Nub's 65g build and rebuild

[fishnub]

Long story with this tank. I originally set it up in sept of 09, and listened to too many people and over engineered it. for example, I have 2, 1 1/2" drains, and my overflow box takes up way too much room (4" wide, 24" long 12" tall)

finally I told myself.. self - start over.

I will begin this thread with pics and info on my current tank then merge to the new one.

[fishnub]

Before I found Reef Central I threw together a stand. Wish I would have seen the DIY stand.. but this has worked extremely well for me.

specs: 42" tall, 38" Long, 24" deep.

I am 6' 5" and hate having to bend down to stare at a tank so I made mine tall I can stare at the tank and not get a cramp

Last pic is a 10g showing the size of stand.

[fishnub]

So, I got my RODI in and it has a nice 4g tank for drinking water. I couldn't stand seeing it just sitting on the floor, built a small (tall) cabinet for it. I call it my water fountain, with out the drain. Also is a pic of the RODI unit. It is plumbed into a 55g drum for storage.

[fishnub]

Here is where it all went wrong check out that plumbing!! used a Mag18 and a 1" SCWD as my primary source of flow. little did I know then that less flow thru the sump is better, I had insane turnover! Once the tank was in the house and set up it wasn't long before I ditched the 1" SCWD and put a mag 12 and 3/4" SCWD (still too much)

Once I did that I noticed that I have more room and put a nice little frag set up in the stand.

[Dave VG]

Nice start. My stand for my 30L will be tall as well. Totally agree with the bending over stuff lol.

[fishnub]

A little FTS that is about 2 months old.. here you can see the massive overflow box and huge durso set up i made, to be honest it works pretty well.

[fishnub]

thanks to a member on here I found this little gem same size 65g. I plan to drill a bit more and maybe do the Bean overflow.

A huge problem I had with 65#1 is I used all live rock and hated my scape. Plus the non stop rock slides. This time I ordered 50 lbs of Marco rocks and 20lbs of their shelf rock. I have drilled the rock and its held together with nylon threaded rod, no more rock slides.

on to the new equipment.. a mag7 will be my new return pump and I got 2 vortech MP10ES that are wireless. should be quite nice.

[fishnub]

Nice start. My stand for my 30L will be tall as well. Totally agree with the bending over stuff lol.


I love it! made sure to also secure it to the wall studs to avoid a tip-over situation.

[fishnub]

figured i would post 2 pics from the current tank. some mowhawks and gsp.

[chimmike]

I have one concern: your use of pressure treated wood for the stand. I think that's going to cause you problems down the road.

Otherwise, everything looks like it's growing nicely!

[fishnub]

why would that cause an issue? i have a new stand in the works.


everything is growing well in the tank, havnt had much of a problem with that.

[fishnub]

Little update I've decided to build a new stand. Keep in the theme that I'm not rushing and am doind things right this time. I built the last stand in less than a day. This time I am going to think things through.

So far I know I want to be able to take a side panel off and plan to skin it with nice plywood... not the cheaper stuff I used for my current stand. Wish me luck

[fishnub]

So.. empty tanks reek! Hope to finish removing tomorrow.

I've decided to up my budget and am in the market for a rimless starfire tank!!
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/dded0555.jpg

[fishnub]

Todays update: old tank is out and have started my new stand. Going to skin with 1/2" plywood. I plan to finish cutting the wood tomorrow and begin building the frame

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/f2a64ca0.jpg

[fishnub]

The wood in the last post turned out to be too warped for me. Here is everything cut and pilot holes drilled. Kreg jig ftw!
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/09be89cd.jpg

Testing it out
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/a8a75dda.jpg

I hope to have the frame done tomorrow

[chimmike]

Pressure treated wood tends to dry out and warp. But I see with the new stand you're not using pressure treated, so it's all good!

[fishnub]

Gotcha. Havnt heard that before. But you learn something new every day

[fishnub]

Frame all done off to get plywood!
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/66542eab.jpg

[revobreaker]

Love the sign to keep them from stealing you wood lol.

