Alev_Apex
New Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2019
- Messages
- 16
- Reaction score
- 41
- What state or country do you live in
- Missouri
Hello everyone. This is my first reef build!
I wanted to start by telling you where it started. My inspiration behind the tank is definitely Florida. My mom side of the family is from florida and I definitely wanted to bring some of the salty warm air home to Missouri but obviously I can't do that. So I always wanted a reef tank. I had a freshwater when I was in high school but now, I have recently bought a house and I can build one!
I knew to go with a tank bigger then a nano because it is my first tank and mistakes will happen. It's more stable for a bigger tank.
I found a use 55 gallon here locally at a shop. It came with a stand and a used sump! I looked it over so quickly because I was so excited and didn't see my first mistake.
As I was soaking the sump in vinegar, I started filling the tank. As it got to about half full. The tank started to make a funny noise. Then I almost filled it to the top and freaked out once I saw the top center piece! Completely cracked and holding on by a thread. Immediately grabbed the biggest container and started chucking water. (Its my first tank so I haven't even bought a pump yet.)
I sold that tank for the same amount I paid for another this weekend. Found another 55g with a bigger center brace and not broken! I stress tested it while I worked on the stand. I sanded it down, removed the rusted hinges and handles. I built a new floor for it.
Any tips on a type of material for the sump to sit on? Pads? Laminate plank flooring?
Also this weekend, I've bought alot of used equipment in great condition. I still have to buy a ATO which I figured I can wait until I put water in the tank. Also I need to drill the tank for my used Shadow Box. Kinda nervous about that.
I am renovating my house so I'm taking my time with this build. I'll update almost everytime I do something or test something! Stay tuned and follow!
Please give any advice or criticism. I take it very well.
I wanted to start by telling you where it started. My inspiration behind the tank is definitely Florida. My mom side of the family is from florida and I definitely wanted to bring some of the salty warm air home to Missouri but obviously I can't do that. So I always wanted a reef tank. I had a freshwater when I was in high school but now, I have recently bought a house and I can build one!
I knew to go with a tank bigger then a nano because it is my first tank and mistakes will happen. It's more stable for a bigger tank.
I found a use 55 gallon here locally at a shop. It came with a stand and a used sump! I looked it over so quickly because I was so excited and didn't see my first mistake.
As I was soaking the sump in vinegar, I started filling the tank. As it got to about half full. The tank started to make a funny noise. Then I almost filled it to the top and freaked out once I saw the top center piece! Completely cracked and holding on by a thread. Immediately grabbed the biggest container and started chucking water. (Its my first tank so I haven't even bought a pump yet.)
I sold that tank for the same amount I paid for another this weekend. Found another 55g with a bigger center brace and not broken! I stress tested it while I worked on the stand. I sanded it down, removed the rusted hinges and handles. I built a new floor for it.
Any tips on a type of material for the sump to sit on? Pads? Laminate plank flooring?
Also this weekend, I've bought alot of used equipment in great condition. I still have to buy a ATO which I figured I can wait until I put water in the tank. Also I need to drill the tank for my used Shadow Box. Kinda nervous about that.
I am renovating my house so I'm taking my time with this build. I'll update almost everytime I do something or test something! Stay tuned and follow!
Please give any advice or criticism. I take it very well.
