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Mashtun
01/17/2014, 01:16 PM
Hello,

I'm starting this build thread with the hope of getting help and feedback from people with more experience than me along the way. I currently have a 11.4 gallon Mr. Aqua nano reef tank. I've had this tank for about 2 years and some change and I am ready to upgrade to something bigger. So, I decided to go with a 63 gallon 48x20x16 Shallow Reef tank. I ordered the tank as a custom build from Deep Sea Aquatics. They had two options to choose from, hand cut and ground and polished. I opted to go with Hand cut because the price for Ground and polished was about double that of the hand cut. The tank was done pretty quickly (under a month) and turned out great.

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1459065_10202634727820566_2023261016_n.jpg

Next I needed a place to put it so I started work on the stand. I decided to follow the DIY Stand thread plans by rocketengineer. I got the frame built in a day I think it turned out nicely. I built it a little taller than normal since the tank itself is shallow. It's final height will be at just about 40" tall.

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1011485_10202634727740564_49603402_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1560598_10202634727900568_1169329528_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1016277_10202634728020571_220300393_n.jpg

From here I needed rock and decided to go with BRS Pukani. I ordered 50 pounds to be sure I had enough. I got the shipment in yesterday and worked last night on an aquascape. I think I found settled on something that looks pretty nice using about 32 pounds so I took a bunch of pictures and tagged the rocks in hopes that I will be able to recreate it after I cure them.

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1016369_10202634845783515_1965558550_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1011207_10202634845703513_1585757076_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1505466_10202634850423631_821784969_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1505215_10202634796462282_1357733104_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/1526589_10202635027708063_1335828375_n.jpg

I hope to put the extra rocks in the sump to help with filtration.

Anyway, that is were I am at so far. I should hopefully start skinning the stand and curing the rock this weekend.

Mashtun
01/17/2014, 01:26 PM
I also had Three quick questions for anyone who might be able to help.

Does anyone know if there is any risk to curing pukani with SeaKlear as done in this thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2145395&highlight=curing+pukani

Also, if I use the SeaKlear does anyone know if it would contaminate the container I use to cure the rock with? I hope to buy a Brute rubbermaid and once the rock is done curing use it as the second tub for my saltwater mixing station. Does anyone see an issue with this either because of the chemical or maybe because of the can absorbing phosphates from the rock?

Finally, does anyone have any advice on which section I should but the excess rock in my sump? it is not a refugium, though I wish it was. I've tried to get some advice on how I could convert it to one with no results so far so. So, it looks like I'm going to have to run an external refugium if I have the room.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c132/SenorPibb/Mobile%20Uploads/unnamed.jpg

Thanks

thegrun
01/17/2014, 02:52 PM
I can't speak to the curing process, but it looks fine to me. It hard to be sure from your picture exactly what the path of the water is in your sump, but it looks like there is plenty of room to add another baffle after the skimmer to make a refugium section. There seems to be a lot of wasted space between the baffle with the teeth and the one that forms your return pump section, I would move it to the right to make even more room in your refugium.

Mashtun
01/17/2014, 04:33 PM
the water flows down through what is either a bubble tower or bio-ball tower on the back right corner. then flows over the first baffle which is toothed, then under the second baffle which has an arch along the bottom. I agree there is a ton of wasted space in this sump. I would like to move the first toothed baffle closer to the skimmer, move the second baffle closer to the return side wall, and add a new toothed baffled just before the last baffle.

However, I'm still trying to figure out if it is possible to cut out the existing acrylic baffles and how to do so. Ideally I'd like to reuse them somehow but don't think this will be possible.

Thanks for the input.

maddmaxx
01/17/2014, 07:27 PM
that will be a nice lil shallow reef

Mashtun
06/11/2014, 01:15 PM
Hello everyone,

I was hoping I could get some input in my stand design as I wrap up building it (It has been harder to find the time to work on it than I had hoped)

I am getting ready to skin the back and am not sure if it would be better to enclose the stand completely (in which case I would install 2 120mm PC fans blowing in and cut 2 vent holes for air to exit) or leave the back partially open. I was thinking it might be best to install a sheet of ply that is only 3/4 the height of the stand in the back leaving a gap along the top.

If anyone has any advice on what would be better I would love to hear it.

Thanks.

Below are a few updated shots of the stand build:
Frame
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10258576_10203385603992001_7856220375863788901_n.jpg
Side pannel
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10172702_10203385603111979_2253828671489269854_n.jpg
Drawer fronts
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10348548_10203588405901922_7867921509077623918_n.jpg
Front pannel w/ drawers and doors
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t1.0-9/10440983_10203638934125096_5693155946352091472_n.jpg

footballdude2k3
06/11/2014, 03:06 PM
Looking forward to this, I love your rock work, and the tank looks fantastic

Mashtun
06/23/2014, 10:57 AM
Well, It took a bit longer than I meant it to, but I finished my stand. (Well, it still needs some hardware, but we haven't picked it out yet)

Tonight I'm going to dive in to plumbing the tank, and then I have to figure out how I want to hang the light fixtures. (2x AI SOL) for my current nano I bent some conduit.

I'm getting ready to purchase the last few things I need from BRS to get the tank up and running but I'm hesitant to make a big purchase so close to the 4th. . . I don't want to miss out on any sales.

Below are some pictures of the completed stand.

