wtafuro
11/14/2009, 09:54 AM
This thread will probably go on for quite a while. Although this is not my first attempt at a reef tank I plan on taking more time and enjoying it more now that I'm retired and can dedicate more time to the hobby. If I don't run out of money I should be OK. It will either keep me so busy I won't have time to drink or it will drive me to drink lol:lmao:.
First few pics are of my DIY attempt to build a stand. If you see any improvements I can make please let me know. So far this is just the framing and I will be putting a furniture grade skin over the frame with cabinet doors.
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/46350/2750369290049005670S425x425Q85.jpg
This is the basic framing on the stand 60X24. This will be a partial see through tank where we will be able to see the entire tank from the livingroom and a little more than half the tank from the hallway. That means that the first thing I will see coming out of the bedroom in the morning will be a beautiful reef tank (I hope):D.
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/45334/2011516860049005670S425x425Q85.jpg
This is showing the integrated electrical wall. One switch is CFGI and the other is a regular 120 line. I like keeping at least one set of pumps on the non CFGI in case of an accidental trip of the CFGI plug.
http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/44747/2321486820049005670S425x425Q85.jpg
I was able to place a drain hole in the stand for overflows only. the house is on a unfinished crawl space and drain off is not a problem. One day if I feel real ambitious :hammer: I may tie this into the drain line and use it for water changes.
I have coated the entire frame with spar varnish (marine grade) and plan to skin the inside of the stand with a white plastic sheeting that, hopefully, will give me about 2 inches of waterproofing, along with the 4" drain, for any potential flooding.
More coming. I hope to do the plastic skin next week. My other project is rebuilding a kitchen so I have to split my time and money between the two. We just replaced the carpeting in the hallway and livingroom with bamboo flooring. I'll catch the new floor in the next few pics I send up.
First few pics are of my DIY attempt to build a stand. If you see any improvements I can make please let me know. So far this is just the framing and I will be putting a furniture grade skin over the frame with cabinet doors.
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/46350/2750369290049005670S425x425Q85.jpg
This is the basic framing on the stand 60X24. This will be a partial see through tank where we will be able to see the entire tank from the livingroom and a little more than half the tank from the hallway. That means that the first thing I will see coming out of the bedroom in the morning will be a beautiful reef tank (I hope):D.
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/45334/2011516860049005670S425x425Q85.jpg
This is showing the integrated electrical wall. One switch is CFGI and the other is a regular 120 line. I like keeping at least one set of pumps on the non CFGI in case of an accidental trip of the CFGI plug.
http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/44747/2321486820049005670S425x425Q85.jpg
I was able to place a drain hole in the stand for overflows only. the house is on a unfinished crawl space and drain off is not a problem. One day if I feel real ambitious :hammer: I may tie this into the drain line and use it for water changes.
I have coated the entire frame with spar varnish (marine grade) and plan to skin the inside of the stand with a white plastic sheeting that, hopefully, will give me about 2 inches of waterproofing, along with the 4" drain, for any potential flooding.
More coming. I hope to do the plastic skin next week. My other project is rebuilding a kitchen so I have to split my time and money between the two. We just replaced the carpeting in the hallway and livingroom with bamboo flooring. I'll catch the new floor in the next few pics I send up.