New Stand for new equipment

[creefer]

So, I've been having some issues with my current set up. Some of them are my fault. Since I've had some challenges, I've decided to reconfigure things a bit. I'm keeping the current tank (rimless 40b-ish footprint) and lighting (ATI sunpower 6x39W) for the time being. I've decided that the current system lacks adequate sump capacity so I ordered a trigger systems Ruby 30E sump. I've also decided that I need a new stand since my current one is not flexible, nor of adequate size for what I need.

I started the stand build Sunday. I'll post pics asap. Footprint of the stand is 48" x 30". I made the stand 40" high because I like shallow tanks and can still enjoy the tank either sitting or standing given it's location. While the footprint is much larger than that of the tank, it gives me size for a future upgrade (42" x 24" x 16) as well as adequate space to create a "dry" area for electrical equipment.


I'm not yet set on the finish materials for the stand. Right now, I'm thinking of finishing it with curled or birds eye maple trimmed out with black walnut. It's going to contrast a bit with the furniture in the room where the tank goes, but it would look very nice. The other option is a brazillian cherry with black walnut trim. Hope to sort that out in a week or 2.
Pics tomorrow.

[Dmmz]

Your current setup is nice are you keeping it in the same place or moving it to a new location?

[binford4000]

Brazilian Cherry all the way!! Sweet grain!! That's my vote

[creefer]

Your current setup is nice are you keeping it in the same place or moving it to a new location?

Thanks! I'm keeping the location as is, just changing things up a bit.


Brazilian Cherry all the way!! Sweet grain!! That's my vote

I love that stuff, too! I like the idea of trimming it with black walnut, too. I'm fighting with myself on this though. I really do like the curled maple.

[creefer]

100761007710078So, here's the status of the stand right now.

I picked up a Kreg jig and built the top and bottom using the pocket screws. Worked like a champ. The intent is to use 3/4" sanded plywood on the top and bottom. I'll run some 1x4 around the inside of the bottom. Then, I'm going to seal it all in with a good alcohol based primer and caulk all the joints. Then, I'll paint it with epoxy to keep it waterproof. The 1x4 is going to be used to create a basin in the event of a leak.

More to follow......

[binford4000]

Why not use both?? And trim with the black walnut. The curled maple would POP if staggered properly with the Cherry.You could do a nice patern with both on your sides or doors. If you don't mind me asking. Where did you find black walnut trim. I have been looking high and low for it. That is what I want to finish my stand with also! Love that wood. It's just awesome looking!

Just an idea for ya,I used that spray on rubber seal on my stands base on the inside.Worked fantastic when I forgot to plug in the 3/8 line to my reactors when I first fired up the returns. Man those water blaster 5000's push some water! Lol sure was glad I sealed the base that day!

[creefer]

1007910080

And, here is the sump.......

I ordered this thing because the Trigger Systems site said it had an adjustable water level (7-10") in the skimmer chamber. Well, I neglected to read the fine print. Apparently, they have a revision to the Ruby30E that has the adjustable water level and "some" vendors still have the "old" style with a fixed 7" water level. Aquarium Specialty was having a heck of a sale, so I pulled the trigger (pun intended) on the sump only to end up with the "old" style.

Not sure what I'm going to do now. My skimmer likes 9" of water. Is this an excuse to upgrade skimmers? Or, do I return the sump and wait for the new model and cost myslef a bunch of money either way?? Right now, I'm thinking new skimmer and clean mine up and sell it for cheap to offset the cost of a new one. Open to opinions here.

Anyway....pics....

[binford4000]

New tank should always include a new skimmer in my book! Go for the new skimmer!! I bought a vertex to back up my bubble king. Awesome skimmer for the $$. Sump looks sweet!

[creefer]

No new tank yet, lol. Soon I hope. I'm planning on running the same one for another year or so at this point. As far as skimmers, I've not yet decided what the heck to do. I've looked at the super reef octopus, but still not sure that's the right one for me.

I like the sump, too! It's set up pretty well. I just have to decide what I'm going to do with the fuge section of the sump. I'm not sure if I want a real fuge, or if I just want the space for more live rock. And, if so, how I feed it. The sump is set up for either 2 drains into socks with a 3rd drain feeding the fuge, or one drain feeding the fuge and one into a sock, or 2 drains into socks with a split off the return to the fuge. Right now, I'm thinking 2 drains into the fuge with a split off the return feeding the fuge section.

Thoughts?

