New 75G Diary

[jlh]

Hey everyone. I'm new to the boards, and saltwater all together. I decided to start with a 75g FOWLR rimless display and a 40 long or 50 tall sump/refugium. It will be a slow process before the tank is in full swing. After the amount of money it will take to get this going, I refuse to let my lack of patience get in the way. I will be doing as much of it as possible as a DIY project. I finished the frame for the stand tonight, and hopefully sometime tomorrow I'll be able to skin it and provide an update. If anyone is interested in the design I came up with, just let me know and I'll send you everything you need to get it going. Oh, and take it easy on me, this is really my first attempt at building anything with wood lol. Anyhow, here are some pictures:
The reason I made the stand footprint larger than the tank was so I could accommodate a larger sump.

 

[ibanez]

How tall is that, it looks like you'll have to have a 4' ladder just to work in the tank.

 

[jlh]

It's 37" tall. I built it a little tall so the tank would sit closer to eye level. I have a little step ladder that I will use for tank maintenance. I also figured a little more wiggle room under the stand would allow for easier plumbing and stuff. I don't know if it matters, I just assumed lol. Most pictures I've seen of other peoples sumps look extremely crowded, and hopefully I'll be able to avoid that. Thanks for the reply!

 

[kylev]

I like taller tanks myself for the same reason of keeping the fish at eye level. Its not that hard to clean off a step ladder. Looking good so far

 

[jlh]

YWell I got the skin on last night minus the front and one small strip for the bottom. I still need to cut the holes for the front doors and I'm not quite sure what the best way to do it is. I had lowes cut the dimensions for me and a couple pieces didn't come out right so I'm hoping the trim will do its part in covering up those few ugly seams. All in all though it doesnt look bad. I will put up some pictures tonight when I get home so you guys can see the progress.
Thanks kylev. I just hope everything turns out the way I'm envisioning it. I don't have any experience doing this stuff, but so far its turning out well.

 

[spanko]

So what are the two extra patio areas (1 on top, 1 on bottom) in the front of the stand for?

 

[jlh]

Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/3241657
So what are the two extra patio areas (1 on top, 1 on bottom) in the front of the stand for?
Well when I get all the skin on, it will essentially look like a box. The main purpose behind it is to accommodate a sump larger then a 20g long. Also it will create a small shelf/ledge to set things while I'm working on the tank and what not

 

[firefightremtp]

this looks like a great build. Ill def be keeping up, post pictures often!
~grace

 

[jlh]

Unfortunately I had to help my brother hang drywall today so I didn't get anything else accomplished with the stand. I did include some pics of my progress so far. I ended up having to do the bottom in 3 pieces. Doing it in 2 (which was my original plan) would have required another sheet of maple, so I decided against it. My next step will be to cut the doors out and hang the front piece. I should be able to get that done tomorrow, and hopefully start on the trim within the next few days. Excuse the mess in the pics; this is all being done in my 1920's era basement lol.

 

[jlh]

Here is a pic of my newest toy that I haven't gotten to use yet lol.

 

[jlh]

I haven't had the chance to do an update, but I have managed to get all the trim on and the first coat of stain. I took the lazy route and decided not to stain the entire top since the tank will cover it up anyway lol. Once this dries, I'm going to sand it and put on a few more coats. It should be quite a bit darker once it's all said and done.
I also got the holes drilled for the plumbing and the inside painted with latex sealer.
Here are some pics, let me know what you think.

 

[jlh]

I finally got the stand done!! Me and my brother had a time getting it into my house from the basement (what a chore

lol). I did a test fit with the tank to make sure everything is level and what not. Up to this point the project is going fairly smooth. I have to order my retro lights either tonight or tomorrow so I can get the canopy done. I don't have the cabinet doors on yet, but I'm going to get my plumbing and stuff done before I put those on. Let me know what you guys think.
My son wanted to help so I let him in on the action