46 Bow Front Build

[Justice4u2]

Hello,

I have been out of the hobby for several years, and really itching to start a new mixed reef. First I would like to thank everyone on this forum for all of the valuable information, it has made my research easy and FUN!! I have spent many late nights reading through many of the threads over the past few months.
Research is now turning into development, and I thought that I would start a build thread, (I know like this forum needs another one,,, Right?) I only have room in my office for a 3 foot tank, I decided to go with a 46 gallon bow front aquarium and use a 20 gallon long tank for a sump.
So, here is where I am at. I still need to build the stand and the hood, which I will start after posting this. I also need to order more equipment.
Because I am not much of a carpenter I am going to build it square (no curve in the front), but I have some ideas that will make it look less tacky and I have a friend that is amazing at stuff like this. I will start posting pictures soon.

I have ordered so far,,,

700 gallon overflow and return from Glass-Holes.com

EHEIM Compact+ Pump 3000 rated at 792 gph

Bubble Magus Curve 5 Protein skimmer

AquaMaxx Fr-se GFO

Tunze USA 1073.008 Silence Compact Pump (for my GFO)

And a tube of Clear Aquarium Silicone Sealant (to install my baffles in the sump)

Things that I haven’t decided on yet,,,

Lights - (I am thinking of getting the AI Fifty-Two HD) I really need to decide soon, before I start building the canopy

RO/DI unit – I would like to keep it under $200

Power heads - I keep seeing the Jebao brand with the waver maker controller, and at a great price.

Auto top off unit – I have never used one before, I am scared that it will malfunction and overflow my sump.

I do plain on taking my time with this build as I remember from past experiences, whatever I do now I ether have to spend more money later or learn to live with the decision that I make now.
Please commit on my equipment that I have ordered and suggest other ideas for equipment that I have not ordered yet.

Time for me to go build a stand.

 

[cameronh]

Awesome, looking forward to seeing it come along!

 

[Justice4u2]

Originally I was going to use a factory stand and used tank that I bought off of craigslist. After I bought it, I decided the best way to go was to buy a new tank and build a custom stand.

On this build I wanted to maximize my sump space and keep as small of a foot print as possible. I did something different will the supports from bottom to top. I only used two 2x4’s per corner. Where normally I see 3 2x4’s.
I still have a lot to do, including building the frame for the canopy. I will be skinning this in oak.

 

[cameronh]

Originally I was going to use a factory stand and used tank that I bought off of craigslist. After I bought it, I decided the best way to go was to buy a new tank and build a custom stand.

On this build I wanted to maximize my sump space and keep as small of a foot print as possible. I did something different will the supports from bottom to top. I only used two 2x4’s per corner. Where normally I see 3 2x4’s.
I still have a lot to do, including building the frame for the canopy. I will be skinning this in oak.

Looking good man!

 

[Justice4u2]

I have made a few adjustments to my build. First, I found a 45 gallon rimless bow front aquarium (made by Fluval) that uses a glass center bracket. I really like the clean look of the rimless and the glass bracket will hopefully be less restrictive as far as lighting.

Because I have changed this to a rimless aquarium I will be making a light hanger, though I am not sure yet how I will do this.

Here are some pictures from the back, the glass is still wet from drilling out the holes.

 

[Justice4u2]

The display tank and the sump are almost ready to go,,, still waiting to finish the stand and make light hangers.

 

[cameronh]

Cool man! Looking forward to seeing it come together!

 

[Justice4u2]

I also wanted to update some of the hardware that I have bought.

2 AI TwentySix HD – I hope this isn’t overkill for this size tank

RO/DI system from BRS – very happy with this.

ATO – Tunze Osmolator Nano

 

[john.m.cole3]

Sweet! My first and current tank is a46 bowfront. I'm in the middle of building a 72 bowfront right now. I made so many rookie mistakes, but it looks like you are if to a good start. Interested in seeing your canopy develop so I might borrow some ideas.

 

[Justice4u2]

I don't think that I will be building a canopy now. Because I changed directions, and went with a rimless tank, i think it would look nicer with a oak housing for the lights hanging down. **Crossing Fingers** I will have most of the build finished by the end of the day, and start staining soon.

 

[Justice4u2]

It is starting to come together.

 

[cameronh]

Nice! Looking good

 

[john.m.cole3]

It is starting to come together.

Nice woodwork so far. Sorry, I missed that part about going rimless (ope your eyes John!). I bought my hangers from aqutic life, but I bet you will make a better pair. Mine attach to my stand

 

[Justice4u2]

I have been busy this week getting everything ready to go, and having updated this thread. Here is the rest of the build,,,

 

[cameronh]

Looks good!

 

[Justice4u2]

working on the Aquascaping, at 1:00 in the morning. I wish that i was better at this.

 

[Justice4u2]

Sorry here is the picture.

 

[cameronh]

Sorry here is the picture.

I like the island look. That will look cool having corals scaling it

 

[Justice4u2]

 

[Justice4u2]

Thank you cameronh for all of you kind words.
I am extremely happy with this build.