72 Gallon Reef build. "001"

Hello everyone. I am brand new to the hobby, maybe only 3 weeks in. I have been searching for a good deal on a tank for these 3 weeks and finally came across one. In a little saltwater shop here in Arizona, I just happened to find a 72 Gallon Oceanic single overflow drilled tank with stand for just $140! Needless to say, I snatched it up as soon as I walked in the door.





They both need a little TLC. Luckily for me, the stand is unfinished and will be easy to wipe down with mineral spirits, stain and seal. The trim around the tank is also is getting a make over. I picked up some iron on wood strips so I can try to match the trim to the stand as close as possible. The tank itself is in great condition. No scratches anywhere from what i can tell.

I also have already picked up my plumbing for the sump which is being constructed as we speak. I have chosen to go with a 29 gallon tank. I'm leaving about a 12" wide section for the protein skimmer but not really sure which one to get yet. I'm hoping to have the sump completed by the weekend.

I have already chosen to go with LED lighting. Not sure which exact model yet , but I'm researching that now.

More to come soon! Very soon!8)

 

Congrats!

And it already drilled with an over flow, excellent.

Great size for starting out.

 

First update!

Got the new trim all put on and sanded smooth.




Also got the stand sanded and wiped down with mineral spirits.



Everything is about to get stained tonight. ;D Will have updates tomorrow after they dry and get one or two coats of polyurethane.

 

Looking very good! Are you going to do a drilled return? (from the pics it looks like you just have a drilled drain)

 

Yeah, it's only drilled to drain. I'll prolly just leave it that way for now. Are there benefits to having a drilled return vs the top return besides a cleaner look?

 

Basically aesthetics as you thought.

 

Looking really good and you got a whale of a deal! Welcome to the hobby!

 

Thanks! I really have no idea whats a good buy and whats not yet but when I saw that I just couldn't pass it up.

 

Well no update on the stand or tank yet. It's stained but needs a few touch up areas before it is polyurethane'd. Should match my home office furniture great though.

In other news I picked up my 29 gallon sump today. It came out just fine for my needs. I should have plenty of room for what ever skimmer I decide to go with.



Also, while I was at the shop today, I grabbed the last LED aquarium light they had! They said I was lucky because they wouldn't of gotten anymore for at least 3 weeks. It is a 55 LED, 165W, dual dim-able fixture. Hopefully this should have no problem penetrating to all areas of the tank.




Getting closer to start up! :biggrinbo

 

Nice! How are you going to setup the sump (i.e. left inlet/skimmer, middle return, right 'fuge)? And nice pickup on the light. You do indeed have a similar light as mine. It is essentially an Evergrow D120. It actually runs at 120V since they LEDs run around 2W each instead of 3. One does a 2' area completely, but should still allow you to do lower light corals on the sides of your 72. Should work out well I think.