New 34g 20" cube build external overflow
 

Hello I've never had a build thread before...

I've enjoyed looking at other peoples builds and have learned a lot.

I'll try to post lots of pictures rather than long winded text.

I started with a 20" superbright Current USA tank, basically a Solana minus the filtration chamber. I'm replacing a 37g Column tank with this setup. I want to clean up equipment and eliminate hang on CPR overflow on current system, and go rimless too!

I first notched the rear of the tank for a an external overflow box using a ring saw:

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/reef/34g.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...9-06205130.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/34gnotch.jpg

I then built an external overflow box with SCS1203 silicone. I decided on the "Bean Animal system" for quiet operation and fail safes:

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...1-18120929.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...1-18194218.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...1-20133428.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...1-20140353.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...1-21160620.jpg

I was a little worried about all of the weight from overflow box and plumbing, on such a tiny/thin tank. I added some gussets to the box and some aluminium angle to the back panes. Now rather then only pulling on the tanks thin seem of silicone, the load is transferred to the panes :

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...1-21230152.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...1-24150619.jpg

Looking good.
Great idea on the extra support for the overflow. That must make for good peace of mind.

Just one question though... What's the difference between regular sewing and vogue sewing?

Nice work
I also like the gussets, and the extra thick box bottom

Thanks guys.

I had always planned for the sides overflow of the overflow box to extend past the bottom pane, the same shape as the gussets... Fast forward to a newborn in the house and 2am, l forgot and cut them short.

Ya, the bottom drilled with the 3 x 1" bulkheads is 10mm glass. Super heavy, hopefully it'll make up for my hack drilling job!

Ha ha!!! Just saw this: What's the difference between regular sewing and vogue sewing?

Too funny, I'm busted... You'll have to see my sewing forum to answer that:redface:

Ya, my wife's. Honest...

Yeah, OK :razz:

But honestly, anything as a tool in a build works

Keep the pics comin'

I had some aluminum angle left, so I trimmed the overflow to beef up the seal and to make it look a bit better. Also, you can see my bean animal plumbing. I trim .5" of each face of fitting to make it more compact. I didn't want ugly plumbing towering out of overflow.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...1-28171255.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...1-28171238.jpg

Help with background
 

Hello

I painted the back side of my previous tank blue with tremclad paint.

With this new tank I cannot do this because of the external overflow, (You would see all plumbing).

What can I do?

Paint inside?

Or, maybe a better option, install acrylic in the tank on the waterside. Any tips? Where to buy in GVRD? 1/8" or 1/4" to help from bowing? Black or Blue?

Maybe mention another option I haven't even thought about!


I really have no experience and any advice would be great.

Adding sump to Solana stand:

The stand seems too wimpy to support a sump, so I made a platform that extends though the shelf to the floor

Stock stand: http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...OLANASTAND.jpg

Stand for 20G tall sump:

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/DSC_1036.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/DSC_1037.jpg

And because my skimmer is so tall, I shortened drawer to allow skimmer cup to fit. The front half of drawer is still functional for food and small items
http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/DSC_1050.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/DSC_1046.jpg

Good idea on the stand drawer.

Did you get some acrylic yet? Good news about doing g acrylic in tank is that you can integrate teeth into it for your overflow.

Hi

Yes, picked up a black 1/8" on from Fiber-Tek on gregzz4's recommendation.

Nice to have option of teeth, but I plan to leave it toothless for a smooth weir.

I picked up some acrylic and drilled a hole to line up with outer diameter of return bulkhead and cut the overflow notch.

Used a holesaw to cut radius corners, then a plastic knife to score between then and snapped it:

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...2-02173325.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...2-02192606.jpg

I looked for a small 90 degree fitting for airline tubing. THe The Codfather suggested irrigation fittings.

I didn't want a bulky John Guest fitting for my secondary bean animal drain, (the 1 that becomes full-syphon in an emergancy)

Here is what I did, (I also didn't mount it on top like others- I went on side) Basically any excuse to use JB-Weld!!!!:
http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...2-02154015.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...2-02153939.jpg

My hole actually lined up for return bulkhead, ha ha!

Background sitting in place: http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...2-02221436.jpg
http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...2-02221428.jpg

Not sure if I will glue it in place directly to back pane, or glue a few small pieces of glass against it so it can be slid in and out for cleaning...

Whoa! and we're back...

I ended up using a few dabs of silicone to secure the acrylic background.

Next, the plumping was installed.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...a72b97d5-1.jpg

The tank was then partially filled and livestock swapped over from rubbermaid holding bins:


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...55268edf-1.jpg
http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...15abf6e4-1.jpg

Clown in his new pad

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...ea3b245d-1.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...5426e0c5-1.jpg

Really nice build ! Where can a person buy those tanks and ring saws. Thanks

Not sure where to buy Current USA tanks... Mine came from down south when I visited family.

The saw is my Mother's and its used for stained glass. They're pretty expensive, just the blade was $120 to replace.

Cheers

FTS after dust settled. Still lots of coral in temporary locations...

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...psa25c7e4b.jpg

I still haven't hung it, but I made a DIY LED fixture to be controlled by my reefangel

Brainstorming layout:

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...psd31a249b.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps5c560b9e.jpg

In place on heatsink:

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...0f457657-1.jpg