[larryandlaura]

Nice looking sump and stand. I would just use two drains into the socks and use the third for a emergency overflow, like on the bean animals. What tank are you getting and what drain set up are you going to use?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Exciting news on the new stand and sump. Why not add some acrylic to the top of the baffle to bring the skimmer section up to 9 inched?

Tom

[Dmmz]

Exciting news on the new stand and sump. Why not add some acrylic to the top of the baffle to bring the skimmer section up to 9 inched?

Tom
No he needs a new skimmer for that sump don't give him any ideas ;)

[creefer]

Nice looking sump and stand. I would just use two drains into the socks and use the third for a emergency overflow, like on the bean animals. What tank are you getting and what drain set up are you going to use?

Thanks, Larry. Short term, I'm going to keep the tank I currently have. Long term.....been doing a lot of thinking about that. I'd really like to get a 42" x 24" x 16". I really like the 16" depth. I prefer shallow tanks and the 42" dimension gives me a bit more room in the display than what I have now and will allow me to continue to use my current fixture. I'll get some areas of lower intensity for corals that appreciate that.

My current drain situation is a gl*******s 1500 GPH kit. It works well, but is not as quiet as they advertise. Any new tank will likely have something different. If I could get it by the wife, I'd get a reef savvy tank with a ghost overflow.


Exciting news on the new stand and sump. Why not add some acrylic to the top of the baffle to bring the skimmer section up to 9 inched?

Tom

Thanks.

There are 2 reasons I'm not going to mess with the sump. The first is that I suck with acrylic and don't want to mess it up. The second is that I paid a decent sum of money for it and not really into modification to it at this point. I'd like to put it to use and see how well it performs.

[binford4000]

No new tank yet, lol. Soon I hope. I'm planning on running the same one for another year or so at this point. As far as skimmers, I've not yet decided what the heck to do. I've looked at the super reef octopus, but still not sure that's the right one for me.

I like the sump, too! It's set up pretty well. I just have to decide what I'm going to do with the fuge section of the sump. I'm not sure if I want a real fuge, or if I just want the space for more live rock. And, if so, how I feed it. The sump is set up for either 2 drains into socks with a 3rd drain feeding the fuge, or one drain feeding the fuge and one into a sock, or 2 drains into socks with a split off the return to the fuge. Right now, I'm thinking 2 drains into the fuge with a split off the return feeding the fuge section.

Thoughts?

I agree with Larry,use the socks and save the third for overflow. Filter socks in my book are essential !! They're a PITA but really make the difference . If you recall I started our new tank with the reef octopus Diablo for my second skimmer,worked well but man was it loud! If your going to put the fuge in the stand you'll hear the reef octopus very clearly. When I switched to the vertex the noise level went null. I also ditched the the typical fuge. I.E. DSB with some rock. Never again!! I built a four inch raised floor out of egg crate and piled 100# of rock in there. I put a power head under the egg crate to keep things suspended in the water column. So far it's been great. I will take picture for ya in a few. The rock gives pods plenty of places to populate and of course it des filter also. Whatever you decied make sure it's your plan! You got the experience so go with it!

[binford4000]

10088

Not the best picture but you can see the egg crate,kinda

[binford4000]

10087

But you can see the results!lol

[creefer]

Thanks, Chuck. I've had no intention of putting anything in the fuge other than LR. Great idea on putting it on egg crate with a powerhead under it!! I also like the idea that Larry brought up about the socks. Part of the problem I have with the system I've got now is that I have no socks and detritus builds up and is a total PITA to keep clean. I'd rather buy a bunch of socks and swap them every couple days as opposed to dealing with what I've had to fight with the current system. At least, with all the recent problems, I'm learning something.

So I noted that I never responded to your question on the black walnut. I've not yet found it. I've got a line on something but won't know for sure until next week.

[creefer]

So, here's another thing I'm struggling with. I want my stand to have as little hardware as possible. Meaning, if I can avoid hinges, I'd like to. With the location of my tank, I can't use sliding doors that slide to either side of the tank. So, I thought about making a door that would slide in only one direction. That also poses some problems. Now, I'm thinking of countersinking some magnets in the stand and a face panel such that the stand looks as though it has no doors, but the entire front panel is removable.

Thoughts???? I'm open to ideas here.

[binford4000]

So, here's another thing I'm struggling with. I want my stand to have as little hardware as possible. Meaning, if I can avoid hinges, I'd like to. With the location of my tank, I can't use sliding doors that slide to either side of the tank. So, I thought about making a door that would slide in only one direction. That also poses some problems. Now, I'm thinking of countersinking some magnets in the stand and a face panel such that the stand looks as though it has no doors, but the entire front panel is removable.

