My 90G SC Aquarium build

[Tarheel Reefer]

Hello RC, I'd first like to say that my tank has just started to cycle so I finally have some free time(the first in months), and figured I would share with you all my first attempt at starting a reef tank. I am the King of Noobness, no woodworking skills, no electrical skill and very little computer savvy, so if I can figure out how to build and assemble a Saltwater Reef Tank you can too. All the cool ideas, about 95% was either stolen from Tank Journals & Builds or SC Aquariums Owners Thread, so a big thumbs up to all who contribute their time and knowledge to these forums.
A friend from work got me interested in Saltwater aquariums back in September and after hours of reading forums and looking at utube videos, here's the plan I came up with.
1) 90G Rimless cube with Starfire glass from SC Aquariums.(big enough to have some water stability and its also a really beautiful tank)
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0023_zpsiryqhnne.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0023_zpsiryqhnne.jpg.html)
2) 36" Ruby Trigger System Sump.(A nice long sump that can hold lots of equipment)
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0020_zpsagfixojr.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0020_zpsagfixojr.jpg.html)
3)Build a stand that can accommodate that sump and be longer, wider and taller incase of any future upgrades.( 50"x28"x36" )
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/Aquairum%20build%20002_zpsbb4ebahl.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/Aquairum%20build%20002_zpsbb4ebahl.jpg.html)

I started off this project with a hammer, a phillips head screw driver, a utility knife and a roll of duct tape in the house, trust me when I say the tape was the only thing that I was pretty sure I wouldn't hurt myself with. Not wanting a stand made from m.d.f board, plus they all seem so short, I was determined to build my own, so I watched a lot of videos( and slept at a Holiday Inn Express) and jumped right to it.
I used 2x4's and 2x6's for the framing and load bearing supports which I had cut at Lowes and cost just over $65. Then bought a nice drill, handsaw and miter box, plus a box of 3" coated Deck screws and a square.

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/Aquairum%20build%20003_zpssjg7hycj.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/Aquairum%20build%20003_zpssjg7hycj.jpg.html)


My top and bottom frame.
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/Aquairum%20build%20004_zpsnwy2prko.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/Aquairum%20build%20004_zpsnwy2prko.jpg.html)
corner legs, despite the way it looks everything is square and level.
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/Aquairum%20build%20007_zpsaknz7gbs.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/Aquairum%20build%20007_zpsaknz7gbs.jpg.html)
As you can see I decided to use joist hangers to support the top and 2x4's to support the bottom

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/Aquairum%20build%20008_zpse3aiuvdv.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/Aquairum%20build%20008_zpse3aiuvdv.jpg.html)

In this last picture for today you can see I'm using 2x6's for load bearing support on the corners and in the final product the front and back as well. Yeah it's built like a tank, but I sleep better knowing it is.


I hope you've enjoyed my build so far and continue to follow along as I post more pictures, remember if you see something that is included in your tank build, yep I probably stole it from you. GO CAROLINA PANTHERS!!

[Devaji108]

welcome to RC and reefing!

I just bought the same tank and will be doing a build thread as well.
I am not sure if I am gonna to another DIIY wood stand or go with 80/20 T slot.

what are your plans for trimming out the stand?

keep us updated!

[BrianD]

[welcome]...

[DarthReefer27]

awesome! I will be starting my 120G SC Aquarium build thread shortly. following along.

[Tarheel Reefer]

Thanks for the welcome and interest in my build and hope you keep following.
Well I knew I wanted certain features for my stand that I had seen others use, such as having the interior painted white it just makes everything easier to see and looks sharp in my opinion, so I threw on a coat of flat white(mildew resistant)paint. Also I liked the idea of pop-off front and side panels (this turned out to be the best decision for the entire stand) it seems I'm always taking these panels off to get at something or other. The top is 1" plywood while the front, back and sides are 1/4" sanded plywood. The hardest part for me came next and that was the molding and trim work. I'm sure you'll all notice in the pictures my corners are crap, well I was using a miter box and hand saw and never could get them to fit just right, so I used wood putty to try and hide most of it. I wanted this beast to try and blend in with the room a little so I decided to stain it with cherry min-wax instead of painting it,(another first) and it came out pretty well, although a couple of more coats was probably have made it look even better. Now for some pics:bounce1:

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0014_zpsugs5a1gu.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0014_zpsugs5a1gu.jpg.html)

A side panel view.
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0012_zpsv2mtsizt.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0012_zpsv2mtsizt.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0016_zpstrqfcdcl.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0016_zpstrqfcdcl.jpg.html)

