55 gallon build: Update: Canopy about finished

Started the slow process of upgrading to a 55 gallon. I found a great deal for a 55 gallon tank with custom stand (partially completed) for $40. I'm moving in 2-3 months, so that will be around the time that I begin to convert my 20 gallon into a 55 gallon.

There is a local limestone quarry nearby that I visit to do monthly water monitoring for work (actually going this week (7/18/12) and I will be picking up some rock to use in my tank. I will need to cure it, but I am not entirely sure how to do so.

I want to build a quality filtration system. I'm looking at a 20 gallon Refugium with a Hydor skimmer and a TBD phosphate reactor. Both of which I am buying used for $60 total. I am also purchasing a heater with a digital thermostat built in. The heater and skimmer proceeds are going through a 3reef charity via Cosmo.

The sump will be the typical 3-compartment design with the skimmer on the left, return in the middle and the refugium on the right.

 

Id just use carbon mesh bags instead of the balls.

 

The right baffles aren't drawn correctly. What is the disadvantage to the bioballs/advantage to bags?

 

Oh I misunderstood. Your skimmer should be in the far left compartment, reactor is fine I think, stick a carbon bag in the return pump section after dosing medicine, otherwise dont.even.use carbon

Use live sand, rock, and macro in the middle(refugium)

 

I feel like it will be difficult to use the sock filter and skimmer in the same compartment. Am I wrong?

 

Canopy

 

Very nice frame. What do you plan to skin it with?

 

Thank you. I will be using 1/4 birch to keep it light weight. I'm going to mount a 3 1/2 foot piece of aluminum conduit on the underside of the top to hang my LED from (and potentially a second one down the road). I will also be placing two doors on the front.

I plan on staining and coating everything with a spar urethane that is made to coat outdoor decks to prevent water and salt damage.

 

I am going to alter the canopy this week. Im going to bring the vertical supports out from the inside to allow me a vertical nailing platform for the birch facade.

 

I altered the vertical supports to make them flush. It will be easier to nail the birch wood into the frame that way.