Thoughts???? I'm open to ideas here.

Posiden did something like you are intending with the tounge and groove cedar I hooked him up with. Looks very clean and has great access to get at stuff. Magnets are hard to find that are strong enough to hold that much weight tho. Might want to thumb thru his build thread or shoot him a PM with questions

[creefer]

Posiden did something like you are intending with the tounge and groove cedar I hooked him up with. Looks very clean and has great access to get at stuff. Magnets are hard to find that are strong enough to hold that much weight tho. Might want to thumb thru his build thread or shoot him a PM with questions


Good thinking. I've stumbled through his build thread. I originally had the idea to so the magnet thing after following his thread. I'm still a bit undecided, but most likely will do the magnet thing. If so, I'll certainly hit him up for some questions.

Thanks for the tip!!!

[Poseidon]

The magnets work great for keeping the door closed, it is hinged on one side though, so that takes the weight from magnets. I ended up adding some rare earth magnets to give it a better closure strength.

[creefer]

I was hoping to avoid hinges altogether honestly. I really like the idea of being able to remove the entire front panel of the stand with ease. We shall see. I've had little time to work on this in the last week or so. I have been traveling for work and went bird hunting for a few days, so....not much got done.

[creefer]

I was able to spend a few minutes with the stand today. I decided to build a damn around the perimeter of the stand. This way, I can seal all the wood, caulk all the joints, spray a 2-part epoxy, then line the bottom with a rubber membrane like that which you'd use under a tile shower basin, and give my self some containment. Then I'll grab a leak detector for my apex and should be in good shape.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Sounds cool. I think you should ditch the acrylic sump and just waterproof the inside of the stand and make that your sump!

Tom

[creefer]

Sounds cool. I think you should ditch the acrylic sump and just waterproof the inside of the stand and make that your sump!

Tom


Kind of like a plywood tank below the display?? I like the idea, but that's just not happening.

[creefer]

So, today I put on the rear panel (not visible to anyone) and put the top on. I used birch plywood for this as most of it will be concealed when the stand is complete. I also caulked the inside of the stand and once that sets up, I'll prime and epoxy paint it.

[Dmmz]

We Need pics As You go

[creefer]

We Need pics As You go

I'll get some up in a couple days. I'm terrible about taking pics, and even more terrible about doing anything with them.

[creefer]

I know...everyone needs a pic update. It's been since last Sunday since I've had a chance to work on this. We've had some challenges with the family lately that have consumed most of my free time. This has been going on for a little over a month. Consequently, my tank is suffering big time. :tear:

I have some stock that needs a temporary home, so if any local reefers are interested in helping out, please PM and I'll give you some details.

TIA.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Hey Chris,

I'd like to help if I can. PM me some details. Hopefully I can be of some assistance.

Tom

[creefer]

Thanks, Tom.

PM Sent.

[Sir Patrick]

I know...everyone needs a pic update. It's been since last Sunday since I've had a chance to work on this. We've had some challenges with the family lately that have consumed most of my free time. This has been going on for a little over a month. Consequently, my tank is suffering big time. :tear:

I have some stock that needs a temporary home, so if any local reefers are interested in helping out, please PM and I'll give you some details.

TIA.

Chris-

I have an almost empty tank that has plenty of room, if you need somewhere for your corals to be held for a while. Its a 50B w/ 2 damsels and a colony of candy canes. Stable and running for 2 months. light by 250w of MH lighting.

[creefer]

Chris,

Thanks!

What's your schedule like next weekend? I'm more than happy to pay the favor back with some coral. The trachy I have is pretty sick, as are the favias. All grown from frags, too.

[creefer]

No pics. Stand hasn't seen much progress as I've been super busy with work.

Big shout out to Sir Patrick!! He stopped by today to give a home to my livestock until I'm able to get back on line.

Thanks!!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

No pics. Stand hasn't seen much progress as I've been super busy with work.

Big shout out to Sir Patrick!! He stopped by today to give a home to my livestock until I'm able to get back on line.

Thanks!!

Nicely done Sir P!

Chris, I got the PM yesterday but hadn't had time to respond. Do you still need my help?

Tom

[Sir Patrick]

Everything seems to be settling in very nicely Chris. The Acan Echinata was very angry with the move, but is settling down. The wrasse quickly disapeared into the sand. Everything else is right at home it seems-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWrYhbt804s&feature=youtu.be

[creefer]

Nicely done Sir P!

