Well, iv'e decided to jump into this hobby head first and start a SW reef.
Being a hopeless "do it yourselfer" ive decided to build everything myself from scratch.. and i think the only thing that can make this hobby even more complex than it already is, is to try to build it all from scratch yourself with absolutely no idea of what your doing!
I started out wanting a reef tank, then decided to refinish my basement, and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to build the reef (and bar) of my dreams.
I framed in the walls for a "fish room" and built the stand from 4x4 treated lumber.
Then i constructed a 225 gallon plywood aquarium.. (72Lx24Hx30D)
this is an "in wall" aquarium set with the base at normal bar height, so it can be enjoyed comfortably while sitting at the bar. (I always felt people set their aquariums way too low to actually be enjoyed, and thought it silly to see a group of people stooping down and trying to see inside of a tank.. you cant enjoy it like that for very long.)
I have just finished the last coat of 2 part epoxy inside the aquarium, and am researching ideas on weir box configurations, and plumbing ideas for a closed loop system while i wait for my glass to arrive. So, im looking for any ideas or information regarding any aspect of this project.
In the typical DIY fassion, I will be making all of my own rock,lighting,sump,refugium, and most likely, my own skimmer as well. so any links, pics, comments, or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I have a 55 gallon tank for use as a sump (I think it leaks, so I have to repair it first), and a 30 gallon tank for use as the refugium(still needs drilled bigger for return)
I just picked up 2 1" bulkheads for overflows (is that enough?) wich i will make 3/4" durso standpipes for.
I would like to make a closed loop system with a timer to create a wavemaker, but how many intakes/ outputs, and what size (1" ok?) should i use, and what size pumps? and what brand doesnt mind the constant off and on of a wavemaker timer?
Those are the questions i have first, as id like to get the holes drilled and bulkheads installed before i put in the glass.
:help: all opinions are welcomed, and thanks in advance for your thoughts on these matters.....7
Being a hopeless "do it yourselfer" ive decided to build everything myself from scratch.. and i think the only thing that can make this hobby even more complex than it already is, is to try to build it all from scratch yourself with absolutely no idea of what your doing!
I started out wanting a reef tank, then decided to refinish my basement, and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to build the reef (and bar) of my dreams.
I framed in the walls for a "fish room" and built the stand from 4x4 treated lumber.
Then i constructed a 225 gallon plywood aquarium.. (72Lx24Hx30D)
this is an "in wall" aquarium set with the base at normal bar height, so it can be enjoyed comfortably while sitting at the bar. (I always felt people set their aquariums way too low to actually be enjoyed, and thought it silly to see a group of people stooping down and trying to see inside of a tank.. you cant enjoy it like that for very long.)
I have just finished the last coat of 2 part epoxy inside the aquarium, and am researching ideas on weir box configurations, and plumbing ideas for a closed loop system while i wait for my glass to arrive. So, im looking for any ideas or information regarding any aspect of this project.
In the typical DIY fassion, I will be making all of my own rock,lighting,sump,refugium, and most likely, my own skimmer as well. so any links, pics, comments, or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I have a 55 gallon tank for use as a sump (I think it leaks, so I have to repair it first), and a 30 gallon tank for use as the refugium(still needs drilled bigger for return)
I just picked up 2 1" bulkheads for overflows (is that enough?) wich i will make 3/4" durso standpipes for.
I would like to make a closed loop system with a timer to create a wavemaker, but how many intakes/ outputs, and what size (1" ok?) should i use, and what size pumps? and what brand doesnt mind the constant off and on of a wavemaker timer?
Those are the questions i have first, as id like to get the holes drilled and bulkheads installed before i put in the glass.
:help: all opinions are welcomed, and thanks in advance for your thoughts on these matters.....7
