Stephanie’s 240 Built In Mixed Reef

[Steph72]

Hi,
I’m getting ready to begin tearing out the old built in cabinets in my living room and install a 220 gallon mixed reef. I’ll be building cabinetry to support the tank along with new cabinets on each side. Since I’m literally just starting this, no cool pictures yet. Here’s a quick “before “ shot of the wall that is getting torn down though! Notice the place in the center where an old style tv on wheels once lived! Lol

I’m currently running a 90 gallon and plan to move all the critters, rock and corals to the new tank once it’s cycled. Hubby is a little freaked out, but it’ll be fun! I’ll post pictures during this long process...y’all wish me luck!

 

[fishguy242]

hi,well yes,all the luck i can,..well maybe i should keep a little take lots of pics along the way!! will the equipment be in room behind wall? or is that a surprise? along for the journey,going to be epic

 

[Steph72]

hi,well yes,all the luck i can,..well maybe i should keep a little take lots of pics along the way!! will the equipment be in room behind wall? or is that a surprise? along for the journey,going to be epic

Thanks so much! I’m 99% sure the equipment will have to be housed under the tank....booo. After I get rid of the paneling I’ll have a better idea about whether I can actually remove part of the wall.

 

[Steph72]

I finally got my stand started!!! You’re looking at it turned upside down right now without the top installed. The main structure is built out of 2x6 boards. I’ll be installing 2x6 reinforcements butted up to all the load bearing vertical beams, foam padding on the bottom, and the entire structure will be finished with 3/4 plywood to further add to structural support. I’m getting ready to take out the built in cabinets where it will be installed and will be leveling the floor later this week. I have a drawing but it looks like a kindergartener’s sketch so I’ll spare you the eye strain (and myself the embarrassment! Lol). I also have a dedicated canine assistant overseeing this project! Haha

 

[fishguy242]

ANNND..she's off and going!!! looking good

 

[Steph72]

ANNND..she's off and going!!! looking good

Thanks!

 

[KWT]

Stand is looking great, since you are going to have the wall opened up are you going to run extra electrical or a dedicated circuit or 2

 

[sp1187]

also along for the journey.

 

[am3gross]

I would most definitely run extra power there. Also think about the water lines if you are gunna have your RO water there. I like your planning on the stand, I seen the little drawling there! I would do the same thing with your setup. Now is the time to get everything you need there.

Looks amazing as well, so keep the pics coming!

 

[Steph72]

Stand is looking great, since you are going to have the wall opened up are you going to run extra electrical or a dedicated circuit or 2

I’m going to have a separate circuit installed for the tank...since I need to get an electrician out to install wiring for some overhead lights in my living room hopefully it won’t be too awful of a bill. Wishful thinking never hurts! Lol

 

[Steph72]

I ordered the tank this morning (finally!) Just waiting now on the CAD drawing of the tank so I can be sure everything will fit together properly. I ended up going larger than planned...240 gallon (96.5 x 25.5 x 25). I’m getting ready to start the demolition on the existing cabinets in the house. Thankfully my schedule was changed this week so I can begin demo when my husband is gone! Hahaha!!! He gets really nervous when I start tearing things up, but I’m confident that anything I mess up can and will be fixed properly. Lol Sometimes you just have to embrace a lot of ugly before enjoying something nice

 

[Rhoads238]

Congrats on the new tank! looks like you're off to a great start

 

[MERKEY]

Congrats on the new tank, sounds like it's going to be a great build!

 

[Steph72]

I’m shopping around for a foam mat to put under the tank and having no luck finding a solid piece that’s big enough. I’m considering an industrial anti fatigue mat but I’d rather go with something easy to cut. Do y’all have any suggestions?

 

[fishguy242]

hi,3/4 pink insulation foam board ,works great imo

 

[Patientman]

+1 on the pink insulation board … you are really going to appreciate AND enjoy stepping up to the 240g!

 

[Steph72]

Thanks for the tip! I would have never thought of using the foam board and it’s wayyyy cheaper than the pads I was looking at. I found it at Home Depot and managed to cut it in half lengthwise & cram it into my tiny civic I’m sure this looks ridiculous but thankfully it’s not a long drive. Hahaha

 

[kenchilada]

Did you ask the tank builder if they recommend foam under the tank? I’ve read only acrylic tanks should have foam under them. Or tanks without plastic trim.

 

[Steph72]

Did you ask the tank builder if they recommend foam under the tank? I’ve read only acrylic tanks should have foam under them. Or tanks without plastic trim.

I need to double check with them about this, but I’m pretty sure it won’t have trim around the bottom. I have a 47 gallon by the same builder; it doesn’t have any trim and needed a pad, but this may not be the case with the bigger one. Thanks for bringing this up... I’m trying to cover all the bases and definitely welcome all the help I can get.

 

[lavoisier]

Nice work on the stand! Thanks for the pics. As long as the electrician is there, it probably would not cost much more to run two circuits for the tank. Once everything gets plugged in having the extra circuit would allow you some redundancy if a breaker flips. What a great project.