My "New" 30 Gallon Build

The way it is designed, ties are unecessary. All of the load is supported by the wood, not screws. The legs are pocket screwed to the top and bottom frame. The weight put on the top frame transfers into the legs and down to the bottom frame. There is no where in the entire stand that any substantial weight is supported by screws. They are just there to hold things together.

 

Ordered my skimmer, it should be here Tues. or Weds. I went with the Coralife Super Skimmer 65g. I have seen where some people like them and some don't, but for me the price was right and I have not seen where anybody just flat out hates them. I had looked at the Odyssea bak pak clone, but decided against it. The coralife looks better built to me and I just read to many negative things about the Odysseas and SeaClones etc... I am looking at doing a sump/fuge in the near future and I think the dual purpose capability of the Coralife will make that a much easier transition on my wallet etc...