ReefCake's budget minded 75 LPS reef build

[ReefCAKE]

Well a new tank is in progress! This will be an upgrade for my 2.5 year old 32 gal biocube LPS reef. I have been slowly gathering equipment when I find deals. This build has been budget minded without sacrificing quality. I've tested a lot of different equipment on my two small tanks and decided where I could save money. Either buying used, off brand equipment, DIY or buying top of the line where it's worth it. I mean who doesn't love saving money!

My build started with a stand that I found on craigslist for $25. My next decision was the tank, I was debating on having a tank made for me but could justify the price when compared to the dollar per gallon Petco standard 75gal. I made sure to test the tank for tempered glass before i purchased. The next find was a used Eshopps R-200 refugium with an Eshopps S-120 skimmer for $100. I purchased the ModularMarine 1200gph external overflow box. I went with the MM as it is designed to work with the trip on standard tanks, without having to use spacers or extra gaskets.

I drilled the tank this past weekend and ordered a bunch of plumbing to get things going.

Enjoy the build!

 

[Everything Aquatics]

Well a new tank is in progress! This will be an upgrade for my 2.5 year old 32 gal biocube LPS reef. I have been slowly gathering equipment when I find deals. This build has been budget minded without sacrificing quality. I've tested a lot of different equipment on my two small tanks and decided where I could save money. Either buying used, off brand equipment, DIY or buying top of the line where it's worth it. I mean who doesn't love saving money!

My build started with a stand that I found on craigslist for $25. My next decision was the tank, I was debating on having a tank made for me but could justify the price when compared to the dollar per gallon Petco standard 75gal. I made sure to test the tank for tempered glass before i purchased. The next find was a used Eshopps R-200 refugium with an Eshopps S-120 skimmer for $100. I purchased the ModularMarine 1200gph external overflow box. I went with the MM as it is designed to work with the trip on standard tanks, without having to use spacers or extra gaskets.

I drilled the tank this past weekend and ordered a bunch of plumbing to get things going.

Enjoy the build!

amazing tank hopefully I can do something like this in the future

 

[ReefCAKE]

I received my plumbing supplies today! Starting to get the plumbing all worked out and encountered my first issue. The ModularMarine overflow is really tight and the spacing of the holes makes it really hard to plumb a bean animal style overflow. I think I will need to cut the bulkheads into the overflow box as short as possible to accommodate any type of bean animal.

 

[ReefCAKE]

Got most of the plumbing mock-up finished. Didn't buy enough 3/4 pipe unfortunately, so things will be on hold for a few more days.....

 

[ReefCAKE]

Finally done with the plumbing!!!!! It took so much longer that expected. I made a lot of small changes/adjustments once I started gluing everything in place. I disassembled all the plumbing so I could paint the back glass black. Re-assembly was a cinch thanks to the unions. Well except for the emergency drain line, it some how is now too tight a fit for the hole that it goes through in the stand. No biggie with a small adjustment.

I moved the tank to my patio for a leak test. No leaks as of yet, but we will see after a 24 hour run. I installed a VCA RandomFlow Generator and I have to say I'm really impressed by it!

Let me know if you have any feedback or spot any issues.