Hell, to all -
Living Reefs has been a great inspiration! My reef project started mainly because of your site - the moderator's DIY and comments are very informative, well written & researched (as far as I can tell), and great to read. Having said that, you are to blame for my crazy reef project.
I have never had a fish tank - not even one of those office desk tank. But, here I am building an 80 gallon reef tank into the wall. The tank is a Perfecto 80 (48x18x24 high) bow front. The tank will be built into my 2nd floor home office and stairwell; the bow section would protrude into the stair well and be able to see from the 2nd floor livingroom, diningroom and kitchen (upside house), and the other side of tank will be in my home office next to my desk.
Structure: cut the existing wall studs and framed with 2x6 headers and 2x4 sill. Built a platform with solid oak and oak plywood (2.5 inches thick) - I don't have a wood shop and had to use a friend's shop. Since the platform serves both structural and esthetics, I spent a few days to build it. The front section matches the bow shape of the tank.
Since the tank will be overhanged into the office by 9 inches, a structural box was built and tied to the studs. This box will house the refugium and pumps, etc. Because the box does not go all the way down to the floor, I had to reinforce the studs and add metal brackets and secured with 5/16" lag bolts. This still makes a bit uncomfortable.
AC/Heat duct had to be relocated (shortened), had to move AC supply and return lines, re-route a bunch of 120 V wires, AC condensate drain lines, etc. Of course none of these were planned.
Wires: since I had to move wires, ran extra wires and added two new GFI outlets.
Tank: Perfecto 80 bow. Because I wanted the overflow to be on the opposite side of where they normally put, it will take 4-8 weeks. Hope to have it in next few weeks.
Light: 48" with (3) 250 W MH with 10K and 15K, (2) 96 W Blue Fl, and moon lights, and (4) cooling fans from Aquauniverse (nice people to deal with). Don't like the heavy SJ light cords - planning on changing them.
Refugium: 24x10x15 glass with a compact Fl. from Aquauniverse. Not sure which end is what .. and totally clear as to what goes on in there.
Protein Skimmer with a pump: also from Aquauniverse.
By next weekend I am hoping to complete the construction and varnish the wood work. By then the tank should arrive and see if all the puzzles fit into places.
I have too many questions to ask at this point, or not sure what to ask at this point.
I am hoping to get the living rocks asap so that I can start curing them next week following the moderator's 'Curing Live Rock' article. Then, transfer when the tank comes in and cycle it in my reef system. What would be the logical way to get the rocks and how much do I need? Do I go to local reef store (we do have two great stores) or do I mail order?
Thanks in advance to all feedbacks.
Rick
Living Reefs has been a great inspiration! My reef project started mainly because of your site - the moderator's DIY and comments are very informative, well written & researched (as far as I can tell), and great to read. Having said that, you are to blame for my crazy reef project.
I have never had a fish tank - not even one of those office desk tank. But, here I am building an 80 gallon reef tank into the wall. The tank is a Perfecto 80 (48x18x24 high) bow front. The tank will be built into my 2nd floor home office and stairwell; the bow section would protrude into the stair well and be able to see from the 2nd floor livingroom, diningroom and kitchen (upside house), and the other side of tank will be in my home office next to my desk.
Structure: cut the existing wall studs and framed with 2x6 headers and 2x4 sill. Built a platform with solid oak and oak plywood (2.5 inches thick) - I don't have a wood shop and had to use a friend's shop. Since the platform serves both structural and esthetics, I spent a few days to build it. The front section matches the bow shape of the tank.
Since the tank will be overhanged into the office by 9 inches, a structural box was built and tied to the studs. This box will house the refugium and pumps, etc. Because the box does not go all the way down to the floor, I had to reinforce the studs and add metal brackets and secured with 5/16" lag bolts. This still makes a bit uncomfortable.
AC/Heat duct had to be relocated (shortened), had to move AC supply and return lines, re-route a bunch of 120 V wires, AC condensate drain lines, etc. Of course none of these were planned.
Wires: since I had to move wires, ran extra wires and added two new GFI outlets.
Tank: Perfecto 80 bow. Because I wanted the overflow to be on the opposite side of where they normally put, it will take 4-8 weeks. Hope to have it in next few weeks.
Light: 48" with (3) 250 W MH with 10K and 15K, (2) 96 W Blue Fl, and moon lights, and (4) cooling fans from Aquauniverse (nice people to deal with). Don't like the heavy SJ light cords - planning on changing them.
Refugium: 24x10x15 glass with a compact Fl. from Aquauniverse. Not sure which end is what .. and totally clear as to what goes on in there.
Protein Skimmer with a pump: also from Aquauniverse.
By next weekend I am hoping to complete the construction and varnish the wood work. By then the tank should arrive and see if all the puzzles fit into places.
I have too many questions to ask at this point, or not sure what to ask at this point.
I am hoping to get the living rocks asap so that I can start curing them next week following the moderator's 'Curing Live Rock' article. Then, transfer when the tank comes in and cycle it in my reef system. What would be the logical way to get the rocks and how much do I need? Do I go to local reef store (we do have two great stores) or do I mail order?
Thanks in advance to all feedbacks.
Rick
