Update: 2/6/15 Current status of my build. I added a couple new things. The first thing is a heater (can't belive I forgot the heater lol). I went with the Reef Octopus 800w titanium heater. It will be controlled by my Reef Keeper. I believe I am going to add a heater controller for redundancy. I don't feel confident in the Reef Keeper, and I don't want to boil my reef, being that this is a very strong heater. I think the 500w would of been enough, the logic behind the 800w is that it will quickly heat up the water therefore be on a lot less. $50
Pics:
I put in the the return pump chamber
Second thing I added was the light for my refugium. I went with the Innovative Marine Magnafuge. I did not want something that sits on top of the sump. I liked the design of this light because it is not in the way and it's pretty sleek. I was surprised to see how powerful it is. I don't know whether it is going to be enough, I am likely only going to have a few Macro algaes in the fuge. If it's not enough, I may have to go a different route. $50
Pics
Placed behind the fuge
Light on
Now with that, I am done with all the hardware for now and could start my reef tank. There are some things that I am considering but do not need, so I can move on with adding water.
I am considering a UV sterilizer. Also thinking about updating my gen2 pro radions to gen 3 pro. I may have to upgrade my current DC6000 return pump, to the DC9000.
Even though I love my aqua maxx skimmer, I may have to upgrade that later down the road depending on my bio load. It is rated for 175 gallons, my total volume will be around 135 gallons. I SAW THOSE NEW NYOS SKIMMERS!! THOSE ARE SWEET. I will wait for reviews on those. (they are engineered in Germany, so they have to be good right? lol)
NEXT!! So since I am done with hardware for now. I started skinning the stand. I got a lot of questions about how I will do this, I truthfully answered "I don't know" I am no carpenter. I have very little experience. So after doing some research I began the project.
The price to skin the stand will be around $150 (estimate) after I buy the molding. I will have a total of 4 doors. Left and right side doors then 2 doors in front side.
Pics
So honestly it is not that hard. THE PLUMBING WAS STILL THE BIGGEST PAIN OF THIS PROJECT SO FAR!!
This is the only special tool you need, besides your regular tools like drill and stuff like that.
Began to go to work
Nice thing about it is that it is literally a skin. I will be able to slide on and off as a I please. I will secure with a couple of hidden screws that can easily be removed.
Front side
Right Side, loose wiring not set up yet.
Left Side
Front doors
Left front door
And this is where I left off. I ran out of wood. I will have to head back to Home depot tomorrow.
Thoughts, suggestions and advice is appreciated.
