New tank upgrade!

[paul87]

So I've been using my 34 gallon hex front flat back tank and was considering drilling it but then thought of my lighting on it. The way the trim is on the top it blocks alot of light. You can see in the pics below. So u got to looking around ob Craigslist and everywhere else and found a 38 gallon rectange Aquarium foe $25. Plenty more room for light. I'm gonna drill this tank and add my 10 gallon sump to it. I'm already framed up a stand for it and I'm still working on that. Ill be using my 35 gallon for my gfs African clawed frog.(freshwater) This thread will be my tank swap/ stand build/ sump attachment! Im currently still debating on getting some decent reef capable lighting to save on the electric and bulb replacement. So here's the pics so far.

 

[paul87]

Tank stand progress...

 

[paul87]

Tank stand update. Added 1x3's for trim and extra support. Durham's putty on all nail holes and edges and caulk in all inside corners. This thing can hold alot more than the tank it'll be holding and that's what I wanted! It'll be ready to sand then paint tomorrow. It will be black to match tank trim and other accessories. Still gotta build a door and a back panel to keep light from shunning out from the fuge. I guess ill have to order another diamond bit for the tank drill because USPS messed up my order and I've been waiting weeks. Here's the stand so far...

 

[paul87]

Stand sanded and painted one coat.

 

[Beengirl]

It looks really nice! You did a good job building it!! And I like the black.

 

[paul87]

Thanks. I'm going all black with this one. Just gotta buildme some doors now

 

[paul87]

Just finished building the doors and back panels for my stand. I still gotta putty and sand doors before I can paint them. I went with the hidden inlay hinges for my doors. Its going well. I should have the stand finished within the next couple days.

 

[paul87]

Got the doors sanded and one side painted! Back panels are put on in 2 pieces. I did it in 2 prices to make one easily removable for cords to exit the back of stand cleanly without light shining out.(hopefully ) I should be finishing this stand today ill post pics when its done.

 

[paul87]

STAND COMPLETE! Gonna start my tank drilling and plumbing soon.

 

[Beengirl]

You did a great job! That is SO nice!! Wanna build me one? Haha

 

[paul87]

Thanks. Sure, give me about $600 bucks and I'll build you one! LOL. Actually it didn't cost me but around 60 bucks or so to build. But I got alot if the material for free. It did take some time And effort though. My gf actually wants my aquarium in the living room now!

 

[Beengirl]

Thanks. Sure, give me about $600 bucks and I'll build you one! LOL. Actually it didn't cost me but around 60 bucks or so to build. But I got alot if the material for free. It did take some time And effort though. My gf actually wants my aquarium in the living room now!

Yea! Then everyone can see your masterpiece!!

 

[paul87]

Yep. As long as everyone keeps fingers off the tank! I hate smudge marks. All I'm waiting for now is my diamond bit to drill the tank. They sent me the wrong order. I ordered a 1 3/4" for 1" bulkheads and they sent me two 1/2" bits. Once I get this mess straightened out ill drill and install bulkheads and overflow box. Ill be doing the herbie method and painting the back of the tank black. Ill probably wait to do the tank transfer for when I move. Ill be moving in January.

 

[paul87]

Tank successfully drilled! Nerve racking but they are done now.

 

[Ericwm]

I'm following. This looks amazing and I am planning an upgrade in a year or hopefully less.

 

[paul87]

Plumbed the bulkheads in. Gonna leak test it soon. I just capped off everything now. I will just cut and add coupling later when I set it up at my new house in Jan. I still gotta raise the emergency intake on my herbie method drain with some PVC pipe to raise it a hair above water level when I find that out. Here's pics now.

 

[paul87]

Thanks Eric

 

[paul87]

Sometime in-between here and before January I should be setting this tank up by doing the transfer. Hopefully all goes well and the herbie method works as planned.

 

[Psychocircus91]

following. very impressed with your stand

 

[paul87]

Glued all the plumbing today. Got to move things into the new house early. Hopefully all is well with it. Also painted the back black. 3 coats. I still gotta get some hose clamps for the pump return and some conduit braces to secure the pipe real good. I plan to fill it up with tap water and test it soon. Tweek water drain levels and test leaks and what not. Wish me luck!