drummereef's 180g in-wall build

drummereef · 03/16/2009, 11:11 PM

So, where do I start...

My interest in fish started way back when I was in middle school. My science teacher thought it would be really cool to have a tank dedicated to native freshwater species found in the local ponds and lakes. So my Dad and I went out to the lake we used to frequent and caught the biggest bunch of Bluegill we could catch. Long story short, the next morning I arrived at school extra early to present my science teacher with our find. Unfortunately the teacher hadn't arrived so I headed down to the Principle's office. He saw the big cooler of fish and with his help our new fishy friends found their new home. I couldn't wait until science class that day to see the Bluegill in the aquarium. I was pleasantly greeted by my science teacher who made an official announcement to the class about the new arrival. I was grinning from ear to ear until he said..... and a special thanks to our new Bluegill who ate $150 worth of my tropical fish!

He later pointed out the empty tank that he was intending to use for the students.

So after a few years of keeping freshwater tanks, I started my first saltwater 40g fowlr tank. And believe it or not, my current 40g mixed reef is the same tank that has evolved from that first fowlr about 14 years ago. So with a little work and a lot of help from my Pops here I go again.....

The 180g is a work in progress, so it's going to be a while before it sees any water. I'll update as I go and hopefully you guys will chime in with ideas.

Here's a pic of my 40g mixed reef from a while ago. The corals have since completely taken over the tank. The orange monti is now 12x12 and the frogspawn is the size of a volleyball. It's time for an upgrade.

drummereef · 03/16/2009, 11:12 PM

So the build begins...

Framing the viewing wall. The stand will be supported by the half wall shown. 2x4 on 12" centers, including the double 2x4's on either side. I planned the opening around bar stool height so I'll probably do a little ledge for beverages at some point.

I put a 2x10 header above the tank so I could maximize the clearance above the tank while keeping the viewing panel as flush to the front wall as possible. This build is in my basement so the 2x10 has no structural significance.

drummereef · 03/16/2009, 11:13 PM

A little drywall and mud.

drummereef · 03/16/2009, 11:13 PM

And voila, an in-wall begins!

drummereef · 03/16/2009, 11:15 PM

Onto the sump room.... Here's the original Sketchup of the project. I recently had a new HVAC put in the house so needless to say this tank upgrade was put on hold.

But, while the boys were out here I had them run a vent for an exhaust fan. I also had them run a supply and return to the sump room to help keep humidity to a minimum.

A little drywall work.

Taping and mudding again...

drummereef · 03/16/2009, 11:16 PM

Let there be white!

Finish coat of paint and some enamel on the floor. I used Benjamin Moore Aura in Semi-gloss on the walls and BM Porch & Floor epoxy reinforced enamel on the concrete. Flowed like butter.

The original flooring in this area was linoleum from the previous owner. I've never been so sore in my life scraping that glue up. I eventually had to get in the corners with an angle grinder to get the last of it.

Did an acid etch to prep the concrete and painted.

drummereef · 03/16/2009, 11:19 PM

So with a stack of lumber, some tools, and a can of paint I was off to build the stand.

Little tip for the diy stand builders... I decided to prime all the lumber before it went up. Thought it would be easier to finish paint the stand later.

drummereef · 03/16/2009, 11:22 PM

So this is where I am today. The design is basically a variation on RocketEngineer's design. The viewable side of the tank is resting on the half wall I built. The sump side is pretty much his design. The bottom shelf will hold the sump. I'm still measuring for the sump size and plumbing so I'll design the shelf around that. The floor is sloping towards the HVAC and floor drain on the other side of the right wall. It's a pita to level.

RocketEngineer's DIY Stand Template

Hop · 03/16/2009, 11:29 PM

Nice... Subscribed for the ride

drummereef · 03/16/2009, 11:30 PM

Here's the tank! Marineland 180g (72x24x24) with dual corner overflows. I upgraded to a Starfire front panel when I ordered it.

drummereef · 03/16/2009, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hop
Nice... Subscribed for the ride

Great! It's going to be a looooooong ride so buckle up.

drummereef · 03/16/2009, 11:46 PM

First equipment pics!

drummereef · 03/17/2009, 12:36 AM

The system will consist of the main display (180g), sump below (approx 70g) , and a remote refugium plumbed into the system (right side wall). It will be fed from the return pump and gravity drain back to the sump. This way I can take the refugium offline if needed. I also plan to plumb in a relatively easy way to perform water changes. Still researching ideas.....

Here's the ever evolving equipment list, some of which I'll transfer from my 40g.

Neptune Sys Aquacontroller Jr + DC4HD (40g)
Neptune Sys AquaSurf
3 Lumenmax Elite mogul reflectors
3 250 watt Galaxy e-ballasts
MSX250 skimmer (^^^)
Reflo Dart return pump
2x Tunze Stream 6105
2x Tunze Nanostream 6025 (40g)
Filter Guys Ocean Reef +2 RO/DI
Heaters, etc......

