Here's an update... I decided that the 2x4 stand wasnt going to work for me... It was proven to be able to support the tank, but wasnt very flat or square, so I decided to build a new one. Then I decided to over-build one lol... Ordered 6, 10ft lengths of 2"x2"x3/16" HRS angle. Drew up a print and started cutting and welding. Here's a few pics of the progress so far, I'll post up some more as I finish it up this weekend. Proudly over-built in the USA.
Here it is all put together and with the first coat of primer. I wanted to get it powdercoated, but they are too busy to fit me in until next month. So I'll be rolling on a coat of industrial gloss black enamel over the primer. I figure that should suffice.
More progress: I got the stand painted, moved into place, and a piece of Styrofoam cut to fit on top of it.
Forgot to mention I cut and glued in glass panels for my sump. From left to right I'll have the returns from the tank and the skimmer sitting in the first section. Then a small refugium in the middle. The return pump and ato system will be in the section to the far right.
Also picked up a couple toys... Should be getting wet by tomorrow starting the long process of filling the tank. The excitement is building... cant wait to get some water in this thing!
After getting the tank to sit exactly level, I hrew in 40 lbs of special grade reef sand and been filling for a couple hours now.
Hooking up the rodi under the sink was a nightmare... My house is 40 years old and I think they hired the village idiot to plumb under there. It's cramped, theres pipes tee'd into no-where and capped, everything I touched started to leak... After a couple hours, a couple beers, and some profanity I got it all squared away. Eventually Ill be gutting the whole kitchen and the plumbing will be completely ripped out and re-done.