A front view before adding molding and trim work
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0013_zpso7n9jnkn.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0013_zpso7n9jnkn.jpg.html)

Front view with panel on.
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0018_zpspx9jjmab.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0018_zpspx9jjmab.jpg.html)

A side panel view

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0052_zpsjgjfjvxq.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0052_zpsjgjfjvxq.jpg.html)

And I decided to put some waterproof LED's in the interior
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0027_zpslbzi9e0t.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0027_zpslbzi9e0t.jpg.html)
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0026_zpsixwayqea.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0026_zpsixwayqea.jpg.html)

The coral in the tank is not going to be part of the aquascape and will go back onto the bookshelf.

The stand with Tank on top.
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0024_zpsizfewmyw.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0024_zpsizfewmyw.jpg.html)

Hope you liked some of what you've seen so far, I know there are a lot of things that I will do different on my next stand build, but I must say I'm quite proud of this first time effort. In my next post I'll show my plumping work and electrical control board, plus list all the equipment I'm using(guess I could have posted that first)oh well.

[Tarheel Reefer]

Since I have the day off because were going thru a snow storm at the moment, I figured I'd post a couple more pictures of my build. In this first photo I have my sump inside the stand and just getting a general idea of how I want the pipes to run.
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0032_zps6uncesgs.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0032_zps6uncesgs.jpg.html)
I'm also starting to figure out my aquascaping..using all dry rock plus I decided to use egg crate, I know there are both pros and cons to this decision and if I ever up grade to a larger tank I'll probably only use it under the base of the rock.
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0034_zpsf0paxpdv.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0034_zpsf0paxpdv.jpg.html)

[dpulve]

Welcome to RC seeing all these build threads today sure has me itching to get started on mine!

[Tarheel Reefer]

Here is roughly how I want my plumbing laid out, I need to add some ball valves on the overflow and return pipes. Also I'll add a manifold off the return line and run my BRS dual reactor with a gate valve. I'm not worried about return pressure because I'm using a Waveline DC 6000 for a pump, should be more than enough flow.
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0035_zpsvwe6wdgk.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0035_zpsvwe6wdgk.jpg.html)

[Devaji108]

mighty fine sir, might fine!

I am about to start my stand for my SC 90.
that is once nice looking sump you have there.

also love the acuascape. did you cut the tonga shelf or this that what size it came?

[Brando457]

Id recommend making the brs reactors a bit easier to access, once they are there for awhile it is difficult to turn them.

[Devaji108]

although I would suggest use some of the height of your tank and rise one side of the shelf. like the right side I think it would add a lot to the scape. just a thought..

plz keep us posted :D

[DrPheel]

Great craftsmanship on the stand ! beautiful project, looking forward for updates :)

[Tarheel Reefer]

Hi Devaji108, I got the Tonga shelf from BRS and you can get flat plates for around $2.50 a pound. Also you're right about adding more height to the scape and in later photos you'll see I did just that. Thanks for the heads up Brando457 about those reactors, I haven't started them up yet so now is a good time to scout a new location. I'm a little pressed for time at the moment but I'll post a few more pictures this weekend, by the way it's not to late to jump on the Carolina Panthers bandwagon:dance::dance::dance:

[Tarheel Reefer]

Thanks a lot DrPheel but you're in danger of giving me a swelled head:bigeyes: I wouldn't call it great craftsmanship, not by a long shot, especially after seeing your's ,soulpatches, and jays build not to mention just about all the other great contributors here. But it is a good first attempt and I'll do better next time after having actual hands on experience. Ohhh to own a miter saw now that will come in handy next time.:bounce3:

[DrPheel]

Thanks a lot DrPheel but you're in danger of giving me a swelled head:bigeyes: I wouldn't call it great craftsmanship, not by a long shot, especially after seeing your's ,soulpatches, and jays build not to mention just about all the other great contributors here. But it is a good first attempt and I'll do better next time after having actual hands on experience. Ohhh to own a miter saw now that will come in handy next time.:bounce3:

That's great ! practice makes perfect :reading:

And we will know who to go see if we need help building a stand :beer:

[soulpatch]

Thanks for the shout out.

That said a few things I would watch for or would make your life easier:

Agree on moving the reactors from behind the sump. The tool to loosen them will be a pain to get back in there so keep that in mind.

Where are your valves??? Seriously you need to add some gate valves or you will never be able to really balance things which will cause you nightmares. Get the economy ones from BRS which are cheap to throw on. Those few dollars are best investment you can make.

