Frags 120 gallon reef room divider (LOTS of pics added April 8, 10)
 

Well this is my 1st post on this site although I have been lurking around for a while now. I have had a saltwater tank for 15yrs which i have really enjoyed but never really went over the top with it. Now is the time!

I am staring to put together a room divider between my family room and kitchen which will be a 120 gallon reef tank. I will be custom building the stand and having a tank built with eurobracing. I will be building the sump and ref. myself with lots of questions from you guys:wink:


Here is a pic of my current tank:

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3642.jpg

Here is where the tank is going to go:

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3639.jpg

Its going where the xmas tree is so it won't be going into place till after the season.:biggrin:

Couple of questions for you:

1) my current tank is 75 gallonish. the one i am thinking about building is 48 x 24 x24. Being that i am building it I could very the size. Should I look at building a different size? and if so why?

2) Going to have an external overflow mounted on one end as three side will be visable. How many holes should I put in the bottom of it and what size?

3) what size of sump/ref should I build? how many sections? and what goes where ( I am a total NOOB when it comes to sumps)

4) plumbing? out of the overflow what goes where?


I may want to expand with equipment so I want to do this right the 1st time.

I thank you all in advance and sorry if these seam like simple/stupid questions but I am trying to peice this all together.

Jeff

If I was gonna recommend anything,

1) I would try and add a 1 or 2 feet to the length of the tank, especially if you plan on keeping the Sailfin as they do get quite large..

2) Depends what style of overflow you want, but if you go with a Herbie, you will need 1 for your main drain, and 1 for the emergency standpipe. If you want to run your return back through the overflow, a 3rd would be needed.

3)Larger the better, whatever you can afford and fit under your tank (unless you can do a basement sump) fishytime has a decent 3 compartment sump design.

4)refer to 3^ he's got it all documented.

I would go with a herbie overflow, as JDigital said you will require two holes for that. 1.5" bulkheads should do the trick.

whats a herbie?:lol:

This is a basic Herbie Overflow system.

One Drain takes the ALL the flow for the tank... the 2nd pipe is above the waterline in the overflow box. Should the main drain get blocked, the water level with rise, once is rises over the emergency, that pipe will be able to handle all the flow as it is straight through without any valves..

http://allan.holmstadt.com/images/reef/herbie.gif

OK - i went to the lfs and now I know what a herbie is :idea: yes i will have a herbie.

while i was there i spec. my tank out and will have it the start of the new year. Now I am off to pick up some lumber and start building, should have the basic frame completed tonight.



I searched for out but could find it - ayone have a direct link?

Jeff

Thanks - ill be checking that out

After a trip to the local harware store - let the fun begin...All internal joints were sealed with silicone. Then the inside was painted with two coats of melamine paint for ease of clean up.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3644.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3685.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3645.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3688.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3687.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3689.jpg

The extension of the two bottom rails is for a two foot cabinet unit - may or may not do it this way. I am planning to have a shelving unit against the wall then an 8" enclosure for all the piping going to the sump and then the tank. The tank will be viewable from the family room, kitchen and the front entry.

Now I need to figure out how I am going to finish my cabinet. I am also working on sump design and what I am going to build it out of....
Jeff

Well i got started at some of the finishing carpentry. After looking at a number of other members builds I going to build pillars on the four corners. I am no "pro" at this by no means but will give it a try - here is to hoping for a good result.

question - how do i get my pics to show up on my post as opposed to having a link to the pic? as well it seams like I can only get two pics in my attacments...?

HELP IM SO CONFUSED:redface:

Couple of shots of progress.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3690.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3691.jpg

A little update as to where I am at on the stand.



http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3869.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3868.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3870.jpg

This is the first coat of primer after sanding. One more coat then more sanding and I will be ready for final paint. I will also be adding some fake panels on the end and back side.

From photobucket you want to copy and paste the "IMG" code not the "HTML" code.

So ..

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3867.jpg

Aaaaand, dang dude, wow that looks nice. Good work so far!

Thanks so much on the comment and how to add the pics. I have been trying to figure that one out now for a while..

Jeff

Whoa! That would look so key if you painted it white...pretty please!?

If the rest of the build is of the same quality this will be one to watch!

I feel the pressure now:lol:

White ties into my kitchen very well and if I go white I will be trimming the top of the stand with 1" maple tight to the tank (same as the kitchen cabinets) I am not sure if white is the right color though, a big white stand may be too much - I'm not sure, another consideration is charcoal.

