ReeferMike's 180 gallon come-back build

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.

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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.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps16794cb1.jpg

Great progress, and welcome back man!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sir Patrick

Great progress, and welcome back man!

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Thank you.

More progress: I got the stand painted, moved into place, and a piece of Styrofoam cut to fit on top of it.

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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.
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3532d1dc.jpg

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!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/m...pse5fbad29.jpg

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.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/m...psb391a042.jpg

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.

The tank has come a long way since the last update. I figure pictures are worth a thousand words.;)

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Cheers.

Great Progress for sure!

Awesome update. Everything looks great. Your skimmer cup needs to be emptied!

Tom

Really like the minimalist look of your rock scape. I have similar plans for my new 40 :) Your stand came out beautifully! Awesome setup!

Fantastic work!!!!