My first DIY stand and tank build.

[Mrc8858]

Yea there were so many adapters I was just lost. I might just take the pump with me and see if someone at home depot could help me find the right adapter. I was planning on using a series of ball valves and pvc quick disconnects to help with an maintenance I have to perform on my pumps. I like the pvc because I think it gives it more of a professional look then flex tubing.

I would take measurements with you and the pump and ask for their specialist which they SHOULD be able to help you but then again you may get some 16 yr old punk that you wanna just punch in the mouth if its anything like my lowes lmao

 

[JonDoe13]

Lol. The person who helped me with the wood was very helpful. She did all the cuts for me. Hopefully they will have someone in plumbing that is that helpful.

 

[JonDoe13]

Just picked up my glass sheets from Gordan's glass. Starting to silicone them into my sump. Im using 1/4 inch glass. 3-16x11 1/4 inches, 2-10x11 1/4 inches, and 1-8x11 1/4 inches. Im also using GE type 1 window and door silicone.

 

[Saratj1]

I'm following along, I'm kinda doing the same thing as you (OP) , I'm just a couple steps behind and moving a little slower. Good luck. I just drilled my tank and it turned out great. I was thinking about going through glass holes, but ended up going through an eBay seller because they were a little cheaper. I'm pleased with the kit I got if your interested you can check out my build thread or I can post you a link.

New 135g reef tank build

 

[Duddits]

The stand is made of 2x4's. It's a total of 21 boards. This is the website I used for the stand design and dimensions. http://freshwatercichlids.com/do-it-yourself-aquarium-stand My stand is 48 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 19 inches deep. It took 5- 16 inch boards, 4- 37 inch boards, 4- 46 inch boards, and 8- 41 inch boards. The top and bottom are put together first. Then the legs are made and screwed to the screw strips. After that the legs are screwed to the bottom then the top is put on and screwed together. I used pressurized wood on this build. I have been told negatives about PW but since I had already purchased it I went with it anyway. The people at home depot cut the wood to the lengths I needed and were very helpful.

Great thread so far and I love the comment at the end being that I'm a manager at The Home Depot. We're always happy to help. I can't tell you how many times I've helped customers with stands, lighting set ups and most of all....plumbing lol. I think I've built 50% of the DIY wet/dry systems in Jacksonville lol

Anyhow, great job. Keep us posted with pics and updates

(following)

 

[JonDoe13]

Hey Duddits what home depot in Jacksonville? Im going to come see you so you can help me find the right fittings for my pumps. Lol

 

[JonDoe13]

Safaris def send me a link. I'll check it out. A 135 reef is def nice. I want something that big. After this I'll being doing a 90 reef. Not as big but looking forward to it.

 

[Duddits]

Hey Duddits what home depot in Jacksonville? Im going to come see you so you can help me find the right fittings for my pumps. Lol

The one in regency square lol
Come on man. I'm there tonight

 

[JonDoe13]

I prob won't be able to make to that side of town till later this week. I'll let you know when Im ready to come see you for your help. I do appreciate it though.

 

[JonDoe13]

Finally finished my sump. Checked for leaks and had one small one on the bottom. Resealed it and checked again. Everything looks good. Not the cleanest silicone job. But since it's a sump wasn't to concerned about the look.

 

[scottayy]

Not quite sure what's going on with your sump.. can you explain it?

 

[Twoteccs]

Not quite sure what's going on with your sump.. can you explain it?

Yea think the sump miye be wrong

 

[JonDoe13]

Yea it's not the way I originally planned. There is the intake on one side which will have bio balls then move to my skimmer. After that I only had room for a two baffle bubble trap. Since it's a fish live rock only tank, bubbles aren't a huge concern for me. So a two baffle might not work as well as a three baffle bubble trap, Im not too concerned. Next section (the middle section) is where my return will be. The final section is the refugium. I will be running a small pump (only 100gph) through a UV sterilizer and phos reactor which will drain into the refugium keeping a low flow though the refugium. So yes I messed up from my original plan but it should still work for Wat I need it too.

 

[scottayy]

Okay, now I see what is going on. There are gaps at the bottom of the baffles to allow for water flow. I didn't see that before. That will work.

 

[JonDoe13]

Yes it def wasn't how I planned but I was able to make it work. And all the tall pieces have a 1 inch gap from the bottom. And thanks to everyone following and giving advice. It's greatly appreciated. Haven't had a lot of time to work on the project due to me working. But should be able to work on it this and next week some more.

 

[JonDoe13]

I used .5 inch flat board that i cut into the sizes i needed. Then painted the boards with a flat black paint and primer. Then i drilled the boards to the 2x4 frame. I painted each board one more time. Then did one coat of the same poly clear coat as before.

 

[JonDoe13]

The stand with sump in it.

 

[22engine]

The stand with sump in it.

Looks good man. Everything but that Bears parking sign lol