First tank build

[Brian Mountain]

Well,
I finally took the first step in getting my first tank on its way, with the stand. As I progress, I would love feedback and opinions. The stand will be for a 60" 120 gallon tank. It may be a little overkill, but well.... you know.....

Thanks to several of you for the tips thus far on the build!

 

[Reeflogic]

Well, the great thing is... if push came to shove, you could park a vehicle on top of that beast lol. It's certainly not going anywhere Great start Brian!

 

[BlueDevil]

Now that is one solid looking stand! Just out of curiosity (since I'll ultimately have to build a similar stand), are you going to have your sump inside the stand? If so, are you planning on having any vertical supporting beam in the middle of the front and back of the stand? I should probably ask - are those support beams needed to handle the weight of the tank, or are the corner beams sufficient?

Looking forward to seeing your progress. You're off to a great start!

 

[Rob.D]

The weight of aquariums are on the edges, not the center (I think?)......that is the perfect example of "overbuilt"!!!

 

[BlueDevil]

The weight of aquariums are on the edges, not the center (I think?)......that is the perfect example of "overbuilt"!!!

Thanks for the clarification, Rob! I've always wondered that myself and didn't want to build one without that beam is it compromised the structure.

 

[cale0721]

Awesome - I'm following

 

[WVReefJunkie]

Iam going to suggest this, the center board in the bottom of the stand you could lay flat to give you four more inches of clearance. This will make it easier to get equipment in and out of the sump. Skimmers can be tall if you plan on running one.

 

[cee]

The weight of aquariums are on the edges, not the center (I think?)......that is the perfect example of "overbuilt"!!!

Generally true but some of the rimless are flat bottomed. My 120 stand was all 1" oak ply with no 2X? so this is indeed overbuilt. Beats the alternative...

 

[Chriscrna]

Looks good man. How tall did you end up making it?

 

[Brian Mountain]

Now that is one solid looking stand! Just out of curiosity (since I'll ultimately have to build a similar stand), are you going to have your sump inside the stand? If so, are you planning on having any vertical supporting beam in the middle of the front and back of the stand? I should probably ask - are those support beams needed to handle the weight of the tank, or are the corner beams sufficient?

Looking forward to seeing your progress. You're off to a great start!

Yes, I will have the sump inside of the stand. I won't be using any center support, as I have built the corners up... just a tad : )

 

[Brian Mountain]

Looks good man. How tall did you end up making it?

I did 36" It will be going on a super tall wall in a vaulted LR. I was going to have to get a stool anyway...

 

[Brian Mountain]

Iam going to suggest this, the center board in the bottom of the stand you could lay flat to give you four more inches of clearance. This will make it easier to get equipment in and out of the sump. Skimmers can be tall if you plan on running one.

Good idea

 

[Leggmantn2015]

Updates

 

[Chriscrna]

(Everyone chanting)

"Updates, updates, updates!"

 

[KJ]

Nice job Brian.

 

[Brian Mountain]

So, I finally pulled the trigger and got the tank, sump and rock. I'm working on rock design now. I just posted a thread asking about rock stuff. Now I'm trying to get the wife to decide on a few particulars on the look of the stand. Just as soon as I get that nailed down, I hope to finish the stand and get it stained.
Went with the Eshopps Gen 3 Sump/Refugium Advance-300 under the Marineland 120 with dual corner overflows. Im going to use the Coral Vue Octopus 6" Needlewheel Skimmer. I'm still undecided on sand...I really need to see @Chriscrna set up first. Im going with 3 of the Ocean Revive Arctic T247-B lights.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Great work on the stand

 

[Brian Mountain]

Thanks. I really hoped to have the stand done by now, but oh well....

 

[nine8taco]

Thanks. I really hoped to have the stand done by now, but oh well....

Thats how it always seems to go. i thought id have my stand done in a weekend...more like a month haha, good looking progress!

 

[Brian Mountain]

Even though I'm going to have to move it out a bit to run an outlet on a separate breaker, I wanted to get it all in place to just see how it will look. I got the tint put on this am. Up next is plumbing, and aquascape. I have my design laid out in the garage on my work bench. I have few minor things to still get in place and organized prior to water but getting closer, much closer. I can't wait to finally make it to a meeting to actually meet most of you all.

Have to give a major shout out to Kinny and Parrot Aquatics for all of the expertise!

There will be a lot more questions coming the clubs way.....