SC Aquariums Owners Thread - Page 85

aiber · 04/30/2017, 07:58 PM

Hello. Trying to determine the height of my ATS. It will be in the middle section of the sump on an independent pump. My question is, how high does the water level go up in the middle section? Is it the height of the lower baffles or the higher ones?

Thanks

aiber · 04/30/2017, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJoFan

This has probably been covered but how does one possibly make the parts included with the stock pump actually connect to the pump and provided hose? The barb that fits the hose doesn't fit the pump....or am I missing something?

What size tank? Same thing happened to me. I am just going to use flexible PVC and add a 3/4" male adapter to the pump. Not going to use the green tubes at all for my plumbing.

KJoFan · 04/30/2017, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aiber

What size tank? Same thing happened to me. I am just going to use flexible PVC and add a 3/4" male adapter to the pump. Not going to use the green tubes at all for my plumbing.

The 66g. Seems silly that the plumbing doesn't fit the tubing that comes with the tank.

aiber · 04/30/2017, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJoFan

The 66g. Seems silly that the plumbing doesn't fit the tubing that comes with the tank.

I guess you can use it with a clamp but that would be risky.

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d0ughb0y · 05/01/2017, 12:45 AM

I am currently refurbishing the stand for my 50 cube.
The stand is veneer on mdf (or maybe plywood? I'm not sure).

I already took the pieces apart. The previous owners did not really take care of the stand. All the cams simply crumbled from rust. I just ordered a new set of cam and dowels and hinges.

parts of the veneer have lifted or chipped off. So I will try to flatten them first. Not sure if it will work or not. I watched some youtube videos on using wood filler or bondo to fix the chips, so I'll be doing that.

Then I plan to sand and paint it.

I want the outside color to be like cherry wood to match all my furniture.
Can someone please help me by providing link to primer, paint or stain, varnish or coating the I will need for this?

Thanks.

soulpatch · 05/01/2017, 07:34 AM

You have an MDF stand with a vaneer on top of it to mimic wood. You cant really stain that as the stain has nothign to sink into. I guess you could pull it and stain the MDF but then you are asking for issues as the veneer helps protect the MDF from soaking up water and any effort to seal the MDF would negate staining.

Why not just buy a cherry wood veneer? Wrap the MDF with the veneer of your choosing to match your other furniture.

d0ughb0y · 05/01/2017, 09:13 AM

I want to go the simplest route and try to reuse/save the current stand if possible. I think removing the old veneer and installing a new one may be more work than just getting plywood and building a new stand.

The bottom edge of the stand is pretty much lifted, I think even the mdf expanded. I'm not sure if it can be pressed back. I'll try to wet it and clamp it down, but that might chip the veneer further. It's like the previous owners left the stand soaking in salt water.

soulpatch · 05/01/2017, 09:19 AM

I would replace personally. With the amount of damage I am not sure I woudl trust the MDF long term.

Veneer is pretty simple to work with but given the amount of damage and warping you state I would siply spend my time and money to replace. You will be putting in the time regardless rehabbing this one or building a new one so I would think it is better spent building a proper stand. As for cost that is determined at how special you want it to be.

1/2-3/4" plywood, a couple 2x4s, stain, appliance epoxy paint for interior, save hinges from current stand if ok condition and door hardware if any. Get a kreg pocket hole tool if you dont have one already, some wood glue and screws. Tell the Misses to go out with her mom or somethign for the day and have at it.

aiber · 05/01/2017, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulpatch

I would replace personally. With the amount of damage I am not sure I woudl trust the MDF long term.

Veneer is pretty simple to work with but given the amount of damage and warping you state I would siply spend my time and money to replace. You will be putting in the time regardless rehabbing this one or building a new one so I would think it is better spent building a proper stand. As for cost that is determined at how special you want it to be.

1/2-3/4" plywood, a couple 2x4s, stain, appliance epoxy paint for interior, save hinges from current stand if ok condition and door hardware if any. Get a kreg pocket hole tool if you dont have one already, some wood glue and screws. Tell the Misses to go out with her mom or somethign for the day and have at it.

Get a new stand! My 2 cents.

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d0ughb0y · 05/01/2017, 10:34 AM

scaquariums does not list any cabinet for sale.
cadlights has one for $300 + $65 shipping (and maybe sales tax) for a 50gallon system.
I have seen the cadlights stand at lfs, it is glossy white finish.

soulpatch · 05/01/2017, 10:40 AM

call Steve as he sells stands by themselves as well but the website does not note this.

d0ughb0y · 05/01/2017, 12:41 PM

mdf stand available in black or white only for $250 shipped.
I may just build one using plywood if I am unable to restore the old stand.

