Canada Corals 45G SPS Build Thread *Pics*
 

We figured we would start a build thread for the SPS dominated 45G display that we are building in our showroom. The tank is made by Marineland (terrible silicone job but whatever). The tank measures 24L x 24D x 18H.

The stand is made from the same Bosch aluminum extrusion that we use thru-out our store. It's a dream material to work with because its so modular.

Before we ordered anything, we used Google Sketch-up to design the tank stand so that it could be "skinned" with panels to hide the aluminum frame. We wanted the panels to mount flush with the glass so the stand was designed to compensate for the panel thickness.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-00.jpg

Once the stand was cut to size, this is how it looked in the flesh. :D

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-01.jpg

Because the stand is precision cut, no foam is needed to compensate for imperfections. We used 1/4 HDPE plate so that the glass does not come in direct contact with metal.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-02.jpg

Next step was to drill 2 holes into the Marineland 45G tank. A 30mm and 42mm glass drill bit was used to make room for the return and drain. Then black vinyl was applied to the glass for the background.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-03.jpg

We decided to use the Xaqua X-Inout Overflow System. It actually creates a pulsating wave motion with no moving parts.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-04.jpg

This is how it looks from the inside of the tank. The drain cover is removable for cleaning.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-05.jpg

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-06.jpg

The light we decided to use is the Giesemann Spectra MH/T5 combo. It has a 400w single ended metal halide bulb (20K Radium). It also has 4 x 24w T5 with ATI True Actinic bulbs.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-07.jpg

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-08.jpg

This is how everything looks so far.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-09.jpg

We designed a custom sump in Google Sketch-up that should be ready in a week. That is when the real fun begins.

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-10.jpg

The footprint under a cube is very challenging because there is very little room to fit a sump, skimmer, dosing pump, dosing containers, ATO, powerbars, fans, etc... but were up for the challenge! :p

More pics of the build will soon follow!!!

This looks awesome nice work on this tank your in for some nice sps colour with that light😄

Thanks!

The plan was to source the best light fixture for SPS coloration and this is what we ended up with. :)

Ok now thats just downright a beautiful design and set up. Love the stand & the overflow package. Makes me want a similar one. :D Where could one have a stand built such as that?

you could spray that aluminum gloss black or white and forget skinning it lol!

they still sell the spectra new? have prices come down on them? curious what that fixture costs retail? spectra was always what i really wanted for previous builds but at the time couldn't afford the steep price.

progress looks killer =)

oh the overflow design... is there no emergency drain? seems risky unless i'm not understanding it's function.

Where did you source that fixture? Thinking I may want a 48 inch fixture.

So cool! I'm in.

Yes, they do still make the Spectra. Retail was $1299 for this size and that did not include bulbs.

I've never owned a tank with backup drain and never had a problem.

We have a supplier in the US that offers them.

There may be somebody in your area that offers the service.

The two major brands of this material is 8020.net or Bosch Rexroth.

We got some more progress done on our build!

We decided a top was needed to prevent fish from jumping out of the tank. There are plans to add designer wrasses and we all know how much they love to jump.

The frame is made of aluminum so rust wont be an issue. :)

http://www.canadacorals.ca/pictures/display/Cube-11.jpg