snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Wood or painted / powdercoated steel. I think some 2x8s would do pretty good for the stand. 400g is a lot of water, but I've used braced 2x4s for a 240g without any problems.
Interested in building plans for my dream tank
- Thread starter orca t
- Start date
orca t
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank#post_3429216
400+ sounds like a nice size dream tank. Do you have an idea yet for dimensions of the tank? I'm far from being one of the most talented folks on this site but there are some good folks around here with great ideas and the know how to make it happen. A 240g would make one heck of a refugium. Scrubber size you'll need to match screen size in square inches to the size of your display tank...20"x20" screen = 400 sq inches, etc...with a flow rate of 35gph per 1" width of screen. Those are the recommendations set forth on the scrubber site.
On the flip side of what the other guys prefer, I also like the idea of a taller stand. My current build I went with a height of 40" and am very happy with how it's turned out so far. Ofcorse I will need a small step stool/ladder to reach the bottom of the tank as I am only 5'11". But to me that is a fair trade for all of the room that I have underneath the stand for all of the equipment that is going inside of it. Not to mention I don't like bending down with my hands on my knees to look at the tank. Some shots of what I have so far for reference...
that is a beautiful stand 2 Quills. I like the higth. Is that going to be a DSB refugium? Found your thread last night and still reading. will post a comment when I'm done.
Nice work so far!
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank#post_3429296
I agree with the taller stand. I built mine taller than normal and my reasoning behind that was due to skimmer and I hate bending down to look at a tank. I'm a bit more fortunate that I have a fish room behind the tank and in the design stage of making a platform that can be connected to the stand when needed. This way I can get above the tank and work pretty easily. The only drawbacks of a taller stand is being able to access the bottom, but realistically how often are you reaching to the bottom? If its for cleaning/siphoning the bottom of the tank they do make long tubes for that purpose. Build the tank sturdy enough that you could theoretically lay across the bracing....,,
Another downside of a tall stand is light mounting. Depending on lighting style/choice you limit yourself on height/options to a degree.
What dimensions are you planning? Not sure what you mean by a "shadow box" effect??? As far as mirrors, I'd probably opt against. Depending on fish could/can cause issues. Backlighting a tank might be an idea option you might want to look at. I'd also suggest with a tank of this size using a coast to coast overflow and preferably external as well. Another good info thread is BeanAnimal overflow system. Quiet, efficient and if followed will handle all your flow needs.
As far as finishing!!!!!! Patience.....
I do want a taller stand but nothing dramatically taller. Just a few inches or so. I want to be able to watch my ocean shows on National Geo and to be able to lok over and say " SIGH*
What is the coast to coast over flow? NVMD will google it . LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cipher43 http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank#post_3429302
Dont let Corey fool ya, his tank and overall design is why I am going to start my stand build today. I also like a tall stand and am making mine 40" or 44" tall and im 6'3" but will still need a step to get in my tank and its only a 120 (4'X2'X2').
I also agree with Shawn about the lightning issues. My tank is going to have 25" above the top ring of the tank and like i said its only 2' tall.
As for the shadow box effect I have seen a thread about it and will try to find it for ya
I have read some of his posts in the past. He seems to know his @%#*!
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank#post_3429216
400+ sounds like a nice size dream tank. Do you have an idea yet for dimensions of the tank? I'm far from being one of the most talented folks on this site but there are some good folks around here with great ideas and the know how to make it happen. A 240g would make one heck of a refugium. Scrubber size you'll need to match screen size in square inches to the size of your display tank...20"x20" screen = 400 sq inches, etc...with a flow rate of 35gph per 1" width of screen. Those are the recommendations set forth on the scrubber site.
On the flip side of what the other guys prefer, I also like the idea of a taller stand. My current build I went with a height of 40" and am very happy with how it's turned out so far. Ofcorse I will need a small step stool/ladder to reach the bottom of the tank as I am only 5'11". But to me that is a fair trade for all of the room that I have underneath the stand for all of the equipment that is going inside of it. Not to mention I don't like bending down with my hands on my knees to look at the tank. Some shots of what I have so far for reference...
that is a beautiful stand 2 Quills. I like the higth. Is that going to be a DSB refugium? Found your thread last night and still reading. will post a comment when I'm done.
Nice work so far!
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank#post_3429296
I agree with the taller stand. I built mine taller than normal and my reasoning behind that was due to skimmer and I hate bending down to look at a tank. I'm a bit more fortunate that I have a fish room behind the tank and in the design stage of making a platform that can be connected to the stand when needed. This way I can get above the tank and work pretty easily. The only drawbacks of a taller stand is being able to access the bottom, but realistically how often are you reaching to the bottom? If its for cleaning/siphoning the bottom of the tank they do make long tubes for that purpose. Build the tank sturdy enough that you could theoretically lay across the bracing....,,
Another downside of a tall stand is light mounting. Depending on lighting style/choice you limit yourself on height/options to a degree.
What dimensions are you planning? Not sure what you mean by a "shadow box" effect??? As far as mirrors, I'd probably opt against. Depending on fish could/can cause issues. Backlighting a tank might be an idea option you might want to look at. I'd also suggest with a tank of this size using a coast to coast overflow and preferably external as well. Another good info thread is BeanAnimal overflow system. Quiet, efficient and if followed will handle all your flow needs.
As far as finishing!!!!!! Patience.....
