DIY build begins #slowproject#

Papitto

Papitto

PatrickF
Joined
18 Feb 2014
Posts
914
Reaction score
107
Location
Durban north
Building my 1st saltwater tank and it's causing some anxiety reading so much literature and online discussions... but I don't think there's more I can read and think about because... MY GLASS HAS LANDED!!!! :1:
My total volume will be approx. 510L incl. Sump.
I'm gonna start building my stand first with 50mm square tubing nd powder coat it(havent sourced where yet). I will install levelling feet in this build...
So far I have the following equipment:
* Skimz sm121 skimmer
* Hailea 6540 (to be collected)
* 2x Seio M1100 (to be collected)
* Phosban Reactor150

So... wish me luck and please help me along the way on this thread... exciting times ahead :peroni:

IMG_20140328_161426.jpg


IMG_20140328_161447.jpg
 
recommend that you take the stand for galvanising, it saves you lots of trouble later on. salt water gets everywhere. i paid 400 for my stand a few years back and it was the best money i spent on the setup
 
I really want a juvie Niger trigger... but if I can't then a couple safe tangs, anthias, tomato clowns. Smaller grammas and basslets maybe. Not 100% certain right except for Niger trigger. Will see, then later some softies... a progressive tank I'm sure.
I will be building LED units x2 as a start.
 
Great start! Keep them photo's coming:thumbup:

Definitely galvanize (you tend to realize this when living near the coast, even the sea air starts to rust metal). Just remember to drill holes in the frame for the zinc to get in everywhere and so you don't warp the frame (I'm sure you know this, but people forget).

Good luck with the rest of the build!
 
brentch said:
Definitely galvanize (you tend to realize this when living near the coast, even the sea air starts to rust metal). Just remember to drill holes in the frame for the zinc to get in everywhere and so you don't warp the frame (I'm sure you know this, but people forget).
Click to expand...

Actually I didn't know that. I have a family friend that does metal works building the stand for me...
 
Why dont you go for a double base. Just order a sheet of 6mm that is 1496 and ofcourse take away 4mm from width as well.
 
When designing your sump and stand you must remember to allow space to fit and remove the skimmer under the tank for cleaning.masahello
 
Are you placing the base inside your four sides?
 
jclaas said:
Are you placing the base inside your four sides?
Click to expand...

Yes I am, floating the base.
Glass sizes exact:
Base - 1500Lx500W
Back & front - 1520Lx510H
Sides - 510Hx500W

I have 10mm extras that I can use as braces for the bottom sides inside tank. Which I can space 2.5mm from sides? Might that work?
 
Papitto said:
I have 10mm extras that I can use as braces for the bottom sides inside tank. Which I can space 2.5mm from sides? Might that work?
Click to expand...

Sorry i am struggling to see in my mind what you mean with this.

The way i understand it is that if you build the tank with base as is, then if you look at the front wall you will see your left and right side wall stand 2mm to the left and right of your front wall because of the 2mm silicone to the left and right of the base.
 
jclaas said:
Sorry i am struggling to see in my mind what you mean with this.

The way i understand it is that if you build the tank with base as is, then if you look at the front wall you will see your left and right side wall stand 2mm to the left and right of your front wall because of the 2mm silicone to the left and right of the base.
Click to expand...

Sorry jclaas - what I mean is... can I use 2 X 10mm strips to glue at the bottom of the tank on each side(inside tank). Then can have a 2mm silicone seal?
 
Papitto said:
Sorry jclaas - what I mean is... can I use 2 X 10mm strips to glue at the bottom of the tank on each side(inside tank). Then can have a 2mm silicone seal?
Click to expand...

ok now i see what you mean.

I would be concerned about the fact that there is no silicone between the base and side. It may cause friction. You will need to research that or ask a more experienced reefer than me :).
 
As I understand: your sides are too big and so is the front and back taking into consideration the base size?

Glass Should have been as follows:
Base - 1500 x 500 (as is)
Front and back - 1500 x 510(H)
Sides - 480 x 510(h)

give or take 1mm - 2mm for silicone.

Just get another base 1520 x 520 as @Dian6430 suggested.

or just have the glass cut again (your glass) will be cheaper than buying more glass.

I hope my calcs are right:whistling:
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom