Our first SW tank - 180 gal build

Coralgurl · #1 03-25-2012, 03:48 PM

I'm gonna say it again, wow! That's beautiful, love the final look of the stand! You must be so happy with how it all turned out! I've been thinking of doing my stand lighter as well, haven't decided yet! I've also just got an ro unit, added a tds meter and water coming out is 0, going in is at 114.

Now to start loading it up with fish and corals! Your 3 amigos need some buddies!

fishytime · #2 03-25-2012, 04:41 PM

the stand does indeed look killer!.....love the "aged" look

subman · #3 03-25-2012, 04:47 PM

love that stand too! Im going to be starting mine soon for the 225

subman · #4 03-25-2012, 05:13 PM

how about some details on the cabinets? are they permanent or stuck on with Velcro/magnets. what wood did you use ect.

Also +1 on picking the right skimmer there is no better

reefgirl189 · #5 03-25-2012, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subman

how about some details on the cabinets? are they permanent or stuck on with Velcro/magnets. what wood did you use ect.

Also +1 on picking the right skimmer there is no better

Thanks! The skimmer is still my favorite piece of equipment on this tank, although the radion is a close second.

As for the cabinetry:

It's one single piece of MDF. Took some moulding and glued it on to make the appearance of doors, drilled half way through on the back side and put 4 of these magnets in:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Pcs-N42-1...ht_2104wt_1141

We used carpenter glue to make the magnets stay where they were supposed to and placed them strategically to all 4 sides of the metal stand for maximum safety:

These magnets are a bit overkill but I will rarely need to go under the main display because my sump is in the basement. I also have a little one who gets involved with everything so I wanted something strong enough to keep him out until he's old enough to understand not to hang off of the handles and risk having the whole piece come crashing down on his head. Safety first!

Anyway if anyone was interested in some of the magnets I have 5 left over. Hubby broke one testing the strength of them, it smashed into another magnet with such a force that is shattered. Watch your fingers when working with these!

After the magnets were in and the glue dry I painted the cabinetry. I wanted a cream color to go with our kitchen cabinets which are directly across from the tank. It didn't turn out a very nice color so I redid it by mixing a slightly different color out of the original cream paint by adding some leftover paint from the main walls in the house and brushed it on sparingly. I then mixed another darker color and cut it with water to make it spread not as thickly. Brushed that color on too, and you can see the final result turned out kind of rustic looking. I like it, I'm happy.

Total project cost for the cabinet piece was $65 not including the magnets or tools to cut it. The company that built our cabinets quoted us $700.00.

Here's how the tank looks in the room:

Now we just need to finish the fireplace and the rest of the neverending home projects

Reefie · #6 03-25-2012, 09:45 PM

Looks GREAT! I love the rustic look, it compliments the rest of the room quite well.

subman · #7 03-25-2012, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefgirl189

Thanks! The skimmer is still my favorite piece of equipment on this tank, although the radion is a close second.

As for the cabinetry:

It's one single piece of MDF. Took some moulding and glued it on to make the appearance of doors, drilled half way through on the back side and put 4 of these magnets in:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Pcs-N42-1...ht_2104wt_1141

We used carpenter glue to m...............

That Is EXACTLY what I was planning!! Thanks for the post now I need to get to work (after skiing this week lol)
I don't think there is overkill for the magnets you don't want it falling down or sliding ect. stronger the better (just a little more dangerous)

how long did it take to get the magnets?

HaZRaTTy · #8 03-25-2012, 10:49 PM

I am jealous of the Purple Tang, and Copper.

Looks fantastic, glad you upgraded from your "In Floor Sump" to the basement route I think this will pay off greatly in the future, and have alot less head aches!!

Think you need a few more radions

$$

Edmonton newbie · #9 03-25-2012, 10:52 PM

sub man lee valley has the rare earth mags in stock all the time i have my 12lbs sledge hammer hanging in the shed with one for the last couple years no issues or signs that it wants to fall lol it takes a good pull to get it off the wall

reefgirl189 · #10 03-25-2012, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subman

That Is EXACTLY what I was planning!! Thanks for the post now I need to get to work (after skiing this week lol)
I don't think there is overkill for the magnets you don't want it falling down or sliding ect. stronger the better (just a little more dangerous)

how long did it take to get the magnets?

I think it was less than a week from that seller but if you need some I have 5 left I'd sell for cheap. I thought we would need 6 or so magnets but after seeing how strong of a pull these guys have 4 is more than enough. I have to pull pretty darn hard to get the cabinet front off.