40b: The Next Adventure (1 Viewer)

[Wildfire]

Howdy all... as most of you know (by now) I've decided to tear down my 265 tank, and re-claim some space in my house from the ocean. I've decided NOT to get rid of everything, but just to scale back a bit.

To that end, I have procured a 40 Breeder tank from the local PetCo, and also bought the stock fiber-board stand that comes with it. However, after about 2 days of looking at the stand (and test fitting things) I came to loathe it.

To my wife's dismay, I stated "Well, I guess I've gotta' build a stand then". I began doing some research, and found two sites from which I have drawn my inspiration.

The first is MARSH, in this thread http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=18054. I have shamelessly stolen the stand design from hurdicuss (hope you don't mind... Imitation is the highest form of flatery).

I have also stolen one predominant idea from http://www.melevsreef.com/ (namely: http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html).

I then worked these, plus the standard household requirement of "Everything must fit under the stand", to create this:

http://www.wildfire-tech.com/~matt/tank/40g/pictures//StandComplete//p1010236.jpg

I have left the top back board LONGER than the base to hold the "Hang on Back" closed loop, so as to have a 0-foot head closed loop, allowing me more flow with a smaller pump.

The "extra" to the right end is an under-stand chamber for replacement water / RODI system, external skimmer, whatever I need. Above it will be a set of shelving (to be built still) where I can store test equipment, mount power strips, store the UPS, et cetera, all well above the water level.

Total work time: 7.5 Hours (including re-dos and adjustments)

 

[Wildfire]

And then today, the twins and I painted up and polyed down the stand. I also installed the 'sump-side floor joists'.

http://www.wildfire-tech.com/~matt/...?picture=pictures//StandPainted//p1010240.jpg

The entire stand got a double coat of "semi gloss" latex BLACK paint. Then the top surface and the outside got a coat of semi-gloss clear poly, and the inside surfaces of the stand got a double coat of high gloss clear Spar Varnish. The varnish helps to reflect light inside the stand, which makes the under-stand (under-cabinet) lights I install that much more effective.

Total Painting time (3 people) : 2 hours

 

[Wildfire]

Carpenter's Note:

All screws were counter-sunk, then wood putty was applied and sanded down to hide all screws (pretty well, I think). This has two benefits in my mind:

1) Aesthetic
2) If I can't see the screws, and they are puttied, painted, and polyed over, then water will have a harder time coroding them.

 

[jhand]

Nice work Matt, look forward to seeing it up and running.
Very good job on hiding the screws btw.

 

[Hurdicuss]

Actually Matt, i DO mind. My lawyer will be contacting you shortly regarding copyright infringement acts..... .

Psssshhhh, yeah right!! I'm just glad you were able to find my attempt at a first photo log helpful! Your build is coming along nicely! Keep us up to date with what you have going on. I will be checking, most importantly have fun with it!

My project has become quite stagnant as i am yet to replace the cracked glass tank. However, i have decided it will be replaced by a DIY acrylic 20L which will be taking shape very soon.