55g Build Design

Ok, that doesn't sound too bad, but it may be overkill, but you may want to consider bolting them or using lag bolts instead of plain screws. When finished you can easily have nearly a half ton resting on those joints.

 

It will be about 700lb. Yes bolting it together is a good idea. I will use bolts on the main joints and screws on the less important stuff, with 3/4" plywood around the stand which will strengthen it greatly. I know it will probably be overkill. But I would rather that than than it break. My current tank stand is built in this same design. It will be extremely heavy. That's the only downside. lol But it should be, it's holding 1/4 to 1/2 ton! We will also support this from beneath the floor, using floor jacks + framing b/w joists.

 

How many lb's substrate would I need to get about a 2-3" all around? I don't want a DSB, but not too shallow either. But I would rather it be shallow than deep. What would be the depth of the substrate if I had a 30lb bag of Argamax? The tank has a 1' X 4' footprint.

 

My idea for possibly having automated equipment.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/new-build-new-ideas-89437.html#post904689

Just throwing ideas around.

 

dont order live rock. by the time it gets to you, its mostly dead. might as well save the money and get base rock. its 2.50 a lb at ReefCleaners.org | Clean Up Crews and Macro Algae - Home marco rocks also has it for cheap. it will save you about 200 bucks.

 

yeah not sure on rock either. I will most likely get rock from my LFS which has almost fully cured LR for about $3.50/lb. I'll get base rock too though. I think I'll end up getting 30 lb LR and 30 lb BR. Not an exact amount yet. Any comments on my automated equipment? (thread: New build, new ideas)

 

http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/lets-try-again-rock-wall-89618.html#post907312

Rock wall of caves & cliffs! Check it out.

 

I got pretty bored earlier so I decided I would draw out my final sketch. Hopefully no more changes..



I apologize for the sloppy handwriting...I edited the Sketchup file in Photoshop.

Green Line: Overflow to sump
Blue Line: reutrn line to DT
Purple Scribbles: LR scape

 

Bump...

 

Should I go with an Eheim 1250 or 1260 for the return pump? 5ft head.