SaltyDawg's 30 Gallon Cube w/ Ponies!

[saltydawg1979]

I'm pretty much going to have 2 Builds going at once so I figured let's get this one started..
I've wanted a Pony (Sea Horse) Tank for quite awhile now, and have started to set one up more then once but things always came up that diverted my plans! Well after a Nice find on Craigslist, I'm finally going to have it!
Tank is a 30 Gallon Oceanic Cube, and all I can say is WOW! These things were built like Tanks parden the Pun.
For the last Week I've been working on the stand during any free time I have. I wanted something nicer than the run of the mill stand at the Big Box Stores, and I love getting my hands Dirty with some DIY whenever I get the Chance.
Here's what I've gotten accomplished so far all Primered up!

In keeping with the Built like a Tank Theme, I used 3/4" Oak Ply, I elected not to build a frame and then skin it but instead to make the Skin the Frame as well. Just gives the Inside cabinet a better look to me.
My biggest issue was deciding to actually paint over the beautiful look of the oak. I'm still working on filling in the Grain divets because I'm trying to get a real smooth finish. It's amazing how smooth Oak feels but when you go and through paint on it, you can actually see all the little grain marks... pain to get rid of them too, but I'm working on it..
I've got the door assembled with Euro Hinges and I'll have to show you my pretty slick way of making a Custom looking Door without using a Router! Hopefully I get it finsihed up tonight, my goal is water this weekend. Stay Tuned!

 

[novahobbies]

Lookin' Good! What species of seahorse are you planning on? Are you going to run a small sump, or are you going to use HOT filters?

 

[saltydawg1979]

Novahobbies - Thanks alot! I'm going with either H. Erectus or Kuda. I'm not running a sump on this set-up I will be on my 60 Gallon that's in the works though. I'm thinking of going with a Rena or something like that on this one. I have an AC110 that I had Fuge Modded for my old reef tank, maybe I could turn it back into a Hang On Filter that works the right way LOL!.. I like the Rena because of the Spray Bar so that's probably what I'll be going with.

 

[saltydawg1979]

Well I cheated, and was able to get 2 good coats of Paint on the Stand Monday night! I brought it into the house and into my Bedroom where no matter where I placed it I wasn't happy with the layout, so I moved it Downstairs and Now it's going in the Living Room! Set-up mixing tub and 15 Gallons of Saltwater last night, should be good to go by the time I get home tonight.
I still need to Finish up the Door for the stand and hopefully I can start working on the Canopy this weekend. I wasn't to worried about those things because I just want to get the Tank on the Stand to get my water, sand, and Rock in there for my Cycle to start.
I'm using Instant Ocean Salt, 30lbs of CaribSea Special Grade Sand, and I have about 25-30lbs of Marshal Island Live Rock and about 10-15lbs of Fiji that's Dead and going to be used pretty much as Base. I've had a 20 Gallon up and running with a Barebottom and the Marshall Island Rock and my Pair of O. Clowns for about 4-5 Months now. I wonder how mad they will be when I take all their Rock away.. Don't worry guys they have a new as well Be on the Look out for my 60 Gallon Cube build Coming soon..

 

[bender77]

Can't wait to see what it ends up looking like

 

[teresaq]

looking good, picture of the tank would be nice.
Just so you know, there arent any captive bred Kuda. They are all pen or net raised. Please only buy captive bred horses. There are several breeders of nice Erectus.
T

 

[saltydawg1979]

bender77 - Me Either! LOL!
TeresaQ - I guess I could have at least put the Tank on the stand and took a picture.. I will tonight, Especially since It'll be getting Water. Thank You so Much for the heads up on Kuda, I will definately be going with Erectus Now.