75 Gallon Build Thread

[BayouBeard]

Well...here it is...finally! Now that I've got everything up and running I have enough time to post my build thread. I'll apologize ahead of time if I don't go into enough detail with the pictures. I usually forgot to take them along the way because I was so anxious to get everything finished. :frusty:

 

[BayouBeard]

Here is the frame for the stand along with the top and bottom boards that support the DT and sump. All the vertical supports are doubled up 2x4s and the top and bottom frames are 2x6s. I went with the 2x6s on the upper and lower frames to compensate the 4 foot span without any center bracing. The top and bottom sheets of plywood are 3/4 inch Birch veneer. I used a jigsaw to cut out the bottom board to fit inside the bracing. The cross members on top of the stand are mounted with joist hangers to add strength to the joint as opposed to only screwing together from the end grain which is a very weak joint. The overall height of the stand is 36 inches which I much prefer over the shorter stands. Next comes the skin!

 

[BayouBeard]

Here is the frame with the skin and all the trim in place. I used 1/2 inch birch plywood for the front and sides and 1x3 pine for the trim on top and bottom. I hid all the plywood seams on the corners with 1 inch pine outside corner molding. All the skin and trim minus the corner molding was nailed and glued in place using 6d finishing nails. I used 3d finishing nails for the corner molding. All nails were counter sunk and filled with stainable wood filler as were the seams on the front panels of plywood.

 

[shovelrider]

Nice!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Great start!

 

[Mike J.]

I'm following. Looks good so far.

 

[BayouBeard]

Thanks...I appreciate it! I decided to stain the stand to try and match the floors and furniture in our living room. Hah...who am I kidding...that was the only way the wife was going to let me put it in the living room. I used a 40 breeder for the sump and siliconed in a simple two pane bubble trap. The left side is open for the skimmer and reactors while the right side is for the return pump.

 

[BayouBeard]

Here are a couple pics of the tank while the back glass was being painted. You can see the tape where the holes were drilled for the overflow box and return line. I used Krylon Fusion in Satin Black.

 

[Tuherick]

Looks great! I'm jealous of that stand.

 

[Keybilly]

I like the dark wood stain! Looks great!!!

 

[Chameleon]

your sump is too clean
looks like its coming along!