Matts Red Sea Reefer 250 - Remastered Edition

[mattstanks2016]

Finally! I saved up enough money for a Red Sea Reefer!!! Actually, thanks to the power of craigslist and silicon I was able to restore a reefer that had a leak.
I am by no means a expert at reef tanks nor DIY builds, but I guess we can learn together. A little background about me. I have had a few tanks, all reef. A 75, 65 and now a 54. Most of the ideas for this tank were not created by me, but rather a fellow reefer with an awesome tank. You can check that out @Broadfield also I post some extra content on my Instagram account Matt.Mildren
Lets get Started!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/150604741@N07/34676403174/in/dateposted-public/

Like I said I got the tank off craigslist. Only $50's!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/150604741@N07/35478408046/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/150604741@N07/35386968071/in/dateposted-public/

It did have a leak, but it was very small and easily sealed. Because the RedSea silicon is so thin, I figured making a wider seal would help enough to keep water from seeping, It worked!Along with this I gave the tank a good bleach bath since it was VERY dirty!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/150604741@N07/34676462314/in/dateposted-public/

After many... many trips to Lowes, I got the wood and equipment I needed to take on this build. After going over all the purchases, the stand costed about $170 to build.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/150604741@N07/35386965081/in/dateposted-public/
I got the main frame together after cutting out the overflow box. The back didn't fit properly, so another trip to lowes

https://www.flickr.com/photos/150604741@N07/34676471194/in/dateposted-public/

After I got the back refit, it fit great! The side panel thats open is supposed to be for electronics and cables. After a good sanding and filling in nail holes with putty, it was time for the doors.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/150604741@N07/35386951001/in/dateposted-public/
After I got the hinges attached, IT WAS READY! Well... Not exactly, I need to still trim down the wood so that the door closes without hitting the other. Along with this, They were uneven. Time to go back to lowes...

Updates to come!

 

[kipju44]

Looks good!! Nice stand you build there!! Keep the updates coming[emoji1308]

 

[mattstanks2016]

Looks good!! Nice stand you build there!! Keep the updates coming[emoji1308]

Thanks, will do

 

[hybridazn]

These red sea builds always turn out great! @Red Sea made a fantastic setup, and I look forward to this build as well.

 

[sheldonjjessup]

Coming along

 

[mattstanks2016]

Question for everyone, what color should the stand be? Like the real Red Sea stand I plan to use a polyurethane, so the options are White, Grey or Black.

 

[cmcoker]

What are you plans for the plumbing?

 

[Katrina71]

Question for everyone, what color should the stand be? Like the real Red Sea stand I plan to use a polyurethane, so the options are White, Grey or Black.

Post a pic of the room so we can see where it will be placed.

 

[Broadfield]

If you are not keen on the black, white or gray and want an amazing finish that is easy to wipe down, very water resistant and will still look perfect in 10 years, then I would suggest Varathane water based polyurethane floor finish.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathan...ter-Based-Floor-Polyurethane-230231/100142887

Simply paint your stand with whatever paint you want. Whether it be brushed on, sprayed on, out of a spray can etc... it doesn't matter. Once you do several coats of the Varathane over it, you will not have to worry about it. We use it on bar tops and table tops for restaurants.... still looks perfect after 5 years of ultra heavy traffic, getting wiped down constantly etc. We have also used it on wood floors in kitchen areas at restaurants where it gets HIGHLY abused.

 

[mattstanks2016]

Thanks broadfield! I will do that.

 

[mmw64]

following

 

[mattstanks2016]

It will go where the old tank is now.
Tank location by mattmildren, on Flickr

 

[mattstanks2016]

What are you plans for the plumbing?

I plan to hard plumb it with pvc. I want it to be a work of art

 

[Katrina71]

I'd do it grey. That would be a nice contrast to let to tank and your gorgeous wrought iron both stand out.

 

[mattstanks2016]

Just got back from Belize!!! Had a blast and was able to get 30+ dives. Now it's time to work again. I was able to saw+sand off some of the cabinet door so that it closed properly and with it not being lopsided. Along with this I put in the middle brace that will separate the sump from electrical.

(new separator)

(cabinet upgrade)

 

[mattstanks2016]

I still have a little bit left todo before the paint, such as adding a mini cabinet of sorts to the electrical side and also I plan to add metal bars to reinforce the structure.

 

[mattstanks2016]

Some quick snaps of my dive. First photos I've taken so they do need some work.

 

[mattstanks2016]

If you are not keen on the black, white or gray and want an amazing finish that is easy to wipe down, very water resistant and will still look perfect in 10 years, then I would suggest Varathane water based polyurethane floor finish.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathan...ter-Based-Floor-Polyurethane-230231/100142887

Simply paint your stand with whatever paint you want. Whether it be brushed on, sprayed on, out of a spray can etc... it doesn't matter. Once you do several coats of the Varathane over it, you will not have to worry about it. We use it on bar tops and table tops for restaurants.... still looks perfect after 5 years of ultra heavy traffic, getting wiped down constantly etc. We have also used it on wood floors in kitchen areas at restaurants where it gets HIGHLY abused.

After doing lots of research, I found an interesting option. I am thinking of taking the stand to a local place and having them powder coat it. I am not sure if you have done this but it has a waterproof, strong finish with a good look. I just cant decide now between black and white for the stand [emoji51]

 

[mattstanks2016]

It's the weekend! That means I had time to work on the stand and get something actually accomplished! While it's not to much I've done I was able to add the first display panel where the electronics are seated.

The panels are able to be removed since they are only held by magnets which should make for easy access.

 

[AquaART]

Following along! The build is looking excellent. Did you just add silicone over the existing seams?