Chuck's 150 Gallon Reef Project - Page 8

atlantic reefer · #71 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 03:28 AM

something i'm thinking on - never seen it before - is have a sand texture to the stand.

ChuckG · #72 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 03:51 AM

Doable. I could do anything to the panels. Then it would match my walls. I think I'd prefer something that stands out rather than blends in.

I've already ordered magnets so I'm definately doing some type of panel job.

On to the next order of business: Planning the sump area

Below is the diagram I just came up with. This utilizes two aquariums drilled simply to make a bigger sump. I'd be looking for tank dimensions 30x12x16 if there is such a critter. I don't think I need any baffles except near the end so that water evap would be more noticeable in that last section.

warloc · #73 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 09:55 AM

A thought that came was that whole "pimp my ride" and apply it to the underneath of the aquarium where your sump is. You could create a nice and interesting habitat out of that first holding tank and have it lit etc. I'm talking macro algae etc which would help in providing a good place to have "bugs" as the gf calls them grow. I recently had seen this at one of the more specialized reef shops.

In another thought you could create the illusion of a stand by creating a skirt and not attaching anything to the metal. A three sided skirt freestanding that fit snug around that metal frame would allow for a lot more "interesting" architecture without having to work with load of the tank etc on it. A suggestion would be to look at some of frank lloyd wright and his architecture designs... If you want something a bit more interesting you could look into some of the post modern design. I also might not just consider the wood and the frame and the planks used but also what you might be able to achieve with pattern, stain, paint, and woodworking.

Just my thoughts.
Warloc

**phlounder** · #74 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 01:53 PM

Looks good to me Chuck. I wish I had all the room that you do. On second thought, maybe it's a good thing that I don't.

ChuckG · #75 (**permalink**) 02-10-2007, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warloc

You could create a nice and interesting habitat out of that first holding tank and have it lit etc. I'm talking macro algae etc which would help in providing a good place to have "bugs" as the gf calls them grow.

In another thought you could create the illusion of a stand by creating a skirt and not attaching anything to the metal. A three sided skirt freestanding that fit snug around that metal frame would allow for a lot more "interesting" architecture without having to work with load of the tank etc on it.

What you speak of in your first paragraph is a Refugium. I will have a "fuge". Note in the diagram coming off the main pump is a T that will feed the fuge.

I have seen a 3 sided skirt set up that someone else did. Although it looked good, I just don't like the idea of having to pull the whole unit out for access. I realize that doors could be put on it that would allow access for most procedures. I still think I'm going to go with panels and magnets at this point. If it doesn't work out I can always change things down the road since I'm not drilling any holes or anything into the frame.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phlounder

Looks good to me Chuck. I wish I had all the room that you do. On second thought, maybe it's a good thing that I don't.

Room? - Where? I'm out of room. I guess I do have a lot to work with considering most are trying to put everything for a system simply under the cabinet. But then again, they aren't setting up a salt mixing station, frag tank, etc under there either.

If I had it my way I'd take over the whole spare bedroom and turn the 5' x 6' room into the guest room. My wife wasn't too keen on that idea.

atlantic reefer · #76 (**permalink**) 02-10-2007, 12:18 AM

Quote:

If I had it my way I'd take over the whole spare bedroom and turn the 5' x 6' room into the guest room. My wife wasn't too keen on that idea.

Don't worry about your wife. I give you full permission.

ChuckG · #77 (**permalink**) 02-10-2007, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atlantic reefer

Don't worry about your wife. I give you full permission.

She says you'll be the first one invited over and she hopes you are over 6' tall.

Actually, I currently have the entire spare bedroom taken over with my holding tanks till the new system is up. She wants it back.

ChuckG · #78 (**permalink**) 02-10-2007, 02:36 AM

Latest Challenge:

I didn't think about it at the time I had the new frame made that it would be nice to have levelers put on the legs. Now that I've had it powder coated I don't want to have anything welded on to the frame. I've been searching the net all night tonight attempting to find a place that would have a leveler cap similar to the photo attached but to fit 1.5 x 2.0 inch tubular steel. If anyone knows where I can buy them - please tell me.

Why don't I just write the company that I found that photo from? I found it at some kind of importer's website. I traced down local distributors and it led me to a place called Miller Bearings. I found their website and they are a place that sells auto parts. I can't call them until tomorrow but I have a funny feeling that they are going to tell me that they have no idea what I'm talking about.

The leveler needs to be able to handle about 1500 lbs.

Daggs · #79 (**permalink**) 02-10-2007, 05:59 AM

ChuckG,

What your looking for are called insert glides. I know took me forever to find them for a stand i built for my brother. So, I think this in an example of what your looking for.

Plastic Furniture Components
About 3/4 of the page down.
The one you want are the ajustable ones. Also you will have to get the insert gromets. Check out the PDF links they give a little more detail on them.

Edit: Oh and one more thing i forgot to add, the weight allowance on them is "Each". So you can add the four legs up to hold your weight of the tank. The industry also does that with casters.

**DaveK** · #80 (**permalink**) 02-10-2007, 01:46 PM

Before you go out and add levelers on the legs consider the floor where you are going to put the tank. You'll have the entire weight of the tank on only 4 points. This is a lot of weight spread out over a very small area.

Also, you will very seldom move the tank once it's set up.

Your best alternative might be to get a package of shims for Home Depot, and shim all along the areas that need it. This way you'll have the weight spread out much better.

If your floor is level, and your stand construction square, you will not even need to shim it, and you'll get the best weight distribution of all.