125 build...kinda in-wall

[beckisguy73]

ok here is a pic of the stand... I have not put any supports in the front because I dont know if I'm putting doors or just a removable panel..
I will have a basement sump. and I have 2 rubbermaid 75G tubs that I was wondering if there was a way I could use them both for the sump and build a fuge in a part of one... Ideas and suggestions welcome...

 

[willray]

Off to a good start Mike.IMO I would use screws over nails.Easier to make alterations as you go along and no chance of the heads popping up over time.The 2 tubs together...nice idea!Do the removable panel but on hinges that way your not dealing with a screwdriver or velcro or whatever to hold it in place.

 

[Kiah]

Real good start! My removeable panels are magnets with clips - easy on and off and they come all the way off if you need to get underneath.

For the sumps you could elevate one just enough for gravity discharge to the next using a very solid platform. Discharge from the main tank into the first or first and second, drill a hole near the top of the first to flow to the second, return pump from the second to the main tank.

 

[beckisguy73]

yeah a bit late on the screws.... I did use some but mostly nails. I will be putting the tank up on the stand soon then going to figure out the lights. after that going to start building ceiling down. Tank has black trim and I dont want to see it so I'm going to try and put a nice maple border at the top of the sand line so I dont see the sand bed. Also the tank will be seen from 3 sides so it will be sitting on the left side of the stand and should have about 7 inches behind it and a small shelf to the right.. Going to cover it with some 1/2" hardwood plywood.. I was thinking maple or maybe red oak but was in HD and all they had was 5/8 but when building the stand I only left room for 1/2" unless I just chamfer the edge near the door way...

 

[beckisguy73]

by the way I'm an iron worker and in no way a carpenter!!!! So the frame wont look perfect but will be strong...

 

[willray]

The woodery in lunenburg will have the wood your looking for.

 

[gonorth16]

Looks good mike!! I have a big removalable panel on my 120 stand and love it!. so easy to get in there. I used cabinet magnetic hinges(homedepot) and they work great. Keep the pic's coming!

 

[FOXYB]

great build

not to hi-jack but could you show an example of the magnetic removable hinges

 

[beckisguy73]

tank in it's place

....

 

[beckisguy73]

Another question.

ok I made a mistake when building the stand and couldnt really change it because I used nails instead of screws... Who thinks I should brace it better and who thinks it will be ok...

 

[Aquadiva]

LOL... ours looks EXACTLY like that...

You'll be fine as long as the plastic frame is resting on wood. On a side note, wait for the wonderful time you're gonna have screwing in the bulkheads.

 

[coralcor]

kinda in wall haha thats great!

 

[dcforester1]

If you are worried, place a 2x4 on edge. It looks like you will have the room, and give you pc of mind. Remember when in doubt about tank stands (construction), look at a store bought one.

GoodLuck Derek

 

[beckisguy73]

kinda in wall haha thats great!

well there was no wall there to start.. Now my living room will be just a bit smaller and the stand will go all the way to the ceiling so i wont be seeing any lights or wires or even plumbing...

 

[beckisguy73]

If you are worried, place a 2x4 on edge. It looks like you will have the room, and give you pc of mind. Remember when in doubt about tank stands (construction), look at a store bought one.

GoodLuck Derek

I can say it is stronger then any of them particle board stands they sell in the store!!!

 

[willray]

Leave it with no worries.

 

[beckisguy73]

rock work

the pics don't look as good as it looks in person...

 

[jcallesano]

I like that tank!!

 

[gweston]

Nice tank, a LOT of rock there too. Can't wait to get my 125 long in the living room myself... it always takes longer than one would like doesn't it?

 

[jcallesano]

Always longer when youve never done something before. Im making my own sump/fuge tomorrow and gonna try and make my own skimmer... well see how that goes. I might just by a skimmer, I cant find a site or diagram that has one simplified for a guy like me to follow.

good luck with the tank