Start of a LONG project

[steste1122]

Uh, hey everyone. First post here, and what better way to start than with a build thread? It is very much gonna be a long project (both time wise and the tank is a 22 Long) as I am still making decisions and making changes. Some parts will be DIY, while others will be custom or store bought. I have started by building the stand. It is currently about halfway complete as I recently decided that I am going to add a hood, fill all the seams and holes, and paint it to match my room. I based the design off of the stand Braaap built for his reef so you will see similarities (Braaap's reef) . For those of you who have never used the Kreg joining system, what are you waiting for? I can't believe I waited this long to buy it. The pictures below is what I built in an afternoon and I am amazed at how easy it came together and how secure everything is. Below is the start of my equipment list, and some of my reasoning's behind what I am doing. If anyone see's anything that is just wrong, please let me know.

 

Equipment list: (so far)

 

Tank: Mr Aqua 22 long

 

Tank controller: Leaning towards the Neptune Apex Jr. Why the Jr? Its cheaper, and since I am looking at the Ecotech pumps I can buy the WXM module to interface them in the system, and buy the PH, Salinity, and maybe another module for about the same price as the full version. I am also looking at some DIY options as well since I would like to save some $$$ (which can be spent on corals!). The best part for me about the Apex units for me is their network capability. I do travel for work a bit so this would be great for me.

 

Lighting: Narrowed it down to something from NanoBox. Talking to Dave to discuss options. If anyone has recommendations please throw them out there. I love options. Again DIY is a possibility but I am thinking I want this to be handled by a pro.

 

Sump: Undetermined, but in the 20-30+ gallon range. Leaning towards DIY but the Precision Marine sumps in the classifieds look like a nice way to save myself a little work and the price doesn't seem bad. I want to go as big as I can though. On the plus side, I do have an X-Carve cnc router so I may be able to make my own.

 

Overflow: Will be DIY. Looks simple enough. I want to copy this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyJK6BTugBM. I like that there is no internal box, just holes in the glass . I know I lose some surface skimming but I think it looks cleaner in the tank. Just all the plumbing pieces that go to this will take some time to figure out. Having it as quiet as possible is a concern.

 

Pumps: Leaning toward Ecotech Vectra M1 return pump and MP10WQD for their wireless ability and the way they can be programmed. If I go DIY on the controller I am not sure which way to go but it will definitely need to be controllable.

 

Livestock: Couple of months away from this discussion. Probably gonna be an exaggerated cycling process (a month or two) since I will probably not be even adding water till sometime around mid/end of May. Plenty of time to decide, but I will be starting with lots of beginner friendly stuff.

 

Tank stand so far

 

 

 

Empty tank shot

 

[Astinus]

Looks Sweet! Solid Build. I am sorry I can't give advice yet, as I am still a Newb to the Hobby.

BUT! Hi there and to NR I can see More "Eye Candy" in my Future.

*Following*

[steste1122]

Here is update number 1.

 

This is the equipment I have decided to go with:

 

Apex controller with Lab Ph probe

Nanobox Quad with Apex controller, with a custom anodised color

Skimz UP34 sump

Skimz SN123 Monzter Mini Protein Skimmer

Apex WXM

EcoTech Vectra M1 return pump

EcoTech MP10WQD

Smart ATO Micro

Eheim Jaeger 125w

Schedule 80 1.5" and .75" bulkheads.

 

For anyone who has yet to see the Skimz UP series sumps, I have to say I am pretty impressed with its build quality so far. I was not sure what to expect, but it is hitting way above its price point. The best part is it fits my sump area like it was custom built for it, which is fortunate since I built the stand before I had even thought about it.

 

The stand is 95% completed. Due to a lack of space in the area my tank sits, I have decided not to have doors. Instead I am going to use some thick blackout curtains. I am gonna give this a try, the only thing that bothers me is possibly the humidity but we will see.

