it. Concrete I guess.

Following to see how this tank does long term. Keep the updates coming please!

From my understanding, its just calcium carbonate dry-rock that is mined out out Florida and coated with a reef safe paint.

They also apply a coating of "heterotrophic" bacteria in a spore form that is dormant out of water that helps seed your tank.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBJrieY5s4Y

Who did the panels for you. It looks sharp; now I want a new tank.

Ikea. :lol:

I finally have anther update for you guys.

I've been having the worst luck with acrylic fabricators. The first guy that built the sump ended up making a mistake with the measurements and my return pump would not fit.

The 2nd guy I had build the sump ended up building a mirror image of the sketch I sent him. He made me another sump the correct way but did not water test the sump and I ended up with 5 gallons of water on my wood floors. I had to fix 2 separate leaks with Weldon 16. :rolleyes:

Fast forward to today... The sump is in, the plumbing is done and she's wet!

I dosed pure ammonia to the system and now its a waiting game.

I also added a Maxpect Gyre XF-120 for flow. Set at 50-60%, it will move more than enough water to keep everything suspended.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-23.jpg

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-24.jpg

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-25.jpg

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-26.jpg

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-27.jpg

This is how it looks with the 2.5L dosing containers.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-28.jpg

Wow I would hate maintenance day but looks great

It's going to be simple.

The side panels pull off, and I can slide the entire sump out the side. :mrgreen: