From salamanders to a reef

[mch1984]

So I decided to try my hand at building my own acrylic tank. My salamanders were in a 54 gallon column aquarium, which was a huge waste of space. So I decided I would practice by making them a new home. Figured if it doesn’t hold water then that’s ok. Ordered the acrylic and they company sent the wrong stuff, they sent extruded and not cast. Decided to go with it on the salamander Tank and they agreed to send me the right stuff. So now the salamanders have a new home and I have an empty tank and some acrylic. So here starts the 54 gallon column build. This is the new salamander home and the current state of the Tank. I decided I wanted to do this from the ground up. It will be slow because all I have is a tank and stand. But here it goes.

 

[mch1984]

Ok so I have some sump experience but just a little. I have a simple trickle wet/dry filter on my 180 freshwater. So I used the acrylic to build the box for the sump on this tank. I’m taking advantage of just about every inch of room under the stand, I will actually have to take the door off to get it in. The internal deminsions are 24.5” long x 14.250” wide x 14” tall. Here is a drawing of what I’m thinking for chambers. See what y’all think, any suggestions are welcome. This is my first attempt at a sump like this. Thanks

 

[mch1984]

Ok so ignore the drawing above. I’m scrapping the original plan. I’m going to use this box but going to build a bigger stand. Going to take the ATO out of the sump and ustilize the space a little better. Building a bigger stand will allow me to put it under the tank. It’s a crappy MDF stand anyways. Plus I have a cool idea for the skin.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I kept a 56 collum when we were in a apartment, while my current house was being built.

I drilled the top for two 1" drains and built a coast to coast spillway for it. I used a 20 long for a sump that was placed underneath and ran out the back of the stand. Had the tank diagonal to the corner of our living room, so the sump worked.

It was a challenge to keep, but worked.

 

[mch1984]

It’s nice to see a pic of another column. That’s a very nice Tank. I’m going to build a bigger stand so there is a little more room. I’m glad you shared your scape, it’s going to be interesting to do one for that Tank. What light did you use? The only issue is the depth of the Tank. Thinking I’m going to go with a eshopps overflow and drill it.

 

[mch1984]

Decided to go ahead and build a new stand to give me a little more room underneath. First time building my own stand but it should go smooth.

 

[mch1984]

So I discovered pretty quick I was going to have to rethink the stand. Has @Flippers4pups said this is going to be a challenge. The footprint of the tank is so small there leaves little room for equipment in the bottom. So my solution is to go way over sized on the stand. The tank is 30.25 x 18.25. The stand is going to be 42 x 26”. Going to have to get creative in making this look good.

 

[mch1984]

So I have a question for everybody. My original plan was no center support on the stand. But now that it’s going to be oversized should I put them in? Or if I use plywood on top with braces across the top would that take care of weight distribution?

 

[Flippers4pups]

So I have a question for everybody. My original plan was no center support on the stand. But now that it’s going to be oversized should I put them in? Or if I use plywood on top with braces across the top would that take care of weight distribution?

I would think if you 2"x6" on the top frame, you could get away with it larger on foot print. Using "rocket engineers" design. Plywood top as well.

My rockscapes are always built with fiberglass rod. Drill the rock with a masonary bit and use the rod to join them.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Here's a picture of the drains of the 56:

 

[mch1984]

Here's a picture of the drains of the 56:

I’m assuming we probably are dealing with the same Tank. Nice to know it drills well. I’m going to go with a Eshopps overflow. Last choice is whether or not to drill the return or just do a HOB return.

 

[mch1984]

I would think if you 2"x6" on the top frame, you could get away with it larger on foot print. Using "rocket engineers" design. Plywood top as well.

My rockscapes are always built with fiberglass rod. Drill the rock with a masonary bit and use the rod to join them.

That’s a good thought, reenforce is some with bigger board.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Mines a marineland 56. Bought it a PetSmart in 2009. Verified it wasn't tempered.

I went over the top for the return.

 

[mch1984]

Mines a marineland 56. Bought it a PetSmart in 2009. Verified it wasn't tempered.

I went over the top for the return.

Yup same tank lol. If it’s worth doing it’s worth overdoing.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Yup same tank lol. If it’s worth doing it’s worth overdoing.

I live by that everyday!

 

[mch1984]

Well I think I have a design in mind. I’ll get it done and post some pics. Hopping to mess with it tomorrow.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Go to good! Looking forward to seeing the progress!

 

[mch1984]

Got the frame done, still need to add some braces across the top. Still trying to decide if I’m going to put center braces from top to bottom

 

[Flippers4pups]

Looking good!

 

[mch1984]

Ok so here is the finished product. The stand will sit against the wall so I put a center brace on the back because why not. Pretty sure this is way over kill but that’s ok. Still have to put plywood on top but here it is.