My PTSD relief, 20g DIY tank build thread

Scuba_Steve · 02/23/2017, 11:08 AM

Hey guys,

Slowly but surely I am starting up a new tank. I am just going to leave my build thread here where I think it belongs.

I have been without a tank for over a year now, and it is tough for me. I have few things that relieve my stress and anxiety more than working on my tank. I am 100% p&t mostly due to tbi/ptsd related stuff.

I am pretty broke as well, but I have access to everything I should need to build things myself. This will be a fairly high tech, but mostly DIY build. It may be slow though, due to fabrication times and saving piece by piece.

Also, I am learning as I am going with acrylic. Ive been to demos, read all the threads, and have woodworking experience. I am building everything out of acrylic! Damn near at least...

Here is the plan!

This will be a 22" half cube with a matching sump. 22"x22"x11"

I will start with some easy sump components, build the sump, then build the display tank. Hopefully this will give me enough practice!

I ordered my acrylic through estreetplastics. Got a great deal. I ordered the pieces precut almost to size, although I will have to trim everything down. Just saves wielding a big piece of acrylic on the tablesaw.

I have a new skimmer already as well. Cheap and effective. SCA-301

I have an old 300w LED fixture, though I will eventually put a DIY LED fixture on when I can afford it.

Base rock arrived yesterday. 10lb of Marcorocks Cut Key Largo, and 8lb of rubble. It was almost exactly enough for free shipping, because thats how I roll! Never had rocks that had a flat side cut off. I am using it as the base under the sand.

Live rock wilk be Tampa Bay Saltwater. Ive already been in contact with them, and they sell the best from what I have read!

That is about it for now. Pictures to come as soon as I get started!

Sent from my LGLS992 using Tapatalk

Scuba_Steve · 02/26/2017, 08:59 PM

Started trying to master acrylic fabrication. I am still a ways away, though I am comfortable starting my sump next!

This is the splash guard for the Algae Turf Scrubber.

mnk9569 · 03/05/2017, 03:37 PM

I am withvya I started using it as a stress relief during down time and it's became a full time hobby good luck

02/23/2017, 11:08 AM	#1
Scuba_Steve Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pooler, Ga Posts: 1,342	My PTSD relief, 20g DIY tank build thread Hey guys, Slowly but surely I am starting up a new tank. I am just going to leave my build thread here where I think it belongs. I have been without a tank for over a year now, and it is tough for me. I have few things that relieve my stress and anxiety more than working on my tank. I am 100% p&t mostly due to tbi/ptsd related stuff. I am pretty broke as well, but I have access to everything I should need to build things myself. This will be a fairly high tech, but mostly DIY build. It may be slow though, due to fabrication times and saving piece by piece. Also, I am learning as I am going with acrylic. Ive been to demos, read all the threads, and have woodworking experience. I am building everything out of acrylic! Damn near at least... Here is the plan! This will be a 22" half cube with a matching sump. 22"x22"x11" I will start with some easy sump components, build the sump, then build the display tank. Hopefully this will give me enough practice! I ordered my acrylic through estreetplastics. Got a great deal. I ordered the pieces precut almost to size, although I will have to trim everything down. Just saves wielding a big piece of acrylic on the tablesaw. I have a new skimmer already as well. Cheap and effective. SCA-301 I have an old 300w LED fixture, though I will eventually put a DIY LED fixture on when I can afford it. Base rock arrived yesterday. 10lb of Marcorocks Cut Key Largo, and 8lb of rubble. It was almost exactly enough for free shipping, because thats how I roll! Never had rocks that had a flat side cut off. I am using it as the base under the sand. Live rock wilk be Tampa Bay Saltwater. Ive already been in contact with them, and they sell the best from what I have read! That is about it for now. Pictures to come as soon as I get started! Sent from my LGLS992 using Tapatalk __________________ 40g DIY AIO. DT Size is 27"x18"x17" SCA-301 skimmer, DIY ATS 4"x4" 1 cube setup, Ocean Revive 120w LED, Quiet One 3000, Jager 150w TBS Rock

02/26/2017, 08:59 PM	#2
Scuba_Steve Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pooler, Ga Posts: 1,342	Started trying to master acrylic fabrication. I am still a ways away, though I am comfortable starting my sump next! This is the splash guard for the Algae Turf Scrubber. __________________ 40g DIY AIO. DT Size is 27"x18"x17" SCA-301 skimmer, DIY ATS 4"x4" 1 cube setup, Ocean Revive 120w LED, Quiet One 3000, Jager 150w TBS Rock

03/05/2017, 03:37 PM	#3
mnk9569 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mixed Posts: 18	I am withvya I started using it as a stress relief during down time and it's became a full time hobby good luck