Get some NPT fittings for the mulock so you can simply plug in the reactor or other equipment as needed off of your manifold. See my manifold for reference.

The upper union right below the bulkheads I would swap for a union ball valve so you can totally turn off your tank as needed at the bulkhead should you need to redo plumbing or other items.

With the single drain save yourself the headache and only use the one drain bulkhead on the sump. You wont flow more with using both but you will get your socks dirtier faster. Just run a single sock and you already have a free replacement. Also ensure you put some pipe on the underside of the sump bulkhead so that it extends below the water surface to guard against air.

Finally I would swap out the stainless clamp you have for a plastic one BRS sells. I dont like water and metal mixing personally...

Smart move on the doors and giving yourself side access. It is one thing I think about doing with the SC stand I bought.

[zoasguy]

As someone who also has no tools, woodworking or electrical knowledge, you give me hope and confidence! Good job. Looking forward to the progress.

[Tarheel Reefer]

Hello all, thought I would post a few more pictures and reply to some of the advice and insight given above. In this picture you can see I added a couple of ball valves to the overflow and return lines, as well as added a two barb manifold on the return, both have gate valves for better adjustment of water flow. One I'm using for the dual reactor, which I hadn't gotten around to moving yet. And the other I might hook up to my UV sterilizer, but here's the question, is it ok to run water from the return area thru the sterilizer then back into the return or should I get a cobalt pump and use water from the skimmer section?
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0044_zpsqxlaor5o.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0044_zpsqxlaor5o.jpg.html)
Soulpatch you made a great point about only using only one sock/sump bulkhead and you were absolutely right, unfortunately by the time I realized it for myself it was a little late. Although I can still remove that section of pipe using the universal coupling, I'm going to leave it alone for the time being, I'm sick and tired of going to lowes or HD( can't believe I just said that). But I did add a 6 inch piece of pipe inside the sock which pretty much silenced all water noise (this tank is really silent) and I also replaced all metal clamps with those plastic ones from BRS. This next picture is my electric board, I started off knowing I didn't want any outlets or plugs inside the cabinet and I had this one inch thick board left over from the stand build. I went and bought some wooden shelf brackets and used them as feet, drilled a couple of 2 inch holes(yet another trip to HD)so I could hide most of the wiring behind it. Let me say at this point I really had no idea what all this equipment would look like or how big they were, sure I'd seen some photos and vids of it but it's a whole different matter when you have it actually in your hands, plus I hadn't even decided to buy an Neptune Apex system at this point. Basically what I'm saying is, although I like this board, I could have planned it better(another live and learn moment).
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0046_zpsbk2lbaec.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0046_zpsbk2lbaec.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0051_zpsiilil7k0.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0051_zpsiilil7k0.jpg.html)
And here is my tank with saltwater finally in it.
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0045_zpspzrpb387.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0045_zpspzrpb387.jpg.html)
And another one 24 hours later, looks like I need to adjust powerheads;)
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0050_zpsbscfw2m2.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0050_zpsbscfw2m2.jpg.html)

[Tarheel Reefer]

I've received a couple of private messages from you guys and tried to respond, but the rules for this forum say I need at least 10 post before replying to another member:facepalm: Well I just didn't want you to think I was ignoring you all:love1:

[Tarheel Reefer]

Here are a few of the goodies I'm putting on the tank, the two Tunze 6055's are great, zero noise and plenty of flow, plus I added a controller to sync up the pulse for some wave action. Then I decided on the Radions, guys I love these lights and if you can afford them it's well worth it. I have a good time making my own lighting schedule's which is easy to do and it's kinda cool to add in thunderstorms or lighting storms. Although a word of caution, I came home from work one day and my lights were flickering this bright white light and about gave me a heart attack, I just knew I'd thrown away 700+ bucks:facepalm: and I said a few choice words about the so called 5000+ hours of use you're supposed to get out of them...then I realized I was running a new light schedule and had added a 25% chance of lighting:lolspin: Thank the lord...move along, nothing to see here folks.
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w440/mjones185/IMG_0029_zps2kuocuoo.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/mjones185/media/IMG_0029_zps2kuocuoo.jpg.html)

[Devaji108]

looking good!
I can pick up my SCA 90 today...well if I can find help that is.
I was thinking about the Radions as well. talked to these guys at ecto tech and they recommended 2 of the r15.
of course I bet either would work great. can we get a full tank shot (FTS) with the lights