 

And here are the latest pics. Math, my greatest enemy, struck again on drilling the holes for the drains. Thought it was far enough down but turns out I was wrong. It looks like it may be ok though, this glass is pretty thick.

[spectra]

Your doomed following Braaap

 

Looks good there is something about those tanks that I like.......

[jimmyree]

Somebody say Kreg?!

 

 

 

Nice job on your stand and tank, looks like it's gonna be a nice setup!

[steste1122]

Your doomed following Braaap

 

Looks good there is something about those tanks that I like.......

 

 

Its ok, I only followed Braaap for the stand idea. For drilling the tank I have been following Muraki. He has been answering a lot of my questions via PM. So big thanks to Muraki for all his help.

[rickztahone]

I have a project in the works almost exactly to what you are building here. I will follow along your journey to see if I can get pointers from you. Coincidentally enough, I was planning to make the stand exactly as you have it. I was considering going with 3x3's in the corners for looks, but thought better of it. Additionally, I also am going to incorporate a side panel as the one you have to keep it away from the sump. Also going with white, lol. A lot of things in common. Only difference is I am going with a Bean Animal overflow on the side.

 

my tank is also a 22g Mr. aqua low iron.

 

Again, following very closely.

 

P.S. I should mention that I love using the Kreg Jig as well. For those that have never built a stand with a Kreg Jig, do yourself a favor and spend the $40 bucks, lol.

Here is update number 1.

 

This is the equipment I have decided to go with:

 

Apex controller with Lab Ph probe

Nanobox Quad with Apex controller, with a custom anodised color

Skimz UP34 sump

Skimz SN123 Monzter Mini Protein Skimmer

Apex WXM

EcoTech Vectra M1 return pump

EcoTech MP10WQD

Smart ATO Micro

Eheim Jaeger 125w

Schedule 80 1.5" and .75" bulkheads.

 

For anyone who has yet to see the Skimz UP series sumps, I have to say I am pretty impressed with its build quality so far. I was not sure what to expect, but it is hitting way above its price point. The best part is it fits my sump area like it was custom built for it, which is fortunate since I built the stand before I had even thought about it.

 

The stand is 95% completed. Due to a lack of space in the area my tank sits, I have decided not to have doors. Instead I am going to use some thick blackout curtains. I am gonna give this a try, the only thing that bothers me is possibly the humidity but we will see.

 

And here are the latest pics. Math, my greatest enemy, struck again on drilling the holes for the drains. Thought it was far enough down but turns out I was wrong. It looks like it may be ok though, this glass is pretty thick.

 

 

How are you mounting a door on the side panel access?

[steste1122]

Its gonna be same as the front, with a curtain. Hopefully this works out. If moisture becomes a problem I am going to build some panels and attach them with magnets. The stand is actually painted a color called Dreamscape Grey. Some artsy Behr Premium color. Its the same I used on the ceiling. The rest of my room is a real dark grey so I did not want to use that color, even though I think it may look better. A word of advice: before you drill, double check your measurements. My left side pictured above is good, but my right side is about 1/8" over the edge which is not so good. I intended to leave 3/4" from the top of the bulkhead to the edge of the tank. I just failed to remember to add the bulkhead rim to the measurement.

[steste1122]

Just ordered another piece of equipment: the SpectraPure Aquarium Starter Kit. I originally was gonna wait, but my LFS wants $1.25 a gallon for reverse osmosis water (not even sure if its DI). Since I would need about 55 gallons just to get started, the math doesnt work. Add to that the hassle of moving it across town, and since right now SpectraPure is running a 15% off spring sale its a no brainer.

[rickztahone]

Just ordered another piece of equipment: the SpectraPure Aquarium Starter Kit. I originally was gonna wait, but my LFS wants $1.25 a gallon for reverse osmosis water (not even sure if its DI). Since I would need about 55 gallons just to get started, the math doesnt work. Add to that the hassle of moving it across town, and since right now SpectraPure is running a 15% off spring sale its a no brainer.