Suggestions anyone?

Very nice job on the stand, as for color, Rustoleum makes a texture paint that comes in a couple different colors, would make it look like granite, close to the charcoal you are thinking.

Thank you,


The texture paint is not my thing. The last time I used it if I remember correct it is a rough surface that tends to flake off. I am looking for a smooth painted surface just debating on the final color.:wink:

Here is a pic of a stand from one of the members here, this was one of my inspirations:idea:

I like the color.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/96807714.jpg

great looking stand! i love the molding work!

the top and bottom molding is store bought, all other trim work was done with 3/4" soft maple and a router.

Pretty much finished off the painting, it will need a few touch ups later. After much debate went with a white paint.

Front

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3877.jpg

Side

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3878.jpg

Couple detail shot of one of the pillars

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3880.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_3881.jpg

I am pretty happy how th paint turned out considering I was using a paint brush:biggrin:

Next on the to do list,

1 - figure out what I am going to do about the doors. May build them or may purchase them from the supplier of our kitchen cabinets so they will match our kitchen.

2 - I have an electrical outlet in line with the tank on the wall it is butting up against. May looking at mounting a few electrical boxes in my stand and jumping the outlet from the wall.

3 - Time to start building the sump - I am really looking forward to this and will start it soon!

Jeff

Looking good! I have always wanted an ornate stand like that, and being a carpenter by trade I have the capabilities, but not the will power!! :lol:

I think painting the stand white was a better idea than black. I painted my stand black, and I don't like it. It's too bulky looking that way. I'm going to re-paint mine to match the walls (they are a neutral tan color), and I think that will make the stand look less obtrusive.

If you indeed used silicone, and not a caulk you will find your paint will flake off. Paint won't stick to silicone. If that's the case, you may need to use an Exacto knife to remove the silicone and replace with a paintable caulk. I would suggest DAP brand Alex Plus.

What are your plans for the tank? If you are planning to keep the Sailfin Tang you probably should have considered a bigger tank with a 6' length. It also depends on what type of rockscape you like, some people like to use tanks that are square (like your 24x24), some like taller than wide, some like wider and shallower.

I would also suggest a Herbie drain. Be sure to use a gate valve, and not a ball valve. Your tank being 120 gallons, I would think you would be looking for about 700-750 gph through the sump. If that's the case, then with that amount of flow you would be able to get away with 1" drains if you're doing a Herbie (which it sounds like you are). If you're wanting more than 900 gph through the sump you will need to use 1 1/2" drains. The return size will be determined by the pump you choose. Most pump manufacturers suggest the return piping to be double the size of the in/outlets on the pump. So if the in/outlets are 3/4" you should use 1 1/2". Having said that, my pump has 5/8" outlets, and I use a 1" return. :D

It sounds like you have some ideas on sumps. Do a Google search for "Melev reef", and check out all his different sump designs. Sometimes it's handy to have some media racks in the sump too, so you can take a peek at that. I have a media rack in mine that only takes 1/3 of the sump's flow. I put a filter floss media on there instead of using a filter sock on the drain, so I can reap the benefits of both worlds (having a sock versus not).

The drains in the overflow go into the first compartment of the sump. The return line goes from the pump in the pump chamber of the sump through the bottom of the overflow (in your case) and out into the tank. Since your flow will all be at one end of the tank with the return line, I would suggest you take a look at adding a closed loop pump through the bottom of the tank with (or without) an Oceans Motions wave device. If done thoughtfully you can often eliminate powerheads in the tank for a nice clean look.

I was in the process of making my doors and thought I would stop in at the local Revy store on Southland Drive in calgary.

I picked up the perfect sized doors for my stand for $2.00 each - yes that is correct $2.00. As well I got panels fror the back side and end.

Anyone who lives in Calgary that requires cabinet doors needs to go there ASAP. They have hundreds of doors for sale at 2 to 5 bucks. I dont think they will be there for long - I was told they are going to donate whatever doesnt sell.

Jeff

I got a chance to build the sump this weekend - all in all it went faily well. A few pics of the build process.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...Sump/Sump2.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...Sump/Sump3.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...Sump/Sump5.jpg

Prepping of the seams for nice joints!