I do want a taller stand but nothing dramatically taller. Just a few inches or so. I want to be able to watch my ocean shows on National Geo and to be able to lok over and say " SIGH*
What is the coast to coast over flow? NVMD will google it . LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cipher43 http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank#post_3429302
Dont let Corey fool ya, his tank and overall design is why I am going to start my stand build today. I also like a tall stand and am making mine 40" or 44" tall and im 6'3" but will still need a step to get in my tank and its only a 120 (4'X2'X2').
I also agree with Shawn about the lightning issues. My tank is going to have 25" above the top ring of the tank and like i said its only 2' tall.
As for the shadow box effect I have seen a thread about it and will try to find it for ya
I have read some of his posts in the past. He seems to know his @%#*!
orca t
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3429325
Wood or painted / powdercoated steel. I think some 2x8s would do pretty good for the stand. 400g is a lot of water, but I've used braced 2x4s for a 240g without any problems.
sounds good. I had hoped to be able to use wood. I can't weld to save my life.
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3429325
Wood or painted / powdercoated steel. I think some 2x8s would do pretty good for the stand. 400g is a lot of water, but I've used braced 2x4s for a 240g without any problems.
sounds good. I had hoped to be able to use wood. I can't weld to save my life.
orca t
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by rainbow grouper http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank#post_3429058
I'm here and following.
"Gentleman, I'm going to have to ask you for some form of I.D. This post will involve some alcohol of some sort and minors, well...... I don't want to get introuble with the law. Sorry. 2Quills will now check those I.D.'s please."
Quote:
Originally Posted by travelerjp98 http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank#post_3429171
I would love to see your plans for it!
Originally Posted by rainbow grouper http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank#post_3429058
I'm here and following.
"Gentleman, I'm going to have to ask you for some form of I.D. This post will involve some alcohol of some sort and minors, well...... I don't want to get introuble with the law. Sorry. 2Quills will now check those I.D.'s please."
Quote:
Originally Posted by travelerjp98 http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank#post_3429171
I would love to see your plans for it!
travelerjp98
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Orca T http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3429363
"Gentleman, I'm going to have to ask you for some form of I.D. This post will involve some alcohol of some sort and minors, well...... I don't want to get introuble with the law. Sorry. 2Quills will now check those I.D.'s please."
Oh crap, RG, he caught us sneaking in here. LOL.
Originally Posted by Orca T http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3429363
"Gentleman, I'm going to have to ask you for some form of I.D. This post will involve some alcohol of some sort and minors, well...... I don't want to get introuble with the law. Sorry. 2Quills will now check those I.D.'s please."
Oh crap, RG, he caught us sneaking in here. LOL.
2quills
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Orca T http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3429358
that is a beautiful stand 2 Quills. I like the higth. Is that going to be a DSB refugium? Found your thread last night and still reading. will post a comment when I'm done.
Nice work so far!
Thanks...no plans for a DSB as of now. I'll start with a skimmer on the left side of the sump and a scrubber on the right side. I may toss in a shallow sand bed and a few pieces of rock rubble under the scrubber with a few inverts and some detrivors. That way it will be a real refugium and the scrubber to grow the macro algae. I think that should cover things well enough. The ultimate goal will be for a strictly sps and lps tank. Not really looking to rush things though. This hobby has taught me a lot about the value of patience.
Originally Posted by Orca T http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3429358
that is a beautiful stand 2 Quills. I like the higth. Is that going to be a DSB refugium? Found your thread last night and still reading. will post a comment when I'm done.
Nice work so far!
Thanks...no plans for a DSB as of now. I'll start with a skimmer on the left side of the sump and a scrubber on the right side. I may toss in a shallow sand bed and a few pieces of rock rubble under the scrubber with a few inverts and some detrivors. That way it will be a real refugium and the scrubber to grow the macro algae. I think that should cover things well enough. The ultimate goal will be for a strictly sps and lps tank. Not really looking to rush things though. This hobby has taught me a lot about the value of patience.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Heck, my little 20g tank has been set up for two months now, and I've put one clownfish in it that jumped after a week. I don't jump into anything at all when it comes to this hobby. lol. Another 5 weeks and I am going to try another fish. I want to make sure my tank is ich free before introducing another fish.
rainbow grouper
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by travelerjp98 http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3429417
Quote:
Originally Posted by Orca T http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3429363
"Gentleman, I'm going to have to ask you for some form of I.D. This post will involve some alcohol of some sort and minors, well...... I don't want to get introuble with the law. Sorry. 2Quills will now check those I.D.'s please."
Oh crap, RG, he caught us sneaking in here. LOL.
Dam you orca
Rainbow(I can infiltrate MI6) grouper
Originally Posted by travelerjp98 http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3429417
Quote:
Originally Posted by Orca T http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3429363
"Gentleman, I'm going to have to ask you for some form of I.D. This post will involve some alcohol of some sort and minors, well...... I don't want to get introuble with the law. Sorry. 2Quills will now check those I.D.'s please."
Oh crap, RG, he caught us sneaking in here. LOL.
Dam you orca
Rainbow(I can infiltrate MI6) grouper
rainbow grouper
Active Member
2 Quills i does have 
2quills
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by rainbow grouper http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3430217
2 Quills i does have
You'll shoot your eye out kid!
Originally Posted by rainbow grouper http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3430217
2 Quills i does have
You'll shoot your eye out kid!
rainbow grouper
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3430223
Quote:
Originally Posted by rainbow grouper http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3430217
2 Quills i does have
You'll shoot your eye out kid!
You wish.
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3430223
Quote:
Originally Posted by rainbow grouper http:///t/388663/interested-in-building-plans-for-my-dream-tank/20#post_3430217
2 Quills i does have
You'll shoot your eye out kid!
You wish.