75 gallon on a budget

[stelliofleondis]

I have started my first 75 gallon reef tank build I will show my way to set up a reef tank

I built the stand using these instructions

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1169964

I learned how to reseal the tank from this channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9...GJuUUhgZaiGZkQ

in my opinion if you are into fish keeping you should follow his channel and watch his videosClick image for larger version

There is a shot of my newly resealed tank and the frame of the stand built both have been tested in my garage for 2 weeks now no problem.

I included the screws I used because they are self tapering and do not need pilot holes.

The tools used for resealing the aquarium and the tools used for building the stand

This build is no where near complete but I will post all the work I do.

If you have any comments advice or questions feel free to comment.

Thank you and lets build a system

[stelliofleondis]

here is the YouTube channel I was directing you toward the other link is broken
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9...GJuUUhgZaiGZkQ

[OldReefGuy]

Stand looks good.What was the total cost on it?

[pisanoal]

Looking good so far.

One thing to note, "self-tapping" screws are great, but just because they say they don't need pilot holes doesn't mean you shouldn't use them in some cirumstances. Hardwoods, or driving a screw through the skinny side of a board are a recipe for splitting if you don't use pilot holes. Your application of them was fine, more for future reference.

[stelliofleondis]

thank you for the advice pisanoal the stand so far cost close too 45$ but I still need to add some plywood sheets and I will make it look good because it is going to be in my living room I will update the thread by the end of the week

[stelliofleondis]

so I have ordered some rocks I already had 30 lbs

http://www.ebay.com/itm/262680576194...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

and an overflow

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252719893326...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I like the fact that it is low profile and am thinking this pump is it

http://www.ebay.com/itm/311777057104?var=610664330222

or this one not sure if anyone has any suggestions let me know

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321650284049

also I got this glass scraper

http://www.ebay.com/itm/112213041149...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[stelliofleondis]

tomorrow I will be getting the plywood to wrap the stand and will be painting it.

[SFish]

What kind a plywood you going to use?

[stelliofleondis]

not sure I have never used it before I will have to rely on the expertise of the home depot employees

[SFish]

Well if you stain it oak is the way to go

[ericarenee]

Originally Posted by SFish

Well if you stain it oak is the way to go

Birch veneer is what is available at most big box stores

[SFish]

Home depot has oak plywood. Depends I guess if he's going to paint or stain.

[reef thief]

what's the black thing surrounding the top of your tank?

[stelliofleondis]

I ended up going with half inch birch but didn't get around to finish wrapping it today I didn't have enough time but made decent progress I will post some pics tomorrow when there is enough light to see clearly thank you for all of your reply's. Honestly this community is one of a kind!

[stelliofleondis]

I have decided I will get this ato thoughts?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281618753608

[Sandy Cheeks]

Seems people like Tunze ATO's your build might not be so nano but neither evaporate the entire volume.

[stelliofleondis]

so the rocks came in today and dam did it take a lot of work to clean them It took about 4 hrs and I had to use a hose and a skinny screwdriver truth be told I would buy them again

http://www.ebay.com/itm/262680576194...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

There are 2 rules when cleaning them 1 make sure no one is home 2 don't tell anyone you spent hours cleaning rocks! if you do one of two things will happen you friends and family will either encourage you to seek counseling or you will be baker acted because they will suspect that you are on drugs.

and here is the progress on my stand I am waiting for my jig saw to come in so I can finish it it will be done soon
WIN_20170127_142307.JPG

WIN_20170127_103135.JPG

WIN_20170127_143101.JPG

[stelliofleondis]

I may order 25 more lbs

[stelliofleondis]

so I am going to round the stand off with crown molding how do I make it so there aren't screws showing?

[MrGuy]

You should have no trouble finding an instructive video...or 100.... on youtube about crown molding how-Tos. Molding is nailed on with fine finishing nails. They aren't visible if nailed in correctly. You can use Glue (construction Adhesive) along with the nails, or even just adhesive and no nails if it's a very small length.

[SFish]

Originally Posted by stelliofleondis

so the rocks came in today and dam did it take a lot of work to clean them It took about 4 hrs and I had to use a hose and a skinny screwdriver truth be told I would buy them again

http://www.ebay.com/itm/262680576194...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

There are 2 rules when cleaning them 1 make sure no one is home 2 don't tell anyone you spent hours cleaning rocks! if you do one of two things will happen you friends and family will either encourage you to seek counseling or you will be baker acted because they will suspect that you are on drugs.

and here is the progress on my stand I am waiting for my jig saw to come in so I can finish it it will be done soon
Attachment 366296

Attachment 366297

Attachment 366298

You think that was bad buy pukani

[stelliofleondis]

Pump finaly came in Booya
WIN_20170204_204751.JPG

[stelliofleondis]

also I ordered
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111509144294...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
to help scape

[stelliofleondis]

im stuck between either building a large door for the stand or 2 smaller ones what u think?

[djbon]

Larger door will help alot when cleaning. You will be glad of having larger door when getting sump in there.