Gary's 55 gallon tank build

[Gary]

I recently picked up a used 55 gallon tank from a friend that is upgrading. It's been a few years since I've had an aquarium so this seemed like a good time to get going again! Here's a list of what I have and what is on order. I will build by own sump.

Hydor Koralia Evolution 550 power head
Coralife T5 light (for the sump)
Jager 250w heater
Lifegard Quiet One 5000 pump
AquaC Urchin skimmer w/ Maxi-Jet 1200 pump
Kent Marine float valve
Cheap-O stand from Sierra Pets
Coralife tank light

Here is the tank and stand

Here is the sump. Once I get the pump and skimmer I will finish this design.

 

[Gary]

I've decided that this stand needs to go. I don't like how it looks. If anyone has any suggestions for a nice stand that matches the trim on the tank, please let me know!

Thanks!

 

[Gary]

WOO HOO!! Supplies are starting to show up!

 

[Gary]

I'm trying to get my hands on a Oceanic Illuminata stand. I might try and change the tank trim to black if I get one.

 

[JJMoneyman]

That's a standard AGA stand, nothing exciting but they do work fine. Have you considered building your own stand? You can make it exactly how you want.

 

[Gary]

JJMoneyman,
I'm not a great woodworker. It wouldn't look very good if I did it myself. I ordered the Illuminata and should have it next week.

 

[Krish]

I've decided that this stand needs to go. I don't like how it looks. If anyone has any suggestions for a nice stand that matches the trim on the tank, please let me know!

Thanks!

If you aren't too keen on the tank trim color just build your stand with a lip that covers it. I always do that so I don't have to worry about matching the stand to it. I like the layout of your tank! Should be a nice build!! If I can come across an old thread with a few stand ideas I'll post them here for you.

 

[Krish]

Here you go. See if this helps any.
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f14/post-pictures-your-stand-canopies-57829/

 

[Gary]

Krish,
Thanks for the link to the pictures.

For the second time in my life, the aquarium bug bit me. I think I'm going to keep the tank in the first picture the same and make it a saltwater fish tank. What I really wanted in the first place was a reef at home so I think I am going to get the Illuminata tank too and build the reef at home. My neighbor has a tank and my son is always asking if he can go over there and look at the shrimp. Building this with him is going to be a lot of fun for us both.

 

[Peppie]

Krish,
Thanks for the link to the pictures.

For the second time in my life, the aquarium bug bit me. I think I'm going to keep the tank in the first picture the same and make it a saltwater fish tank. What I really wanted in the first place was a reef at home so I think I am going to get the Illuminata tank too and build the reef at home. My neighbor has a tank and my son is always asking if he can go over there and look at the shrimp. Building this with him is going to be a lot of fun for us both.

I cant think of a better way to produce memory's your son will have for ever. Nothing better to get involved in something you both have an interest in.

 

[Gary]

I'm even more amped now! My son and I just discovered Barrier Reef in Renton! For the reef tank I picked up an Octopus NWB 110 skimmer and an Aquafx Barracuda RO/DI. The new tank and stand should be here around Thursday!

 

[Gary]

I slightly changed my direction and started a new thread here: http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f12/garys-oceanic-illuminata-57-build-63383/#post652601