Freshwater for the Kids! Build

[AHP]

If you got the chedda, go for it LOL

But does this product have a good wrap or it is a waste of time.
I was also looking at RapidLEDs.

Trying to look at all the different LED's to not miss something. But on the same token try to read as much as I can, hence the multiple questions.

[SunnyHouTX]

Personally, I wouldn't get something like that for a FW tank, since the cost/benefit is not to my liking. A 48" 8000K Ecoxotic Stunner strip will run you around $100 with power supply. I still use mine that I bought almost 2 years ago.

[AHP]

Ok. I guess I keep thinking about saltwater and don't really needs blues unless I want the fist to pop in color.

[SunnyHouTX]

The 8000K pops out the blues in my Blue Giants just fine. It's a good all round spectrum IMO

[AHP]

Ok Finally I am able to post some photos. This is still a work in progress but with the pictures it should give you an idea how it is going to look and the setup.

1. I need to add two support boards in the middle back of the stand. They are not in the picture because I am debating on how to install them, I am thinking L brackets.

2. This is just the bare bones image. I will be adding hardwood or plywood on both sides and back. For access on the front I was thinking about using a bi folding cabinet doors setup for easy access. Now for the bottom I was thinking about a thin piece of plywood and a double coat of water sealant.

Now for the pictures.
I had to remove some wainscoting to get to the drywall.

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Here is the tank stand, note the 3 inches from wall to stand to allow access for pvc given I drill the tank at a later date. Also I have to add two boards in the middle back for support.

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Hope you enjoy and sorry it took me awhile to post. I was sent out of the state for work.

[sdaley6999]

Wow keep the updates coming

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

[AHP]

I was wondering about the electrical setup of the build. How does everyone setup there layout?
GFCI power strip? power strip connected to a GFCI outlet?

[AHP]

Here is the stand that I have build without paint. I have put on a liquid waterproofing sealant.
Here are the pics:
Now I haven't put the doors on but they are going to be bi-folding and fold from right to left with a bend in the middle.
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Up close on the doors
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Upper & Under shot
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What is looks like from the side, sorry for the blurry picture
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From the back, this is going to house the pvp if I drill the tank later. Also the weight of the tank will not be sitting on top.
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I am sealing the bottom of the tank. The product I used, I have not idea if it is good but it was the only thing I could find at Lowes.
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Any ways here it is. I will try to paint over the weekend and post those pictures. Then its off to inside the house we I can start prepping for the getting the tank wet!
Hope you enjoy

[AHP]

NM fixed it.

So I finish painting and install but... like everything in this hobby problems came up.

My stand is level but the floor in my kitchen is not, there is a slope to it. I am guessing it's the foundation slopping water away from the house. So... I have to shim the stand which is a pain in its self because it fits up against drywall.
Also the hinges I wanted to use on my doors are not strong enough to support both doors (bi-folding), So I have to buy new hinges and possible router out a grove for the bolt of the hinges to fit in.

On top of all that I got sick over the weekend and I am not feeling good as I am writing this.

[troy tucker]

Looks great! Shimming it is easy to all the work you already did.

[AHP]

Got it leveled last night! YES!
Right now I am doing a tank stress test because during the weekend I resealed the 75Gal, so far no issues and we are in the 12hr. No bubbles or leaks. Not going to lie I was kind of stressed out with that because I have never done it before.

Off to put the doors on the stand. I also have some gifts coming in the mail this week and next, looking forward to that.

[AHP]

Tonight will be 48hrs of stress test and all looks good.

I was hopping to have the tank up and running by this weekend but I don't think that is going to happen, my Sons birthday is this Saturday. 3yrs old!

[AHP]

Well the stand is all in and.... The freaking fish tank needs shimming! That's not good, that means the stand is not level. I am slightly pissed and a little mad at myself.
I am tired of trying to come up with solutions, I think i am going to have to start over again. If anyone knows an expert in building fish tank stands I am all ears.

[troy tucker]

I'm sorry just now seeing this. I will give you a hand. how far out of leval is it?

[AHP]

No worries Troy.

Here is what I have so far.
Where I am now.


The doors



And the issues:
Stand not level, I blame the floor

Tank not level on stand, I blame myself and stand.

Picture from front to back while on the tank.