20 Gal Nano Reef Build thread!

[ryanb69]

My brother lives in calgary and he actually gave me the tank as a birthday gift, but I wont be able to get it from him until mid december. I will also be getting his old ro/di. He picked up some sand, salt, and bulk rock for me in calgary as it was cheaper then at bayside corals here in town. All in all, December will be busy!

[FishyFishy!]

Thought so! thats my old tank haha

[ryanb69]

Haha cool!! I haven't seen it yet but my brother said its a nice little tank

[ryanb69]

I have gotten a good start on the Stand! I purchased some 2x4's at Rona along with screws and L brackets and went at 'er. I only have the frame done. The outside will have some sort of paneling, as well as 1/2" plywood on the top and in the bottom(where i'll store food and waterchange gear). I will be putting a door on the front and staining the whole thing! but picture time!

[ryanb69]

The stand is very near completion! I spent my whole holiday relaxing and didn't get much done on the stand, so it has been a few weeks since the start of the project. I now have the entire stand built to its completion, but I am waiting to apply a protective clear coat finish. It has been a very productive fish week for me as I also got my ro system plumbed into my basement. I currently have a 20g brute full of ro water, so come Monday, Hopefully there will be water in the tank! Here is the stand as of now! Let me know what ya think

[gregzz4]

The stand looks awesome. Lots of strength there
Because of the way we build these 2x4 stands, I'd recommend you use some styro between the tank and stand. It will take up a lot, but not all, of the variances between the 2. Has saved many a people broken tanks
This stuff, or something similar. 1" is the norm and most use the pink stuff
It's also a temperature insulator for the tank, so it's nice to have

[daniella3d]

Is this really necessary for a 20 gallons tank?? it does not weight much.

Originally Posted by gregzz4

The stand look awesome. Lots of strength there
Because of the way we build these 2x4 stands, I'd recommend you use some styro between the tank and stand. It will take up a lot, but not all, of the variances between the 2. Has saved many a people broken tanks
This stuff, or something similar. 1" is the norm and most use the pink stuff
It's also a temperature insulator for the tank, so it's nice to have

[ryanb69]

Ya me too! I have the final coat on now it's just drying, and then I'll put a bunch of pics up. I'm excited to get the light on and water in the tank! Aqua scaping on Monday!

[DCDN]

I love how the grain of the wood comes out with the stain. Looks great. Can't wait to see the tank on it filled with water

[ryanb69]

thanks for all the comments! The stand is officially finished!