Building of new system

Midknight · #1 08-24-2006, 07:28 PM

Ok, I have decided it is time to finish the upgrade to the freshwater tank situation in my place.
With 1 large tank and a couple of smaller ones I wanted to consolidate in to a nice planted tank.
I received an older 50 G tank from Old Guy (many thanks again) that will be final setup.
First we have my old main system.

(Gota love my idea to give room for the plants to grow)

And this is the tank everybody will end up in.

As you can see I have already modified the top a bit, but more on that later.
Finally here is a rough draft of the completed stand…

And tank.

Midknight · #2 08-24-2006, 07:28 PM

So let’s start with the stand, this was bought for a 48” long Hagen’s 50G so I had to change this to accommodate the shorter 36” 50G.

First I picked up a new piece of 5/8th MDF, Then removed the narrow top and measured the holes to allow for the lock tabs as this is a prefab stand to start with.

You can see the size difference between the old and the new top.

After drilling (and re-drilling as I measure everything backwards the first time)

I got the new top on the stand.

Midknight · #3 08-24-2006, 09:21 PM

Doing a test run for size everything looks good.
One small variation was to remove the center board in the back part.
Will put the canister filter here, drill the stand and feed the hoses up through the bottom.

More on the stand as it progresses.
Any comments with this?

Buddyboy · #4 09-01-2006, 06:49 PM

Nice tank!!! I love the dimensions of the breeder tanks! Good luck with your project! I'll watch for updates...

Midknight · #5 11-22-2006, 04:25 PM

Ok, finally got the bulkhead and will be cutting the hole as soon as I have a bit.
And finally got the glass cut for the overflow, pics to follow.

untamed · #6 11-22-2006, 06:03 PM

I have my 10 gallon sump sitting in a very similar stand. I found that the MDF sagged just enough that the front doors rub when opening/closing.

You've replaced the regular top with a 5/8" thick piece, so that might solve the problem...but you may have to place 1 vertical support directly behind the dual door handles.

Fill 'er up with water and check!

B

Midknight · #7 11-22-2006, 06:11 PM

Thanks. Can do that when testing the bulk head that should be put in tomorrow.

Midknight · #8 03-03-2007, 07:06 AM

Welllll it has been a long time coming but finally have some new updates…
So here it goes…
Sorted through my pile of glass and started on the overflow.

As you can see it wasn’t until I started that I found the caulking was white!

Oh well it will be cover so you should be able to see it.
Now with the base finished you can see the tray I have just before the lip, I am hoping that I can get some good algae growth to toss back into the tank.

So far so good…

Midknight · #9 03-03-2007, 07:11 AM

Did a test run and everything looks good in the tank.

Now just need to start “decorating” the glass and getting the hood built. Will have pics of that coming

Midknight · #10 03-03-2007, 02:26 PM

It took a while but finally cornered Chin and he dropped by with his bits.
Set down to some serious cutting and

quickly popped a hole for the bulk head.

Bulkhead fit like a glove and is ready to test…

I had better get this side connected before I do.

Could have a real big “leak” if I don’t

And once again… Thanks for the help Chin.