My First All DIY Tank Build

[C_mo97]

How tall is the tank? That is what really creates most of the pressure on the glass.

The tank is 24” tall .

Overall the build looks great. You have done a super job! I think the display panel may be a bit too big for my comfort. I probably wouldn’t have built the tank taller than 21” or 22” if I was going with 1/2” rimless. If there was support along the top rim I would have no concerns.
I may be overly cautious.

Thanks for the support and I used one of the online calculators and it said it was good at 1/2 but it could differ with different calculators.

It is also siliconed on the top as well btw.

 

[Passedyouby]

The tank is 24” tall .



Thanks for the support and I used one of the online calculators and it said it was good at 1/2 but it could differ with different calculators.

It is also siliconed on the top as well btw.

Havent played with plywood, but my tank has 52in of water depth and 1/2 has been fine. You should be good!

 

[C_mo97]

Alright I went with @Passedyouby ’s advice and took the lava rocks out of my build. So now I just have my display rocks at the moment.

After that I finished the overflow box/weir.

Then I went on to touch up my stand and do my final water test. I plan on leaving it out in the garage for a week with the pumps running.

My next step after the water test is test for a power outage and than I hope it's ready for the house!!!

 

[Passedyouby]

Its looking really good! Im digging the plywood set up more and more every time! I like how large you made the wier btw. Everyone goes small and i guess i never really considered a large one prior. Looks great

 

[Passedyouby]

Any chance you own a TDS meter? I think the reason people are scared of plywood is that we worry about things leaching into our water. It would be interesting to do a TDS test on the water you add for the leak test, then check it again after a few days.

Amazon product

 

[Passedyouby]

Also, i dont see anywhere where you talk about your goals. Are you looking for a fish only setup? Fish and corals? Sps? Inverts? Particular livestock that are a must? Low maintenance? For a fish only setup you wont need to be as worried about all of our tips

 

[C_mo97]

Any chance you own a TDS meter? I think the reason people are scared of plywood is that we worry about things leaching into our water. It would be interesting to do a TDS test on the water you add for the leak test, then check it again after a few days.

Amazon product

I do not have one but I was planning on getting one soon. When I buy my RODI system.

 

[Passedyouby]

I do not have one but I was planning on getting one soon. When I buy my RODI system.

Might as well order it now! would be delivered sunday. Just in time for the test! Hah

 

[C_mo97]

Also, i dont see anywhere where you talk about your goals. Are you looking for a fish only setup? Fish and corals? Sps? Inverts? Particular livestock that are a must? Low maintenance? For a fish only setup you wont need to be as worried about all of our tips

This will probably be a mixed reef tank. Not sure about all of the live stock but everything in my tank now will be going into this one.

I also have a clown but I don't see him in this pic.

 

[Passedyouby]

Love my apec RO btw if your shopping. Have had for 3 years on well water with 430ppm incoming water. Replaced carbon and sediment 6 months ago. Use as housewide drinking water also. 9 TDS before DI still.

Brs systems are nicer, but at a premium

 

[C_mo97]

For those who were wondering how much this build has cost so far/ what it's going to cost please see below:

Build Cost
Stand and tank total: 777.90
Vitralum glass- 145
Plywood and materials- 248.72
Paint- 46.94
Plumbing- 262.24
Pond Shield- 75

Tank Set up total: 650
Return Pump- 190
Display Rocks- 400
RODI Filter- 60
Sand- 90?
Hydra 52s- 240?
Gyer 3K- 80-100?

Everything with a question mark is a maybe because I am still bartering/ looking for better deals so I will update this as I go.

DIY is definitely not cheap but still comes with a lot of benefits like total customization. Let me know what you all think!

 

[C_mo97]

I have started creating my own RODI water from the BRS 4-Stage filter. Getting closer to the tank setup!!!

 

[C_mo97]

I am thinking about DIYing my lights as well. What do you guys think?

 

[Passedyouby]

For help on that i would suggest starting another thread in a different forum more tailored to that advice. Not many people are electrical savvy, and even less diy lights. Personally i like the blending and even lighting offered by professionally engineered solutions, so if the DIY will cost ya over $100 it may be worth shopping for a few used kessils or whatever. Keep in mind that black plywood will absorb a TON of light so you may way to consider over lighting your system!

Good luck. Youve been busy!

 

[C_mo97]

For help on that i would suggest starting another thread in a different forum more tailored to that advice. Not many people are electrical savvy, and even less diy lights. Personally i like the blending and even lighting offered by professionally engineered solutions, so if the DIY will cost ya over $100 it may be worth shopping for a few used kessils or whatever. Keep in mind that black plywood will absorb a TON of light so you may way to consider over lighting your system!

Good luck. Youve been busy!

I agree, I’ve already posted on “DIY Radeon Clones” form. Also most solutions I’ve seen so far are either just as expensive or won’t give me enough lighting. If I find some used hydras for cheap I’ll probably consider that.

 

[Passedyouby]

I agree, I’ve already posted on “DIY Radeon Clones” form. Also most solutions I’ve seen so far are either just as expensive or won’t give me enough lighting. If I find some used hydras for cheap I’ll probably consider that.

Yeah i was shocked how expensive most DIY is!! The hobby isnt cheap, but is fair!

 

[C_mo97]

Alright it’s been awhile since my last update. School has been super busy but I managed to find some time to plan out my next steps and grab a few things. I did get my light fixture for around $400 including the mount and accessories.

I also started to plan out how I’m going to place my tank in my room I was thinking placing the DIY Tank where my Max Nano is at the moment and moving the max nano to the other side of the room. Like so...

To move my Max Nano I was thinking I should take the Corals out and put them in a bucket since there all pretty much on one rock. Then I would drain most of the water and move the tank across the room but, I am not sure yet. Let me know what you guys think and if I should take my corals out or not?

Thanks for viewing my build!!!

 

[C_mo97]

I finally moved the tank into my room and it is looking awesome!!!!! Super long process though lol. It took me about 4 hours to get both tanks moved into their new positions and I’m still not done filling the big one....

Luckily I had my cousin here to help. He is more of a fresh water guy but still loves tanks in general.

anyways here are the pics!!!

 

[Devaji]

heck yeah bud!
I have thought of that on a really big tank like 400-800gal.
might be a silly question but is the front panel just held in place by silicone all around? stuck to the wood? maybe I missed that .

 

[C_mo97]

heck yeah bud!
I have thought of that on a really big tank like 400-800gal.
might be a silly question but is the front panel just held in place by silicone all around? stuck to the wood? maybe I missed that .

Yes and no. Since it is such a small tank and I like the aesthetic of a rimless front I decided to silicone it directly to the wood but, I did put pond shield over the edges so the bond is really between the pond shield and the glass, not straight wood to glass. I tested it for about three weeks and it held up perfectly!