Our first SW tank - 180 gal build

The Grizz · #1 12-17-2011, 11:28 PM

I was not referring to the platform I was referring to the plywood between the tank and the stand. Should have been one piece of good plywood at least 3/4" thick with atleast 1/2" of styrofoam between the plywood and tank. I hope don't have a panel break or crack, I have seen it many time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hustler

Cant wait for the stress to stop

You will grow very old waiting for that day.

ensquire · #2 12-18-2011, 12:19 AM

This is the plywood the Grizz is referring to. This should all be one solid piece of Plywood not osb of mdf. If this gets any moisture at all it will expand and possibly crack your tank. Also there should be a half inch piece of rigid styrofoam between the plywood and tank.
I agree that the platform it sits on looks well built and solid and with a little silicone and sealer will be very moisture resistant.

reefgirl189 · #3 12-18-2011, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ensquire

This is the plywood the Grizz is referring to. This should all be one solid piece of Plywood not osb of mdf. If this gets any moisture at all it will expand and possibly crack your tank. Also there should be a half inch piece of rigid styrofoam between the plywood and tank.
I agree that the platform it sits on looks well built and solid and with a little silicone and sealer will be very moisture resistant.

Oh, now I see what you are referring to. That came with the tank. Perhaps we should have put something else between the tank and stand. It was bone dry and had no swelling so it looked good to us, but I can see what Grizz meant about one piece being safer. If you are reffering to the base of the tank (platform), that is one piece of 3/4".

Anyway!

New update:

Got the sump dropped down, working well without the skimmer while the tank cycles and the apex controller installed. The apex wasn't easy to put together but it was much easier than I thought it would be. Working off of a Mac to configure it ended up being very simple, although the web interface is the same regardless of your operating system. Now in the morning I will tackle how to get iphone access to it.

Hawkaholic · #4 12-18-2011, 09:34 AM

Looks good so far guys...loving the rock work!! I will be following along but it seems so weird lol.

AquaticFinatic · #5 01-05-2012, 02:45 AM

[quote=The Grizz;662263]I was not referring to the platform I was referring to the plywood between the tank and the stand. Should have been one piece of good plywood at least 3/4" thick with atleast 1/2" of styrofoam between the plywood and tank. I hope don't have a panel break or crack, I have seen it many time.

I hate to be a party pooper but this tank is doomed is it not? I think grizz is right here. You should have taken the time to put some foam under your tank. I think it's only a matter of time before she lets go but hey it's your choice. Sorry for the negativity but apart from that it's looking good and best of luck with it.

reefgirl189 · #6 01-05-2012, 02:53 AM

Cool well we are moving in less than a year so let's hope it can hang on until then.

Skimmerking · #7 01-05-2012, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefgirl189

Cool well we are moving in less than a year so let's hope it can hang on until then.

that could end up being a very expensive decision lets hope your luck hangs in there.

Corbin · #8 01-05-2012, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asmodeus

that could end up being a very expensive decision lets hope your luck hangs in there.

Ive never put foam under a single tank ive had in the last 12 years ive been in the hobby, even big ones. they usually all just sit on hard wood - never harmed anything, you guys are just paranoid.

Lampshade · #9 01-05-2012, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corbin

Ive never put foam under a single tank ive had in the last 12 years ive been in the hobby, even big ones. they usually all just sit on hard wood - never harmed anything, you guys are just paranoid.

I agree, your stand would have to have some serious defects to cause problems. I've seen just as many tanks break on foam as on wood. As long as you still have the plastic trim thing around the tank still you should be fine.

lockrookie · #10 01-05-2012, 04:41 AM

i also wouldnt worry too much i dont have foam under my 5 foot 90 and it is fine. the main cause of a break is if a floor shifts due to weather change and if your stand doesnt shift properly with it it could cause a break..but a tank could break just caue of glass defect as well for no reason.