Our first SW tank - 180 gal build

[scherzo]

Looks good so far.

You could just trim out the entire setup and make it look like an in-wall setup. Then the lights would be covered and you wouldn't see the bulbs from a sitting position. It would look more like a fireplace... Or more like a fishy place?

As others have said, pairing and sealing the base would be a good idea before you setup the sump. You could just do it up white to match your baseboard and continue your base boards from your wall and around the base you built to add to the built in look.

[reefgirl189]

Awesome day. I don't have enough clearance to empty the Vertex IN250 protein skimmer's cup with the sump being on the platform. So we are modifying the sump and dropping it inside of the platform. This is a pain in the ass but it will probably look cool.

Also decided to "upgrade" the sump and go with something a bit bigger. This one is a 50 gallon tank going off of it's dimensions. We are going to do a DIY 80 gallon sump with 4 chambers (chambers are called baffles?), so that we can have a refugium and protein skimmer each with their own dedicated area. This new sump is going to be 5'X18"X18". We'll build it on Xmas holidays if we have the time. Acrylic most likely as for some reason everyone in my local area wants to sell used 50+ gallon tanks for $350 or more. Just the tank, no hardware. Pricey!

Also going to be dropping by the hardware store tomorrow to pick up some sealer for the platform. Thanks for the tips and suggestions everyone.

Tank is cycling well. Got our initial ammonia spike yesterday (3 PPM). The existing zoas don't seem too thrilled but they are still kicking.

Started to plan the cabinetry but that's going to be a surprise for you guys until I post the pics. We have a really great idea for easy access to underneath the tank.

Thanks to all who are following along on my learning journey and as always, please add your constructive critism. It's easier and cheaper for me to learn from your mistakes and not my own

[The Grizz]

Looks cool where you have it set up but the only real concern I have is with the way you have the tank sitting on 2 pieces of plywood instead of 1 solid piece & the fact that you do not have any styrofoam under the tank. If by any chance there is a spill & the water soaks into one of the edges under the tank it could crack the bottom.

[fishoholic]

Looks good so far!

[fishytime]

^agreed^.......have you worked with acrylic before?.....if not I wouldnt make something that needs to hold water your first attempt......working with acrylic is not easy and if you dont get it right she will eventually blow....

[reefgirl189]

Originally Posted by fishytime

^agreed^.......have you worked with acrylic before?.....if not I wouldnt make something that needs to hold water your first attempt......working with acrylic is not easy and if you dont get it right she will eventually blow....

I actually have worked with acrylic before. I've also built a glass tank from the ground up. That one was my 125 gal FW. I had it running for 5 years before I took it down and sold it. Never had a single leak and neither did the buyer to the best of my knowledge. I was pretty proud of that one as I was only 15 when I built it. It was a basic box with no overflows though so it was pretty easy.

I'd honestly rather buy a nice used tank to convert but I can't find anything that will work in my space so we'll see. If Santa doesn't bring a HO Refugium for us then we will see about making one.

[reefgirl189]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

Looks cool where you have it set up but the only real concern I have is with the way you have the tank sitting on 2 pieces of plywood instead of 1 solid piece & the fact that you do not have any styrofoam under the tank. If by any chance there is a spill & the water soaks into one of the edges under the tank it could crack the bottom.

The guy who built the platform is a Master Carpenter. He knew what it would be supporting. I'm confident in his abilites. This thing is solid. Yes we will be looking into sealing the stand but the reason we had to set it up so quick is because we only had the weekend to get it up and running or risk waiting another two or three weeks until the husband and his friends were off to help put it up on the stand for us. I don't have any regrets and I'm not concerned but I appreciate everyone else looking out for our best interests.

[Hustler]

Looks like a great build and awesome rock work.... Love the hitch hikers....I got lucky there too
Salt is a fun hobby...... Cant wait for the stress to stop and the beauty to begin LOL

[The Grizz]

I was not referring to the platform I was referring to the plywood between the tank and the stand. Should have been one piece of good plywood at least 3/4" thick with atleast 1/2" of styrofoam between the plywood and tank. I hope don't have a panel break or crack, I have seen it many time.

Originally Posted by Hustler

Cant wait for the stress to stop

You will grow very old waiting for that day.

[ensquire]

This is the plywood the Grizz is referring to. This should all be one solid piece of Plywood not osb of mdf. If this gets any moisture at all it will expand and possibly crack your tank. Also there should be a half inch piece of rigid styrofoam between the plywood and tank.
I agree that the platform it sits on looks well built and solid and with a little silicone and sealer will be very moisture resistant.