Desert Sea · 05/01/2017, 06:52 PM

If you have the opportunity to build a new stand, now's the time to do it. Pick up some cherry plywood and build it the way you want it. Will be better than sticking with the MF one.

soulpatch · 05/01/2017, 07:35 PM

If you build your own then it is the perfect time to build a matching electronics cabinet or design your stand in such a way so as to have a separate electronics area. Lots of cool things you can do.

Robb/Scottsdale/AZ · 05/02/2017, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d0ughb0y

mdf stand available in black or white only for $250 shipped.
I may just build one using plywood if I am unable to restore the old stand.

Steve has plywood stands available, send him an email. I was able to order mine in a custom height so I could have more working room. Not everything they offer is on their web site.

Id buy another plywood stand from him again, if I had to.

MDF as an aquarium stand and a sump cabinet, where its subject to humidity and leaks just isnt worth the hassle.

d0ughb0y · 05/02/2017, 02:29 PM

based on the full system listing, the "wood" cabinet system costs $100 more than mdf, and "oak plywood" cabinet system costs $150 more.

how much did you pay for the stand?

Robb/Scottsdale/AZ · 05/02/2017, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d0ughb0y

based on the full system listing, the "wood" cabinet system costs $100 more than mdf, and "oak plywood" cabinet system costs $150 more.

how much did you pay for the stand?

No idea. I threw a list of all what I wanted and the specs, and he came back with a price that was reasonable so I paid the man.

I want to say it was like $400 or $450 ? was quoted 2-week lead time on the stand but it was a lot longer for the tank since I had it drilled for a Synergy shadow overflow box. No tax and free shipping of course.

asonitez · 05/03/2017, 09:07 PM

I finally got some pictures of the boxed finished products. I give you THE TANK and Sump. It looks beautiful. Now if it can only get to me before I freakin leave!

Starphire 80ish Gal Sump!

cincyjim · 05/04/2017, 04:43 AM

Just so you know, when you get the tank and open the box, there is a Styrofoam sheet that you need to keep. It will be on top of the tank and black in color. It needs to be placed on top of the stand (under the tank) to ensure there is even pressure on the bottom of the glass. I didn't know about this and threw mine away with the rest of the packaging. I called Steve and he recommended that I use a yoga mat not more than 1/4" thick which is what I did use. I actually recommend that you use the yoga mat instead of the thin Styrofoam sheet as it is thicker and provides a better cushion for the tank to rest on the stand. What size tank did you get?

asonitez · 05/04/2017, 05:59 AM

I got a 60x30x25

cincyjim · 05/04/2017, 06:00 AM

Sweet... 180 gallon I'm guessing.

asonitez · 05/04/2017, 07:10 AM

Yeah I think it averages around 180 after displacement. lol I actually never calculated I only cared about the dimensions

Desert Sea · 05/04/2017, 06:05 PM

Nice looking tank. I'm waiting on a quote for my custom 150g from Steve.

Noticed that it looks like they changed the way they do the eurobracing. They used to overlap the bracing in the corners. Did you request the bracing to be butt jointed versus overlapped?

asonitez · 05/05/2017, 12:03 PM

I requested it

Desert Sea · 05/05/2017, 02:07 PM

I did the same as well along with a few other mods.

04/30/2017, 07:58 PM	#2101
aiber Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida Posts: 646	Hello. Trying to determine the height of my ATS. It will be in the middle section of the sump on an independent pump. My question is, how high does the water level go up in the middle section? Is it the height of the lower baffles or the higher ones? Thanks __________________ Albert Current Tank Info: 50 Gall. Cube Reef Tank

05/01/2017, 07:34 AM	#2106
soulpatch Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 4,017	You have an MDF stand with a vaneer on top of it to mimic wood. You cant really stain that as the stain has nothign to sink into. I guess you could pull it and stain the MDF but then you are asking for issues as the veneer helps protect the MDF from soaking up water and any effort to seal the MDF would negate staining. Why not just buy a cherry wood veneer? Wrap the MDF with the veneer of your choosing to match your other furniture. __________________ 150 SC tank build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2550948 Some have bar tabs. I have a coral tab at my LFS. Life goals.

05/01/2017, 09:19 AM	#2108
soulpatch Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 4,017	I would replace personally. With the amount of damage I am not sure I woudl trust the MDF long term. Veneer is pretty simple to work with but given the amount of damage and warping you state I would siply spend my time and money to replace. You will be putting in the time regardless rehabbing this one or building a new one so I would think it is better spent building a proper stand. As for cost that is determined at how special you want it to be. 1/2-3/4" plywood, a couple 2x4s, stain, appliance epoxy paint for interior, save hinges from current stand if ok condition and door hardware if any. Get a kreg pocket hole tool if you dont have one already, some wood glue and screws. Tell the Misses to go out with her mom or somethign for the day and have at it. __________________ 150 SC tank build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2550948 Some have bar tabs. I have a coral tab at my LFS. Life goals.

