330 Gallon In Wall Mixed Reef Build

[Salty Cracker]

Ended up using 2x6 for the basic frame, 2x6's for the "joists" (5 in total), and a mix of interlocked 2x6's and 2x4's on the corners, flat laid 2x6's and 2x4's for the bottom, and 3 additional 2x6's for just some extra support. To tighten it up I screwed and glued plywood to the upper and lower deck, then ran a strip of plywood along 2x6's that extended from the back slightly, and ran screws through that into wall studs. I don't think it's going anywhere, but it's only 125 gallons.

 

[Poseidon]

i used 4x4's in each corner and a 2x4 structure, double supporting braces in the back with 0.5'' ply top, and thats for a 48" tank.

I agree alot of people overkill- (salty), but why not go crazy - little bit of extra wood vs potential tank collapse.... not even in the same class

 

[Shooter000]

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure....

 

[Salty Cracker]

Mine's not overkill

 

[AdInfinitum]

There are a couple of pics of mine in this thread http://www.thefragtank.ca/community/threads/new-build-sneak-preview-pics.15460/

The uprights are the least of your worries as even a 2x4 has enormous vertical loading capacity....

 

[NateR]

Just went and measured the ply wood- it's 3/4". I'm going to reinforce along the joists and outside with several vertical 2x4's to give it further strength.

 

[Shooter000]

Personally I would rebuild, not to be a negative nancy downer or anything, I just think your going to run into trouble or problems being built that way....

 

[NateR]

Definitely get where you're coming from but it's been like this for quite some time with no issues.

 

[Poseidon]

I don't think I'd rebuild, adding supports would definitely do it


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[shamous113]

Adding uprights will take all the weight instead of relying on the shear strength of the screws. I'd also add at least 2 more 2x4 uprights along the 72" span (making 3 equal spaces) and 1 along the 36" span. I understant that the current setup has worked in the past but the extra safety factor that your adding for $20 in material is peanuts compared to what the live stock is worth IMHO.

 

[NateR]

Been awhile since an update, finally have the tank filling! Waiting for the RODI is painfully slow but definitely worth the wait. Stand has been reinforced all through the bottom and the bar has been started more pictures to follow! Going to use some water/ rock from my 90 to seed and start the cycle

 

[heath]

that is going to be one beautiful tank...

 

[Nighthawk26]

Looking good. One thing comes to mind when looking at that pic. Unfinished drywall. Be super careful, and don't underestimate the ability of drywall dust to get EVERYWHERE.

 

[NateR]

It's all mudded and sanded just waiting for the fiancé to pick the paint colour

 

[NateR]

Tank is filled and cycling I am trying the aquavitro seed product so we will see how that works out!

 

[NateR]

Update: Tank has been cycled and livestock has been moved from my 90 Gallon over now. So far the fish list is: purple tang, yellow tang, hippo tang, mandarin goby, gold spotted goby, 3x blue chromis and a lawnmower blennie. Also have a non photosynthetic gongorian and a bubble coral - not much to start but taking it nice and slow!

 

[NateR]

Here's a quick pic of the rock work etc

 

[Kman]

I like the aquascaping. Lots of nooks and crannies.

 

[NateR]

I like the aquascaping. Lots of nooks and crannies.

Thanks! I tried to give lots of spots for the fish to weave in and around- been moving rocks for the past few weeks trying to get it just right.

 

[Kman]

Once you get some corals in, it will create lots of little caves and shadow spots that add depth to the tank.