Having seen what can be done with a reef tank if its done right, I am doing to try and have my awesome "dream tank"

UPDATED 12-30-11
The system:
29gal display tank... snagged a bran new on for $30 thanks big chain pet store

I made the stand for the system.

Filtration:
Modded Eshopps RS200 sump
Reef Octopus 200 skimmer
Reef Octopus BioPellet Reactor (relatively new technology that claims to do quite a lot of amazing things so im going to give it a try)
Reef Octopus Media Reactor for carbon or GFO
2 Danner Supreme Mag 5. 1 for the reactors and 1 for return pump.


Plumbing is made with1/2" PVC with union fittings so I can easily take it all apart for cleaning.

Overflow: I built a BeanAnimal style over. I used it because it is fail-safe: it will restart its self in case of a power outage and can easily handle more flow than will be needed so I dont have to worry about the overflow getting clogged and flooding my floor. plus it only cost about $40 to complete the drain and return linse so it was WAY cheaper than buying an overflow.

Flow:
Ecotech Marine MP10 ES

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It has become more than a hobby! My 29gal Dream Reef DIY Build

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Started construction on the stand today!!!
Finished the frames for the top and bottom of the stand, ran out of wood so I won't get started on the legs until tomorrow.

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It has become more than a hobby! My 29gal Dream Reef DIY Build

Right on!!

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I bought the rest of the wood to finish the stand today. Framing is 2x4's and the the stand will be covered with 3/4" Oak plywood from top to bottom. Just finished cutting the rest of the pieces for the stand's frame. I will finish assembling the stand tomorrow and hopefully have some pictures then. Not sure if I will be able to finish the stand this week since the new Call of Duty comes out tonight but now that I have all the wood it shouldn't be long!!

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It has become more than a hobby! My 29gal Dream Reef DIY Build

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http://s1050.photobucket.com/albums/...eefingMadness/

Making progress on the stand:
The uprights are just balanced for now, went and got a pocket hole jig to secure them, had to watch a 2 hour long DVD to figure out how to use it since it doesn't even come with instructions!!!

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It has become more than a hobby! My 29gal Dream Reef DIY Build

Update
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
I have now got the new stand near finished!
I have the legs attached now that I finally figured out how to use my new pocket hole jig!!! Everyone should check these out if your going to build....anything basically. I also have attached the top and sides on the stand.


I couldn't resist the opportunity to set up the setup real quick to see what it is going to look like! Its a little blurry.. but gives a good idea of the plans. Please excuse the mess, we're in the middle of a remodel.

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It has become more than a hobby! My 29gal Dream Reef DIY Build

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http://s1050.photobucket.com/albums/...eefingMadness/

Tons of Progress!!
Aside from adding some trim and a few coats of paint the stand is now finished!!


I added an electrical box on the inside of the stand to help in the everlasting challenge of keeping a mess of wires out of sight. The outlet is a grounded GFI plug to make sure nothing catches on fire should it get wet.
Then I thought it would be nice to be able to see in my stand when I'm trying to work so I added under cabinet LED lighting.


Plumbing is almost done now. The drain side is completely done except for a flex fitting I will be installing tomorrow night, and as soon as I can figure out how I want the water returned to the tank I will knock out the return side of the plumbing. Suggestions would be great!

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It has become more than a hobby! My 29gal Dream Reef DIY Build

Looking Good! Now granted I have a bigger tank, but, I'd add 2 more GFCI protector is there, unless your going to plug everything in on the outside of the box. I have 8 outlets in mine. Extras for that just incase I need outlet. Easier to add now than to kick yourself later.

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I am still considering adding another outlet on the other side on the stand just for good measure, I only added one originally because I will be plugging a power strip into that plug instead of adding another 3 outlets. I will be needing 6 outlets right now, but later on I will be adding a ReefKeeper controller, at which point all power will run through the controller.

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It has become more than a hobby! My 29gal Dream Reef DIY Build

Just finished adding the second GFCI outlet. Thank you for the idea Reefing Madness! Also just finished the plumbing on the supply line for the sump.

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It has become more than a hobby! My 29gal Dream Reef DIY Build

Framed and installed trim around the opening on the front tonight, sealed the inside of the stand with caulking and started to fill all the nail holes with wood filler tonight. Also learned that wood filler is basically worthless at 36 F. Can't wait to see this baby done!!

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It has become more than a hobby! My 29gal Dream Reef DIY Build

Ok have made lots of progress but at the same time have taken a few steps back (good steps back IMO). All construction on the stand is finished (aside from drilling two more holes). Painting has begun for the stand, the inside has been primed and has its first coat on. I finished up the plumbing and performed a trail run of the plumbing. I got to learn a lot about HOB overflows during this test. At this point I decided that I would drill my tank's supply and drain lines. I will also be redoing the plumbing. The plumbing will be made with true union valves and unions so it can be dismantled for cleaning. For the drain I will be scraping the HOB overflow and building a overflow that will run silent a fail-safe so it can't flood my room. BeanAnimal's Bar and Grill - Silent and Fail-Safe Overflow System
I am still deciding if I will make my overflow span the entire rear of the tank but I am glad im making the switch

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It has become more than a hobby! My 29gal Dream Reef DIY Build

Coast to Coast, nice choice.

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Here is a diagram of the plumbing. I had to draw it out to make sure i wasn't forgetting anything. I have done my best to design (I have borrowed some of this design!!) a plumbing system that is completely fail safe with the exception of unforeseen catastrophic failure.
If any one can think of anything I may have overlooked please let me know!!!

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It has become more than a hobby! My 29gal Dream Reef DIY Build

Yes sir, thats it.

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sexy ^_^

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Mmmmmm Hmmmmm

Just thought of something. Do you have enough room to get the skimmer out, if it needs maintenance?

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