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New 75 Gallon Build!

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by dead fish, Jun 10, 2012.

  1. dead fish Dead Fish

    832
    Iowa City
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    I've been running a Biocube 29 for about a year. It was living in the kitchen and the wife and I decided we wanted to move it. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like it would make sense to have another tank set up and ready to accept the stuff instead of draining, moving, then refilling the Biocube. In all honesty, I wanted a bigger tank. So we bought a 75 gal. on Friday and I spent a couple days getting it set up and then moving the Biocube stock into  it. I just thought I'd share and if folks are interested in watching it as it grows, I'll keep posting updates.
    So here's what I got:
    75 Gal. Aqueon glass tank (48x24x18)Fluval 306 canister filter48" Marineland reef capable LED fixture40 lbs of live sand, another 20 lbs of dry sand
    I had a Koralia (can't remember the model) in the Biocube and a MJ1200 as the pump. I have both of them in the new tanks as powerheads. I had about 40-50lbs of live rock and will, of course, be getting more. 
    Live stock:Occ. Clown Firefishsix-line Wrasse
    Various corals
    So I guess I'll throw up a few build pics so far. If anyone has any advice, questions, admonishments, etc., fire away.[​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
  2. fewbert

    fewbert Inactive User

    65
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    looking good keep us posted
     
  3. Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

    North liberty, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    Coming along looks like it will be a fun post to watch, but I would reconsider your stand. Tank is not sitting on all four edges and that could cause a tank crack or seals to leak over time or all at once.
     
  4. ninjazx777 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 1 / -0
    I agree you need to buy or build a proper stand
     
  5. dead fish Dead Fish

    832
    Iowa City
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    I'm gonna build a stand. Looking good plans. Wasn't in love with anything available to buy.
     
  6. MXC207 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    634
    Cedar Rapids
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    +1 on the stand, and I dont believe I've seen anyone else run a canister filter on here. Didnt think those were much for saltwater tanks. Looks good tho! I'd grab a few more pounds of rock when you can to build a bigger aquascape for sure!
     
  7. dead fish Dead Fish

    832
    Iowa City
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Just got one of these. I have it set up as 2 side by side units for a total of 72" length. They're rated for 1000lbs/shelf, so that should be plenty distributed over 2 shelves. 
    The big question now is how do I get the tank onto them. With just me. I know I'll have to take some water out, but there's about a 6 inch height difference between the desk the tank is on and the new shelves. My wife is much too puny for this job.  
     
  8. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    you are pretty much going to have to empty the entire tank or risk breaking it
     
  9. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I am also not sure I would trust that to hold a tank. You will be hard pressed getting it level.
     
  10. Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

    North liberty, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    Where are you located?
     
  11. dead fish Dead Fish

    832
    Iowa City
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    I'm settin up as two units side by side. I think it's going to work. 
    I'm in Iowa City near the Sycamore Mall.
     
  12. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    where the 2 ends come together to make the middle is going to give you a lot of problems as far as leveling it out. Personally I do not think it is a very safe way to go.
     
  13. dead fish Dead Fish

    832
    Iowa City
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    I see what you're saying. I haven't been able to find anything I like for any kind of price I want to pay. I've looked at some DIY plans and I'm not a big fan of 2x4 construction. Hmm.
     
  14. Brandon9400

    Brandon9400

    233
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Kpotter is good at building stands and canopy's. I bought one from him last month and couldn't be more happy. It is built with quality wood, profesional look, good price and he will help you set everything up I would shoot him a PM.

    As far as moving it you will need to drain almost all of the water and have the other stand be the same height as your current one. I did a swap on stands with my nano 8 months ago and that's what I had to do, even with two people it was risky.

    I can't imagine doing it with a 75 already stocked. the good thing is you don't have much rock and coral yet so pulling the rock and draining the water won't be to drastic. when your ready to get it moved I'm sure a few of us would be glad to help you do it. Good luck
     
  15. dead fish Dead Fish

    832
    Iowa City
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Thanks, Brandon. I got in touch with him and hopefully we'll get something worked out. In the meantime, I'm just gonna do my best to enjoy the tank and keep futzing with stuff.
     
  16. Brandon9400

    Brandon9400

    233
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Not a problem man kyle is great to work with and he will get you setup. Have fun with your tank,take your time, and do it right the first time. If I could turn back time I would have a bigger stand to support a larger sump, but I already have thousands invested into coral, rock and fish so moving the tank isn't an option.

    I'm sure the wife and I will move someday and when that day comes I will have a new tank and sump already setup exatcly how I want at the new house and just transfer all of the livestock the day I hand the keys over. Good luck and take your time!
     
  17. Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

    North liberty, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    Thanks Brandon it was great building you a canopy. Can't wait to build that stand skirt for you soon. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif
     
  18. dead fish Dead Fish

    832
    Iowa City
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Will this work as a stand?






    I've bee talking to KPotter2 about a stand, but I have a console table that's the exact dimensions of my 75 gallon tank. It's all solid woods, the legs are 2-3 inches square, there's metal bracing on each of the legs that connects the legs to the table top and to the brace pieces that run horizontally along the underside of the table. I had my Biocube 29 on this table in the direct center and there was no bowing at all with the thing filled with water and about 50 lbs of rock. 


    It's pretty darn stout. We got it from a hospital, so it's that old style of commercial furniture from the 60s and 70s that seems like it could withstand a tank attack (no pun intended). I'm just no structural engineer, so I was hoping for the thoughts of folks who have been down this road more than I.




    Like I say, I've been considering whether to build or buy a 
    stand
    , but if this thing will work, I want to put $$ into the tank, not under it, know what I mean?




    Also, I just traded my biocube for 3 halide fixtures/ballasts, so as soon as I get them set up, the Marineland 48" LED is going back to the LFS.
    Here's the best pic I have of the table. It doesn't show the whole table, but hopefully enough to give you an idea.









    [​IMG]


     
  19. MXC207 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    634
    Cedar Rapids
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    I would go with a stand built for holding the aquarium. I know itd always be better to throw the money in the tank than outside of it, but it aint gonna look better all over the floor. I'd honestly just spend alittle money and built a nice stand.
     
  20. Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

    North liberty, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    I will hook him up. We will have him rocking in know time..
     

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