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Cmaza DIY Build - Join me on my journey


Cmaza

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Hello All,

 

I'm new, not just to this forum, but to reefs in general. Iv never kept fish before so I have alot of learning to do but I am up for the challenge. I know this is a tough hobby to maintain but it's one I'm looking forward to. All I ask is that you take it easy on me and help me through this journey. I will make many mistakes and have lots of questions, but please bear with me.

 

As I'm new, I still don't really know what I want (in terms of fish and coral atleast). Iv enjoyed looking at all the amazing reefs on here and want to see what I can create and maintain. I love the vibrant colours of reef tanks and the interesting forms of corals. I appreciate these tanks as a piece of art and would like to see what I can create.

 

In terms of what I know I want, I am one that likes clean and seamless aesthetics. What I mean by this is that I prefer plumbing and electrics to be hidden as much as possible. Ideally all that should be seen is the tank and the fish and coral inside. I am also someone who is frugal so much of the equipment I will need I will either buy second hand or DIY where possible. The DIY aspect isn't just due to frugality, but because I enjoy the feeling of building with my own 2 hands.

 

I have taken my first steps on my journey already - I have purchased of an auction site an eaReef 900s and also a cabinet that I think looks aesthetically pleasing. The cabinet is not a specialised aquarium cabinet and so I will need to modify it. I have included pictures of these. (Please bear with me as I get better with my formatting within this thread).

 

Tank in one corner of the room, back to front for now sink can keep it out of the way

 

Cabinet - 1060 x 500 x 950. I will be taking the top floating level off and possibly using it has the lid of the tank

 

Sump area - I have a lot of learning to do to understand what makes a good sump. Ideas are very welcome.

 

I picked up the tank on a whim - I put in a cheeky bid and ended up the winner. The tank looks to be in good condition and seems to be well made by a reputable brand. My biggest qualm with the tank is the plumbing. As mentioned, I like plumbing to be concealed and this tank obviously has the bulkheads extending on the back. I am also very keen on having the cabinet/ tank flush against the wall. The depth of the tank is 500mm and the depth of the cabinet is just over 500mm and so if the bulkheads remain where they are then it will not be possible to have the cabinet flush with the wall.

 

At the moment I am open to ideas and inspiration, but I have an idea of what I want to do with this tank. I would like to remove the existing bulkheads and put some sort of leak tight caps to cover the holes. Ideally the caps will be black as i am considering putting black vinyl on the back glass so the black caps shouldn't be an eyesore. In regards to relocating the plumbing, I would like to drill the bottom of the tank to insert bulkheads, and then to build a weir from black perspex which will conceal the pipes extending from the bottom. I have been in contact with the manufacturer who has stated the base glass is not tempered, but I would also like confirmation from the people here who may have experience with this tank.

 

The relocation of the plumbing will be the first major modification, and also a make or break of this project so I am very keen to get some feedback and ideas. I have tried to search for any similar projects of drilling the base of the tank but haven't found any. I would be grateful if any useful links can be provided so I can read more.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my long winded OP and I hope you'll join me on my journey. I look forward to reading all your comments and inspiration. 

 

Cheers

 

Cmaza

 

 

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