Is that the jig you bought monday, I though you had already got something like that?

[revobreaker]

O and I have to keep reminding myself why Im not having you make me a stand, damn height requirement....

[fishnub]

Love the sign to keep them from stealing you wood lol.

Is that the jig you bought monday, I though you had already got something like that?
Yup that's it. I hope I don't have one hiding somewhere. Sign worked!
O and I have to keep reminding myself why Im not having you make me a stand, damn height requirement....

Move the tank!

[chimmike]

Nice work on the stand!

[fishnub]

Nice work on the stand!

thank you mike!
I am working on more plans while I am in this stage. I think a drawer in the front is a must to put nets and stuff. and I need to make one side removable some how. Got to go find my cabinet book.

All i did today before work was add a 2x4 to secure the stand to the wall studs, not risking a tip over when kids try to climb on it.

I have my plywood cut list, so hope to do that in the next few days.

anyone know what tyoe of stain i can youe to bring the grain out? make it "pop" but still use darker stain?

[fishnub]

Since people love pics...
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/f285a347.jpg

[fishnub]

oops, double post

[fishnub]

since this has turned into my little blog..
just got the plywood, waiting to be off work to go mock it up!:bounce1:

[fishnub]

Ok todays update..
Went from this
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/053ec154.jpg
To
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/f2539e1e.jpg

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/d5c573ad.jpg

Nice and square
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/10fd850d.jpg

Plywood ready to predrill and cut doors out. Made the grain line up aswell

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/0ac3047a.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/c393991d.jpg
Clamped uo
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/c24f39ca.jpg

[revobreaker]

Looking good. Sad thing is this is a 2 min walk from my house and i have only seen pics on the internet:lolspin:

How are you gonna make that drawer workw and you gotta get the bumpers for them so the dont slam

and why does this remind me of christopher :wavehand:

[fishnub]

LMAO big wave ftw.

i have no idea how i am going to make it work. playing it by ear. guess i need to get some sliders from lowes.

[fishnub]

found a router to use. Firt I drilled holes to start the bit in. Next follow the framing around and cut out doors
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/858d0af1.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/6f59d7bf.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/1c95b943.jpg

Going to trim doors and sand tomorrow

[fishnub]

Built. The drawer out of scrap plywood and trimed the door as well with scraps.
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/ed5922ba.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/122baacd.jpg

[fishnub]

Hope to paint the inside this weekend

[fishnub]

started painting and waterproofing inside the stand
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/b206ddda.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/7f5ab61c.jpg

[fishnub]

Revobreaker distracted me for a night.. the newb wanted his tank up higher so I built this with his help of corse
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/lee%20tank/8da9d420.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/lee%20tank/b191ad12.jpg;)

[sjm817]

Looking good! I like the stand. I can see you are taking your time to do everything just the way you want. This should be a very nice tank when you get it up and running.

[fishnub]

Thanks scott. Waiting for a less buggy day to sand and stsin it.

[ooja3k]

Subscribed! Should be sweet!

[chess]

looking good as always nub !!!

[fishnub]

photobucket isnt working, but i am getting to the fun part. sanded it down today hope to have stain tomorow. then start all the plumbing

scott- unfortunatly i am not going to use that tank i got from you. decided i need a bottom drilled tank. but trip wa not a waste would not have gotten vortechs if not for you lol.

[sjm817]

Yeah, I saw you got the MP10 ES. They should work out well on a 65G. Why bottom drilled? Dont want the external plumbing?