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...Sump/Sump7.jpg

Use duct tape to hold it together till it dries.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...Sump/Sump6.jpg

This is the stuff I used. It is the product that one of the local main tank suppliers uses for all of their tanks.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...Sump/Sump8.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...Sump/Sump9.jpg

And it starts to go together. The seams will look way better once the tape comes off.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...ump/Sump10.jpg

Baffles in place

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...ump/Sump11.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...ump/Sump12.jpg

Its complete!

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...ump/Sump13.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...ump/Sump14.jpg

Couple of mods - not typical.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a.../Sump/Sump.jpg

Wahooooo - it hold water yeaaaaa:peace:

I will place it in the stand tonight and get started on the plumbing this week.

Decided this weekend that the three visable are going to be starfire:biggrin: glass

Looking great.... nice job on the stand!!

That stand is sweet, Nice job on the sump. you will have to give me some pointers...lol Great job man.

OH - its been a long time since an update.

Got my sump placed in the stand:

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_3996.jpg

It went in with ease:biggrin:

Skimmer is a euro - reef rc135 - thanks Doug!

Phos/Carb reactors added

Pump added

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4010.jpg
http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4011.jpg

Me being ANAL:

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4012.jpg

All up and running without any REAL issues:biggrin:

Attachment 5687
cool where did you get this?

So i put my tank and stand up for sale expecting it to take a bit for it to sell. Well the next day after listing it I sold it to a person I do work for. 2 hours later I got an email responding to the add. I told him that I sold it already sorry. Well to my surprise he offered me 75.00 more than what I was asking for it - lucky me!

A good thing/bad thing though he was coming into town the next day and wanted to pick it up. Problem for me is I had no place for my current live stock. So out I went trying to find a temp. tank till I ordered and got mine. I managed to pick up a 55 gallon tank with overflow which I needed. That night I worked till 4:00am getting my live stock out of the tank and into a new home.

I was selling only the tank and stand and was planning on keeping my light. When he showed up he made me an offer to sell everthing which I couldnt refuse. :biggrin:

Next problem - now I have no light, out shopping again.

I managed to get a Giesemann Infinity:biggrin: - LUCKY ME!

Well this past week has been soooooo busy getting this all looked after but It all turned out for the better.

I have ordered my tank and it should be here in the next week or so. 120 gallon 3 side starfire. This thing is going to look great.

Couple of shots of how I got things running for the time being.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4013.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4015.jpg

I just love the look of this light, and the light colors is amazing!

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4016.jpg

Mothers music on 58th ave se Calgary.

A real nice feature is that you can shut off any given item with just a flick of a switch.:wink:

Nice Stand. Gives me Ideas for what I want my stand should look like. Stands should look like fine piece of furniture.:biggrin:

Thanks Reef!

I lucked out on this as I am not a finish carpenter in any way. I used some other builds on here as a guide with my own touch.

I would not call it a "fine piece of furiture" though:biggrin:

What I didnt want, as someone else said;

"something the size of a fridge in the middle of my family room looking nasty!"

:lol:

Jeff

I am a sucker for the old world column or piller looking designs. Has a classer look then a big retro white box.

While waiting for my tank to be built......taking too LONG! not really but to me it is lol

I figured I would post a few shots

Timerers and skimmer doing thier thing, one thing you cant see is above the left timer is a powerhead power thingy, alternating the power to the powerheads.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4030.jpg

Sump doing its thing:

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4031.jpg

Some shelving I made with 3/8" plexi - nice to have storgage!

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4032.jpg

Next will be some tanks shots.

Jeff

Here is some tank shots:

This is the temp. return line. My new tank is going to be eurbraced and the return line will run along it. I am probably putting a canopy on it so it wont be seen. Hard part with the canopy is I would be covering up that nice light!

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4041.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4042.jpg

SLAYER:biggrin:

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4040.jpg

New addition:

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4039.jpg

Another new addition:

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4036.jpg

Magnifica and its buddy's:

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4037.jpg

Couple of others:

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4034.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4038.jpg

Frags wating for a new home ;)

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/IMG_4033.jpg

Jeff

Sweet!
The corals look real happy and so does the anemone & friends.
I'm seriously jealous of your plumbing & especially the electrical work - It looks like you don't have to do the limbo to get around & do maintenance :biggrin:

how much was that part from mothers music ?

It is fine for now, it is going to get tighter.

I will be adding a few other items in there as time and funds become available.

pretty sick setup.