So here is my "Quarantine Project" I started while I was supposed to be "teleworking at home".
I have this shelf area in my house and for a few years was undecided how I wanted to decorate that area. Friend recommended a tank. Its pretty high and not really an optimum viewing height but I decided to do it anyways. My agent who helped me buy the house was able to contact the builder and they confirmed that area can hold the weight. I then had to make sure it was level. It was actually 1/2 inch lower on one end so I had to level it off with 3/4" plywood and some tile grout underneath to support and keep it level. Treated and painted the wood to make it as water resistant as I could.
Took me awhile to find a tank that best fit the area. I originally wanted acrylic with rounded smooth corners but for the dimensions I wanted I would have to get something custom. Didn't want to spend for a custom. I wanted it wider to go the full width of the platform but this one I found was good enough.
I welded an aluminum frame and coated it with some krylon fusion for the top to hold the canopy and back panels. Don't mind the hoses and the internal powerhead. I just had that set up during the cycling while working on the rest of my equipment.
I went sumpless with everything in the back hidden behind the panels. 2 Fluval canisters, Aquamaxx HOB skimmer, media reactors inline with the canisters, CurrentUSA powerheads, AI Prime lights,
I was also thinking of making it a DIY all in one. But I didn't want to lose the tank space. But I still added a back panel to hide the canisters and skimmer's intake pipes. so I only lost less than 1.5 inches of tank space
Then spackled and painted the canopy to match the walls of the house. One side panel I made it so its easily removable for me to do any maintenance.
If I ever do want to go with a sump, theres the area below were I can put it. but so far i'm happy with how its going. i'll be adding a chaeto reactor next. Im about 4 months in and slowly adding livestock. Friend gave me 2 clowns and a nem. He had to get rid of his tank so I got them free. otherwise I would have waited to mature the tank a bit longer. Also recently got a small Kenya and xenia frag also free. The "ugly" stage seams to be clearing up and already starting to see spots of coralline. I intend to keep it an Softie/LPS only.
Im definitely a newb with saltwater and will ask for your constructive criticism. What you guys think? what can I improve?
I have this shelf area in my house and for a few years was undecided how I wanted to decorate that area. Friend recommended a tank. Its pretty high and not really an optimum viewing height but I decided to do it anyways. My agent who helped me buy the house was able to contact the builder and they confirmed that area can hold the weight. I then had to make sure it was level. It was actually 1/2 inch lower on one end so I had to level it off with 3/4" plywood and some tile grout underneath to support and keep it level. Treated and painted the wood to make it as water resistant as I could.
Took me awhile to find a tank that best fit the area. I originally wanted acrylic with rounded smooth corners but for the dimensions I wanted I would have to get something custom. Didn't want to spend for a custom. I wanted it wider to go the full width of the platform but this one I found was good enough.
I welded an aluminum frame and coated it with some krylon fusion for the top to hold the canopy and back panels. Don't mind the hoses and the internal powerhead. I just had that set up during the cycling while working on the rest of my equipment.
I went sumpless with everything in the back hidden behind the panels. 2 Fluval canisters, Aquamaxx HOB skimmer, media reactors inline with the canisters, CurrentUSA powerheads, AI Prime lights,
I was also thinking of making it a DIY all in one. But I didn't want to lose the tank space. But I still added a back panel to hide the canisters and skimmer's intake pipes. so I only lost less than 1.5 inches of tank space
Then spackled and painted the canopy to match the walls of the house. One side panel I made it so its easily removable for me to do any maintenance.
If I ever do want to go with a sump, theres the area below were I can put it. but so far i'm happy with how its going. i'll be adding a chaeto reactor next. Im about 4 months in and slowly adding livestock. Friend gave me 2 clowns and a nem. He had to get rid of his tank so I got them free. otherwise I would have waited to mature the tank a bit longer. Also recently got a small Kenya and xenia frag also free. The "ugly" stage seams to be clearing up and already starting to see spots of coralline. I intend to keep it an Softie/LPS only.
Im definitely a newb with saltwater and will ask for your constructive criticism. What you guys think? what can I improve?
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