[fishnub]

needs to take up as little space as possible. Bottom drilled will allow me to be that much closer to the wall

Here is what I did today:
Put in powerstrip
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/2b43f66f.jpg

Slapped on the hardware
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/80a94793.jpg
Detail of handle
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/51f7eac9.jpg
Stain on...
Its way more red in person.
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/a0003a42.jpg

Still have to finish the stain poly then trim. It will be getting black corner trim

[fishnub]

So...
Began to work on the trim tonight, also put in templates for the stand fans so I can router the holes out tomorrow. Also got the first coat of polyurethane on
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/d1255e0b.jpg
Should I stain trim black or leave it natural?
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/6e73fe3f.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/f89227f9.jpg
Fans and placement
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/aa506d32.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/a530bc20.jpg
Detail of template
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/cee641f0.jpg

[fishnub]

Woo worker gang!
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/480bbf12.jpg
Cutting out fan holes
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/fb188be3.jpg
Done.. fans are in and crazy powerful
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/96462c67.jpg

[acanlord2000]

looking great so far

[fishnub]

Fans in. Last coat of poly on. Test fit sump.
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/2c5baede.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/aa89065d.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/c7a44df2.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/b7ba2b1b.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/c48f62bf.jpg

Power strip plug ran outside of stand and sealed
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/fde31c9b.jpg

Sump is next!

[fishnub]

yay almost 1k views. geeting to the fun part now.. going to set sump up tonight (baffles) then start some of the plumbing.

[dublo8]

Nice build. I really like the drawer idea. I'm totally stealing it. It would be great for all the little things like tweezers, scissors, rubber gloves, dosing syringes and the such. What stain is that though? I like the color alot. Also i think the natural trim looks great and offers a cool contrast in colors but I would stain the trim since if it were me (which its not) I would have also left the door trim natural to give that 2 tone color a little more effect. keep up the goodwork!

[fishnub]

Dublo.. I'll post a pic of stain tom. Thanks for coment. I meant to make door trim same as outer trim but got carried away lol.
Tonight I put in a little towel holder and the first of 2 media reactors. Also stared hooking up the reef keeper
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/53698227.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/7cb7a279.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/54963363.jpg

Eventually I will paint the door...

[revobreaker]

Looks like the filter canister fits perfect. Why is that control box on the door?

You should test your old skimmer today, or drop it off so I can tonight.

Do you want some of those wire clips i have? I got some of both, the screw and sticky tape ones

[fishnub]

Box on door is the headunit for the reef keeper. Def. Want the zip tie things

[fishnub]

First is a pic of the stain I used.. got trim cut painted and put on.
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/a069c348.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/67708421.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/4437744b.jpg

[revobreaker]

I knew you would get the trim on last night. It didnt take you long to cut either.

looking good

[fishnub]

Long time, no post... i have the tank all set up and is cycling now. :dance:

pics:
bringing nubstand 2.0 over to the house.. 100' walk seemed too much lol.

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/stand/8a4436f7.jpg
sump: ASM g3, 2 media reactors, mag7 return
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/9451bf62.jpg
tank on, about to add water...
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/a382cb65.jpg
the comand center.. needs a pretty trim
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/bde4c85a.jpg

more to come..

[fishnub]

wow, i have not been keeping up on this at all.

since last post, i have moved the vortechs and bought a nice ATI 6 bulb fixture. here is some shots:

at first:
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/0d1f843e.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/f57ffb16.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20101002_194143.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20100930_182200.jpg

[fishnub]

more... still old pics
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20100927_162200.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20101003_085312.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20101007_134058.jpg


babby clowns, they were penny size
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20101008_093108.jpg

[fishnub]

new light
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20101027_151441.jpg

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20101027_202348.jpg

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20101027_203919.jpg

some live stock:
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20101028_185332.jpg

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20101028_185639.jpg

[fishnub]

i hate the blue wash out in most tanks when actinics are on.. so my actinics have a ati purple plus in them looks really neat from the front.

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20101224_191911.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/100_4816.jpg


http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20101109_131959.jpg

more recent shot

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/100_4804.jpg

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/100_4805.jpg

clowns doing great
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/100_4811.jpg

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/100_4813.jpg

http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/100_4815.jpg
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac198/fishnub/65g/IMG_20110117_114406.jpg

[iwishtofish]

Looking really good! :)