4ft Tank - DIY Stand, Sump and Overflow

Hi All,

Im in the process of building a full DIY setup with the only thing that i plan on buying being the tank (due to cost of glass in the area). So basically im going to be keeping a build log with my experiences and see how it goes i guess...

Some background:

Firstly Im a novice fish keeper, had a few guppies in a 2ft years ago and then a few tilapia in a pond in the front yard lol. I have been wanting to get back into the hobby for the last few years but never really decided to go for it, then i received a hand me down from my brother. A 2ft with a corner filter, so i was researching a few species i can stock my tank with in the meanwhile till i get a upgrade, was keen on one or two yellow labs. Local pet shop convinced me & then sold me a jack Dempsey, stating they only get about 10cm... big mistake... Im not to bothered though as i wanted a excuse to get a bigger tank anyway.

So here are some of my plans and purchases below, let me know what you think?

The Stand:
Will be built from 76x50mm SAP that will be stained. still deciding on colour...


The Over Flow:
Same design as the one here (http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-overflow/120.asp) built with 25mm uPVC


The Sump:
Plastic container with a 1500lph resun pump (hoping its not to powerful for the overflow)


And my baby JD :bigsmile:

 

So an update...

Over the weekend I completed the basic structure of my stand, my sump and my overflow. Filled my tank and started the cycling with some silvertips. Kept me busy for the whole weekend, really under estimated how hard work it is.

Next month i will start with the canopy and the side panels and doors

Some pics of the progress...





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Double post

 

I like

 

nice ! Willem here. in proses of building a 250 l Corner tank + stand
Just a question, the wood for your stand frame and base (what type) and if possable where did you get ?

 

nice ! Willem here. in proses of building a 250 l Corner tank + stand<br>Just a question, the wood for your stand frame and base (what type) and if possable where did you get ?&nbsp;

 

Hi Willem,

I used 76x50mm rafters i got from Mica for the whole structure. They come in 3.6m,4.2m and up sections. I got 4off the 3,6m for about R65 a section. The top and the shelves are just 19mm plywood or shutter board what ever u like to call it, was free as it was laying around.

But for a corner stand i would recommend you use something stronger than 19mm plywood or you need to make sure you have enough bracing to ensure it doesnt deflect.

Hope that helps

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Thanx Noted, looking to use Tar poles(with out the tar) for the supports on the inside will not be vassable.

 

@Ko7Ad

Looking very nice indeed.
Especially like the stand....sure does look strong and sturdy :bigsmile:

Keep us posted

 

So @mods, where is the like button?
Good looking start!

 

Excellent start , would like to see it progress..

 

its called adding reputation

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Thanks for all the feedback so far. Will keep you all posted how this project progresses.

The stand and canopy is on hold till month end

So i got a nice piece of driftwood in the meanwhile. i will be cleaning up after work. Already washed it down and scrubbed it with a brush, but will be using a pressure washer on it tonight and start the soaking will post some pics tonight.

I also went for a drive along the channels and bays here in Richards Bay before work, hoping to find some nice root structures or branches. No luck. Can i use dry branches from any tree or what should i be looking out for?

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looks good man. but i think you should vanish/ seal the wood before you setup the tank, trust me, water spills always happen. plus when shutter ply absorbs water it will start splitting.

 

Im back

Havent posted a update, cause i was hoping to get the rest of my stand and canopy completed. Next month, i hope.

My tank has fully cycled with very few casualties, all my silvertips have vanished found some in my drip tray (dead) and the rest became feeders

Got to share this. All my silvertips vanished about 2-3wks ago and i thought thats it, few dead in sump and a few feeder. Anyhow i noticed a leak on my overflow so i pulled it out last night to repair it, all the water in the vent pipe drained to my sump and low and behold there is silvertip! He has been in the overflow somewhere for more than 2 weeks! And alive, bearly but alive.

Back to the build, i had built a overflow with 25mm but it couldnt keep up with my 1500lph pump so i rebuilt with 50mm waste water pipe and painted it black.

Next steps:

1. Complete stand and canopy
2. Rescape the tank!!!

Here is some pics of my JD and the tank so far...



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