Chris, I got the PM yesterday but hadn't had time to respond. Do you still need my help?

Tom

Tom,

Thanks again. I'm good right now. Sir Patrick has everything that made it through my mess. I appreciate the offer.


Everything seems to be settling in very nicely Chris. The Acan Echinata was very angry with the move, but is settling down. The wrasse quickly disapeared into the sand. Everything else is right at home it seems-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWrYhbt804s&feature=youtu.be

Thanks for sharing this! The echinata does look ****ed, but it will bounce back. That thing has been through **** and it keeps on going. I really appreciate your help, Chris.

Thanks again!:thumbsup:

Once things settle for both of us, we'll have to hit a local watering hole now that you're right down the street.

[creefer]

Man....this weather is messing up my stand build. Maybe I need to heat the garage......:)

In any case, the more I talk with the wife, the more confused I get about the next tank. She liked the cube better than the rimless 40B. It has me thinking of getting a 93 cube. It works on the stand I'm building and I like cubes. I would have built a slightly shorter stand if I had known, but fortunately for me, it's an easy situation to deal with considering I don't have the thing done far enough where height changes can't happen.

The other benefit with a 93 cube is that it's much more affordable than a Reef Savvy tank. Once I got the quote from Reef Savvy, I quickly realized that I could have one awesome 93 cube set up for the same price. I'm leaning about 75% in that direction now. If I had the room, I'd doe a 48" x 48" x 16" cube, but alas....I lack the space.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

A 93 cube would be a nice tank. Is there a rimless option for that size? Once you go rimless you can't go back!

[Sir Patrick]

I would do a 90 cube over a 40B anyday, without a though, especially if its the wifes idea!

[creefer]

A 93 cube would be a nice tank. Is there a rimless option for that size? Once you go rimless you can't go back!

You are correct....rimless becomes an addiction. Marineland does offer the 93 cube in a rimless configuration. I've been working on pricing on them recently. I need to reach out to some local vendors and see what I can get locally vs. internet purchase.


I would do a 90 cube over a 40B anyday, without a though, especially if its the wifes idea!

Totally agree. She loves the "simplicity" of a cube. I love the space in the 93 cube and think it's a great idea.

[binford4000]

Chris!! Any updates yet??

[creefer]

I wish, Chuck. I have no heat in the garage, and it's full of crap with little room to work. All my summer toys are stored in there, so I've had little chance to do much with it. I'll update this as soon as I'm able to get things moving again.

[Sir Patrick]

I wish, Chuck. I have no heat in the garage, and it's full of crap with little room to work. All my summer toys are stored in there, so I've had little chance to do much with it. I'll update this as soon as I'm able to get things moving again.

If you need- i have a torpedo heater, kerosine fed, that will warm your work space up enough to get things rolling.

Or- I have plenty of room in the basement of my home, if you have a sunday off that matches mine, to get a stand put together. Should have al the tools we will need to get it put together, if you bring the lumber.

[Sir Patrick]

Would be a good day to have some beers, after the power tools are put away.

I am sure you would like to visit your corals anyways.

[creefer]

Well, now we have some warmer weather, I'm going to start wrapping this thing up. I'm hoping to get out and get some things done on it this weekend, time permitting. I need to move some of the water toys out of the garage to make some room to work, but that should be no big deal.

I've been MIA for a while, Sir Patrick, but would love to visit the livestock if possible. I'm usually available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for such activity. My workload this winter has been insane and have had a considerable amount of travel, so I've been taken away from pretty much all the hobbies I like. Let me know what your schedule is. I assume you still have my number?

[Sir Patrick]

Well, now we have some warmer weather, I'm going to start wrapping this thing up. I'm hoping to get out and get some things done on it this weekend, time permitting. I need to move some of the water toys out of the garage to make some room to work, but that should be no big deal.

I've been MIA for a while, Sir Patrick, but would love to visit the livestock if possible. I'm usually available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for such activity. My workload this winter has been insane and have had a considerable amount of travel, so I've been taken away from pretty much all the hobbies I like. Let me know what your schedule is. I assume you still have my number?

Still have your number.

Im stuck on the 330-4am shift....sometimes I get lucky and have a sunday off. Hows sundays work for you?

[creefer]

Still have your number.

Im stuck on the 330-4am shift....sometimes I get lucky and have a sunday off. Hows sundays work for you?

I'm sure I can pull something off on a Sunday for a few hours. You're practically next door.