2Quills: 120G Build Thread

[2Quills]

Hello, I'm pretty new to this site so I thought that I'd introduce myself with a thread outlining my current project. I'm fairly new to saltwater (first year, 4 years with freshwater) and I'm currently in the process of setting up my first reef tank. I plan to do a mixed reef system. I purchased a 120G tank (2 years old) off of C.List back in early spring. And even though I got a descent deal on the setup I felt that it was inadequate for what I was wanting to do. So made the decision to re-vamp the entire set-up from head to toe.

I'm currently in the process of building the new stand and canopy for it. I'll also be DIY'ng a 55G sump/fuge. I've already drilled the tank for two 1.5" bulkheads but I have yet to make the acrylic overflows for them, so, I'll touch on that a bit when I get back around to it. I also plan on DIY'ing my own LED array and possibly incorporate some T5 lighting into the rig as well.

I've been around a little bit on a couple of the other forum sites but I felt that it was time to hopefully get to know some good people from the local community. This thread is welcome to any and all. Feel free to join along in the process if you'd like, share some thoughts, critisisms, offer opinions and or experiences...It's all good!

Thanks, in advance!


Here's some shots of the frame for the stand coming together...

[hobogato]

looks like a great start, gotta love a good diy build!

[txg8gxp]

Welcome to Maast, you can't go wrong with LED's :)

[StevenSeas]

welcome to Maast, and a great looking DIY build thread to start off with too

[2Quills]

Thanks, Guys and or Girls for the welcome!

I'll probably post a few picks each day for a few days to catch anybody who's interested up to speed with where I'm actually at in the build process. As I mentioned briefly in the introduction, I have already done a little bit of the work. One of the most important things that I did first was drill the tank in order to incorporate the plumbing. So I installed two 1.5" Sch.80 bulkheads and one 3/4" Sch.40 for the return. I do still have to make the overflows but I can show you a few shots to give you an idea of what I have so far.

[2Quills]

Also a few shots of the method that I used to make the holes for the bulkheads. I did it a little bit differently than most might normally drill a tank. This technique was told to me by another hobbiest with 20+ years experience in the hobby. And since it was the first time I ever attempted to drill a tank I figured it was worth a shot. I do have to say that the method was a little bit time consuming, but once I got into it I virtually lost all fear of cracking the tank. It actually went pretty smooth. I just used my dremel and some different sized diamond coated rotary bits. This way I can make any size whole that I want and or enlarge any size hole that I wish....

[RayAllen]

Welcome to Maast. Looks like you are on your way to a great reef tanks.

I have to say that is the 1st time ive seen a tank drilled in that fashion with that tool. Great Job.

[2Quills]

Welcome to Maast. Looks like you are on your way to a great reef tanks.

I have to say that is the 1st time ive seen a tank drilled in that fashion with that tool. Great Job.


Thanks, I certainly do hope so! I've put a fair amount of research and thought into this project. I am not a pro by any means, but my goal here is to ultimately end up with beautiful set-up and hopefully save a little money along the way by doing the vast majority of the work, myself.

I was a little hesitant about the idea of this technique when I first heard it. But I was assured that there wasn't very much to it (which I was glad to hear). If I ever do another tank drill I'll probably just use a hole saw bit and save myself a little time. But it's good to know that I can always use the rotary bits to enlarge a hole to fit Sch.80 bulkheads since most hole saw bits that you find online are sized for the Sch.40 stuff. I do have to say though, it was a good start point for somebody who has never drilled a tank before as there is virtually not nearly the same amount of risk of cracking the tank with this method as there is in the actual drilling method...especially on smaller tanks with thinner glass.

Thanks again for dropping in!

[ErikH]

Welcome to the hobby and our site. Looks like you'll fit right in! :D

[kkiel02]

Very nice. I have never seen a tank drilled like that before but you always learn something new in this hobby! Welcome aboard.

[alton]

Welcome to MAAST and look forward to watching your setup

[txav8r]

Welcome! Looks like yo u are off to a great start!!

[2Quills]

Thanks, guys! That's probably one of the best welcomes that I've had on any site.

Going to share a few more pics of the frame for the stand coming together...

[2Quills]

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[StevenSeas]

dang nice craftsmanship, looking good. I like the built in electrical boxes/outlets? whatever they are its a good idea lol

[2Quills]

dang nice craftsmanship, looking good. I like the built in electrical boxes/outlets? whatever they are its a good idea lol

Thanks! Yeah I wanted to hardwire some outlets and switches into the stand itself. I'll probably feed it it's own circuit. Haven't totally decided yet if I want to do 6 duplex outlets each controled by 6 individual switches or do some of the combo outlet/switch in one for a total of 12 and have each individual powercord on it's own outlet and switch which would give me a little more flexibility.