Our first SW tank - 180 gal build

reefgirl189 · #1 12-14-2011, 03:00 AM

My apologies ahead of time, this may be a slow build. I'm a newb so feel free to offer some constructive critisism.

And now onto the main event...

This is where the tank is going. We plumbed in a drain for simple water changes, as you can see in the center of the tank space. And yes, that is my sad, sad looking Christmas tree. I've had it for 8 years now and I love it

:

Cutting and modifying the stand's legs so that she fits into the wall:

Whipping together a quick stand base to raise the tank by 10". We did this so that the viewing level is more esthetically pleasing and also to have a 1 foot platform for us to do the upkeep. Also it just looks good and helps distribute the weight of this beast over a larger surface area.

Baseboards removed:

Fitting in the stand platform:

Trying it on for size (that's nutella all over my kid's face. Haha, he loves the stuff!):

reefgirl189 · #2 12-14-2011, 03:04 AM

Newly modified stand going on her new platform:

Got the tank on. It took two strong guys to lift this girl. Her dimensions are 6'X2'X2':

Filling..:

reefgirl189 · #3 12-14-2011, 03:06 AM

More filling....:

Something that survived the 7 hour drive:

reefgirl189 · #4 12-14-2011, 03:07 AM

Something else that survived...:

Mrfish55 · #5 12-14-2011, 03:16 AM

Fits the space nice, the OSB under the tank concerns me, prone to swelling when wet, could cause a problem down the road. What are the plans for trim?

intarsiabox · #6 12-14-2011, 03:19 AM

I had some zoes on a rock that I had missed in a move and sat in the bottom of a rubbermaid tub for week. Threw it in the tank and a few days later they popped out again. Good luck on your tank build!

Coralgurl · #7 12-14-2011, 03:23 AM

Sweet!! Looks great so far! Adorable kid too btw!!

reefgirl189 · #8 12-14-2011, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrfish55

Fits the space nice, the OSB under the tank concerns me, prone to swelling when wet, could cause a problem down the road. What are the plans for trim?

We're planning on this tank not leaking so hopefully the plywood will stay dry (haha!). On a more serious note, we are looking into a liner to put on the platform to protect again potential spills. This is extremely incomplete. We haven't even gotten the chance to put in the sump as the skimmer's pump is not working right now so we are waiting on parts. BTW Is it better to cycle the tank without a skimmer?

Our family friend is a Jman carpenter and he is fabbing up the cabinet/trim pieces for us. Planning to do a full piece that will frame in the tank like a picture frame would. I can't decide if I want a full canopy piece or not..

sphelps · #9 12-14-2011, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrfish55

Fits the space nice, the OSB under the tank concerns me, prone to swelling when wet, could cause a problem down the road. What are the plans for trim?

That's not OSB t's standard ply. The whole platform seems weird to me but I assume there's a reason and plan behind it so I'll stay tuned for now.

reefgirl189 · #10 12-14-2011, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intarsiabox

I had some zoes on a rock that I had missed in a move and sat in the bottom of a rubbermaid tub for week. Threw it in the tank and a few days later they popped out again. Good luck on your tank build!

Weird how resiliant they are... I'm quite surprised acually. Maybe we will stick with only zoas now that I know I'll have a hard time killing them