180 mixed reef

danferd2002 · 03/11/2017, 06:40 PM

I've been out of the hobby for a few years and I'm ready to get back in. I started with a 30, 40, then left off with a 75. The plan is to have a 180 display with a 75 sump/ refugium underneath in my finished basement. Possibly in the future add another small display plunged into the system on the main floor of the house.

This will be a slow build and has been underway for over a month already. Allot is still undecided as far as equipment goes. I've picked up a few things that I felt were good deals and will continue to do the same. I'm in no rush whatsoever if I've learned anything it's to go slow.

One of two brute trashcans with roughly 175 lbs of dry rock that have been in there for 5 weeks so far. These will become my sw mixing station after.
IMG_20170311_190307.jpg

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

danferd2002 · 03/11/2017, 06:44 PM

Stand will be pretty basic.

Could not believe the variation in one 2x6 to the next.
IMG_20170311_163136.jpg

After a run through the table saw they are better.
IMG_20170311_163916.jpg

Deck screws and glue on all joints.
IMG_20170311_182404.jpg

Vertical corners
IMG_20170311_185035.jpg
IMG_20170311_185146.jpg

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

danferd2002 · 03/11/2017, 06:47 PM

Top and bottom rails done.
IMG_20170311_183640.jpg

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

danferd2002 · 03/12/2017, 04:30 AM

So far the equipment that I've picked up is a skimmer. SRO-5000 SSS. I'm now worried that this will be way overkill. Any opinions?

IMG_20170312_061701.jpg

I've also got two mp40 Wes. I'm thinking of adding a gyre pump of some type in addition. Or upgrading to quiet drive if these aren't enough.

IMG_20170312_061714.jpg

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

danferd2002 · 03/12/2017, 04:37 AM

Overflow I went with a synergy reef knockoff. I've drilled tanks before but nothing this big. I first checked the glass with a LCD screen and polarized sunglasses to make sure it wasn't tempered. I picked up a 2 7/8" drill bit from Amazon for $17. It worked great.

I made a template from plywood of the hole locations.
IMG_20170212_125048.jpg

I got the hole started with the wood and then removed it and made a dam with putty and plenty of water.
IMG_20170212_130232.jpg
IMG_20170212_130910.jpg

Getting there. Took about 15 minutes per hole.
IMG_20170212_133202.jpg

Done. Bucket and tape underneath to help with chipping and to catch the center slug.
IMG_20170212_133346.jpg

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

danferd2002 · 03/12/2017, 04:40 AM

After the first hole I laid the overflow on the tank and traced the second hole. It matched my template and I drilled the second hole.
IMG_20170212_140648.jpg

IMG_20170212_142234.jpg

It fits!
IMG_20170212_151947.jpg

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

danferd2002 · 03/12/2017, 04:43 AM

For background I've always done black and struggled with the possibly of going blue this time to change it up but in the end didn't.

All taped off.
IMG_20170212_165103.jpg

3 or 4 coats later.
IMG_20170212_170620.jpg

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Spunky Bob · 03/14/2017, 06:23 AM

Looking really good!

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hartin461 · 03/14/2017, 06:30 AM

Following along..doing good so far!

rhinonm · 03/14/2017, 06:57 AM

[QUOTE=danferd2002;24999526]So far the equipment that I've picked up is a skimmer. SRO-5000 SSS. I'm now worried that this will be way overkill. Any opinions?

I use that same skimmer on a 200 gallon. Overkill yes but it allows me to feed heavily keeping my sps colorful.

danferd2002 · 03/18/2017, 01:23 AM

[QUOTE=rhinonm;25002899]

Quote:

Originally Posted by danferd2002

So far the equipment that I've picked up is a skimmer. SRO-5000 SSS. I'm now worried that this will be way overkill. Any opinions?

I use that same skimmer on a 200 gallon. Overkill yes but it allows me to feed heavily keeping my sps colorful.

Good to know. Thanks. I'll stick with it for now.

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danferd2002 · 03/18/2017, 01:29 AM

Making the vertical supports. I should have drilled the pocket holes first, so I had to rig an extension to get the drill in there. It worked ok.
IMG_20170313_135854.jpg

IMG_20170313_140014.jpg

Rough dry fit. I cut out a piece of cardboard the same size as a 75 that my sump will be. I originally wanted a single support in the middle front and back. However I wouldn't be able to get the sump in and out. So I will have two supports in the back positioned so I can remove it if needed.

IMG_20170313_150618.jpg

Back to HD now to get another 2x4 to finish the frame.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Fish finder · 03/18/2017, 04:08 AM

I should of drilled another hole in my tank but i didn't know it was that easy

danferd2002 · 03/18/2017, 12:50 PM

Frame done. The right side will have a door to access the electrical. Figuring out how I want that to look. Then I will start covering in plywood.

