58gal New Tank Build!!

UkrainianReefJunky · 04-07-2006, 10:48 PM

I started to document alittle late into the project, but here you go.

I made 2 frames with 2x4's (shown above) and than the bottom frame got pry wood top and bottom. I wanted the top piece of ply wood to be whole so I used a mill saw and cut perfect slots to slide over the standing support 2x4's. It was a tight fit, but it worked!!! (shown below)

This was all put together with #10 (2-1/2") wood screws.

dobejazz · 04-07-2006, 10:50 PM

Very cool looking forward to more pics as you go along

UkrainianReefJunky · 04-07-2006, 11:00 PM

Ok, now the top frame got ply wood attached to the top only. Than it slide over the standing support 2x4's and was leveled and screwed fast.

Next, I wanted to seal it and do a color test. I picked a poly and stain mix, (Cherry) to match the 58gal Oceanic tank I bought.

I wasn't happy with the color match so I bought more stain. This time I picked Mahogony.

Big difference, I loved the color. Very deep and glossy!!

UkrainianReefJunky · 04-07-2006, 11:02 PM

Thanks Kelli, I'm trying to catch a thread up to where I am. I wanted to have a bunch done before starting a thread. I'll have plenty of pics for all!!

UkrainianReefJunky · 04-07-2006, 11:09 PM

So now that I got the color picked I screwed on a piece of plywood to the back and took it upstairs to my bedroom (before it got to heavy) Than I put the tank on top of it and everything looks good so far!

dobejazz · 04-07-2006, 11:32 PM

Very Nice the color is a great match

Loverotties · 04-08-2006, 08:00 AM

Looking good!

VWD · 04-08-2006, 09:06 AM

Looking real nice!! Good Job

motorslave · 04-08-2006, 10:20 AM

Nice! i like that color. So what are the rest of the plans? or are you going to torture us and make us wait for more pics???!!!!!

R

UkrainianReefJunky · 04-08-2006, 12:16 PM

lol... I know you guys love pics. I'll be putting more on soon.

UkrainianReefJunky · 04-08-2006, 12:43 PM

So now its time for the outside pieces. I dry fit them all and then stained them.

Once they were dry I nailed them to the frame. The picture below shows my brainstorming paying off. I decided to make a door on the right side so I could get my sump in and out. Otherwise with the center support there would be no way. Even with the offset.

Here's the left side, no door. and the front pieces being checked again for a good fit.

Now the doors got mounted on, with a bit more of a gap then I wanted but not too bad. Its kinda good anyway, its like a vent so it doesn't get so hot inside. But you can't see it in the pics as much as in person.

And then finally I used a air gun and stapled molding on the corners and top edge. I like the way it came, it makes it look kinda old and rustic with all the nails and staples and some rough edges.

UkrainianReefJunky · 04-08-2006, 12:58 PM

Now the stand was done so I figured I'd finish the wood working. Time for a canopy.

I made the canopy about 9" tall and 3/4" bigger then tank on all sides. Then I nailed 3/4" square dow rods about a 1/2" below bottom. This is the support to rest on the tank so I added alot of extra nails. I also put a 2" bracket on all side corners for extra support.

The I cut section out of the front for an access door and put that on the same hinges as the front and side door on the stand. I added adhesive pads to both side for noise when opening and closing the lid. You can't see them when its closed and they work great.

And there you go.....final coat of stain.

UkrainianReefJunky · 04-08-2006, 01:10 PM

Once the canopy was finished I knew I need to put fans in and cut out holes for PVC, the overflow, and power cords. This pick shows one of the fans installed and the pencil marks for some of the cut outs.

I installed 2 Aqualight 4-3/4" cooling fans and ran the cords internally to the right side and out the hole where the lighting cords will come out. I had to cut and then check everything and a few needed recut to be deeper. Everything came out pretty good so far.

ski1297 · 04-08-2006, 01:15 PM

WOW! I need you to make me a stand. Looks very nice.

UkrainianReefJunky · 04-08-2006, 01:27 PM

Thanks, It's really alot of fun. It just takes time and patience. This is the first thing I've ever built, if I can do it any one can do it.

I got a good wood working book at home depot

and just sketched ideas out on paper first and then

went to town. lol It helps to have some tools like a table saw, nail gun, and other power tools. Hope everyone enjoys my thread.

Jared