Stand is finaly done

StirCrazy · #1 02-08-2002, 11:20 PM

ok will finaly I got the stand all done. well on the outside anyways. I did another change today I made it so oneof the sumps is visable like a second display tank.. well you'll see what I mean.

Steve

Canadian Man · #2 02-09-2002, 12:44 AM

Very nice. have been following your project. keep up the good work [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

DJ88 · #3 02-10-2002, 03:36 AM

Looks really good Steve. Keep adding pics as you add the rest of the stuff in it.

One question tho. Why did you get the end of the tank drilled and not the bottom?

StirCrazy · #4 02-10-2002, 03:49 AM

the idea of a bottom drilled didn't sit right with me, I know I know lots are bbut I kinda felt a bit safer having only 20ish gal leak out than all 90 if something went wrong.. also if I decided to use it with out a sump I can just plug the holes and not wory about if it is on a solid stand or not.

another big factor was realestate. a bottom drilled bulkhead and overflow takes away probably 20 + in square of surface area. the way I did it I can start the overflow boxes 15" above the bottom so I reclaim all that sand bed area. (if I use overflow boxes)

I hope this makes sence..
at leastt it did to me... [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Steve

DJ88 · #5 02-10-2002, 04:31 AM

<blockquote>quote

Quote:

the idea of a bottom drilled didn't sit right with me

Why? Sea Star has made probably thousands of tanks in this manner. It is the standard in reef keeping to have a bottom drilled if all possible.

<blockquote>quote

Quote:

having only 20ish gal leak out than all 90 if something went wrong

You wouldn't have all the tank drain. Only what is able to flow over the teeth on the overflow. You will get the same amount of water overflowing with your design as if the power went out with a bottom drilled. I don't know if you realise this but, the bottom of the overflow is sealed against the bottom glass. I get a feeling that you have read about overflows but haven't seen it in action. I am probably wrong but I just get that feeling.

I guess I am just confused by all this. You speak of saving space. Yet now you need to run the plumbing inside the cabinet where with the bottom drilled the plumbing runs straight into the sump. With bottom drilled drains along side your returns your entire cabinet would be free for storage or equipment.

<blockquote>quote

Quote:

another big factor was realestate. a bottom drilled bulkhead and overflow takes away probably 20 + in square of surface area. the way I did it I can start the overflow boxes 15" above the bottom so I reclaim all that sand bed area. (if I use overflow boxes)

My 33 is set up like this. And to tell you the truth, it is a PITA! yeah you get the sandbed. But good luck managing the rock and such. It is dead space IMO. In a small tank like mine it is a bit of a space saver, but in a large tank you may find it causes a lot of headaches. That space you have reclaimed may be costing you another bag of sand.

Oh well. I do hope it works well. Am just kind of confused about it is all.

Silverfish · #6 02-10-2002, 04:40 AM

I saw Steve's stand tonite and it looks pretty cool. I think if you have the means, a welded internal frame is the way to go. (like Steve's)

The cabinet doors look nice too, I want to get some for the stand I am helping my brother build for his 135.

Good job man! [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

StirCrazy · #7 02-10-2002, 04:48 AM

well all the over flows I have "seen in action"
have had surface skimmer teeth and also bottom ones so that is why I have shyed away from them. (even my new surface skimmer atachement I bought for my fresh tank has both top and bottom slots. it is doing a wonderfull job mind you [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] )

I did think about getting the bottom drilled I just didn't like the idea.. and the way I plan on putting my rock I think will work out much better this way for some reason [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

the whole overflow was a big deterent also for this kinda aplcation. when you only have the front as a main view you can put overflows int he back corners and they don't interfeer with the view, but when you have 3 "main view" sides as I am using it as a room partition, I didn't want to be looking at the inside of a overflow on the long glass sides.

I did think about getting the bottom drilled I just didn't like the idea.. and the way I plan on putting my rock I think will work out much better this way for some reason [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

oh one thing that might actualy make sence is that because of the hight of tanks I am using for sumps by the time I plummed the threaded union and ball valve I would pretty hard pressed to fit everything.

Steve

DJ88 · #8 02-10-2002, 01:28 PM

<blockquote>quote

Quote:

have had surface skimmer teeth and also bottom ones

But even with those bottom ones once the water goes below the opening for the durso or the lowest water level in a stockman, the siphon will breakand water stops flowing. The bottom teeth don't make a big difference other than removing some water from lower in the water column

<blockquote>quote:<hr> I didn't want to be looking at the inside of a overflow on the long glass sides.
<hr></blockquote>

I am doing the same thing with the 120 I have(viewable fom three sides) and all you need to do is recess the tank inside the stand or put a six inch(or less) piece of wood to cover the overflows. Simple as that. I actually like to be able to look into the overfow. Lets me see what is growing in there. And you will still have an overflow to look at as your stand is now don't you?

<blockquote>quote

Quote:

oh one thing that might actualy make sence is that because of the hight of tanks I am using for sumps by the time I plummed the threaded union and ball valve I would pretty hard pressed to fit everything.

Your stand is 32" high under the tank right? That is lots of room.

[img]images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]

I'll stop asking now. Just confused.

Troy F · #9 02-10-2002, 01:43 PM

Beautiful work Steve.

StirCrazy · #10 02-10-2002, 01:45 PM

naa didn't end up 32 on the bottom.. once the wood and stuff was put it it ended up about 28", the 32 was from the floor. when I was designing I wwas thinking of just having everything tank sit on the steel frame but sence they I have put 2 layers of 3/4" plywood for them to sit on.. this also give me a place to screw supports into for stuff I want to hang on the level underneith

Steve