80 Gallon Deep Blue Build (48x24x16)

[Pete1968]

Awesome tank... I hope mine can look as nice as what you have in 10 Months that for sure.

Thanks !

 

[member 99594]

I have added the bottom panel in the stand and the heaters and inkbird controller came in today!!!

Should only be a couple weeks out. Lights and rock and ready for cycling.

 

[leahfiish]

Did you cut that notch in the vertical piece of wood to fit the plumbing?

 

[Pete1968]

I have added the bottom panel in the stand and the heaters and inkbird controller came in today!!!

Should only be a couple weeks out. Lights and rock and ready for cycling.

You should try to hard plumb it, looks way clean and alot safer

 

[member 99594]

Did you cut that notch in the vertical piece of wood to fit the plumbing?

Yes, there will be another 1/2 higher once I put the foam board on top too.

You should try to hard plumb it, looks way clean and a lot safer

Thank you for the tip. I am not quite that far, however that would have been a question I was going to have.

So I should take those bulkheads out that came with the overflow and use slip with glue? Also, there is a reducer on the drain line, is that okay to use?

 

[Pete1968]

Yes, there will be another 1/2 higher once I put the foam board on top too.



Thank you for the tip. I am not quite that far, however that would have been a question I was going to have.

So I should take those bulkheads out that came with the overflow and use slip with glue? Also, there is a reducer on the drain line, is that okay to use?

I hard plumbed mine its super clean, easy access for maintenance and yes use slip fittings you can glue a 1 in return line too, i made a manifold and run 2 Aquamaxx reactors off it

 

[member 99594]

Piece by piece. Put some paint for protection on the inside of the stand and foam for the top.

Looking to cover with barn board.

 

[Pete1968]

Piece by piece. Put some paint for protection on the inside of the stand and foam for the top.

Looking to cover with barn board.

I wouldn’t use the foam, bad idea, Home Depot and lowes sells a thin rubber mat for tool stand up tool boxes thats perfect and very similar to what most tank manufacturers use

 

[Pete1968]

 

[Pete1968]

I would use 3/4 in plywood with the rubber matt on top

 

[member 99594]

I would use 3/4 in plywood with the rubber matt on top

I used 1/2 in plywood, will that be fine?

That rubber mat above, is either one better?

 

[Antics]

I used 1/2 in plywood, will that be fine?

That rubber mat above, is either one better?

Not sure on the 1/2 inch because I've always used 3/4 inch plywood for the top and inside bottom of stands. However, you can use foam or rubber mat. Its up to you. I've seen both be successful.

 

[member 99594]

Not sure on the 1/2 inch because I've always used 3/4 inch plywood for the top and inside bottom of stands. However, you can use foam or rubber mat. Its up to you. I've seen both be successful.

I can use the foam for my acrylic sump. I am going to place that in the storage room behind the DT room. Should be fine on the cement with the foam under it?

 

[Preme]

Nice build so far!

 

[Mpierce]

You don't want to use the foam because if the tank sinks into the foam and it puts pressure on the bottom glass it could cause a failure. You could cut the foam and just have it contact the tank around the bottom plastic frame. I used the pink insulation foam and cut it into 2" wide strips and lined around the top of the stand where the tank contacts. Also the 1/2" plywood is fine. You really don't need any plywood on top but it does help prevent the stand from twisting. Same with putting a thin sheet of plywood on the back of the stand.

 

[Pete1968]

I used 1/2 in plywood, will that be fine?

That rubber mat above, is either one better?

I would of used 3/4 in plywood, or add another piece of 1/2 on top of other one to be safe, as far as foam ive never seen it used in my 33 years of reefing so I cannot say for sure if its safe, but i know for a fact the rubber mat works great and actually most high end tank builders use it! Remember this its better to make sure now instead of skimping on something and have either a major problem later on

 

[member 99594]

Stand is nearing completion. Just need to add some big ol’ barn door hinges for the door.

 

[jdpeters]

I love that stand! Absolutely beautiful and unique!

 

[Sits Unafraid]

I "Stand" corrected. The reclaimed wood looks great.

 

[member 99594]

Done!!!