Leon71 First Saltwater

Leon71 · #1 09-22-2011, 04:16 AM

So I've been keeping freshwater fish for about 10 years. Early this year, I decided to give saltwater a try. Taking my time, and learning as much as I can from forums like Canreef. This is my journey so far.

End of Feruary, I bought a Marineland 120 Gal RR aquarium and an AquaticLife 4 bulb T5HO.

In March, I had a local aquarium guy build me a 50 gal sump.

Picked up 110 lbs of Marco rock from RedCoralEdmonton. Ordered a SWC160 cone skimmer from Winnipeg. Ordered a Vertex Puratek RO/DI 100 gpd from JL's.

Then in May, I started to build the stand and canopy. It is a basic 2x2, 2x3, & 2x4 construction. Skinned with 1/4" Oak veneer. And then I added solid oak corners, bottom trim, and crown mouldings. Stained with a "Cabernet" oil based stain and top coated with satin clear. Still have to finish the shelf around the bottom of the tank and the corner trim.

Pictures to follow. I need to figure how to attach in the middle of the message.

Aquattro · #2 09-22-2011, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leon71

Pictures to follow. I need to figure how to attach in the middle of the message.

Ideally, use photobucket or some other hosting site for pics, then add the IMG link.

AquaticFinatic · #3 09-22-2011, 04:27 AM

Can't wait to see the pictures.

Leon71 · #4 09-22-2011, 04:49 AM

The sump

The stand

The canopy

Stand doors

I needed to add an end door to the stand to be able to put the sump in.

kien · #5 09-22-2011, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leon71

I consider them to be small small

as they are only slots in the top in a 6" long pattern.

ya, looks small-small to me too :-) Are you forcing air through those vents with a fan?

Leon71 · #6 09-22-2011, 04:58 AM

As posted in another thread, I am concerned with using glass tops inside the canopy. Or going with just the canopy and ruining my lights with humidity. Here is a pic of the vents in the top of the canopy.

Leon71 · #7 09-22-2011, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kien

ya, looks small-small to me too :-) Are you forcing air through those vents with a fan?

Damn Kien, that was fast. I could add a fan pretty easy. One vent to intake and one to exhaust.

kien · #8 09-22-2011, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leon71

Damn Kien, that was fast. I could add a fan pretty easy. One vent to intake and one to exhaust.

I would definitely recommend running fans in the canopy. You'll gain a lot of benefit from them. It will get very hot and humid in that canopy. The vents alone will help exhaust the air in the canopy but if you can force the air out that would be much better. It'll help keep your tank cool as well as your lights cooler which will prolong their life.

What you suggested is a good start. One fan in one out. Although, I have seen quite a few canopies with several vents for intake and exhaust so don't be surprised if it comes to that down the road once your tank is up and running :-)

kien · #9 09-22-2011, 05:06 AM

PS, that stand and canopy looks sweet!

Aquattro · #10 09-22-2011, 05:12 AM

Oh, now you're here. That Kien is fast!!

Ya, fans, good.