Grouper's 8' 225 DIY build...

GrouperGenius · Apr 19, 2009

Here's my DIY build in progress.

I will be personally be making...tank, stand, canopy, sump, and reflectors. The tank dimensions are 95 x 30 x 18 tall on a 30" tall stand. Canopy to be mounted 18" above the tank with linear actuators (hopefully) to raise and lower the canopy.

This will be mostly Zoanthid/palythoa/shroom oriented with choice SPS.

killingseed2000 · Apr 19, 2009

very nice start!

RaysReef · Apr 19, 2009

killer canopy!

ahayes13 · Apr 19, 2009

wow, very cool! cant wait to see more of the build, looks like its gonna be really nice

jasert39 · Apr 19, 2009

great build! any chance you can show us how you made the reflectors?

Ladipyg · Apr 19, 2009

What CAD program do you use? I would LOVE to be able to make drawings like that to refer to when I'm building something....

GREAT idea...I am wondering why you decided on a 18" tall tank if you are going to be using MH lighting. Will it be bare bottom? I will definitely be following this thread. I am WILD about that overflow across the back....you will have some great turnover in that tank for sure.

GrouperGenius · Apr 19, 2009

Thanks guys. I got the pattern from a friend and it's basically the same as the Lumenmax elite. I cut them out with my Laser at work and rivet them together. The material is from Sunlight Supply.
As far as the drawing program, it's google sketchup. Download it free. Kinda hard to get used to and I definitely haven't got it all figured out yet.

GrouperGenius · Apr 22, 2009

Need some input on how I'm setting up the sump. It's 60 x 18 x 15 tall...

GrouperGenius · Apr 25, 2009

All I got done today was 3 baffles in the sump. What a PITA. A lot of trimming and re-trimming to get them to fit. Hopefully will get the ends glued on tomorrow.

Burks · Apr 25, 2009

Great build! I can't wait to see the end result.

What are you cutting the acrylic with, if I may ask?

ReefRunner · Apr 25, 2009

Sweet Mark. That looks great

Robin

GrouperGenius · Apr 25, 2009

Burks-The main cuts were on a table saw. The holes were cut with my laser at work. Other trimming done by router and orbital sander.

Robin-Not nearly gonna be as nice as ya'lls big tank. But I'm trying. I need to get over there and bring something over for trade on info.....:wink:

revhtree · Apr 25, 2009

This is going to be a good build! Great sump!

GrouperGenius · Apr 25, 2009

revhtree said:
This is going to be a good build! Great sump!

Thanks Rev...I'm trying to do this as much DIY as I can. I'm building the Tank, Sump, Stand, Canopy, Reflectors,...if I was capable, I'd make the pumps as well. LOL

GrouperGenius · May 16, 2009

Just realized I haven't updated my thread in a while....here's where I'm at now.

Just got the plumbing done last night and running leak test. So far only leaks are at the 2" bulkheads.

mylittlejade · May 16, 2009

Very nice. What lighting are you going to run with this?

GrouperGenius · May 16, 2009

It will be (3) 250w SE bulbs and either (8) 24" VHO or (2) 60" VHO for actinics.

GSELLERS · May 16, 2009

Great work mark. I can wait to see it filled with all your goodies.

GrouperGenius · May 17, 2009

GSELLERS said:
Great work mark. I can wait to see it filled with all your goodies.

It will be a while. I hope to move it to inside the house this week then it will be 3-4 weeks after before I move all my livestock in.

I'm sure my fish are more excited than me. LOL