My new reef tank

smokingreefer

smokingreefer

Member
I currently have a 37g reef and am planning on "upgrading" to a 40g breeder setup. I know it's nothing much but it's really all I can have for now, plus there is limited space (that my girlfriend will allow) for me to set it up in. Anyway, I am going to document my tank build. Hope you like it.
I am starting with 2 identical frames made out of 2 x 4's that are 36" L x 18" W. They will serve as the base and the top of the stand. Unfortunately it's all I had time for tonight. I work all day tomorrow, but it's at a hardware store so I should be able to do some work on it there and at the very least get what I need.
Attachment 200666
more to come soon...
 
smokingreefer

smokingreefer

Member
I had some time to work on my stand today. It's coming along pretty well. It's made out of two by fours and will have ply wood sides. It sits 32" high to make it 48" overall after I add the tank. I am trying to figure out what kind of wood to put on the front of it and what to do about the trim. Any suggestions?
Attachment 200782
 
saltfinsax

saltfinsax

Member
Its looking good so far, but the wood and trim is a endles chouse that you will have to make. Some try and stay close to the style and color they have in there house. Soft woods are easy to work with but dent and scrach easer, where as hard wood is a little harder to work with. One thing to remember is try and make your door opening as big as you can for your sump/rem or later items you my want under there.
 
smokingreefer

smokingreefer

Member
Originally Posted by SaltfinSax
http:///forum/post/2648051
Its looking good so far, but the wood and trim is a endles chouse that you will have to make. Some try and stay close to the style and color they have in there house. Soft woods are easy to work with but dent and scrach easer, where as hard wood is a little harder to work with. One thing to remember is try and make your door opening as big as you can for your sump/rem or later items you my want under there.

Ya I have a sump that I am going to put under there. I wish that I could get the tank drilled so I could have no exposed pipe. Does anyone know how much it costs, or if it is easy to do on your own?
 
bojik

bojik

Member
Heh thats how I just built my stand last Sunday for my 37 show. Though I turned the front upright 2x4's 90* form that. Used 7/16" chip/wafer board on the top sides and back.
EDIT: Also use did you staples on that ply?
 
smokingreefer

smokingreefer

Member
Originally Posted by Bojik
http:///forum/post/2648296
Heh thats how I just built my stand last Sunday for my 37 show. Though I turned the front upright 2x4's 90* form that. Used 7/16" chip/wafer board on the top sides and back.
EDIT: Also use did you staples on that ply?
nope I screwed in down. I'll fill the holes up after i'm done.
 
bojik

bojik

Member
Originally Posted by smokingreefer
http:///forum/post/2648361
nope I screwed in down. I'll fill the holes up after i'm done.
That works too though takes more time :). Are you going to put some sort of support on the back too to keep it from going out of square when tank is placed down on it? When I build mine i didn't use those stud anchors I used angled screws on the 2" sides into the upper and lower frames. Otherwise same sort of concept. :) Going to use an exterior paint, or stain, or regular paint and seal it?
 
smokingreefer

smokingreefer

Member
Originally Posted by Bojik
http:///forum/post/2648442
That works too though takes more time :). Are you going to put some sort of support on the back too to keep it from going out of square when tank is placed down on it? When I build mine i didn't use those stud anchors I used angled screws on the 2" sides into the upper and lower frames. Otherwise same sort of concept. :) Going to use an exterior paint, or stain, or regular paint and seal it?
I think I will most likely stain it. Ya, I am going to use supports for the front and back. I am waiting to make sure my sump fits in there first. I would hate to have to take anything apart because my sump doesn't fit. Do you have any pictures of your stand? I'd like to see them if you do.
 
smokingreefer

smokingreefer

Member
I worked on my stand for awhile last night and am almost done. I just need to add the top and the doors. I'll post pics when I go home for lunch.
 
bojik

bojik

Member
Use a sheet of wafer wood or plywood across the whole back. Use a whole saw to put holes for electrical and pluming where you need it. That will hold it together nicely and leave the front open to slide hardware in. Check for squareness before you add the back that way you can use the plywood to hold it in place. Use clamps to force it back into square if needed then attach the backing. I'll try to get pictures here in a few its kinda rough atm.
 
bojik

bojik

Member
Originally Posted by smokingreefer
http:///forum/post/2651332
Attachment 201007
I am getting closer. I need to sand it in the places I added wood filler and then it will be ready to stain. I still haven't figured out what I am going to do for doors yet.
Try going to a salvage yard and finding a matched pair of cabinet doors. Use a standard offset hinge to mount em.
 
smokingreefer

smokingreefer

Member
Originally Posted by Bojik
http:///forum/post/2651351
Try going to a salvage yard and finding a matched pair of cabinet doors. Use a standard offset hinge to mount em.
I could do that but chances are there wouldn't be anything that would fit my stand. Plus, I am trying to make it look as nice as possible, not to mention do it myself
 
bojik

bojik

Member
Originally Posted by smokingreefer
http:///forum/post/2651661
I could do that but chances are there wouldn't be anything that would fit my stand. Plus, I am trying to make it look as nice as possible, not to mention do it myself

Heh me decent then primer then paint black.
 
smokingreefer

smokingreefer

Member
Originally Posted by Bojik
http:///forum/post/2652656
Heh me decent then primer then paint black.
I stained it ebony last night, which is pretty much black. I like the look of it and I think it turned out well. I may need to add another coat tonight. It's currently drying and when it's done I'll check for any spots I missed. Pics coming soon. Oh and I still haven't decided on doors!
 
smokingreefer

smokingreefer

Member
I really haven't done that much work lately so I thought I would post a picture of my stand (stained) as well as my current set up.

 
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