Completed stand, front.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10404395_10203721741795236_8721471367494953538_n.jpg

Completed stand with a dog for scale.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10458018_10203721741515229_8649206306986203444_n.jpg

Completed stand side.
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10481582_10203721742035242_8308275069030160413_n.jpg

Completed stand open, with trigger systems 36S.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10443604_10203721742355250_8745354401116401343_n.jpg

Justin1386
08/02/2014, 11:58 AM
Updates???

GQuinn
08/03/2014, 08:06 AM
Nice stand. It looks like you changed your sump to a Trigger Ruby sump.

fishresponse
08/04/2014, 09:40 PM
Nice stand! Fantastic woodworking!

fatboy40
08/05/2014, 06:04 AM
love the dimensions on that tank ,,,and nice woodwork for the stand

Mashtun
08/05/2014, 01:32 PM
Thanks for the compliments, I'm quite proud of the stand myself. ;)

As to the dimensions, I stole them from an AIO tank I saw on youtube that looks pretty cool.

I did sell the sump pictured above an bought a used Trigger Systems Ruby 36S. I really wanted to option of running a refugium so I knew I wouldn't have been happy with the sump I bought originally. Thankfully, I got a pretty good deal on both and it only cost a bit more to pick up the 36S.

The tank is set up now and as of this week, fully cycled. (using the pure ammonia method) I fragged and moved the corals from my existing nano in to the new tank along with my small little CUC.

I'll post some pictures this evening, but the tank now has:

2 AI SOL blue lights (hanging from the ceiling with the AI hanging kit)
2 MP10 vortechs, running on anti-sync reef crest mode (because that seems to be the mode people use most)
1 CAD lights TIA 1150 skimmer
2 125W EHEIM JAGER AQUARIUM HEATER
1 TUNZE OSMOLATOR UNIVERSAL 3155 AUTO TOP OFF
1 BRS reactor running GFO and Carbon running off a manifold

I had some issues getting a good seal on my bulkheads (1 at a time would leak, and when I started fooling around with them I would inevitably mess another up and cause it to leak) and went through a few more of them than I would have liked, but since I finished the plumbing I've been leak free and running fine.

I had to change the rock work a bit, for various reasons, but it looks pretty close to my plan above.

I just ordered a new CUC from reefcleaners.org which should arrive on Thursday. so I'm looking forward to that. And I've been seeding a sponge and biopellets for my aquaclear 50 which will filter the 20 long I picked up for a QT (petco $1/gallon sale). I'm not sure how long they need to seed for, but probably I'll fill the QT next water change and verify it can process ammonia. If it can, I think I'll be ready to pick up my first fish for quarantine... I think it will be a firefish. (Which reminds me... I still need to build my screen top for the tank)

Thanks again for the encouraging words, I'll take some pics and post them soon.

Mashtun
08/05/2014, 04:58 PM
My wife was kind enough to take some nice pictures of the tank today. I Still need to figure what to do with all my plugs and wires, (as well as trim back the light hanging wires and clean up the cords to the lights. Also, none of the corals are in their final position of course.

Speaking of lights... My goal for the night is to find a nice schedule for the AI Sols but there are a million opinions on this forum.

Below are the pictures:

FTS close up
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/10550044_10204029889858745_2455671753008566427_o.jpg

FTS w/ Stand
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10569044_10204029894378858_3001304980620567802_n.jpg?oh=02a1e3c19d3ffb9f7f53d6a9e070d159&oe=544FEBA1

Under stand sump (can't see manifold... will take plumbing photo later)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/1076962_10204029890258755_7628361888852280036_o.jpg

Monti close up
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204029890578763&set=pcb.10204029906699166&type=1&theater

Mushroom and frag close up
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10496154_10204029890338757_3950949695086249482_o.jpg

Some Frags
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/s960x960/10517394_10204029890698766_3809219760804797437_o.jpg

Other side of frags
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t31.0-8/s960x960/1654832_10204029890658765_4964618927007395531_o.jpg

Toadstool
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10469720_10204029893378833_1128737450914866194_o.jpg

Zoas
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10497201_10204029893538837_550034955160001367_o.jpg

Another mushroom. was able to break off a cool blue feather duster on this frag too.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10515252_10204029893818844_772033572682456132_o.jpg

fishresponse
08/07/2014, 10:27 PM
I'm curious how you made your doors to your stand. I see the frame for the doors but what did you use for the backing?

Mashtun
08/11/2014, 12:07 PM
The doors are maple hardwood frames like you mentioned, just biscuited and glued together. After that I routed 1/4" deep along the inside back edges of the frame and glued/nailed in some 1/4" ply.

fishresponse
08/11/2014, 01:35 PM
Ahh nice! did you use any special/premium grade plywood? In your pics, it looks like laminated maple plywood.

Mashtun
08/11/2014, 07:10 PM
yes it is maple plywood. Thankfully, my wife's uncle is a cabinet maker, so I had access to his shop, tools, and some scrap (the ply for the doors and back). Most importantly, he helped teach me how to build a lot of the stand. I used the DIY stand thread on this forum for the frame, and copied A stand (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=212468&sid=2034339e7622a2aa3c10c833540f0701&start=15) I liked online when I drew up the design the design. Didn't follow his build though, since I had already built my frame. His is done in walnut and looks great...

fishresponse
08/12/2014, 10:35 PM
We'll I think it's great work! I've built three stands over the last 7 years and all get better. I can only hope some day I can make a stand half as good as yours. Can't for more updates to your build.