Glb's 40g upgrade!

glb · Aug 5, 2015

miamiangler said:
Hey ,GLB

Good to see you are going larger . don't cut holes in the tank till you get the kit ! For my 60 gal & 30 gal I used the 700 gal kit from glass Holes also I am using the Jebao DC pump 3000 which is good enough for your tank . If you need help cutting the holes I can help . it`s fun drilling the holes ! In the photo I have the overflow on the right and return on the left side . As for skimmer I like the Bubble Magus 3.5 0r 5 depending on your bio load . I have both and they work great for me .

Willi

Thanks! I might take you up on that!

glb · Aug 6, 2015

Ok so it seems I'll go with the glass cages overflow kit with 1 1/2 inch pipes to the sump and 1" pipes for the return line. 700gph is what this can handle, although I'm not sure I need that much. Is it possible to overdo it with the gph and then have too high of a flow for the tank? Or is it the more the better? I can always add power heads too. I guess I need a pump I can dial up or down a little. Tunze was recommended. Does anyone know what model I'd need to get?

NanaReefer · Aug 7, 2015

It just means the box can handle 700gph. I run the Sicce Syncra 2.0 as my return @500gph.

glb · Aug 16, 2015

Update. I finally took down the 36g bow front and put Methuselah the raspora in a smaller tank. I moved the stand and put the 40g on top. Here's some pics:

Here's the top with the leaves extended. I'd have to trim them to make them fit. I thought about building cabinets under the leaves for electrical stuff. For now I removed the leaves and put the tank on temporarily. Here's some pics:

This is the front left corner

And this is the back left corner. I have a stability question. The tank doesn't overlap the top of the stand, but it goes right to the edges. The stand is made of wood. With the leaves folded over the top, the top is twice as thick. Since the top extends over the side walls, is it structurally sound? I can add another inch of plywood on top if I need to. Will this setup make the corners of the tank vulnerable to failure? I'm quite a ways from starting it up but if I want to modify the stand, now's the time to do it. I also plan on stripping off the white paint and staining the wood if it's in good enough shape. If not, I'll paint it all black. The 20g sump fits nicely underneath. Any help is appreciated!

glb · Aug 16, 2015

glb · Aug 17, 2015

NanaReefer · Aug 17, 2015

I'm no expert but I wouldn't trust my tank on that stand.

glb · Aug 22, 2015

NanaReefer said:
I'm no expert but I wouldn't trust my tank on that stand.

Agreed. I'm going to build my own. I'm going to study some plans and see what I decide. Where did you get your stand?

glb · Dec 28, 2015

Latest updates. My build plans are moving along! So far I have the 40g breeder and a 20g long for the sump. I've already purchased a Jebao DCT-6000 return pump and a SC Aquariums SCA-301 65g skimmer. I have plans for the stand and will be building that next. I'm planning on buying the overflow and return kit from glass-holes.com. I've measured and remeasured for the stand to make sure everything fits. I'll post pics of the stand as it comes together. Wish me luck!

redfishbluefish · Dec 28, 2015

Sounds great. Can't wait to see pictures. Are you DIY'ing the stand....and if so....definitely need pictures.

glb · Dec 28, 2015

redfishbluefish said:
Sounds great. Can't wait to see pictures. Are you DIY'ing the stand....and if so....definitely need pictures.

Yep. I'm building it from scratch. I'm going to put together a frame with 2x4's this week and I'm planning on skinning/decorating it after that. I'll definitely post pics!

NanaReefer · Dec 28, 2015

Luck!!
I bought my stand from Dr Fosters & Smith. Size 50-65g $119.00 delivered to my door.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3730+9881&pcatid=9881

glb · Dec 28, 2015

Should I design my sump before I build the stand? Or should I even build the sump first? I've never built a sump before so newbie advice is welcome.

NanaReefer · Dec 29, 2015

It really doesn't matter as long as it's done before putting it in the stand-lol. Just take the sump dimensions into consideration when building your stand. You'll want to leave plenty move around room available. Plus the hight of your skimmer. Make it so it's easy to remove if needed.
My stand is cramped, hard on me to get things in and out of.

glb · Dec 29, 2015

Just got back from the hardware store....

For those who are interested, here was my shopping list:
7 2x4's untreated construction type
Titebond III waterproof wood glue
Pettit z-spar gloss white marine enamel (to waterproof the inside of the stand)
GRK R4 stainless steel framing screws, [HASHTAG]#10x2[/HASHTAG] 3/4"
Speed lite level square
2 4" c clamps

I'm so excited!!!!!

glb · Dec 29, 2015

And of course I cut some of the wood wrong after measuring it 3 times. Sigh. Luckily I cut too long instead of too short.

Mandrew · Dec 30, 2015

I love building stands! It's fun but can get quite pricey.

glb · Dec 30, 2015

Mandrew said:
I love building stands! It's fun but can get quite pricey.

Boy is that the truth. The stainless steel screws were the most expensive thing, followed by the waterproof paint. The wood was the cheapest thing. lol

glb · Dec 30, 2015

The build has officially begun!

Mandrew · Dec 31, 2015

Yeah and if you use fancy ply wood or hard wood it almost defeats the purpose of building one because it ends up being more expensive than a prebuilt stand!