Rob's 300 Gallon Deep Dimensions!

robert s b. · 10/30/2013, 04:33 PM

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..

robert s b. · 10/30/2013, 04:41 PM

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.

robert s b. · 10/30/2013, 04:54 PM

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

robert s b. · 10/30/2013, 04:57 PM

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?

FishBoss · 10/30/2013, 06:43 PM

looks good i subbed

Pife · 10/30/2013, 08:31 PM

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.

robert s b. · 10/30/2013, 10:01 PM

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?

TOM BLEVINS · 10/30/2013, 10:10 PM

Nice job Robert!

Marine Paint for sure.

Tom

Pife · 10/30/2013, 10:31 PM

I used 3/4 on mine and it is very stout.

robert s b. · 10/30/2013, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOM BLEVINS

Nice job Robert!

Marine Paint for sure.

Tom

Thanks Tom.

Newbie Aquarist · 10/31/2013, 05:25 AM

Not bad for an amateur. I built my stand for my new build from the same DIY forum. Excellent job.

ridetheducati · 10/31/2013, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robert s b.

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?

3/4" or 1" will be fine.

ridetheducati · 10/31/2013, 09:17 AM

Sharing a few pix of my DIY stand.

Close up of corner.

Legs.

Complete.

Getting ready for primer.

Done.

Back.

Tank in place.

ridetheducati · 10/31/2013, 09:22 AM

BTW, the top rail is 2x8.

tonyda1st · 10/31/2013, 09:28 AM

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

tonyda1st · 10/31/2013, 09:29 AM

I hope you keep adding pictures of your progress.

reefish123 · 10/31/2013, 10:12 AM

Nice progress, sweet bikes too!

kmu · 10/31/2013, 12:15 PM

Very very nice tank and congratulations on the upgrade

Im interested in seeing how the 3 kessyl 360w would lit that 300g DD

robert s b. · 10/31/2013, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefish123

Nice progress, sweet bikes too!

Here you go...little bit of bike porn

robert s b. · 10/31/2013, 02:22 PM

Well I made some progress today, Bought 3/4" Sandply Hardwood, and 1/2" Sandply Harwood for the wrap.

Just put the top on

Wrapped the sides

Now the Front

Finished with the wrap

Now I need ideas for the trim and molding. I want more of a modern look.

GrizFyrFyter · 10/31/2013, 02:39 PM

Looking good!

ridetheducati · 10/31/2013, 03:05 PM

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.

robert s b. · 10/31/2013, 03:29 PM

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.

ca1ore · 11/01/2013, 10:24 AM

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.

Bilk · 11/01/2013, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robert s b.

Here you go...little bit of bike porn

Oh I like bike porn

Looks like my size too LOL

Following along on you build now too

10/30/2013, 04:33 PM	#1
robert s b. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Elk Grove, Ca. Posts: 1,930	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, 04:57 PM	#4
robert s b. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Elk Grove, Ca. Posts: 1,930	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, 10:10 PM	#8
TOM BLEVINS Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Elk Grove,Ca Posts: 1,291	Nice job Robert! Marine Paint for sure. Tom __________________ New Tank: Red Sea 750XXL,(4) 32" reefbreeder photons,Vertex Alpha 250 SKIMMER, GEO CR612X2 Calcium Reactor, (6) Coralbox QP-16,

10/31/2013, 09:17 AM	#13
ridetheducati 20 and Over Club Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Bowie, MD Posts: 2,968	Sharing a few pix of my DIY stand. Close up of corner. Legs. Complete. Getting ready for primer. Done. Back. Tank in place. __________________ "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
ridetheducati 20 and Over Club Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Bowie, MD Posts: 2,968	BTW, the top rail is 2x8. __________________ "Send more paramedics" Current Tank Info: 300g DD, SPS dominated, Apex, Tunze 6125s, ATB 1050, 400w MH, and Geo 618 Ca Reactor

10/30/2013, 04:41 PM	#2
robert s b. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Elk Grove, Ca. Posts: 1,930	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
robert s b. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Elk Grove, Ca. Posts: 1,930	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, 06:43 PM	#5
FishBoss Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 7	looks good i subbed

10/30/2013, 08:31 PM	#6
Pife Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 7,408	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.

10/30/2013, 10:01 PM	#7
robert s b. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Elk Grove, Ca. Posts: 1,930	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?

10/30/2013, 10:31 PM	#9
Pife Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 7,408	I used 3/4 on mine and it is very stout.

10/31/2013, 05:25 AM	#11
Newbie Aquarist Reefing is my middle name Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 5,796	Not bad for an amateur. I built my stand for my new build from the same DIY forum. Excellent job.

10/31/2013, 09:28 AM	#15
tonyda1st Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 48	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
tonyda1st Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 48	I hope you keep adding pictures of your progress.

10/31/2013, 10:12 AM	#17
reefish123 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: So Cal Posts: 867	Nice progress, sweet bikes too!

10/31/2013, 12:15 PM	#18
kmu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: In the DESERT Posts: 3,306	Very very nice tank and congratulations on the upgrade Im interested in seeing how the 3 kessyl 360w would lit that 300g DD __________________ Current Reef tanks In Wall 400g 1" acrylic 72x36x36 (Hydras, Marco rocks,Tunze osmolator, Vertex Alpha cone 250)

10/31/2013, 02:22 PM	#20
robert s b. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Elk Grove, Ca. Posts: 1,930	Well I made some progress today, Bought 3/4" Sandply Hardwood, and 1/2" Sandply Harwood for the wrap. Just put the top on Wrapped the sides Now the Front Finished with the wrap Now I need ideas for the trim and molding. I want more of a modern look.

10/31/2013, 02:39 PM	#21
GrizFyrFyter Moved On Join Date: May 2013 Location: Sacramento / Arden Posts: 1,154	Looking good!

10/31/2013, 03:05 PM	#22
ridetheducati 20 and Over Club Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Bowie, MD Posts: 2,968	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. __________________ "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
robert s b. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Elk Grove, Ca. Posts: 1,930	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.

11/01/2013, 10:24 AM	#24
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	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.