First go at a saltwater tank

[saltnewb]

I previously posted about a project for a 90g tank with 40b as refugium. 2 kids later and it isn't in the budget for now, but will happen.....oh yes it will. Anywho, I just inherited a 26g bow front and would like to make it a FOWLR tank. I need help with what equipment I need. I have powerheads and a 10g tank I can use as a sumo/refugium, but now sure if the sump/refugium would be needed. I also have a protein skimmer and return pump that would go in the sump/refugium. I'll be buying a T5 HO 4 bulb fixture before the end of the week.

 

[saltnewb]

I hate autocorrect. Please look past the silly mistakes

 

[Shep]

Haha sounds like a good plan, can't wait to see the tank. for a FOWLR you will just need a protein skimmer, lights, heater and powerheads at the minimum. With not having corals, you will have a much easier time.

 

[beaslbob]

One thing to seriously consider is to start the tank balanced out with macro algae and then do the rest.

The sump/refugium can be storage containers and don't have to be old tanks.

An hob overflow can be build from PVC for around $20 or so.

my .02

 

[saltnewb]

Thanks guys. I'll look into the PVC option for sure. I have some PVC laying around that might work. I'll have to build a stand for the tank, but that won't be too bad.

 

[saltnewb]

Started putting the stand together and painted the back of the tank black. Oh and bought a new light for the tank.

Stand would have been done today but the batteries for my drill took a dump. I've had it over 6 years though.

 

[saltnewb]

Got some dinner with the fam, charged up the battery and got the basic frame done. More work on it tomorrow.

So far it is level so that is great!

 

[saltnewb]

Just about to put the sides on. Trying to decide if I want to paint the exterior or leave it wood and put a seal on it. The progress continues. Also trying to decide what I want to do with the bottom half as far as sump area and shelving space as well.

The stand is deeper than the tank because of the DIY PVC tubing as the tank is not drilled and I want to hide as much as possible.

So close to being almost done.

 

[saltnewb]

Done for the day. Made great progress. I'll by putting in a shelf soon. Should it be above or below the sump/refugium? Also, should I put a back on the stand or leave it open?

 

[melypr1985]

Man! I wish I could make a stand that looked that good! I did pretty good this last time until I tried to put the doors on. Yours looks really darn good!

 

[saltnewb]

Thanks! My next steps are putting in a shelf and then the ........ doors. Haven't figured out how I'm going to do the doors yet though. Kind of just making it up as I go along.

 

[melypr1985]

Well I wish you luck. if your doors turn out well, please post details on how you mounted and constructed them. My stand looks great... except for the doors. I wont even put the second one on until I figure out where I went wrong.

 

[saltnewb]

Will do. Love to help out others when possible. I'll most likely get some 1/2" thick wood for the actual doors and mount them to the 2x4s you see in front. I was thinking about doing curved doors, but that is beyond my carpentry skills for sure.

 

[saltnewb]

Loose fit with the cab door in place. I'll be sanding and painting next and final assembly. The door will be on slides, opening to the right if your look at it.

 

[saltnewb]

Door on and working, trim drying, sanded and ready for paint.

 

[saltnewb]

Painted and ready to start plumbing the DIY PVC Overflow and setting up the sump. I can smell the salt. Soooo close....

 

[saltnewb]

 

[melypr1985]

oooooo here we go!

 

[inetjnky]

Looks really nice!

 

[saltnewb]

Getting ready for the overflow. This light is a Coralife Aqualight T5 fixture. That should suffice for beginner corals when I get to that stage right?