[pauliwalnuts]

Quote: Originally Posted by jasonceo Are these the ones you are talking about? http://www.aquariumlighting.com/reta...oducts_id=4102 Those are pretty nicely priced and would save me the problem of finding moonlights. Interesting solution. Well done.

Yeah, works nice. You wont be disapointed.

[jasonceo]

STAND BUILD
I'm no carpenter and there are a bunch of stand building sites out there. This is a combination of those sites and my own idea of what I want/need.

The idea for my tank is a super clean look and so I wanted a stand that would be clean without any ornamental designs. The tank and stand should appear as one.

SUPPLIES
1 - 3/4 x 4' x 8' Plywood $30
8 - 2" x 2" $20
2 - 5mm x 4' x 8' Plywood $23
16 - 2" Corner Braces $10
2 1/2" Screws $4
1 1/4" Screws $3.50
1 1/4" Finishing Nails $4.50
Wood Glue $3.30

The pictures speak for themselves. This was relatively easy to do especially since I'm not the best with wood. The top is the 2x2 with 3/4" plywood on top. The bottom is the 2x2s sandwiched between two pieces of 3/4" plywood. The reason I did the bottom like that was to create a level surface on the bottom of the stand and also a level surface for the sump. Next I mounted 7 vertical 2x2s that keep the top and bottom together. I used the corner braces on top and bottom opposite each other. I also put horizontal 2x2s between each vertical beam. I had some wobble so instead of doing more corner braces I used the wood I had and put braces on the bottom and top of a few of the vertical beams. I also put a horizontal beam going across the backside a few inches down from the top with a small vertical beam holding it to the top(not in photos, sorry).

The shell for the stand is the 5mm plywood. Three sides are one whole piece each. The back is broken down to 2 strips across the top and bottom and 2 strips going down each side. The inside is the same 5mm plywood on the sides and on top I put another 5mm sheet just to make everything uniform. I will be putting either styrofoam or carpet on the inside to keep it quiet from pump vibrations.

The stand is 24x24x30 which hopefully will be a perfect look down height for my tank (12" tall). Now I need to do the door which I have no idea how to do but I will figure it out. I have to decide if the stand will be stained or painted black. The smell of stain takes forever to go away and paint doesn't always look great. Tough call.

How about some pics?

[jasonceo]

Top


Bottom


Inside


Outside


Inside Finished

[Awibrandy]

Nice stand, following along.

[jasonceo]

Thanks. Finding hinges for a clean looking door is difficult. I have to figure out what I'm going to do for that door.

[roc5288]

Heard through the grape vine you got your new tank today. Care to show us.

[jasonceo]

Ok so got my tank from glasscages today. I know everyone has their opinions but I can only go by what happened to me. Picking up the tank was easy. They were right where they said they would be. I was told they would be there from 10am-2pm. Others on here told me to get there later if I have a smaller tank or I would probably wait while the bigger tanks are unloaded first. By the time I got there (1pm) the big tanks were gone and the smaller tanks were in the back of the truck. There were 2 trucks with tanks and supposedly a tractor trailer with more tanks. The guy helped me load up the tank and was super nice. I drove away and then suddenly realized I didn't get any styrofoam so I went back. I felt bad bothering the guy that helped me before because he was eating a sandwich but he was real nice about it and let me have whatever I wanted.

Ok so I got home and really gave the tank a look. Here is what I noticed/liked/didn't like:

1. The tank is built like a beast. The glass is thick and heavy! Carrying by myself def put a strain on the back.
2. The bulkheads they sold me didn't fit they holes they drilled! Why didn't they check that before they brought it over? Plus they were schedule 80 which might be a little overkill for a 30G. They holes they drilled were 1 3/4".
3. The silicone is sloppy. I mean everything looks sealed fine BUT the bottom of the tank has large chunks of silicone hanging off. They could have easily taken a razor blade and trimmed that off.
4. The corner overflow isn't the best. No teeth on top so I will have to add something to prevent anything from going over (fish, snails, etc...). Oh and it seems a little low so I will definitely bring it up a bit.

Now here is the interesting part that has caused some stir on another post. I looked at my bill for everything and noticed that I was charged for the tank, overflow, extra holes, bulkheads, and NO SHIPPING CHARGE. Now reminder I picked it up in White Plains, NY. They were at the reptile show where they were a vendor. I was told when I first called them that I would have to pay $36 shipping. However when I called the second time to finalize my order I was told I wouldn't have to pay shipping because they are going to White Plains anyways. Now you might say I got hit with a $15 charge for bulkheads that don't fit so they got me anyways, but that's still less than $36 and I can sell these to someone else. Overall I have to say my experience with them was just OK. The people I dealt with on the phone and at pickup were pleasant actually they were very nice though unclear at times. I like the tank overall but it needs some cleaning up and a modification. If regular sch40 bulkheads fit fine then I would say it was definitely worth the price.

[wonderballz]

did you ask for a glass overflow? Looks decent. I am still considering this as my option.

[roc5288]

Looks real nice Jason.. Sorry to hear about the bulkhead thing. Minor set back. glass looks pretty thick. Get in contact with Russ at salt water critters for bulkhead he's close to us.
Otherwise i use savkco plastic.com. I like the glass overflow box, did they tell you it wouldn't have teeth?

[jasonceo]

I just asked for a corner overflow. They didn't mention it wouldn't have teeth I assumed they would. Someone else told me right before I picked it up that they don't do teeth. From what I heard from others they only do glass overflows on glass tanks. I do recommend them if you are considering them just look out for the things that happened to me.
I have 3 bulkheads coming in tomorrow so I will try those and if they don't work I will contact saltwatercritters. I may need sand from them anyways.

Also got my sump from CustomKing and a skimmer from evoIX_Reefer. Pics coming up.