[map95003]

Hi all, thought it's time I show some pics of where I am....not as far as I would like to be but I'm getting there. This is an inwall in my basement, it would be the back splash for the bar I'm building. Let me know what you guys think, as always I would really appreciate it if you guys see anything I should change, etc.

Here's a front view:


Here's my sump area, still have some work to do on my 55 to build the sump:


Here's a view from the back - not much room back there to get good pics. Hopefully you can get an idea of what I did for a stand. The top is double 2x6 (except for the back, I couldn't double the 2x6, it would have been too thick and the holes from my overflow on the bottom of the tank would have been partially covered. The legs are double 2x4's all around with double 2x4's also in the center. The front center post could be removed incase I need to remove the sump for whatever reason. Do you guys think I need to re-enforce this anymore?


Access to back on tank area:


Thanks for your feedback.

[map95003]

This might give you a better view of the back of the tank, just enough room to allow me to work back there...
I'll be changing the electrical later this week, I've decided to move the electrical outlets higher up and replacing the temporary ones with GFCI's.

[map95003]

for anyone that's picky out there...I meant reinforce not re-enforce

[Jeremy0322]

For a 75 gallon tank I do not see a problem with your stand, but then again I am not a very good engineer. Progress is looking good, make sure you keep us posted.

[aquasalt]

This looks awesome! I am by no means an engineer either, but would say that that stand will more than suffice. Just make sure that is level, and does not wobble. I assume that you will waterproof it? Can't wait to see you progress. Post a lot of pictures as you go.

[elkman97462]

Looking good, Nice work on the build!

[map95003]

Thanks everyone, I wish I had more time to work on this stuff but my goal it to get everything setup by the end of May. As for the stand, I think it's pretty strong, much stronger than the stand I build for my 55g 10 yrs ago...but just so I can sleep at night I'll box it around with 1/2 plywood once I figure out my plumbing.

[Bamaguy]

Very Nice! I would like a bar or some area to enjoy my tank more. I am envious of anyone that has a basement getaway.

[e_baer]

I did a similar design with my stand build and It is working out fine for me. The one tank I made the stand for was only a 40g breeder, but it has over 200lbs of sand, plus some LR, and underneath is a 20g frag tank. All that is resting on the stand, so I think your stand should hold up to the weight just fine.

[map95003]

Question guys:
My 75g display has a built in overflow with 2 holes on the bottom of the tank, 1 for overflow and 1 for return. Their diameters are 1 3/4 & 1 1/2. Since my tank is in-wall the plumbing would not be visible so I'm thinking of using both holes for overflow and run my return line to the other side of the tank...I could be wrong but I think this will give better flow and I'll have 2 overflows pipes incase 1 should get plugged up. Also with this approach I might not have to worry about valving back my MAG9.5 return pump....what do you guys think, am I just wasting time with this approach? Thanks.

[gimmito]

I have a 75 also with a mag 9.5 return. I tee off my return going back to the fuge area.

Here's a pic.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...ito/TX5057.jpg

You could have one overflow going into the skimmer section and the other go into the fuge area.

[map95003]

Thanks Jim. I stole that idea from you a while back... One of my returns will be going to my fuge and the other to my skimmer area of the sump.....

Hey, I noticed in the picture you are using that blue/purple stuff do glue your PVC connections, is that the regular PVC glue from Home Depot or Lowes or is it some aquarium safe glue?...what's the best thing to use?

[gimmito]

Martin,

HAH, HAH...You stole that idea from me and I stole that idea from Meelev (of reefcast fame).

Yes, I use the 2-part oately's pvc glue. The purple one is the primer which actually melts the pvc a bit. The clear one is of course the glue.

They are "reef safe," just make sure to let it dry for 24 hours before running water through it.

Let's see some pic's when you finish the plumbing !