My 65G Build, might be a 40B, who knows.

[TomTheWicked]

So, the first build I did for my 65G I didn't do a build thread and I feel like I missed out on the opportunity for some feedback. I also think that build threads are a good way for people to share experience and also so other DIY'ers have more information for their own research. So, here we go.

I started with a Google Sketchup drawing of my design and posted a stand-design review earlier in the DIY forum which can be found here (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2309606). I got some good feedback and adjusted my design according to the feedback. Here's some pics of the Sketchup.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=237336&d=1372867739

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=237338&d=1372867748

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=237354&d=1372883315

And the proposed finished product:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=237340&d=1372867757

And after some feedback, I added some diagonal supports to the front.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2309606

[TomTheWicked]

I got around to cutting the structural wood and getting my Bob Ross on with some Kilz.

Never mind the mess...
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=237564&stc=1&d=1373051916

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=237565&stc=1&d=1373051916

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=237566&stc=1&d=1373051916

Couldn't resist popping the sump and DT on...(Took advantage of the $1/Gal sale at Petco.)
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=237567&stc=1&d=1373051916
Everything you see here (minus the Eheim pump) costs under $100. Tanks were $70 (with taxes), about $25 in lumber, and $8 for a quart of Kilz. If you don't want to add all the trim to "pretty" it up, this seems like an affordable build for a QT, hospital tank, or breed tank. Of course you'll still have to buy all the plumbing, but that can be as cheap or as expensive as you want.

I'm not sure if I'm going to go with a standard 20G, or go back to Petco and get a 20L. I think first I'm going to buy two of those small 5G tanks; one for an ATO container, one for a separate fuge. If they'll both fit in that little spot on the right of the sump (one on top of the other on a "shelf") I think I'll stick with the standard 20G. Thoughts?

[kriv4o]

If you have room go for a 29 gal. Same footprint as 20l but 6 inches taller. Much more room for back siphon and extra water volume.

[TomTheWicked]

I gave a 30G a some consideration, but I don't think that would give me much vertical clearance to get the skimmer in/out of the sump. I've also got a BRS dual reactor that I'm going to hang on one of the upper horizontal supports and I'm not sure they'll be much clearance there with a 30G.

[TomTheWicked]

So, it looks like I'm going to go with the 40B setup. That being the case, I'm curious how my current stock-list will hold up. I've currently got 3xChromis, 2 O-Clowns, 1 x Firefish, and an LTA. I don't think the LTA will be going in the new tank since I only plan on a 2" sand bed, but how does the stock look? I don't think it's an issue, but I just want to run it by everyone so I can make arrangements if needed...