180 FOWLR build finally underway...

[ChrisRD]

This tank will start out life as a FOWLR but who really knows where it will end-up... :wink:

Anyway - on with the pics.

First, tank drilling...

 

[ChrisRD]

Some pics of the overflow in this thread...
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=101127

 

[ChrisRD]

The start of the stand framing.

The sump is an old 50 gallon I had lying around - drilled that the same day I did the display tank and stuck some baffles in it...

 

[ChrisRD]

The live rock awaits its new home (along with a few fish who are getting impatient with me :wink: )...

 

[dnorton1978]

I really wish I was a handy guy. THat is great. Do you have fish in the bucket with the LR? I can understand their lack of patience.

 

[bleedingthought]

Chris, looking great, man! I'm planning the same thing - 180 with a 50G sump. One thing though, my sump doesn't have a center brace. I figured that wouldn't be a problem since most of the time it'll be running half way filled at the most. You agree that it'll be ok?

Since we're basically putting the same setup together, you really make me feel like I'm overdoing my stand, which wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't going to turn out so heavy like I know it will.

And last, you make me wish I had a drill press!!! How much did that cost you, if you don't mind?

I have questions for you on 3 different threads, I think! Oh, here's one in case you don't catch this one: Have you ever tried removing a bulkhead that you siliconed into the tank? I plan to use a little silicone on all my bulkheads but I'm afraid I won't be able to take them out if I ever have to.

 

[ChrisRD]

Dnorton,
Yes, there are fish in the tub. It's a 75 gallon Rubbermaid tub so they've got a bit of room, but there's a lot of rock in there (probably 150 lbs.).

BT,
I wouldn't be worried about the center brace with a half filled tank.

Overbuilding your stand is fine - most hobbyists WAY over do it (2X4s are cheap :wink: ). I'm sure you've seen a factory stand - much lighter construction than anything we're building (a bit too light for my comfort level though...).

A decent floor standing drill press will run you about $300+. The one in the photo is made by Grizzly. It's preferable to pick a model that has a low RPM range (down around 200 RPM +/-) if you want to drill glass with it.

No worries about removing a siliconed bulkhead. They'll come out just fine and you can clean up any excess silicone with a razor blade. I've done it many times.

HTH

 

[bleedingthought]

It does help, Chris. Thank you!

 

[trido]

Very nice slim internal overflow design.

 

[ChrisRD]

Progress pic...

 

[trido]

Looking good. What color are you going to stain it?

 

[ChrisRD]

Minwax "Golden Oak" - sortof a medium-light oak color...

 

[trido]

Minwax "Golden Oak" - sortof a medium-light oak color...

I was actually talking about that exact color at work today.

 

[bleedingthought]

Looks good, Chris! You leaving the back open?

 

[ChrisRD]

Yeah, I prefer to leave the back of my canopies and stands open for better air flow/cooling.

Here's another progress pic - two coats of stain and the first coat of varnish...

 

[ChrisRD]

Hmmm... ...for some reason it looks a lot nicer in person - I think I'm a crappy photographer. :?

 

[bleedingthought]

I think it looks good!

What kind of wood did you use for the trimwork? And are you going with a piece of plywood on top? (Just wondering why you left it off)

And what are your plans for the doors?

 

[shavo]

looks really good i look forward to seeing the final product! good job so far!!!! congrats and good luck with it!

 

[trido]

Colored up real nice.

Bleeding, there is no need for a plywood top for a glass tank because they only rest on the framing on the four outer edges. Well, at least a standard AGA. The glass actually rests about a half inch above the bottom of the frame so support isnt necessary.

 

[bleedingthought]

No plywood there would make me nervous because of the possibility of the tank being knocked over and falling into the stand. 8O