IMG_20170318_143555.jpg

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

danferd2002 · 03/18/2017, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish finder

I should of drilled another hole in my tank but i didn't know it was that easy

It's pretty easy. Go slow. Lots of water. Don't put pressure on the drill let the bit do the work. Make sure it's not tempered of course.

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danferd2002 · 03/19/2017, 06:30 PM

Got the top and bottom of the stand covered. Top is 3/4 the rest is 1/2. I cut them oversized and used a flush trim bit.

IMG_20170319_194348.jpg

I laid a 6 ft level on the top and checked with a .010 feeler gauge along it for straightness. Had to shim one corner slightly. Was surprised how flat it was already.

IMG_20170319_191329.jpg

IMG_20170319_191342.jpg

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

danferd2002 · 03/25/2017, 06:58 PM

IMG_20170325_191807.jpg

Stand is skinned caulked and sanded. Ready for paint tomorrow.

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cincyjim · 03/27/2017, 05:12 AM

Very nice work!

McGarnicle · 03/27/2017, 05:38 AM

Stand is looking great! Following along.

danferd2002 · 03/30/2017, 02:00 PM

Inside is finished. 4 coats exterior paint. Sanded in between each coat.

IMG_20170330_155137.jpg

IMG_20170330_155159.jpg

Not sure exactly what to do for the outside. Originally was going to paint black to match the rest of the room. It's going in to an office basement area. Now I'm thinking possibly a really dark stain.

Doors and trim are next this weekend.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Buddy55 · 04/01/2017, 06:28 PM

What material did you use for the half inch skin? Can you find a sku from home depot or website link maybe. It looks good

danferd2002 · 04/01/2017, 06:35 PM

Its just regular 15/32 bc sanded pine plywood. I went over it again with 220 then 350. A hardwood plywood like oak or maple will look much better but its double the price.

Buddy55 · 04/01/2017, 10:17 PM

Okay, thats what I used to then. Just didn't look that good. I have lowes local to me and the selection was not good. Many hours of finish work. I also had to use a pre stain I found out with that stuff or the final stain will look awful

danferd2002 · 04/02/2017, 07:33 AM

Yeah pre stain is a must for soft woods especially. I have both Lowe's and home Depot. One week Lowe's will have the better quality one week home Depot will it really varies. Still have to pick through half the pile to get anything decent.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

danferd2002 · 04/02/2017, 06:46 PM

A little more progress. Built the door frames and cut the panels for them. Exact lengths are key.
IMG_20170402_165615.jpg

Pocket holes as usual.
IMG_20170402_161427.jpg

Frames done.
IMG_20170402_174402.jpg

IMG_20170402_194650.jpg

Panels cut and sanded. I will stain them before assembly. It will make for much easier time getting into the corners.
IMG_20170402_194641.jpg

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/11/2017, 06:40 PM	#1
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	180 mixed reef I've been out of the hobby for a few years and I'm ready to get back in. I started with a 30, 40, then left off with a 75. The plan is to have a 180 display with a 75 sump/ refugium underneath in my finished basement. Possibly in the future add another small display plunged into the system on the main floor of the house. This will be a slow build and has been underway for over a month already. Allot is still undecided as far as equipment goes. I've picked up a few things that I felt were good deals and will continue to do the same. I'm in no rush whatsoever if I've learned anything it's to go slow. One of two brute trashcans with roughly 175 lbs of dry rock that have been in there for 5 weeks so far. These will become my sw mixing station after. IMG_20170311_190307.jpg Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/14/2017, 06:57 AM	#10
rhinonm Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Rio Rancho NM USA Posts: 302	[QUOTE=danferd2002;24999526]So far the equipment that I've picked up is a skimmer. SRO-5000 SSS. I'm now worried that this will be way overkill. Any opinions? I use that same skimmer on a 200 gallon. Overkill yes but it allows me to feed heavily keeping my sps colorful. __________________ 180g 60x35x20 Rimless, 48" Sunpower, 5000 SRO Skimmer, 40" Advanced Acrylics Sump Current Tank Info: 200g SPS

03/27/2017, 05:12 AM	#18
cincyjim Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,147	Very nice work! __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: SCA 150G, 5 inch sand bed, 2 Tunze 6095s, ReefBreeders v2+ 50" with 2 all Blue Reefbrites, and Continuous Water Change System

04/01/2017, 06:28 PM	#21
Buddy55 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 171	What material did you use for the half inch skin? Can you find a sku from home depot or website link maybe. It looks good __________________ 90 gallon DT w/40 gallon sump

04/01/2017, 10:17 PM	#23
Buddy55 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 171	Okay, thats what I used to then. Just didn't look that good. I have lowes local to me and the selection was not good. Many hours of finish work. I also had to use a pre stain I found out with that stuff or the final stain will look awful __________________ 90 gallon DT w/40 gallon sump