I've got a long way to go.

sanababit · 03/17/2009, 12:44 AM

keeping an eye on this one

sana

drummereef · 03/17/2009, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sanababit
keeping an eye on this one

sana

Thanks sana! I'll probably be hitting you up for some plumbing ideas in the near future.

fazgood · 03/17/2009, 10:04 AM

drummereef

Your workzone needs to be a lot more messy. It's not normal to be able to move around without falling over and breaking stuff that is sprawled all over the floor.

Other than that, it looks great! I have not checked out those skimmers, did you get it from MS? A Google had them on the top of the list.

Keep us posted

Faz

gbecker · 03/17/2009, 11:58 AM

Looking good. I was wondering about you lately. Thought that I might see you at the SLASH frag swap.

panaboy95 · 03/17/2009, 12:17 PM

looks great. i am with faz you are going to have to get some stuff thrown around and some sawdust on the floor.

drummereef · 03/17/2009, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fazgood
drummereef

Your workzone needs to be a lot more messy. It's not normal to be able to move around without falling over and breaking stuff that is sprawled all over the floor.

Other than that, it looks great! I have not checked out those skimmers, did you get it from MS? A Google had them on the top of the list.

Keep us posted

Faz

You'd be surprised how messy it gets in person.

Yeah, got it from MS in Ohio. They are supposed to be more efficient in producing the nog than the Octopus from what I've seen. Slightly different pinwheel design. Deciding if I want to run it straight or do the mesh. Jeff and MS told me it runs great with the pinwheel. I'll give it a try.

drummereef · 03/17/2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gbecker
Looking good. I was wondering about you lately. Thought that I might see you at the SLASH frag swap.

Nice to hear from you too. The frags you gave me are REALLY happy. So happy they made me buy a new tank.

drummereef · 03/17/2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by panaboy95
looks great. i am with faz you are going to have to get some stuff thrown around and some sawdust on the floor.

I'll do my best.

michealprater · 03/17/2009, 04:26 PM

Tag.

crvz · 03/17/2009, 04:41 PM

Some great work done so far, well done! I look forward to seeing this thing up and stocked.

JDL · 03/17/2009, 05:34 PM

looks nice. now come over to my house and finish my in-wall setup.

what type of sump are you going to use, a normal tank or a rubbermaid stock tank?

drummereef · 03/17/2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by michealprater
Tag.

Thanks Mike!

03/16/2009, 11:11 PM	#1
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	drummereef's 180g in-wall build So, where do I start... My interest in fish started way back when I was in middle school. My science teacher thought it would be really cool to have a tank dedicated to native freshwater species found in the local ponds and lakes. So my Dad and I went out to the lake we used to frequent and caught the biggest bunch of Bluegill we could catch. Long story short, the next morning I arrived at school extra early to present my science teacher with our find. Unfortunately the teacher hadn't arrived so I headed down to the Principle's office. He saw the big cooler of fish and with his help our new fishy friends found their new home. I couldn't wait until science class that day to see the Bluegill in the aquarium. I was pleasantly greeted by my science teacher who made an official announcement to the class about the new arrival. I was grinning from ear to ear until he said..... and a special thanks to our new Bluegill who ate $150 worth of my tropical fish! He later pointed out the empty tank that he was intending to use for the students. So after a few years of keeping freshwater tanks, I started my first saltwater 40g fowlr tank. And believe it or not, my current 40g mixed reef is the same tank that has evolved from that first fowlr about 14 years ago. So with a little work and a lot of help from my Pops here I go again..... The 180g is a work in progress, so it's going to be a while before it sees any water. I'll update as I go and hopefully you guys will chime in with ideas. Here's a pic of my 40g mixed reef from a while ago. The corals have since completely taken over the tank. The orange monti is now 12x12 and the frogspawn is the size of a volleyball. It's time for an upgrade. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system Last edited by Misled; 04/02/2018 at 04:46 PM.

03/16/2009, 11:12 PM	#2
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	So the build begins... Framing the viewing wall. The stand will be supported by the half wall shown. 2x4 on 12" centers, including the double 2x4's on either side. I planned the opening around bar stool height so I'll probably do a little ledge for beverages at some point. I put a 2x10 header above the tank so I could maximize the clearance above the tank while keeping the viewing panel as flush to the front wall as possible. This build is in my basement so the 2x10 has no structural significance. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system Last edited by Misled; 04/02/2018 at 04:46 PM.

03/16/2009, 11:13 PM	#3
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	A little drywall and mud. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system Last edited by Misled; 04/02/2018 at 04:52 PM.

03/16/2009, 11:13 PM	#4
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	And voila, an in-wall begins! __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system Last edited by Misled; 04/02/2018 at 04:53 PM.

03/16/2009, 11:15 PM	#5
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Onto the sump room.... Here's the original Sketchup of the project. I recently had a new HVAC put in the house so needless to say this tank upgrade was put on hold. But, while the boys were out here I had them run a vent for an exhaust fan. I also had them run a supply and return to the sump room to help keep humidity to a minimum. A little drywall work. Taping and mudding again... __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system Last edited by Misled; 04/02/2018 at 04:53 PM.