05/01/2017, 10:40 AM	#2111
soulpatch Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 4,017	call Steve as he sells stands by themselves as well but the website does not note this. __________________ 150 SC tank build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2550948 Some have bar tabs. I have a coral tab at my LFS. Life goals.

05/01/2017, 07:35 PM	#2114
soulpatch Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 4,017	If you build your own then it is the perfect time to build a matching electronics cabinet or design your stand in such a way so as to have a separate electronics area. Lots of cool things you can do. __________________ 150 SC tank build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2550948 Some have bar tabs. I have a coral tab at my LFS. Life goals.

05/01/2017, 12:45 AM	#2105
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	I am currently refurbishing the stand for my 50 cube. The stand is veneer on mdf (or maybe plywood? I'm not sure). I already took the pieces apart. The previous owners did not really take care of the stand. All the cams simply crumbled from rust. I just ordered a new set of cam and dowels and hinges. parts of the veneer have lifted or chipped off. So I will try to flatten them first. Not sure if it will work or not. I watched some youtube videos on using wood filler or bondo to fix the chips, so I'll be doing that. Then I plan to sand and paint it. I want the outside color to be like cherry wood to match all my furniture. Can someone please help me by providing link to primer, paint or stain, varnish or coating the I will need for this? Thanks.

05/01/2017, 09:13 AM	#2107
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	I want to go the simplest route and try to reuse/save the current stand if possible. I think removing the old veneer and installing a new one may be more work than just getting plywood and building a new stand. The bottom edge of the stand is pretty much lifted, I think even the mdf expanded. I'm not sure if it can be pressed back. I'll try to wet it and clamp it down, but that might chip the veneer further. It's like the previous owners left the stand soaking in salt water.

05/01/2017, 10:34 AM	#2110
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	scaquariums does not list any cabinet for sale. cadlights has one for $300 + $65 shipping (and maybe sales tax) for a 50gallon system. I have seen the cadlights stand at lfs, it is glossy white finish.

05/01/2017, 12:41 PM	#2112
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	mdf stand available in black or white only for $250 shipped. I may just build one using plywood if I am unable to restore the old stand.

05/01/2017, 06:52 PM	#2113
Desert Sea Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 294	If you have the opportunity to build a new stand, now's the time to do it. Pick up some cherry plywood and build it the way you want it. Will be better than sticking with the MF one.

05/02/2017, 02:29 PM	#2116
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	based on the full system listing, the "wood" cabinet system costs $100 more than mdf, and "oak plywood" cabinet system costs $150 more. how much did you pay for the stand?

05/03/2017, 09:07 PM	#2118
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	I finally got some pictures of the boxed finished products. I give you THE TANK and Sump. It looks beautiful. Now if it can only get to me before I freakin leave! Starphire 80ish Gal Sump!

05/04/2017, 04:43 AM	#2119
cincyjim Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,147	Just so you know, when you get the tank and open the box, there is a Styrofoam sheet that you need to keep. It will be on top of the tank and black in color. It needs to be placed on top of the stand (under the tank) to ensure there is even pressure on the bottom of the glass. I didn't know about this and threw mine away with the rest of the packaging. I called Steve and he recommended that I use a yoga mat not more than 1/4" thick which is what I did use. I actually recommend that you use the yoga mat instead of the thin Styrofoam sheet as it is thicker and provides a better cushion for the tank to rest on the stand. What size tank did you get? __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: SCA 150G, 5 inch sand bed, 2 Tunze 6095s, ReefBreeders v2+ 50" with 2 all Blue Reefbrites, and Continuous Water Change System

05/04/2017, 05:59 AM	#2120
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	I got a 60x30x25

05/04/2017, 06:00 AM	#2121
cincyjim Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,147	Sweet... 180 gallon I'm guessing. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: SCA 150G, 5 inch sand bed, 2 Tunze 6095s, ReefBreeders v2+ 50" with 2 all Blue Reefbrites, and Continuous Water Change System

05/04/2017, 07:10 AM	#2122
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	Yeah I think it averages around 180 after displacement. lol I actually never calculated I only cared about the dimensions

05/04/2017, 06:05 PM	#2123
Desert Sea Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 294	Nice looking tank. I'm waiting on a quote for my custom 150g from Steve. Noticed that it looks like they changed the way they do the eurobracing. They used to overlap the bracing in the corners. Did you request the bracing to be butt jointed versus overlapped?

05/05/2017, 12:03 PM	#2124
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	I requested it

05/05/2017, 02:07 PM	#2125
Desert Sea Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 294	I did the same as well along with a few other mods.