Got a 5 stage used unit from a member on another forum for $80. Couldn't pass that up either and it is a very reliable brand.

[Matteo]

Where do you live? I want to hire you to build me a stand.

[rickztahone]

are those 1"4's you used on the stand? Are they pine?

[steste1122]

Where do you live? I want to hire you to build me a stand.

 

Arkansas

 

are those 1"4's you used on the stand? Are they pine?

 

Yes to both. I went with select grade pine from Home Depot so that it would be knot free. I would rather have done hardwood but that would have been crazy expensive. Each corner has two 1x4, so it should be plenty strong.

[rickztahone]

 

Arkansas

 

 

Yes to both. I went with select grade pine from Home Depot so that it would be knot free. I would rather have done hardwood but that would have been crazy expensive. Each corner has two 1x4, so it should be plenty strong.

Agreed. I am planning on doing the same. Did you feel the top section did not warrant having cross beams right under the tank itself for added support? That is the only extra thing that I plan on doing to mine that I do not see here. Also, not sure if you reinforced the bottom with cross beams as well but it has been my experience that this area tends to bow if not supported.

 

Thank you for answering all my questions. I plan on going with magnet latched doors and side panels but only one side access panel like yours. I wanted to be able to have access across all sides, and possibly just skin the back for added racking support. After all, I do live in California.

[steste1122]

I did do cross bracing on top and bottom, just didnt take a picture of it. Technically, it could be used without as the plywood top is screwed into the sides all the way around. More bracing is always good though. I have decided I am going to re purpose this stand as a work bench, and start again. The main reason is because I am doing my drain and return lines on the ends, and it just needs to be longer. I plan to pick up more wood today. Gonna make a few changes to the overall design, but basically the same. I am a little worried about the weight of the sump, so the lower rails will be going all the way on the bottom instead of the gap I have. Gonna make it 12 inches longer and 3 inches deeper. Possible going all wood (not plywood) and staining it instead of paint. if you want I can post my new measurements.

 

Changed my mind. Not gonna do that at this time. What I have will suffice for the time being.

[rickztahone]

If you stain will you go with another color? I am actually doing the longer stand as well as my side filtration will need it. Didn't want it hanging off the tank. I wanted that added support. The added benefit to that is that I get to drop down directly to the sump. Very convenient. Would love to see the updated stand for sure.

[steste1122]

I wasn't expecting it, but rock came in today! Ordered 30 pounds of dry rock from Reef Cleaners.

 

 

Needs a little tidying up so the pieces fit together for gluing, but overall I am happy with it.

[Muraki]

I wasn't expecting it, but rock came in today! Ordered 30 pounds of dry rock from Reef Cleaners.

 

 

Needs a little tidying up so the pieces fit together for gluing, but overall I am happy with it.

I like everything, but the flat piece on the "sandbed" to the right. Keep us updated! It has been 2 weeks.

[steste1122]

I like everything, but the flat piece on the "sandbed" to the right. Keep us updated! It has been 2 weeks.

 

 

Ahem, I did warn you it would be slow. The only thing I am waiting on is sand. Will probably order it next week, as this week and next I will be travelling for work. My Nanobox Quad came in, but had a slight snag with it. I ordered the Apex controller and it came with the Bluefish. No big deal, Dave sent the right controller out the next day along with a return label, so crisis averted. I will try to snap a pic when I get back home.

[Muraki]

 

 

Ahem, I did warn you it would be slow. The only thing I am waiting on is sand. Will probably order it next week, as this week and next I will be travelling for work. My Nanobox Quad came in, but had a slight snag with it. I ordered the Apex controller and it came with the Bluefish. No big deal, Dave sent the right controller out the next day along with a return label, so crisis averted. I will try to snap a pic when I get back home.

Sweet! Can't wait to see the new style Quad over this tank.

Yea, Dave with his customer services is top notch.

[rickztahone]

update?