First tank build ever. 75 gallon start to finish with pics

[kdog308]

Hello everyone, as I promised I will be keeping everyone updated on my new build. I'm still a ways off but heres what I have so far. It is a 75 gallon all glass on top of my DIY stand I made from 2x4's and red oak. (still need to add corner moulding and doors. A 38 gallon sump. (design will be from left: skimmer area, return, then refugium. Refugium will be feed overflow water from a T off one of the overflow lines.)





SWC 160 cone skimmer, Mag 9.5, eshopps duel p-1000 overflow, 300 watt fennix heater, and 2 Korilia 1050 evo.



Lights will be here tuesday. 48" T5HO Tek light. Still need to get all my Salifert tests, Bulbs for the fixture, B-ionic 2 part, refractometer, and a RO/DI unit. Will take more photos as things progress. Slowly saving the money for everything. I want my tank to go off without a hitch so I'm buying everything new and I want to make sure I have everything before I add water and rock. If anyone has any suggestions fell free to post.

[mudskipper1]

What are your goals for the tank? I wouldn't rule out buying used, really good deals are definitely out there, and for the most part the equipment is in good shape.

but it looks promising so far!

[kdog308]

Originally Posted by mudskipper1

What are your goals for the tank? I wouldn't rule out buying used, really good deals are definitely out there, and for the most part the equipment is in good shape.

but it looks promising so far!

Will I plan having a mix of just about anything I can keep. Nothing is set in stone. And about buying used items, I would just rather get them new. Makes me appreciate it that much more

[kdog308]

Got my lights today, to bad I dont have the bulbs yet so I cant turn it on.




In one of the pics you can see my daughter helping me out, shes just as excited as I am. Cant wait to see these on. going to go with 4x ATI blue+ 1x UVL Actinic white, and 1x GE startcoat 6500k. On a further note you all have talked me into drilling my tank. So that I dont spend countless hours researching it please help me determine the size of the 2 overflows (bulkheads) I should use and were should I get a good overflow box. I was thinking about drilling the holes on the upper right hand side of the tank. any suggestions will be apreciated. I hope aquacave will take the eshopps overflow back, I got it 30 days ago?

[2Addicted]

It looks like your off to a good start. Are you going to hang the light or does it have legs? Remember when you start adding livestock go slow. If You take it slow and do some research you will be much happier in the end. Good luck!

Edit: Also have you thought about painting the back of the tank? You will regret it if you dont.

[kdog308]

Originally Posted by 2Addicted

It looks like your off to a good start. Are you going to hang the light or does it have legs? Remember when you start adding livestock go slow. If You take it slow and do some research you will be much happier in the end. Good luck!

Edit: Also have you thought about painting the back of the tank? You will regret it if you dont.

I have ordered the legs for it. It sucks that i had to order them seprate, seems like it should have come with them

[kdog308]

Great news people, Called aquacave and they said I could return the HOB overflow. My question is this, I looked at a site called glass holes .com and found complete overflow kits. They come with the elbows, overflow box, diamond hole saw, and bulkheads. Would the 1500 GPH kit be overkill for my tank? The reason I ask is because on that site the next size down is a 700 GPH kit and that doesent seem like I'll be able to upgrade my 9.5 mag drive if I ever want to, 700 doesent seem like that much. Any help would be great. Or does anyone else have suggestions about what to get as far as an overflow is concerned.

[mudskipper1]

going too high isn't really ever a problem other than cost, and it might take up a little space, but being too small can cause noise and other limitations, so i would probably go with the bigger one for comfort.

[kdog308]

Originally Posted by mudskipper1

going too high isn't really ever a problem other than cost, and it might take up a little space, but being too small can cause noise and other limitations, so i would probably go with the bigger one for comfort.

Thanks for that tidbit. I think ill go with the 1500 GPH overflow from glass holes.com. does anyone have experiance with these overflows? And could someone suggest were I drill the holes? Of course I will drill the upper back but were on the back is my question or does it really matter. The tank is an aqueon standard 75 gallon so the panels shouldent be tempered right? Sorry so many questions. Just want to get it right

[slumpysix]

well I think I have to follow your lead since I have begun the same adventure.. do us proud! nice job so far....

[kdog308]

Took back the HOB overflow and installed a glass holes 1500, I couldent be happier. Thanks for the advice peoples.



I still have some plumbing issues to work out. Just need to get my light bulbs, Tek light legs (bracket),Salifert testing equipment, refractometer, salt, and ro/di unit and im good to go. Been a slow process but im glad I'm buying things as I get the money instead of cutting corners. $1300.00 in so far and a boatload more to go .

[Liquid Hobby]

paint the back glass!

[Ucantwin]

What do u plan on keeping in the tank?

[Anthonius]

I have the exact same project going at the same time same g-h 1500 kit and all... by the way i second the opinion on painting the back. i painted mine and it looks great. just ordered a small cuc from reefcleaners last night which i set to have delivered next tuesday.

Krylon Fusion seems to stick well to the glass. If you do go the route of painting the back then make sure you do 2-3 coats so its nice and thick and no light leaks through.