Okay everyone! I've gotten the itch! Due to Petcos sale right now I have decide to possibly do a 40 gallon breeder build with a 20 gallon sump, but I need some help. Has anyone drilled before. I feel like I know how, but am scared to be honest. Let me know of what thoughts you have. I think I will just move the light that I just bought over when I do this build. I am going to build a stand and canopy this weekend. Help me out and lets do this together. Does anyone have a cheap or free return pump they are willing to let go? Skimmer? I need this to cost me the least amount possible.
I have a Super skimmer 65g for sale on the sale page. I could do less since it has been sitting boxed up forever.
I am now talking with Glass-holes.com to sponsor the overflow and drill part of this build. I think we are going to go with the 700emergency overflow so coupled with that what do you guys think about this pump? https://www.amazon.com/800GPH-Subme...975919&sr=1-9&keywords=submersible+water+pump Its cheap and has 5 stars.
Here is a mockup of what I am thinking for the stand. What do you guys think? If you have any questions on the measurements let me know.
Be sure to go check out the Facebook page I run. We will be posting a lot on there about this build. We have gotten some sponsorships and are currently underway. https://www.facebook.com/reefkeeping101/
I will make a new drawing today at work and spend more time on it. I just threw that together in about 5 minutes last night.
I drilled my 75g Marineland tank. I have the 35mm diamond bit you are welcome to use. It will fit 3/4 in bulk heads. I use a wooden board on the inside of glass and a wooden template on the outside clamped in place. Water hose running a bit water into the template and took about 1 1/2 minute per hole. I drilled 3 holes in mine, 2 drains and 1 return. I siliconed an overflow box from BRS for the 2 drain lines. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cpr-retrofit-overflow-box.html
Well I actually just got a sponsorship from Glass-holes.com. They are sending me everything I need to drill. I have never thought about putting a board behind. That's a great idea.
The board on the back side helps keep even pressure on the glass and reduces chipping on the inside. It ended up being very easy, but it is a bit nerve racking the first time Good luck. Have you decided how you are going to setup your sump?
Just some thought on the stand and the use of the 40g breader at 36.5" x 19.25" x 17.13" and the sump being 30.5" x 13.13" x 13 you will not have any room for storage in your stand(your sump takes almost all your space). By the time account for supports(stand framing)and depending on your design you will have used up most of your 37". So if you plan on down the road of adding a ATO or dosers you will not have space inside the cabinet. You could always add a storage bench or something similar next to the stand to house the extra equipment, but just something to think about when planning it out on front end.
I mocked up the stand this morning and decided that I think I am going to make it 40" long and 35" with a 2" drop on the top to drop in the tank so the rim doesn't show (I don't want to make it rimless and have to reseal it). There will also be a two in raise from the floor just to add a little detail ( I may delete this). I figured I would make it 40 inches to add the extra few inches in the stand and also for the doors to look more uniform. This may all change, but that's the plan now. haha
Alright, everyone! The stand build went great today! We got a late start so we were unable to finish it today, but the structural part is complete with a huge success. We decided to do a Barnwood finish and to elevate the canopy above the tank using black iron pipe (I will post inspiration pictures). After church tomorrow we will finish the aesthetic aspect of things and then bring her home and put the tank up!