03/16/2009, 11:16 PM	#6
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Let there be white! Finish coat of paint and some enamel on the floor. I used Benjamin Moore Aura in Semi-gloss on the walls and BM Porch & Floor epoxy reinforced enamel on the concrete. Flowed like butter. The original flooring in this area was linoleum from the previous owner. I've never been so sore in my life scraping that glue up. I eventually had to get in the corners with an angle grinder to get the last of it. Did an acid etch to prep the concrete and painted. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system Last edited by Misled; 04/02/2018 at 04:54 PM.

03/16/2009, 11:19 PM	#7
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	So with a stack of lumber, some tools, and a can of paint I was off to build the stand. Little tip for the diy stand builders... I decided to prime all the lumber before it went up. Thought it would be easier to finish paint the stand later. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system Last edited by Misled; 04/02/2018 at 04:54 PM.

03/16/2009, 11:22 PM	#8
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	So this is where I am today. The design is basically a variation on RocketEngineer's design. The viewable side of the tank is resting on the half wall I built. The sump side is pretty much his design. The bottom shelf will hold the sump. I'm still measuring for the sump size and plumbing so I'll design the shelf around that. The floor is sloping towards the HVAC and floor drain on the other side of the right wall. It's a pita to level. RocketEngineer's DIY Stand Template __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system Last edited by Misled; 04/02/2018 at 04:54 PM.

03/16/2009, 11:29 PM	#9
Hop Carpe Noctem!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 8,548	Nice... Subscribed for the ride __________________ Hop Current Tank Info: 300-gallon in-wall system (mixed reef)

03/16/2009, 11:30 PM	#10
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Here's the tank! Marineland 180g (72x24x24) with dual corner overflows. I upgraded to a Starfire front panel when I ordered it. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system Last edited by Misled; 04/02/2018 at 04:55 PM.

03/16/2009, 11:46 PM	#12
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	First equipment pics! __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system Last edited by Misled; 04/02/2018 at 04:55 PM.

03/17/2009, 12:36 AM	#13
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	The system will consist of the main display (180g), sump below (approx 70g) , and a remote refugium plumbed into the system (right side wall). It will be fed from the return pump and gravity drain back to the sump. This way I can take the refugium offline if needed. I also plan to plumb in a relatively easy way to perform water changes. Still researching ideas..... Here's the ever evolving equipment list, some of which I'll transfer from my 40g. Neptune Sys Aquacontroller Jr + DC4HD (40g) Neptune Sys AquaSurf 3 Lumenmax Elite mogul reflectors 3 250 watt Galaxy e-ballasts MSX250 skimmer (^^^) Reflo Dart return pump 2x Tunze Stream 6105 2x Tunze Nanostream 6025 (40g) Filter Guys Ocean Reef +2 RO/DI Heaters, etc...... I've got a long way to go. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system Last edited by drummereef; 03/17/2009 at 12:42 AM.

03/17/2009, 12:44 AM	#14
sanababit Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Uranus Posts: 3,094	keeping an eye on this one sana __________________ Senior Member of the "Hardly any Water Changes, Temp Swinging, T5ing, No Qtining, Frag Exchanging for Fish Food Current Tank Info: 90RR inwall, Octopuss Skimmer, 2 MP40 wQD, 1 MP10 WQD, 2 Radions G4 Pro, Apex Doser, Apex Controller, 400w heater, 30 Gal Sump, Biopellets, Carbon, Gfo, Macroalgae

03/17/2009, 10:04 AM	#16
fazgood Not Quite Right Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Ballwin MO Posts: 1,093	drummereef Your workzone needs to be a lot more messy. It's not normal to be able to move around without falling over and breaking stuff that is sprawled all over the floor. Other than that, it looks great! I have not checked out those skimmers, did you get it from MS? A Google had them on the top of the list. Keep us posted Faz

03/17/2009, 11:58 AM	#17
gbecker Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pacific, MO Posts: 444	Looking good. I was wondering about you lately. Thought that I might see you at the SLASH frag swap. __________________ 90 gal mixed reef, 20 gal sump, ASM G-1 Skimmer

03/17/2009, 12:17 PM	#18
panaboy95 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pana IL Posts: 1,963	looks great. i am with faz you are going to have to get some stuff thrown around and some sawdust on the floor. __________________ Nathan Morrell Beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy--- Ben Franklin

03/17/2009, 04:26 PM	#22
michealprater Angelfish Nerd Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grantfork, IL Posts: 5,465 Blog Entries: 1	Tag. __________________ __________________________ Micheal Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder Reef

03/17/2009, 04:41 PM	#23
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	Some great work done so far, well done! I look forward to seeing this thing up and stocked. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

03/17/2009, 05:34 PM	#24
JDL Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Palmyra PA Posts: 410	looks nice. now come over to my house and finish my in-wall setup. what type of sump are you going to use, a normal tank or a rubbermaid stock tank?