Will's 40g frag tank (New lights on the 80g!!! Post 85)

The pics are what I got done today. The in laws showed up so i wasn't able to get anymore done. Hopefully I can get at it tomorrow. Hopefully. Their still here.

 

The in laws are still here so not going to make it to the stand today.... Bummer.
I keep looking at the pics and I know it looks like a real big stand.
Future plans to upgrade the tank. I built this super sturdy. The top piece of wood is also 1" marine grade plywood. Plenty of supports and I was able to get on top and move around and the stand didn't even budge.
Once I get it all painted, skinned and put in place it won't look as big.
I really would like some feedback. Positive or negative.
Always open to constructive criticism.
Thank you.

 

I guess my only comment is that the stand looks really big with that little tank on it I am sure it will look good when done though Will.

 

Thanks Marshall! Appreciate the feedback.
I have been looking at it and thinking a lot about it. I dont think it will look half bad once it is painted and skinned. I am going to run with this and if it dowsnt look good I'll take some off the top. Also looking to build a canopy of some sort. I already accomplished the first part and now just kinda making it as I go. Whatever I think looks good I'll go with.
The feedback is appreciated.

 

Dan, you and I are doing almost the same thing.

I'm going bare bottom in a 20 gal long, drilled one corner hole for the overflow. Bought pipe and a tile diamond drill at HD (1 3/8" ). Simply siliconed the pipe in place. ( I should say that I bought two threaded pieces, put silicone all over and screwed it tightly together. )

This is only my 2nd tank. I started back in April, I think, with a fluval 6 gallon, enclosed top. Stupid idea, as I can't get in or out of the tank to do any work.

Gonna try to use the fluval as a coarse aragonite sand bed refugium, with some leftover liverock, since everything in the tank is happy now, especially all the plant hitchhikers. (you'll see once I post a pic or two. no plant eaters in the tank right now. Getting a bit crowded in there. Can't hardly see my fish! ) Moving the inverts and an orchid dotty into the 20.

My setup looks terrible compared to everyone elses, but I have it hidden away down in the basement next to my computers. ( yeah, yeah, computers and saltwater, I know... )
So, no fancy lights. No fancy setup, but the animals all seem to be happy. I just like looking at the animals. Cheaping out on the equipment for now...

I'll post some more stuff for you to look at tonight or tomorrow.

Do you have any thoughts on the sturdiness of the bottom of the tank you bought? I bought the Tetra tank and the bottom seemed REALLY thin after I drilled it. Like 1/8" or 3/16" thin. I'm going to test fill it outside, and try putting several bricks, and possibly a light cinderblock, inside just to make sure it will hold.

I'll start a new tank thread later tonight.

 

Tonight I was able to work on the stand a bit. I shortened it. I shortened it about 12". It is now 36" tall. I am very happy with the size now. It does not look like a tiny tank on a ginormous stand. I also got the back panel in, mounted the light hanger and I am very happy with it ATM.
Let me know what you think.
Again feedback is appreciated.

 

Disregard my plan to do a canopy of some sort. I am happy with the way it looks without one. Also really happy with the spread from that clamp on mh. It definitely gives off some good light.

 

I think the stand will look good in black. Your little one is so cute!
Is the tank below a sump? If it is, and since I'm trying to learn more about these set ups, why wouldn't you want to put the sump right next to the frag or main tank? The way I see it, you'd need less piping and prevent overflows.

 

Thanks Anya. Yea she's my little buddy. She loves the fishies.
The reason and this is from what I've read and from my experience is that the sump needs gravity. If it was right next to the tank there would be no way for the water to enter the sump. You couldn't do 2 pumps because there would be no way to sync the 2 even if they are identical.
Granted there are systems and ways around it. It could be something like a jbj where the filtration is in the back of the tank. It can be done the way you suggested but the dt just has to be higher than the sump.
I want to minimize what is on top because in the future I plan to upgrade the dt when the timing is right.
Yes, under the tank will house a 10g fuge that sits 9" off the bottom with a bulkhead fitting and plumbing draining to the sump which is a 20g right in the middle. that will house the skimmer and lr and to the right is another 20g tank that I will use as my ATO reservoir. I will also have a 1'x2' open area that will house reactors or anything else I decide to run. (Haven't gotten there yet).