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JonPhillips

JonPhillips

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craigslist was good to me today. picked up a 55 and stand for $30.

now that I have this in this space have pretty much decided to scrap my tank build project and turn this into my reef tank.

Have any suggestions on how to do this? mainly have questions about best filtration and lighting practices for a tank this size.

PUMPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IMG_8346.JPG
 
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From the picture there are two things I would personaly look into:
1) If you feel comfortable to drill it now. It's best practice to have it drilled and get it over with unless you're sure everything will be HOB which I would recommend against.
2) The central brace on the stand. This might be a major PITA in accessing your equipment below. I would explore the possibility of removing it, putting an extra brace on the top and a bigger door. The easier the access below the better.

It's a major steal though for $30!
 
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morpheas said:
From the picture there are two things I would personaly look into:
1) If you feel comfortable to drill it now. It's best practice to have it drilled and get it over with unless you're sure everything will be HOB which I would recommend against.
2) The central brace on the stand. This might be a major PITA in accessing your equipment below. I would explore the possibility of removing it, putting an extra brace on the top and a bigger door. The easier the access below the better.

It's a major steal though for $30!
Click to expand...

dude, she basically GAVE it away. Sweet gale. ummmm so I was actually thinking HOB with size would be ok. Are you thinking ascetically is bad or something else? +1 on center brace removal have already been knocked around by it cleaning the sucker out. OUCH!!!!!
 
JonPhillips said:
dude, she basically GAVE it away. Sweet gale. ummmm so I was actually thinking HOB with size would be ok. Are you thinking ascetically is bad or something else? +1 on center brace removal have already been knocked around by it cleaning the sucker out. OUCH!!!!!
Click to expand...

Well that's how I started my build "ah everything will be HOB no need to do anything" (mind you mine is a 30 gallon much more closer to the "this size" approach) but after a point it becomes a little of an eye-sore. Moreover all the extra space to add all the goodies is a plus. I am an engineering junkie so putting more equipment is kind of my thing ;)

If you're sure you will never use a sump then definitely don't drill but judging by my own experience I know I would so I would just start with a sump. As mentioned a lot, you definitely don't need it and most certainly everything can be HOB but you will probably regret this down the road, I did big time. You can easily find a 10-20 gallon on CL for dirt cheap (especially since you don't need a stand).

On the center brace, if you do remove it, make sure you put some nice support beam somewhere and you do enough to convince yourself the stand is sound and won't give under weight. It looks like the melamine wood stands sold in stores and those are a bit flimsy especially when you mess with their design...
 
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cmcoker said:
I know you have a lot of questions, and we definitely want to help! This link is a good place to start, there are so many things that will get overlooked in a piecemeal approach to asking questions about starting your new tank.
Click to expand...
well said sir.!

Nice score Jon!

+1 bigger doors.
 
morpheas said:
Well that's how I started my build "ah everything will be HOB no need to do anything" (mind you mine is a 30 gallon much more closer to the "this size" approach) but after a point it becomes a little of an eye-sore. Moreover all the extra space to add all the goodies is a plus. I am an engineering junkie so putting more equipment is kind of my thing ;)

If you're sure you will never use a sump then definitely don't drill but judging by my own experience I know I would so I would just start with a sump. As mentioned a lot, you definitely don't need it and most certainly everything can be HOB but you will probably regret this down the road, I did big time. You can easily find a 10-20 gallon on CL for dirt cheap (especially since you don't need a stand).

On the center brace, if you do remove it, make sure you put some nice support beam somewhere and you do enough to convince yourself the stand is sound and won't give under weight. It looks like the melamine wood stands sold in stores and those are a bit flimsy especially when you mess with their design...
Click to expand...

cool. know of anywhere with the plans and glass cut list for a sump? how big would you sump on a 55? did you just pick up a glass drill bit at home depot or something? stand is from petco so its el cheapo but oh well
 
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JonPhillips said:
cool. know of anywhere with the plans and glass cut list for a sump? how big would you sump on a 55? did you just pick up a glass drill bit at home depot or something? stand is from petco so its el cheapo but oh well
Click to expand...

Well you can look at http://www.melevsreef.com/taxonomy/term/142 for sump designs. I think I would get a 20 long and either have a glass shop cut the baffles or do it like the cheapskate I am and cut some walmart cutting board ;) (long story, last board is bulging a little but it's VERY functional and half or 1/3 the price of glass shop).

Keep in mind though you can get generic designs for sumps but the best way is if you know your equipment you will design for it, especially the skimmer. On the other hand, what I did, I made my baffles pretty high and then if you need you can elevate the skimmer you get (for instance I made mine 12" if I remember).

For drilling, any diamond coated hole saw will do, there are numerous videos on youtube on how to do it including this one

All in all, if you do decide to diy your sump (and I sure do recommend to) I'd go ahead and do some in-depth research on how/what to do and ask away here with anything you need.

PS: If you want to check another cheap-o sump by the one and only Mike Paletta check this out
 
I would also get a glass shop to cut and polish the glass. Much cleaner and much safer IMO. When I had 4 pieces cut for my 20 long years back it cost $40 from a local glass shop.

I'd second a 20 long. Hole saw bits can be purchased from a hardware store but I'd spring for the diamond coated ones you can get on places like BulkReefSupply.
 
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Chibils said:
I would also get a glass shop to cut and polish the glass. Much cleaner and much safer IMO. When I had 4 pieces cut for my 20 long years back it cost $40 from a local glass shop.

I'd second a 20 long. Hole saw bits can be purchased from a hardware store but I'd spring for the diamond coated ones you can get on places like BulkReefSupply.
Click to expand...

now you talkin thanks much
 
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