03/11/2017, 06:44 PM	#2
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	Stand will be pretty basic. Could not believe the variation in one 2x6 to the next. IMG_20170311_163136.jpg After a run through the table saw they are better. IMG_20170311_163916.jpg Deck screws and glue on all joints. IMG_20170311_182404.jpg Vertical corners IMG_20170311_185035.jpg IMG_20170311_185146.jpg Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/11/2017, 06:47 PM	#3
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	Top and bottom rails done. IMG_20170311_183640.jpg Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/12/2017, 04:30 AM	#4
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	So far the equipment that I've picked up is a skimmer. SRO-5000 SSS. I'm now worried that this will be way overkill. Any opinions? IMG_20170312_061701.jpg I've also got two mp40 Wes. I'm thinking of adding a gyre pump of some type in addition. Or upgrading to quiet drive if these aren't enough. IMG_20170312_061714.jpg Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/12/2017, 04:37 AM	#5
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	Overflow I went with a synergy reef knockoff. I've drilled tanks before but nothing this big. I first checked the glass with a LCD screen and polarized sunglasses to make sure it wasn't tempered. I picked up a 2 7/8" drill bit from Amazon for $17. It worked great. I made a template from plywood of the hole locations. IMG_20170212_125048.jpg I got the hole started with the wood and then removed it and made a dam with putty and plenty of water. IMG_20170212_130232.jpg IMG_20170212_130910.jpg Getting there. Took about 15 minutes per hole. IMG_20170212_133202.jpg Done. Bucket and tape underneath to help with chipping and to catch the center slug. IMG_20170212_133346.jpg Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/12/2017, 04:40 AM	#6
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	After the first hole I laid the overflow on the tank and traced the second hole. It matched my template and I drilled the second hole. IMG_20170212_140648.jpg IMG_20170212_142234.jpg It fits! IMG_20170212_151947.jpg Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/12/2017, 04:43 AM	#7
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	For background I've always done black and struggled with the possibly of going blue this time to change it up but in the end didn't. All taped off. IMG_20170212_165103.jpg 3 or 4 coats later. IMG_20170212_170620.jpg Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/14/2017, 06:23 AM	#8
Spunky Bob Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 33	Looking really good! Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

03/14/2017, 06:30 AM	#9
hartin461 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: northeast Posts: 145	Following along..doing good so far!

03/18/2017, 01:29 AM	#12
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	Making the vertical supports. I should have drilled the pocket holes first, so I had to rig an extension to get the drill in there. It worked ok. IMG_20170313_135854.jpg IMG_20170313_140014.jpg Rough dry fit. I cut out a piece of cardboard the same size as a 75 that my sump will be. I originally wanted a single support in the middle front and back. However I wouldn't be able to get the sump in and out. So I will have two supports in the back positioned so I can remove it if needed. IMG_20170313_150618.jpg Back to HD now to get another 2x4 to finish the frame. Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/18/2017, 04:08 AM	#13
Fish finder Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Melbourne Posts: 93	I should of drilled another hole in my tank but i didn't know it was that easy

03/18/2017, 12:50 PM	#14
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	Frame done. The right side will have a door to access the electrical. Figuring out how I want that to look. Then I will start covering in plywood. IMG_20170318_143555.jpg Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/19/2017, 06:30 PM	#16
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	Got the top and bottom of the stand covered. Top is 3/4 the rest is 1/2. I cut them oversized and used a flush trim bit. IMG_20170319_194348.jpg I laid a 6 ft level on the top and checked with a .010 feeler gauge along it for straightness. Had to shim one corner slightly. Was surprised how flat it was already. IMG_20170319_191329.jpg IMG_20170319_191342.jpg Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/25/2017, 06:58 PM	#17
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	IMG_20170325_191807.jpg Stand is skinned caulked and sanded. Ready for paint tomorrow. Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

03/27/2017, 05:38 AM	#19
McGarnicle Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 106	Stand is looking great! Following along.

03/30/2017, 02:00 PM	#20
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	Inside is finished. 4 coats exterior paint. Sanded in between each coat. IMG_20170330_155137.jpg IMG_20170330_155159.jpg Not sure exactly what to do for the outside. Originally was going to paint black to match the rest of the room. It's going in to an office basement area. Now I'm thinking possibly a really dark stain. Doors and trim are next this weekend. Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

04/01/2017, 06:35 PM	#22
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	Its just regular 15/32 bc sanded pine plywood. I went over it again with 220 then 350. A hardwood plywood like oak or maple will look much better but its double the price.

04/02/2017, 07:33 AM	#24
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	Yeah pre stain is a must for soft woods especially. I have both Lowe's and home Depot. One week Lowe's will have the better quality one week home Depot will it really varies. Still have to pick through half the pile to get anything decent. Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

04/02/2017, 06:46 PM	#25
danferd2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 882	A little more progress. Built the door frames and cut the panels for them. Exact lengths are key. IMG_20170402_165615.jpg Pocket holes as usual. IMG_20170402_161427.jpg Frames done. IMG_20170402_174402.jpg IMG_20170402_194650.jpg Panels cut and sanded. I will stain them before assembly. It will make for much easier time getting into the corners. IMG_20170402_194641.jpg Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk