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10/30/2013, 04:33 PM | #1 |
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Rob's 300 Gallon Deep Dimensions!
After 10 years with my 175 Gallon Oceanic Bowfront, I think its time for a upgrade.
Here's my current tank, I have accumulated so much and feel it does not have that open space my fish need to swim around and it looks so crammed. My wife wanted to redo our floors and I took the opportune time and say "hey lets upgrade the tank as well." Since I was going to break it down any way, We might as well... I did a long hard research the last couple of weeks, getting quotes from different Vendors and builders. And I finally decided to go with the Marineland 300 Gallon DD. I received quotes from 3 other custom builders and I could not justify the cost difference since my tank is going to be enclosed inside a niche and only front Starphire glass will be exposed anyway. I will just use the extra cash, to either by 3 more Kessil A360's or go Solar and get Solatubes. So I am here to pay homage to my 175.. |
10/30/2013, 04:41 PM | #2 |
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I have ordered the Tank from my local LFS JoJo's Aquarium will arrive on the 15th of November.
Sump was ordered today from Advance Acrylics from Southern Cali, 48x24x20 100 Gallons, hope it gets here at the same time.. In the mean time, I will need some suggestions on how to prepare for the switch, I have not moved this tank in 10 years, I am thinking about buying a Rubbermaid 300G. Stock tank to house my livestock while we redo the floors and get my space all prepped up. |
10/30/2013, 04:54 PM | #3 |
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While I wait, I decided to build my own stand. Never done anything like this, but I was up for the challenge. I was browsing the DIY threads the other night and found a DIY custom stand thread that gave me the basics. One of my clients is a lumber dealer and gave me a slamming deal on the wood, total cost was $30!!
Finished off the Top and Bottom frames, 2x4 on the bottom and 2x6 on top drilled some bore holes for some heavy duty 4 inch bolts Don't have a work table, so I was cutting wood off the ground Used 4x4 for the 2 front corners and one in the back center for added strength Almost Done |
10/30/2013, 04:57 PM | #4 |
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Finished!! not bad for a rookie.
Front Back Just ordered my doors, from a local cabinet maker, and it should be here in 7-10 days. Any suggestions on Skinning, also should I add a 1 inch plywood on top? Last edited by robert s b.; 10/30/2013 at 05:04 PM. |
10/30/2013, 06:43 PM | #5 |
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looks good i subbed
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10/30/2013, 08:31 PM | #6 |
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I don't know how the 300dd is supported but on my 250dd it has a center brace that I think should be supported. I hope that your plumbing clears the 4x4's on the rear corners. I am not trying to beat you up the stand looks great I would just like to know others concerns if they seen them. I would put the plywood on top to help level everything out. Looks good and your making great progress.
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10/30/2013, 10:01 PM | #7 |
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Thanks for your concern, the 4x4"s are in the 2 front corners and one in the middle in the rear. I have 2x6 and 2 2x4 in the rear corners. It should hold the 2 tons . Should I go with 1/2 or 1 inch plywood for the top?
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10/30/2013, 10:10 PM | #8 |
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Nice job Robert!
Marine Paint for sure. Tom
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New Tank: Red Sea 750XXL,(4) 32" reefbreeder photons,Vertex Alpha 250 SKIMMER, GEO CR612X2 Calcium Reactor, (6) Coralbox QP-16, |
10/30/2013, 10:31 PM | #9 |
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I used 3/4 on mine and it is very stout.
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10/30/2013, 11:47 PM | #10 |
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10/31/2013, 05:25 AM | #11 |
Reefing is my middle name
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Not bad for an amateur. I built my stand for my new build from the same DIY forum. Excellent job.
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10/31/2013, 09:06 AM | #12 | |
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Quote:
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"Send more paramedics" Current Tank Info: 300g DD, SPS dominated, Apex, Tunze 6125s, ATB 1050, 400w MH, and Geo 618 Ca Reactor |
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10/31/2013, 09:17 AM | #13 |
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Sharing a few pix of my DIY stand.
Close up of corner. Legs. Complete. Getting ready for primer. Done. Back. Tank in place.
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"Send more paramedics" Current Tank Info: 300g DD, SPS dominated, Apex, Tunze 6125s, ATB 1050, 400w MH, and Geo 618 Ca Reactor |
10/31/2013, 09:22 AM | #14 |
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BTW, the top rail is 2x8.
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"Send more paramedics" Current Tank Info: 300g DD, SPS dominated, Apex, Tunze 6125s, ATB 1050, 400w MH, and Geo 618 Ca Reactor |
10/31/2013, 09:28 AM | #15 |
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Wow, the stand looked really cheap and weak at first with the 2X4's but as I read and saw the pics I have changed my mind.
I have a 215 gallon tank with a stand that is very strong but this one looks even stronger |
10/31/2013, 09:29 AM | #16 |
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I hope you keep adding pictures of your progress.
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10/31/2013, 10:12 AM | #17 |
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Nice progress, sweet bikes too!
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10/31/2013, 12:15 PM | #18 |
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Very very nice tank and congratulations on the upgrade
Im interested in seeing how the 3 kessyl 360w would lit that 300g DD
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Current Reef tanks In Wall 400g 1" acrylic 72x36x36 (Hydras, Marco rocks,Tunze osmolator, Vertex Alpha cone 250) |
10/31/2013, 02:15 PM | #19 |
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10/31/2013, 02:22 PM | #20 |
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10/31/2013, 02:39 PM | #21 |
Moved On
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Looking good!
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10/31/2013, 03:05 PM | #22 |
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Are you going to put a bottom on the stand? What size sump? Put doors on the side of the stand for additional access.
One other thing, not to sound condescending, but I have seen many hobbyist make this critical mistake... Can you get the stand in its final resting place? Some assume if the tank can fit the stand must as well. To their surprise, the stand does not fit, especially a custom stand.
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"Send more paramedics" Current Tank Info: 300g DD, SPS dominated, Apex, Tunze 6125s, ATB 1050, 400w MH, and Geo 618 Ca Reactor |
10/31/2013, 03:29 PM | #23 |
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I did a lot of planning, there is a 72" L tank where the new tank is going, so fitting the stand won't be a problem. Also it will be an open bottom. I am trying to find a 72L 3 inch drain pan to put in there. Can't seem to find it. Might make a custom one with acrylic.
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11/01/2013, 10:24 AM | #24 |
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Just double-check that the rear corner posts provide enough clearance for the overflow plumbing (in their more recent tanks the holes are closer to the end of the tank than in prior year's models). I see you removed the 4x4's already, but bulkhead clearance is a mistake that I always seem to make.
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11/01/2013, 11:53 AM | #25 |
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