SCA 100 Gallon Reef tank build

[Xclusive Reef]

Hello all and welcome to my 100 gallon mixed reef tank. This is my first time building out a stand and going with a large size aquarium. My last tank was a small 30 gallon saltwater tank with a few corals. This is going to be a very slow build as I can only work on stand on weekends (few hours)...

Her is a list of what I will be using:

SCA 100 gallon custom rimless tank (48 x 24 x 20)
40 gallon DIY sump
Reef Octopus 150 skimmer
2 Gyre 250 pumps. yes I said 250 and 2 lol I will run them at low speed so reduces noise,
Reef Octopus Varios 6 return pump
Finnex 300 heaters (2 heaters)
2016 Apex
Apex Dos dosing
I went with Rock from Billy's reef connection and i have it in water cycling
I am using Current USA pro led lights till i can get better lights. In few months I build out the floating canopy with retro t5 lights and led or I get ATI t5 lights. I am not a fan of the disco shimmer of the led lights.

I started building the tank stand out of 2 x 4 and most of the frame is complete. I will post more updates of the frame and stand soon.

Next I will start on the sump build and update the thread.

It's going to be a tough ride for me as I am kinda new to all this and just fascinated by Reefing and Fish..

Since I did not have a table saw I build a jig so I can get straight cuts.

 

[Brew12]

Looks like a great start!

What do you think about the quality of the tank? Considering an SCA myself.

 

[gotwins86]

Off to a great start. Tank looks great! Din't know SCA didn't custom builds

 

[Brew12]

Off to a great start. Tank looks great! Din't know SCA didn't custom builds

I've known a few people who have had them do custom builds for synergy overflows. Everyone seems to be happy but always looking for more input.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Looks like a great start!

What do you think about the quality of the tank? Considering an SCA myself.

Not sure Brew I have a company coming out next few days to take a look at the seams. I want to be able to sleep at night. My only fear is this company is going to tell me it needs a reseal cause they also want to make some money out of all this. At that point I will have to speak with SCA about it.

As far as tank I really like it. they use 12mm thick glass and I like the overflow design. it has the return right in the over flow so no more need to drill or anything.

 

[ff2807]

I had the 66 gallon cube it was a well built tank

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Quick update today I started the tank stand and let me tell you after it was framed I had to go and start adjusting the stand to make it lvl. as much as you try.. So i used hand saw and sander to lvl off some of the corners. I pre drilled all the wood and used 2.5" screws. I Finished most of the framing today and hope to get some skin on the stand this weekend.

 

[LEOreefer]

Tagging along

 

[Reefraft]

Very nice. Can't wait to see it set up. I have the save saw by the way. [emoji6]

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Very nice. Can't wait to see it set up. I have the save saw by the way. [emoji6]

Blade that came with it sucked so i bought a better blade with 120 teeth on it. what a difference. my wood came out clean not all chewed up. I am going to turn that saw into a diy saw table. I was suppose to do it before i made the stand but time did not allow for it.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Good start on the stand, but you need bracing at the corners to keep it from "racking". I would also place a 2x4 under the top frame at each corner to support the tank weight. The way you have it now, the screws are the only thing supporting the tank.

Here's a template of "rocket engineers" design. I've used this design in all my stand builds over the years.

Now depending on what your going to skin it with, 1/4" or 1/2" plywood, the racking may not be a issue as it is now.
But I'd still place 2x4's under the top frame at each corner to support the weight.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Good start on the stand, but you need bracing at the corners to keep it from "racking". I would also place a 2x4 under the top frame at each corner to support the tank weight. The way you have it now, the screws are the only thing supporting the tank.

Here's a template of "rocket engineers" design. I've used this design in all my stand builds over the years.

Now depending on what your going to skin it with, 1/4" or 1/2" plywood, the racking may not be a issue as it is now.
But I'd still place 2x4's under the top frame at each corner to support the weight.

Hey thanks.. yes I did i added 2 2x4 just like that. My pic was only at the beginning of the frame build. I will post with the support and when wrapped.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Hey thanks.. yes I did i added 2 2x4 just like that. My pic was only at the beginning of the frame build. I will post with the support and when wrapped.

Good deal! Was just trying to help. Looking forward seeing it finished.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Good deal! Was just trying to help. Looking forward seeing it finished.

Appreciate it and keep it coming. Its good to have a second set of eyes...

 

[Xclusive Reef]

It's been raining in NYC all day so could not work on the stand BUT I did start on the sump. Finally got all my baffles and started to silicone them in. A bit messy but I am going for function not the look, Yes still trying to make it as clean as possible but not gonna worry about a little silicone.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Due to work I have not had time to continue the stand build. I am going to work on this stand this weekend and see how much I can get done. Updates soon to come on stand..

 

[Xclusive Reef]

I got my ebay lights and Aquamaxx reactor. Here is the chaeto reactor i will be using instead of the refugium. Nice thing about this kit is is water proof and it comes with everything including a remote control.

 

[RyanCSGO]

I got my ebay lights and reactor. Here is the chaeto reactor i will be using instead of the refugium. Nice thing about this kit is is water proof and it comes with everything including a remote control.

nice! Whats the MFG on that reactor?

 

[Xclusive Reef]

nice! Whats the MFG on that reactor?

I just updated it, I went with Aquamaxx. It will do for now but might have to upgrade to a wider reactor, it seams a bit small for 100 gallon tank..

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Well i had a few hours to work on the stand again. My wife is asking why it is taking so long? Well I want to do it right the first time so it really does take some time to measure 10 times and cut once.